Zooey Deschanel Christmas: 19 Candy Colored DIY Ideas Inspired by Her Cartoon Dream Holiday Home

Zooey Deschanel Christmas decor is the opposite of beige. When People toured her 1938 Los Angeles home in December 2025, as shared via AOL, the rooms looked like a holiday cartoon come to life, with bright ribbon, piles of tinsel, a bedazzled nutcracker and a tree with a ski chalet theme. Designer Stephen Brown, who worked on the decor, said she loves color, nostalgia and a bit of kitsch. Decorating the inside of that house takes five or six days, but you can borrow the look in a weekend. These 19 Zooey Deschanel Christmas ideas are inspired by her home and use cheap supplies, craft store finds and a little Mod Podge to bring that candy colored joy to yours..

The Zooey Deschanel Christmas Tree That Skips Tradition

The tree in her living room is a great place to start. According to People, it has a ski chalet theme, with little paper mache chalets made by designer Stephen Brown sitting below the branches. Instead of a matching store bought look, the evergreens are loaded with colorful ribbon, bright baubles, garlands and plenty of tinsel. You can copy that feeling with pieces you already own and a few cheap rolls of ribbon. See how other stars dress theirs in these celebrity Christmas trees..

You will need: a green tree, pink, mint and turquoise baubles, silver tinsel, satin ribbon, a white tree skirt, small paper houses

How to make it: Hang the baubles first, wrap the tinsel loosely around the tree, drape the ribbon from the top down, then set the little houses on the skirt.

Pile On the Tinsel and Do Not Hold Back

Tinsel fell out of fashion for a while, but it is the fastest way to get that cheerful, cartoon Zooey Deschanel Christmas look. Pink tinsel mixed with white and blush baubles feels soft and playful at the same time. Skip the single thin strand. Layer two or three garlands so the branches look fluffy and full. Tinsel also catches daylight beautifully, so the tree sparkles even in the middle of the afternoon. You will find more ideas in this tinsel Christmas decor roundup.

You will need: 2 or 3 tinsel garlands in pink and silver, white and blush baubles

How to make it: Start at the top and swag each garland loosely from branch to branch, then nestle the baubles into the tinsel so they peek out.

Tuck Swallow Tail Ribbons Under the Tinsel

People reported that ribbons tucked under the tinsel are her favorite touch, and once you try it you will see why. The ribbon adds long lines of color that sway when someone walks by. A swallow tail end, that little V cut, makes cheap satin ribbon look finished and expensive. Pink, mint and turquoise together look like a bag of candy. Grab rolls from the craft store or the dollar bin, then browse more whimsical Christmas decor for color ideas.

You will need: satin ribbon in 3 candy colors, sharp fabric scissors, tinsel garland

How to make it: Cut the ribbon into 24 inch pieces, fold each end in half lengthwise and snip at an angle to make a V, then tuck the top under the tinsel.

Mix Every Ribbon Color You Own

A rainbow of curling ribbon is a playful twist on the same idea. Instead of choosing one color story, empty the gift wrap bin and use every leftover roll. Curled ribbon bounces off the branches and fills the gaps between ornaments. Kids love helping with this step, since all it takes is the edge of a scissor blade. It costs almost nothing and makes a thin tree look loaded. Pair it with these Christmas tree crafts for adults for a fully handmade tree.

You will need: curling ribbon in many colors, scissors

How to make it: Cut 18 inch lengths, run each one firmly over a scissor blade to curl it, and tie the center to a branch so both ends spill down.

Choose Bright Baubles in Mixed Colors

Matching ornament sets are easy, but a mix of gold, red, green and silver looks happier and more relaxed. The trick is to repeat each color at least five times around the tree so it still feels planned. Shiny and matte finishes side by side add depth. A Zooey Deschanel Christmas tree is never too matchy, either. Thrift stores and after holiday sales are full of single colorful baubles for pennies, so you can build a big collection slowly. For more ways to show off a mixed set, see these ornament tree ideas.

You will need: glass or shatterproof baubles in at least 4 bright colors, ornament hooks

How to make it: Sort the baubles by color, hang one color at a time in a loose zigzag, then fill any gaps with the smallest baubles.

Make Your Own Zooey Deschanel Christmas Chalets

The chalets under her tree were made by a designer, but you can make a sweet version at the kitchen table. Small boxes, cardstock and a bit of paper mache turn into a tiny ski village in one afternoon. Paint each house a different candy color, then add white roofs that look like fresh snow. Group them on a white sheet or a piece of felt. If you like working with boxes, try these cardboard Christmas decorations too.

