Christmas the Australian Way: Jake Decorates' Styling Secrets

As the holiday season approaches, we’ve been gathering expert tips from top Christmas stylists around the world. Today, we’re featuring Jake Harlow of Jake Decorates, a Sydney-based Christmas stylist known for bringing a distinctly Australian twist to holiday design and decorating. His designs bring beauty to any space through a blend of international holiday trends and fresh take on what Christmas looks like in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Jake’s global travels and extended time living abroad in Canada, shaped his unique approach to Christmas design. However, he has found that decorating styles are often more similar than different. “I think a lot of that comes from social media, which has connected trends across the globe. It’s an exciting time to be a Christmas stylist because the inspiration is endless, and clients are asking for such a wide variety of looks.” 

When we asked him about his favorite design tips, he started with sharing some ideas for those celebrating in warm climates. 

Embrace an Open-Air Approach to Holiday Decorating

In Australia, Christmas falls in the middle of summer. That means sunshine, long hot days, and families celebrating together over barbecues rather than snowy landscapes and roaring fireplaces. “Christmas is a time to gather. I think that’s what has always drawn me to the season,” says Jake. Australia just offers up a different way to gather. 

Since the timing of Christmas in Australia allows for an outdoor approach, Jake offers some advice for those fortunate enough to celebrate Christmas in warm places like Arizona, California or Hawaii.  “It’s a great opportunity to bring your decorating outside. Think table settings, outdoor lights, and open-air dining,” he shares. 

The warmer weather also inspires him to lean into lighter, warmer color palettes, often incorporating uniquely Australian botanicals into his designs. His signature touch is incorporating Australian eucalyptus. “Australia has some incredible flowers, and adding artificial versions into Christmas designs can really bring striking color. I would say nearly all my designs include artificial eucalyptus branches. They don’t just fill the tree and add volume, they also bring beautiful variations of green that give the tree a soft, organic, natural look.” 

Jake emphasized that even with these unique design elements, Australian Christmas decorating is still very much in line with the rest of the world. “You can’t beat a traditional red, green, and gold tree. They’re always popular, no matter where in the world you are.”  

Jake’s Top Tips for a Designer Christmas Look

Not all of us will be celebrating the holidays in warm weather so Jake offered a few universal tips for anyone looking for that elevated designer look this holiday season. 

1. Make the Tree Your Christmas Centerpiece

His number one tip is to focus on the tree first. “Start with the tree itself before you even begin decorating. The tree is your base, it literally holds your entire design together.” Jake recommends investing in a high-quality, pre-lit tree for the best results. “Something like a tree from Balsam Hill is a great investment,” he stresses.

2. The More Lights the Merrier 

Jake’s second recommendation for creating a designer finish is lighting. “Even if your tree is pre-lit, add more lights. It’s all about having a tree that glows from the inside out. Really spend the time lighting each branch individually. Don’t just wrap the lights around the outside. Take them deep into the tree. Use multiple strands for that lush, layered effect,” Jake shares. 

Follow Jake’s Decorating Journey

With his mix of tradition, innovation, and Australian flair, Jake Harlow shows us that Christmas holiday decorating can look and feel similar all over the world. It’s about how you approach and elevate your holiday space. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating something that feels like magic.” 

Make sure to follow Jake for more inspiring holiday designs and expert tips at @jakedecorates on Instagram and on his Facebook page. You can also find more information about his services on his website. And, of course, don’t forget to check out our Holiday Hub and join our email list for more exclusive decorating tips, holiday product recommendations, and information on trending local events across the nation. You can find us on Instagram at @thechristmascom. 

Photo Credit: Photos by LX2 Photography