How to decorate a fancy christmas tree
How To Decorate A Christmas Tree Like A Professional
We all want to decorate the perfect Christmas tree with baubles, ornaments and lights perfectly coordinated in a festive and stylish scheme. In reality, however, it's easier said than done. Decorating a Christmas tree is no mean feat, especially for the perfectionists among us, but if your home is your pride and joy and the tree is the centrepiece of your home come the festive season, we've got you covered.
We've spoken to a range of style and decorating experts, including the team at Balsam Hill – whose artificial Christmas trees have graced the TV sets of The X Factor, Good Morning Britain and This Morning – about how to decorate your Christmas tree to make it look like you hired a professional, plus how to choose the right Christmas tree decorations to suit your theme.
But before we begin, like any task, you need to have the right tools to ensure the safe and proper set up of your Christmas tree. This includes cotton gloves for shaping branches, scissors with safety handles for materials, packaging or equipment, and a sturdy ladder or step stool for installing toppers and arranging décor on taller trees.
So now you're all set up, fancy getting that Insta-worthy look with very little effort? Read on...
1. Invest in a high-quality artificial tree
Christmas trees crafted from premium materials provide sturdy and reliable support for decorations. You'll find that high-quality trees are generally more durable and can stand up to repeated year after year, all whilst maintaining its beautiful look.
Opt for a traditional tree rather than a trend-led one so that it doesn't go 'out of date' after a few years (FYI, asymmetrical, sparse trees are expected to trend this year), and a traditional design gives you the perfect base to layer and decorate as you wish.
Pre-lit Christmas trees are a firm household favourite because it saves time in untangling all those lights, but on the other hand, a benefit of buying an unlit tree is that you can choose whatever lights you want. When it comes to size, 7ft Christmas trees are now extremely popular but you should always choose a tree that fits in your space and doesn't leave it feeling too cramped. If you're tight on space, there are some great slim Christmas trees on the market, including narrow pencil designs, which may be a better fit. And remember, to prevent wear and tear on your Christmas tree, consider models with advanced features that offer easy set up and storage.
Tip: When buying your tree, ensure you have the right Christmas tree storage, such as storage bags and boxes, as well as storage for wreaths, garlands and lights, so that you're fully equipped when you take your Christmas tree down and pack everything away.
Alternatively, if you want a real Christmas tree, there's a great selection of different types available to buy at tree farms, markets or home & DIY stores.
See all the tree varieties available, including Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce, in our real Christmas trees guide.
More Christmas trees you'll love...
2. Fluff and shape branches
Fluffing the branches helps to make your Christmas tree look fuller and more natural. This can be a very time-consuming task, but trust us, the end result is more than worth it. Separate each branch so they fan out to cover as much area as possible. And don't hesitate to bend individual branches to fill in gaps. A properly shaped tree is an appealing sight, however minimal or lavish your embellishments may be.
Balsam Hill
3. Design around a theme
A professional-looking Christmas tree has a central look that ties the decorations together. Deciding on a theme before choosing your decorations sets the tone and gives you a clear idea on how to decorate your tree. Need some inspiration? Why not take a look at John Lewis' Christmas themes this year, from Snow Mountain to Blush Coast, there's a total of seven key looks to help you decorate this festive season.
And Homebase has shared four festive themes, from Winter Retreat to Deco Luxe, to help create a look that's classically Christmas.
Balsam Hill
4. Start with the lights first
While pre-lit Christmas trees are popular and will save you time (and money), you'll need Christmas tree lights if you have a plain tree (real or artificial). As a general rule of thumb, the lighting experts at Lights4Fun advise 100 bulbs or 5 metres of lights per 2ft of Christmas tree. So for a 6ft tree, you'd need 300 bulbs or 15 metres of lights.
The first, most important thing you need to do when decorating your Christmas tree, is to always add the lights first – it's more difficult to do this after you've added decorations like baubles and garlands.
Lights4Fun.co.uk
Balsam Hill advise that you use the plug as the starting point, wrapping the lights around your Christmas tree's trunk, working your way up from the centre of the base of your tree. Continue wrapping the lights evenly around the branches nearest to the trunk, and then weave it upwards from the middle of the crown.
'When you reach the crown, weave your way back down, arranging the lights further out on the branches,' Balsam Hill advise. 'Keep weaving the lights until you reach the tips of the branches.'
