Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of an unexpected cultural conversation, this time over something as seemingly harmless as Christmas decorations. Her new holiday décor line, released under her home brand As Ever, features a palette filled entirely with muted, sandy beige tones. Normally, a celebrity launching a home collection would generate curiosity, maybe admiration, but this time the reaction turned sharply critical. Social media lit up with comments calling the collection “pretentious,” “soulless,” and even “dishonest,” because many believe the design choices contradict something Meghan herself has said in the past.
The criticism did not materialize out of thin air. For years, Meghan has spoken about how she wore mostly neutral colors during her time as a working royal because she believed blending in was expected of her. She once explained that she avoided bold colors so she wouldn’t attract attention in a room full of senior royals. Now, with a Christmas line filled with nothing but creamy beige accents, from stockings to table settings, critics have pointed out what they see as a contradiction. Was the neutral palette a symbol of restraint back then, and now an aesthetic statement?
Or was it always just a preference, framed to seem more meaningful? The video released to promote the collection shows Meghan placing a gift inside a beige stocking hanging beside a neutral-toned setup of garlands and candles. The caption reads, “Oh, we see you! Not even Thanksgiving yet, and you’ve already got this in the bag.” The tone was meant to be playful and festive, but the reactions online told a different story. Some viewers felt the décor lacked the joyful essence of Christmas and accused Meghan of turning a holiday known for vibrant reds, greens, and gold into an overly curated brand moment. The divided response raises a larger question about authenticity.
People often look to public figures not just for products but for a sense of consistency and honesty. When Meghan said she avoided color to remain invisible within the royal household, many believed it. Now, when she uses the same tones for something as expressive as seasonal décor, some wonder whether that original explanation was sincere. Even people who aren’t invested in her larger public controversies commented that the décor looked like “a luxury spa pretending to be Christmas.” Yet there is another side to this discussion. Some consumers genuinely enjoy softer, minimalist holiday themes.
Neutral palettes have grown popular in interiors over the past decade. Influencers and design magazines often promote “quiet luxury,” a trend rooted in understated elegance rather than loud seasonal displays. For those who already decorate with beige and white ornaments, Meghan’s collection is simply one more option. They argue that not every Christmas needs to look traditional and not every product rollout deserves moral judgment. Still, the fact that Meghan is the one behind it changes the weight of the conversation. She has become a symbol—sometimes willingly, sometimes not—for discussions about image, privilege, and intention. Part of the reason the reactions are so intense is because Meghan operates in a space where every decision becomes a statement, even if she did not intend it that way. Her supporters see her as a woman carving her own path after stepping away from an institution whose traditions she didn’t want to follow. Critics see a woman carefully curating every moment, sometimes in ways that feel more like branding than honest individuality. The beige Christmas line fell right at the center of that conflict. It is also impossible to ignore the cultural expectations tied to Christmas. For many people, holiday décor is rooted in nostalgia.
Colorful lights, glittering ornaments, and pops of red remind them of childhood or family traditions. When someone replaces that with muted tones, it can feel cold or detached. Some online even joked that Meghan’s Christmas collection looked like it belonged in a showroom instead of a home. Others, more seriously, argued that it showcased a lifestyle disconnected from regular families who decorate with whatever they have collected over the years. And yet, at a personal level, I can understand the impulse toward calmer tones. Not everyone wants a bright, busy aesthetic in their homes. Sometimes neutrals feel peaceful, especially in a world filled with loud news cycles and constant online debates. Perhaps Meghan genuinely likes the palette. Maybe it reminds her of California sunlight or the quiet interiors she now lives in. We can never truly know whether the choice was emotional, strategic, or both, but it is believable that she simply enjoys that style. Still, social media thrives on contrast, and Meghan’s choices always seem to create one.
A single color palette transformed into a referendum on truthfulness. A stocking became evidence in the ongoing debate over whether she is relatable or calculated. That is the strange reality of being a public figure today. Every candle you place, every caption you write, is filtered through millions of personal beliefs and expectations. The irony is that holiday décor is supposed to bring people together, yet this conversation only highlighted how divided public perception is around Meghan. Some will always believe she is sincere and creative. Others will always suspect she is performing authenticity for attention. The beige Christmas line didn’t change anyone’s mind; it only confirmed what they already felt.
