Whether you started planning your perfect family holiday portrait in July or put it off until the last minute, we're here to help! From candid baking sessions with your little ones to frolicking in the Fall foliage, there are countless ways to nail the ultimate photo for your holiday card. Take the pain away from brainstorming the perfect idea (and start the season stress free!) by getting inspired with 36 of our favorite festive photo ideas — including a royal one!
A Formal Family Portrait
Nothing says shabby chic like formal attire with a woodland background.
Peaceful Props
Could anything be cuter than an angelic shot of your tot and his or her BFF?
Modern Pillows
A few colorful pillows create a modern look without needing an elaborate background.
#Twinning
Simple outfits with a bold color palette create a graphic appeal.
Fall Frolics
Some leaves and a candid shot make for the sweetest family moment.
Monogrammed Pajamas
There are no words for this adorable moment in front of the Christmas tree.
Enjoying the Little Things
It doesn't have to be a grand, staged moment for it to be a powerful picture. Smelling the roses (or admiring the foliage!) makes for a sweet photo op.
All in Plaid
Coordinating outfits never looked so cute!
A Chilly Stroll
Show off your little one's walking skills and your favorite boots all at the same time.
The More, the Merrier
Adorable newborns clad in knit hats steal the show every time.
Jumping For Joy
The family that jumps together stays together.
Blowing Snow
Such a sweet moment of childhood innocence deserves to be seen by all of your family and friends.
Playing in the Leaves
Take advantage of changing foliage for a vibrant holiday card backdrop.
Sweater Weather
Your kids don't have to match in identical outfits to be holiday-card ready.
Nostalgic Outfits
Red monogrammed overalls? Enough said!
Candy Cane Hearts
You'll love the adorable shot, and your kids will love the leftover candy.
Naughty or Nice Sign
Celebrate the holidays with a sense of humor!
Add a Pop of Color
Statement accessories can turn a typical family photo into something special.
Playful Pose
Take a few candid shots while swinging your little tot around. The results might just surprise you!
Babies in Bow Ties
We're a sucker for babies wearing bow ties, but when you add an oversize sweater to the mix, our hearts instantly melt.
Christmas Tree Stand
A simple smooch between siblings caught among holiday props makes for an adorable photo.
An Action Shot
Have everybody jump or toss leaves at the same time and enjoy the final results.
There's No Place Like Home
A sweet shot outside your home makes for a personal and intimate holiday card.
Rain Boot Jubilance
The bigger the puddles, the bigger the joy!
Sweet Kisses
Keep things pressure free and just enjoy the outdoors with your family. You may be surprised by the unplanned moments you manage to capture.
Holiday Selfies
Perfect for the Instagram-loving family!
Baking Cookies
Sometimes, the happiest of memories come complete with a mess.
Christmas Tree Glow
Between the matching pajamas and the intimate Christmas tree glow, this innocent moment is destined to be framed.
Cookie Jar Attempts
Let your little one (clad in adorable pajamas!) get to work stealing the cookies while you get photos of their sweet attempts.
Barns and Bows
A rustic barn is the perfect setting for an intimate holiday card.
Camping and Hot Cocoa
These boys know how to steal the show (and stay warm while doing it!).
A Puff of Snow
One handful is all it takes to create a Winter-worthy shot.
Eskimo Kisses
Not every moment needs to be posed in order for it to be perfect.
Hot Chocolate Gulps
Between Christmas pajamas and slurping hot chocolate, there's nothing not to love about this.
Christmas Tree Smooches
Take a moment before the holidays get hectic to enjoy Christmas traditions, and make sure to snap a shot of the fun.
Royal Children
Or, you can just grab a few royal children and add them to some Fall surroundings and watch as the world drools over your beautiful family photo!