Zooey Deschanel, renowned for her role in the festive classic *Elf*, is embracing a personal and unique style of Christmas decor this holiday season as she stars in Bath & Body Works’ *Season of Wonder* campaign. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Deschanel shared insights into her holiday traditions and her collaboration with fiancé Jonathan Scott, known for his work on HGTV’s *Property Brothers*.
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The *New Girl* actress, 46, has made a name for herself with a distinctive pastel aesthetic during the festive season, one she has cultivated over the past fifteen years. The campaign sees Deschanel clad in an eye-catching pale pink metallic dress that complements a tinsel Christmas tree adorned with metallic ornaments and lovely pink bows, all reflecting the hues of Bath & Body Works’ latest seasonal offerings. At the campaign launch event in Los Angeles, she expressed that this visual narrative aligns perfectly with her holiday vision: “It’s very on brand,” she remarked.
Deschanel opened up about her festive decor preferences, noting that she and Scott have harmoniously blended their tastes in creating a warm and welcoming home during the holidays. “We usually have our own take on Christmas decor,” she shared. The couple enjoy incorporating vintage pastel elements throughout their decorations, and while they often collaborate on such projects, Deschanel admitted she was yet to finalise their plans for this year’s holiday adornments. According to her, Jonathan takes a keen interest in the decor process, ensuring that their combined aesthetic shines through.
The couple’s dynamic is evident in their shared decorating style. Deschanel noted, “We have never disagreed on anything,” adding that Scott’s easygoing nature enhances their collaborations. She mentioned that vintage photographs and designs have been key inspirations in forming their unique holiday look, highlighting the importance of both partners’ perspectives.
However, their preferences diverge when it comes to choosing Christmas trees. Deschanel expressed her fondness for fresh trees, drawn to their smell, while Scott favours a reusable artificial tree, which leads to a balance in their festive preparations. “We’ve ended up kind of switching to that,” she explained. To compensate for the absence of the fresh pine scent, Deschanel now utilises Bath & Body Works’ various fragrances, emphasising the importance of delightful aromas in her home.
One of the standout scents from this season’s collection for Deschanel is the Moonlit Goddess candle, which she described as “great for every day.” With its notes of pear, she highlighted its versatility, noting that it makes for a perfect gift as well as a lovely addition to her home fragrance options.
Deschanel also detailed her approach to family holiday traditions, especially with her two children, son Charlie Wolf, 9, and daughter Elsie Otter, 11, from her previous marriage to Jacob Pechenik. “I like to experience the holidays fully, like an advent calendar style,” she explained, sharing her enthusiasm for daily festive activities. From hosting Christmas parties to making cookies, she enjoys a blend of nostalgic traditions and new experiences with her children.
The actress happily pointed out that her children share her love for holiday activities, which makes building traditions even more special. “We love family time,” she noted. “And of course, every kid loves unwrapping presents.” Deschanel’s joy in celebrating the season radiates through her words.
Although *Elf* has cemented its place as a holiday favourite, Deschanel revealed that her children have seen it only once, while Jonathan Scott is a huge fan of the film. “I don’t really watch it because I don’t like watching myself,” she confessed. However, she enjoys the movie and takes pride in the impact it has had over the years.
When it comes to her favourite holiday films, Deschanel cites *Meet Me in St. Louis*, *Die Hard*, and *Miracle on 34th Street* among her top choices, reaffirming her eclectic taste in festive cinema. Reflecting on her early experiences shooting *Elf*, she recalled the laughter it brought to her and her belief that it had the potential to become a timeless classic.
As the festive season approaches, Bath & Body Works’ *Season of Wonder* collection, which includes delightful new scents like Snowflakes & Cashmere and Vanilla Cocoa Flurries, is available for holiday shoppers looking to imbibe their homes with warmth and cheer. Deschanel’s whimsical style and heartfelt traditions continue to inspire a celebration of the season in a uniquely personal way.