And remember, when weaving, the bulb should be positioned under a branch and the next bulb over a branch, and so forth.
5. Choose the right decorations
Choosing accents that fit your theme will help you achieve a cohesive design. Whether it's hanging tree decorations, garlands, ribbons, or floral picks, opt for Christmas tree decorations that will complement the overall appearance of your tree. Many bauble sets include different shapes, sizes, finishes and designs. Combining these with traditional baubles will give you more freedom to play up your theme.
House Beautiful/Mark Scott
6. Balance the décor
Given the many Christmas tree decorations you're likely to have, you have to ensure that everything is well-balanced and spread out to your liking.
Arrange embellishments from the top of the tree and then work towards the bottom. This way, you can easily check your design as you dress up your tree.
7. Cluster your baubles
Balsam Hill's design consultant, Brad Schmidt, recommends clustering three baubles of different sizes to add flair and visual appeal. You can either put the same pieces together or choose contrasting ones.
The White Company echo this suggestion – to create a balanced, visually pleasing tree, buy baubles in threes, sixes, or twelves, and add these on first in a 'Z' shape. You should hang larger baubles closer to the centre of the tree to give it more depth, and use small ones towards the end of the branches.
Dangle delicate glass baubles at the top of the tree to prevent any breakages, and add special ones last to ensure they are in the perfect position.
And how much baubles will you need? The White Company recommends 80 baubles for a 7.5ft tree.
More baubles you'll love.
..8. Layer and style ribbons
Another expert tip is to layer your Christmas tree with decorative ribbons, which will elevate your tree's aesthetic. You may use one type of ribbon or pair ribbons of contrasting textures and different widths to create more impact.
Brad Schmidt, contributing designer for Balsam Hill, recommends using ribbons with wired edges, as these are easier to sculpt into loops or rolls, and they hold shape better than non-wired ribbons. Follow these simple techniques for arranging ribbons on your tree.
9. Use tree picks
Tree picks and floral sprays come in many forms, such as decorated branches, twigs, berries, or even pinecones – use them as subtle accents to complement the entire look of your tree. Grouping picks together using floral wire is a creative way to elevate the visual appeal of your tree without overpowering other decorations.
They are great for adding lively splashes of colour, not only to Christmas trees, but to wreaths and garlands too.
Make sure to choose picks with bendable stems to make shaping easier.
10. Choose the right tree topper
A eye-catching Christmas tree topper is a beautiful way to complete the designer look of your tree. Make sure to choose one that best fits your theme and the proportion of your tree, and take into consideration the height of your ceiling too. You can also choose an alternative design, like a giant bow rather than a gold star, or you could make your own topper.
11. Finish off with a tree skirt
Often overlooked, a Christmas tree skirt is the finishing touch to your decorations and serves to balance the overall design of your Christmas tree. Tree skirts have many benefits too, from covering the unsightly 'legs', trunk or stand of a tree, to protecting your floors and carpets from any fallen pine needles (if you have a real tree).
It naturally draws attention to the tree's lower portion and helps to produce a complete, harmonious look. Plus, it's the perfect backdrop for beautifully wrapped Christmas presents.
Alternatively, if you have a potted Christmas tree or one that comes in a basket, opt for a tree rug instead.
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71 Elegant Christmas Tree Ideas to Wow Your Guests This Year
Out of all the Christmas accoutrements—stockings, wreaths, the works—none steal the show quite as much as the tree in all its pine-scented, glowing glory. A Christmas tree’s splendor not only lies in its capacity as a cherished holiday gathering place, but also as an expression of your household’s unique taste, whether you opt to go for a regal and traditional look or go wild with a maximalist themed tree. If you’re decorating as a first-timer this year, or are simply one to switch things up, fortunately there are ideas a-plenty out there to help you achieve your dream living room scheme. You could take a page out of ELLE DECOR A-List designer Darryl Carter and festoon your tree in citrus-colored ribbon. Or, if it’s fantasy you seek, cover your tannenbaum in whimsical animal (or in the case of party planner Bronson van Wyck, crustacean!)-shaped ornaments.
Below, we’ve selected 71 consummate Christmas tree ideas to keep your home merry and bright all season long.
1
Velvet Goldmine
Michael Sinclair
Leave it to the Gothy-cool design duo behind House of Hackney, Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle, to create a tree look straight out of a Victorian tableau. Here in their London home, the pair decorated their Christmas tree with tiger-emblazoned ornaments—a reference to House of Hackney’s signature velvet pillows. And (our favorite part) they piled complementary cushions high beneath the tree in place of a traditional skirt.
