Over the last few holiday seasons, a surprising trend has taken over celebrity homes: the “nearly naked” live Christmas tree aesthetic. It’s completely different from the 90s when trees had homemade ornaments, red and green, and blankets of tinsel.
The nearly naked look is sleek, sculptural, and intentionally understated. It’s been spotted in the living rooms of Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Pfeiffer, Victoria Beckham, and LeAnn Rimes. But it’s Khloé Kardashian’s 2023 Christmas tree that continues to set the tone in 2025.
Her tree, tall and statuesque, glowed with soft white lights and what appeared to be no ornaments. No overload. No color explosions. Just pure shape, and polished simplicity. A true celebration of nature – as if the tree had been plucked from a magical twinkling forest.
If you want to recreate this aesthetic for your own house, you don’t need an expensive interior designer, just a deliberate approach and a few strategically chosen elements. Here’s how to bring Khloé Kardashian’s minimalist holiday magic into your own home.
1. Start With the Right Tree Shape
If you want your Christmas tree to have a minimal look, then the star of the show needs to be the tree itself. That means shape matters most. Choose a tree with:
- Visible, sculptural branching
- A lightly layered silhouette (not too dense)
- Space between boughs for definition
If the shape still isn't just right, then lightly pruning a Christmas tree can tackle any particularly awkward branches. But don't be too precise – some imperfections are part of the natural appeal.
What kind of Christmas tree should you choose? Nordmann and noble firs are known for their naturally elegant spacing and strong structure. If you have a fireplace that tends to damage live trees or simply prefer the ease of a faux option, then the Best Choice Products Full Aspen Noble Fir Christmas Tree from Walmart is a beautiful option.
When placing the tree, give it a place where it has room to breathe. Khloé positioned hers in an area with bare surroundings, allowing the tree’s architecture to speak for itself.
2. Stick to Soft, Warm Lighting
The “nearly naked” tree relies heavily on the right lighting to create warmth without clutter. Khloé used soft, warm-toned micro lights that wrapped around the tree dramatically. For a similar effect, try the Wondership Incandescent Smooth Mini Christmas String Lights from Target.
Pro Tip: Don’t weave your lights in too tightly, but rather drape them loosely so they highlight the natural lines of the branches.
3. Choose a Minimalist Color Palette
“Minimalist” is not synonymous with boring or cold. It just means choosing fewer elements and focusing on decorating your tree with more intention. Though Khloé Kardashian’s tree didn’t feature any ornaments, you can still add some if that’s what you want, but just lean more heavily on neutral, snowy tones. Think:
- Clear or frosted ornaments
- White ceramic baubles
- Transparent glass spheres
- Occasional metallic accents (silver or champagne gold)
Pro Tip: Keep the ornament count low (about 10-20 ornaments for a full-size tree should be enough). These Melrose International Green Iridescent Ribbed Glass Icicle Drop Ornaments from Lowe’s are exactly the kind of minimalist aesthetic you’ll want.
4. Elevate the Base of the Tree
The “nearly naked” look that Khloe Kardashian went for extends all the way to the bottom of the tree. Skip busy skirts or overdone baskets in favor of something clean and architectural.
For example, this Lanpn Metal Christmas Tree Collar from Amazon is exactly the kind of thing that looks modern and not showy.
5. Keep the Surroundings Simple
One hallmark of streamlined celebrity Christmas trees? The space around the tree stays uncluttered. No extra garlands, no overflowing displays. To recreate this:
- Remove excess decor from mantels, coffee tables, and shelves (that means the singing Santa Claus from 1998)
- Add one or two wintery elements only, like a simple ceramic house or white candles
- Stick to a cohesive color palette of whites, creams, and soft metallics
6. Embrace the Beauty of Restraint
A bare aesthetic isn’t about what you add, it’s what you don’t. Khloé Kardashian and other celebs prove this by embracing simplicity. When done thoughtfully, it can look luxurious rather than tacky. A minimalist Christmas tree lets the natural beauty of the branches shine, and still looks festive.
With the right tree shape, some warm lighting, and a few curated accents, you can achieve the same chic, understated magic without a celebrity budget.
