by Audrey Manning

Nov 3, 2023

This year’s most delectable trend is a tasty take on festive home decor.

Candycore holiday decorations: three felt candy-inspired ornaments.
Photo by: Mikel Michelle

Candy canes, lollipops, and gumdrops—oh my! A delicious dream world awaits holiday shoppers in candycore—the latest and tastiest aesthetic to take over our social feeds. And the good news is it’s impossible to overindulge in this irresistible style. “Inspired by a sugary fantasy world, this playful trend taps into a childlike enchantment,” says Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson. And it’s not just about the taste, she explains. It’s also about candy’s visual decadence—and translating it to decor by swapping traditional palettes and textures for iridescent materials, whimsical patterns, and luscious colors. Ready to take a bite out of this mouth-watering style? Check out our good-enough-to-eat picks below.

Pops of pink

Two pink holiday popper ornaments SHOP: Porcelain candy ornament from Gruni Ceramica, $24

“In a year dominated by all things pink, we’re seeing this wildly sought-after color transition into the holiday period,” says Dayna. Just expect the playful shade to take on a softer, more pastel hue.

Sweet scallops

A pastel pink napkin with scalloped edges in a napkin holder sitting on a plate. SHOP: Set of linen napkins from NapkinsWorld, from $68

Dainty details like scallop trims capture the artistry of cake decorating, and help elevate any place setting.

Sprinkles of fun

A double oven glove with a rainbow sprinkles pattern surrounded by baked cupcakes. SHOP: Double oven glove from Whitworths Sugar, $18

Confetti-inspired motifs add an easy dash of whimsy to practical baking tools and look as at-home on kitchen linens as on baked goods themselves.

Charming cupcakes

Five tall tapered candles hand-painted with cupcakes on them. SHOP: Hand-painted tapered candles from Monfetti, from $16

Nothing says “let’s celebrate!” like a batch of freshly-baked cupcakes. The sweet treats make the perfect motif for festive decorations like candles and ornaments.

Peppermint twist

Two gifts wrapped in candy candy wrapping paper. SHOP: Double-sided wrapping paper from My Pretty Circus, $10

Who can resist peppermint candies with their retro red-and-white palette and vintage charm? Create a nostalgic holiday look with candy cane stripes and swirl patterns.

Dreamy desserts

Slices of rainbow cotton candy cake. SHOP: Unicorn cake from Floss® Cotton Candy, $60

A cake made of cotton candy? An oversized candy wrapper pillow? Candycore style is a bit over the top and always playful. Fill your holiday table and home with imaginatively outrageous treats featuring rainbow shades.

With a ribbon on top

A pink velvet ribbon on a Christmas tree. SHOP: Dusty pink velvet ribbon from MrsMermaids, from $6

This holiday, bows in sugary-sweet shades will be everywhere—from festive headbands to Christmas trees. Whether tied romantically loose or tidily tight, in silky satin or luxe velvet, beautiful bows look just right alone or in sets. Shop our full guide to the bow trend here.

Sugary swirls

A pottery mug featuring blended pastel colors. SHOP: Sunrise mug from HotFlashPottery, from $40

There’s no need to pick a single shade for your candycore decor! Embrace a marbly mix for a painterly, baking-inspired look.

All that sparkles

Numerous multicolors gold leaf holiday ornaments. SHOP: Set of 12 multicolored gold leaf ornaments from HolidayEveryDayArt, $96

Make your space feel extra festive with a generous helping of shimmer. Candycore’s shiniest styles resemble the glassy surface of lollipops or the textured sequins of mermaid scales.

Pretty-as-pie presentation

Four ceramic plates in different pastel colors. SHOP: Ceramic dessert plate from SIND STUDIO, $42

Gorgeous cake stands and dessert plates help elevate any sugary treat or holiday tablescape. Mix and match sorbet shades, and focus on decorative trims like latticework or metallic rims.