2
Whimsical Wonderland
Courtesy
Rebecca Gardner, the tastemaker behind Houses & Parties, always has a few fanciful decor tricks up her sleeve. In the case of her Christmas tree, that means going all-out with old-timey ornaments collected over the years.
“I love to hang the ornaments and unwrap each with the excitement of seeing an old friend,” she tells us. “One of my favorites is a giant blown-glass moon. He’s magic.” Follow suit by sourcing whimsical vintage ornaments and festooning your tree with tinsel and strands of beads.
3
Chic Charlie Brown
John Derian
Like our favorite Peanuts character, John Derian knows that a little love (and a chic design sensibility, of course!) can transform even the scrawniest of trees into something special. Here, the decoupage artist set a charming mini tree into an antique urn and packed it with tinsel and metallic vintage ornaments. Other treasures, like the shell, print, and sculpture, give the mantel tableau a cabinet of curiosities vibe.
4
Feathered Friend
Jeweled Interiors
Instead of traditional tinsel, consider fluffing your tree up with feathers, just like Jeweled Interiors’ Jewel Marlowe.
For a touch of the tropics, the designer incorporated folded palm branches to live among the opulent ostrich plumes.
5
Glimmering and Glam
Courtesy Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler is never one to be a shrinking violet—especially when that most wonderful time of year rolls around. “The holidays are not a time for ascetic minimalism,” Adler declares. “Instead, embrace your inner Kardashian and don’t hold back: the more twinkle, the better!” In this vignette, Adler went all-out glam with silver-and-gold baubles, and his signature cheeky ornaments, which include a set of glazed porcelain pills (because let’s face it, you’re gonna need one after the in-laws arrive!).
6
Consider the Lobster
Courtesy
Event planner extraordinaire Bronson van Wyck has a knack for the unexpected (look no further than his Manhattan home) and, obviously, the same applies to his holiday decor.
“It’s fun to display trees in a nontraditional way,” he tells us. “Mount your tree on the wall, or hang it upside down to free up space and surprise your guests. Or try your hand at a unique theme.” In this case, the designer leaned into a Salvador Dalí look, decking the blood-red tree out in oodles of lobsters and topping it with a surrealist Joan of Arc–esque topper. Hero indeed!
7
Festive Backdrop
Josh Yöung Design House
A few years ago, we paid a holiday visit to Josh Yöung’s elegant Washington, D.C., townhouse. Rather than park the tree in a corner, the artist and designer placed his tree, which is bedazzled in red, silver, and white baubles, in the window for the neighborhood to enjoy. As for the rest of the home? “I decided to use primarily fresh greenery and allow our Christmas tree to be the main showcase,” he told us. Bonus: The behind-the-sofa positioning saves space in petite living rooms, not to mention provides the perfect Christmas selfie backdrop.
8
Luxe Layers
Destiny Alfonso
Perhaps you love a maximalist scheme, but your neutral living room isn’t prepared to host a full-blown Elsa Schiaparelli look, à la Bronson van Wyck (see above). Enter this gorgeously muted yet richly-layered scheme dreamed up by Just Destiny's Destiny Alfonso. Though she went wild with the clusters of ornaments and pine cones (all united with a beautiful champagne ribbon), it all feels cohesive and elegant thanks to its muted palette.
9
Orange is the New Green
Christopher Payne
Interior designer Michel Smith Boyd worked with the room’s existing decor to create this bold scheme. Here, he strayed away from using the usual green tree and went with an eye-catching orange one from Treetopia. Although his tree is on the maximalist side, it feels cohesive within its context.
“You only get to decorate a tree once a year, so why not go all out?” Boyd insists. “I prefer a maximalist tree, packed with color and whimsy. I suggest adding layers with unexpected elements like florals, which make natural bald spots look full and luxurious.”
10
Bright and Merry
Gordon Beall
“While I generally tend toward a neutral palette, I went with the bright orange because in my mind’s eye it is a happy color,” interior designer Darryl Carter says. “Once a year I like to gather friends—if only to say hello to those I’ve lost touch with because of our busy schedules.” Carter shared the festive holiday look of his Washington, D.C., home with Veranda.
