In New Hanover and Brunswick counties, winter doesn't mean snow; it means "oyster roast weather." The air is crisp, the humidity drops (slightly), and the holiday season takes on a rhythm dictated by the tides rather than the temperature.

But decorating a home in Wrightsville Beach or Southport requires a different playbook than the rest of the country. The salt air eats cheap metal for breakfast, and a stiff December nor'easter can turn an unsecured inflatable Santa into a projectile.

For the 2026 season, the trends are shifting away from kitschy nautical themes toward "organic coastal"—a sophisticated, muted aesthetic that mirrors our landscape. Here is the insider guide to styling your coastal home this year.

The 2026 Palette: Mauve, Sage, and Shell

The days of bright turquoise and "Santa in a Hawaiian shirt" are fading. The 2026 "Quiet Luxury" trend focuses on colors that naturally exist in our marshlands.

The Shift: We are seeing a massive move toward Mauve and Sage Green. Think of the purple hues in a winter sunset over the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) paired with the muted green of live oaks.

The Material: Swap shiny tinsel for velvet ribbons in these deep, matte tones. They hold up better against humidity and add warmth to a room that might have cool tile floors.

The "Heirloom" Driftwood: Instead of plastic ornaments, local designers are leaning into natural textures. Oyster shell garlands (often made from local roasts) and genuine driftwood trees are the centerpieces.

Insider Tip: If you DIY this, ensure the shells are thoroughly bleached and dried to avoid bringing the "scent of the marsh" indoors.

Strategic Reality: Weatherproofing Your Cheer

Living on the coast means your outdoor decor must be "Fortified," just like your roof.

The "Nor'easter" Check: December in Pender and Onslow counties is notorious for sudden wind events. Zip-ties are your best friend. Professional decorators in Figure Eight Island don't just hang wreaths; they wire them. If you are decorating a pier or dock, assume 40 mph gusts are coming.

The Rust Factor: Avoid "galvanized" metal decor from big-box stores; it will rust by New Year's. Opt for marine-grade brass, heavy plastics, or natural materials like grapevine wreaths that handle the salt spray without bleeding rust stains onto your white siding.

The "Water View" Strategy

In our region, the street view is secondary. The real audience is on the water.

Decorate the Dock: With events like the Wrightsville Beach Holiday Flotilla (typically the Saturday after Thanksgiving) and the Southport Winterfest Flotilla in early December, your backyard is the main stage.

The Lighting Hack: Solar lights often fail during cloudy coastal winters. For your dock, invest in hard-wired, amber-hued LED string lights.

Eco-Note: While sea turtle nesting season ends in October, many locals are permanently switching to amber LEDs as a nod to conservation. It’s a subtle signal to your neighbors that you are a "local" who respects the wildlife year-round.

Your Next Step

Whether you are staging a home to sell during the holidays or just settling into your new beach cottage, your decor should enhance the coastal architecture, not fight against it.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we understand that a home on the coast is more than just a shelter; it’s a lifestyle. We are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them—even during the busiest season of the year.

Contact Aspyre Realty Group today. Let’s discuss how to prepare your home for the winter market, or just swap tips on the best local spots to catch the boat parade.