You will need: small boxes or cardstock, masking tape, torn newspaper pieces, Mod Podge, acrylic paint, brushes

How to make it: Tape a roof onto each box, cover it with two layers of paper pieces brushed with Mod Podge, let it dry overnight, then paint the walls and roofs.

Add Tiny Wooden House Ornaments

If you want the chalet look on the branches and the mantel too, little wooden houses are a perfect match. Plain unfinished houses from the craft store are cheap and ready to decorate. Stand a few on the mantel, or tie them on the tree with a generous ribbon loop so the bow becomes part of the ornament. Red ribbon looks classic, while pink or mint keeps everything candy colored. These pair nicely with the diorama Christmas ornaments trend.

You will need: small wooden house ornaments, ribbon, a white paint pen, tiny pinecones, glue

How to make it: Draw window and roof details with the paint pen, glue a mini pinecone or berry at the peak, then tie a ribbon loop through the hanger loop.

A Zooey Deschanel Christmas Mantel Needs Nutcrackers

Nutcrackers are part of the fun in her home, and a full row of them looks like a little parade. Mix heights and colors rather than buying one matching set. Thrift stores often sell older wooden ones for a few dollars, and a fresh coat of paint gives tired ones a new life. Stand them on a mantel, a shelf or a sideboard where everyone can see them. Want more bold ideas? Look through this maximalist Christmas decor guide.

You will need: 5 to 9 nutcrackers in mixed sizes, a mantel or shelf, faux greenery

How to make it: Place the tallest nutcracker in the middle, step the sizes down toward each end, and tuck greenery around their feet.

Bedazzle a Plain Nutcracker

People also spotted a bedazzled nutcracker in the house, which is exactly the kind of kitschy Zooey Deschanel Christmas detail that makes guests smile. You can cover a thrift store nutcracker in rhinestones in a single evening. Flat back gems come in huge bags for very little money. Work in sections, like the hat, jacket and base, and pick two or three colors so it stays cute instead of messy. For more sparkle projects, see these bedazzled Christmas decor ideas.

You will need: a wooden nutcracker, flat back rhinestones, gem glue, tweezers, pink acrylic paint

How to make it: Paint the nutcracker pink first, add glue to one small section at a time, press the gems on with tweezers, and let it cure for 24 hours.

Lean Into Blush Pink Baubles

Pink and green is one of the happiest color pairs for the holidays, and blush ornaments are the easiest way in. A big pile of pink baubles in mixed finishes looks good enough to leave out on its own. Use them on a green tree for contrast, or on a white tree for a softer look. Shop by color rather than by set so you end up with many shades. Find more ways to use the color in these pink Christmas decor ideas.

You will need: pink, rose and blush baubles in glossy, matte and glitter finishes

How to make it: Hang the largest ornaments deep inside the branches and the small glitter ones near the tips so the color looks layered.

Add a Little Kitsch, Zooey Deschanel Christmas Style

Designer Stephen Brown told People that she loves color, nostalgia and a bit of kitsch, and hand painted ornaments hit all three. Look for little ceramic houses, birds and bells with bright dots and stripes at holiday markets and thrift shops. They do not need to match each other. In fact, the more mixed they are, the more charming the tree looks. You can also paint your own with these hand painted ornaments tutorials.

You will need: plain ceramic or papier mache ornaments, acrylic paint, small brushes, clear sealer

How to make it: Paint a base color, add dots with the end of a brush and stripes with a fine liner brush, then finish with a clear sealer.

Collect Retro Painted Glass Ornaments

Not every ornament needs to be new, even in a Zooey Deschanel Christmas home. Red and white glass baubles painted with snowflakes, stripes and cheerful Santa faces feel like they came from a grandparent’s attic. Look for them at estate sales, flea markets and online resale shops, where single pieces cost very little. Mix two or three of these retro finds into each section of the tree so they get noticed. Learn what to look for with this guide to vintage Christmas ornaments.

You will need: retro style painted glass baubles, ornament hooks, a soft cloth

How to make it: Wipe each ornament gently with a dry cloth, check the cap and hanger, then hang them at eye level where the painted details show.

Use Rainbow Candy Canes as Decor

Rainbow candy canes look like they came straight out of a holiday cartoon, which makes them perfect for a Zooey Deschanel Christmas. Stand them in a jar, hang them on the tree or tuck a few into a wreath. They are cheap at the grocery store in December, and the bright stripes go with every candy colored ornament on this list. Keep them wrapped if they will be out for weeks so they stay fresh and clean. For more sweet projects, see these candy cane crafts.

You will need: rainbow candy canes, a jar or birch wrapped holder, faux snow

How to make it: Fill the bottom of the jar with faux snow, stand the canes in at different heights, and lay a few more on the snow around the base.

Decorate a Gingerbread House in Candy Colors

A gingerbread house covered in gumdrops and pastel icing fits right into a candy colored holiday. Kits from the grocery store are easy, but you can go further with pink and mint icing instead of plain white. Line the roof with colorful candies in neat rows so it looks like a tiny cousin of the chalets under the tree. Display it on a cake stand where everyone can admire it. More fun ideas wait in this kitschy Christmas decor roundup.

You will need: a gingerbread house kit, royal icing, pink and green gel coloring, gumdrops, peppermints

How to make it: Tint the icing, pipe the roof edges first, press candies into the wet icing in rows, and let it set overnight.

A Ski Chalet Wreath for a Zooey Deschanel Christmas Door

Her ski chalet theme is too cute to keep indoors. Add a pair of tiny wooden skis to a plain green wreath and the front door instantly matches the tree. Craft stores sell mini skis, or you can cut them from paint stirrers and round the tips with sandpaper. Paint them pink and mint, then finish with a striped bow. See more ornament wreath ideas for other ways to dress up a door.

You will need: a green wreath, 2 paint stirrers or mini skis, 2 wooden skewers, acrylic paint, small baubles, striped ribbon, floral wire

How to make it: Paint the skis and skewer poles, wire them across the wreath at an angle, add a few baubles, and tie a big bow at the bottom.

Wrap Gifts in Soft Candy Colors

Presents under the tree are part of any Zooey Deschanel Christmas look, so wrap them to match. Pale blue paper with white polka dots and a matching satin bow looks like a box of sugared almonds. Pick paper in sherbet shades, like baby blue, mint and peach, and use ribbon in the same color for a soft, tone on tone finish. Stick to three or four colors so the stack looks planned rather than random. Finish each package with a handmade tag from these DIY Christmas gift tags.

You will need: polka dot wrapping paper in 3 or 4 pastel colors, matching satin ribbon, tape, scissors

How to make it: Wrap each gift neatly, tie the ribbon around it both ways, finish with a full bow on top, and stack the boxes in mixed sizes.

Tie Oversized Satin Bows on Gifts

A wide satin bow makes a plain box look like it came from a fancy shop. Pink ribbon on a pink box sounds like a lot, but tone on tone wrapping is very pretty and very easy. Choose ribbon at least an inch wide and leave long tails. Mix in purple and turquoise packages to keep the candy shop feeling going. For more pretty wrapping ideas, browse this Christmas gift packaging guide.

You will need: gift boxes, wide satin ribbon in pink, purple and turquoise, scissors

How to make it: Wrap the ribbon around the box both ways, tie a double loop bow on top, and cut the tails into V shapes.

Go Big With Shiny Green Bows

Big shiny bows are pure nostalgia, and nostalgia is a big part of a Zooey Deschanel Christmas. They look like the gifts in old holiday cartoons, and they cost very little in a multipack. Stick them on presents, of course, but also on cabinet doors, lamp shades or the top of a mirror. A bright green bow against a pink wall or box makes the pink and green palette pop. Try them on these giant Christmas presents for the porch.

You will need: large metallic gift bows, double sided tape or removable adhesive tabs

How to make it: Peel and stick the bows on boxes, or add a piece of tape to the back and press them onto doors and shelves.

Tie Bows on Every Branch of Your Zooey Deschanel Christmas Tree

Little bows on every branch tip are an easy last step that makes the tree look extra full and festive. White bows look crisp on a green tree and match almost any color scheme. You can make dozens from one roll of ribbon while watching a holiday movie. If your tree is already very colorful, pick a single bow color so it ties everything together. See this red and white Christmas decor for another classic combo.

You will need: a roll of 1 inch satin ribbon, scissors, a ruler

How to make it: Cut 14 inch lengths, tie each into a small bow, trim the ends at an angle, and knot one onto the tip of each branch.