11
Complementary Color Palette
Tim Williams
Designer Rayman Boozer also decided to go with an orange Treetopia tree this year, but unlike Michel Smith Boyd’s scheme above, he chose the hue to complement his steely-blue apartment.
“Blue and orange are complementary colors, meaning they are opposite on the color wheel and work well together,” says Boozer. When it comes to ornaments he prefers sticking to three types for a more consistent look. Here, he uses white spheres, purple glitter pinecones, and tassels.
12
Au Naturel
Alex Papachristidis
Working closely with Sag Harbor Florist for his house in the Hamptons, designer Alex Papachristidis likes to stray away from color when it comes to his Christmas decor. While the ornaments—chosen carefully from his large collection—may vary each year, the real pine cones and neutral color scheme in golds, taupes, and creams stay consistent.
13
A Fab Tree Topper and a Clever Base
Courtesy
While the ornaments are crucial to tree decorating, designer Thom Filicia swears by a fabulous tree topper and a non-traditional tree skirt.
Here, he puts his tree on a platform and surrounded it with split firewood for a sophisticated, rustic look.
14
Unexpected Colors
Courtesy
Interior designer Stephen Sills prefers to use nontraditional colors on his tree, such as off-white, blue, yellow, and olive green—with absolutely no red in sight! For ornaments he frequently deploys his collection of straw stars, angels, and balls from Mexico while also incorporating natural elements like pine cones.
15
Classic, with Lots of Light
Courtesy
For designer Sig Bergamin, a natural tree with lots and lots of lights is the way to go, “precisely to attract positive energy,” he says. He likes ornaments shaped like Christmas boots and mini gifts in addition to the classic balls.
16
Northern European-Inspired
Courtesy
Designer Nathan Turner was inspired by his German heritage when decorating his tree.
For one, he uses real candles (yes, we said real), held up by his grandmother’s metal clip-on candleholders to light up his Christmas tree each year. But don’t worry—he lights the tree only when he’s in the room! With a collection of bird ornaments, a wood garland, straw, and pops of red, the result is a very woodsy, rustic look.
17
Present Overload
Courtesy
Interior designer Mark D. Sikes bought this simple tree with attached lights and decorated it by spreading red and gold spherical ornaments throughout. He also put the Christmas presents in the fireplace—rather than around the tree—to add a different flair for the holiday: “We were able to contain the mess of wrapping paper (all in a cohesive color story, of course) in the fireplace, which made for a festive photo op!”
18
An Abstract Look
Joyce Park
Design maven Kelly Wearstler is always looking for nontraditional ways to display her holiday flora.
This sculptural wreath that hangs as a centerpiece in an entryway, for example, is quite the conversation starter.
19
A Pickle Tree!
Stephen Kent Johnson
“There are no rules when decorating the tree; it is its own country and can live anywhere,” says designer John Derian. “The pickle tree is one of my favorites—it’s a German tradition.”
20
One-of-a-Kind Objects
Courtesy
Designer Juan Montoya recommends searching far and wide for your holiday decorations and ornaments, so that each piece is unique and will ideally evoke a familiar “moment or place in time” from your past travels.
21
Festive Souvenirs
Courtesy
For designer Bunny Williams, the best souvenir is an ornament brought back from a trip abroad to adorn her bright, colorful tree.
“The most exciting part of decorating my tree is bringing out all the ornaments I’ve collected over the decades—and the memories that go with them,” she says.
22
Sentimental Memorabilia
Bjorn Wallander
Interior designer Alfredo Paredes’s process for setting up a Christmas tree is just as special as the finished product. His tradition? He chops down his own tree, then shears it down (inspired by that sparse Charlie Brown Christmas tree) and decorates it with his family. His tree, filled with an assortment of ornaments collected over the years, reminds us that you don’t necessarily need a specific theme, as long as your decorations and ornaments bring you joy and fun memories.
23
Minimal and Organic
Courtesy
For the Bay Area–based designer Nicole Salceda, minimalism isn’t just a theme for your home decor, it can apply to your holiday tree as well.
“Luxe ribbons in neutral tones, wood garland, and a few pretty ornaments are all you need to create a beautiful tree this season,” she says.
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A Metallic Wonderland
Evin Krehbiel
HomeGoods style expert Jenny Reimold shared her tree, dressed in gold and silver metallic ornaments. But she didn’t stop there—check out the oversize matching garland draped over her mantel.
25
Saffron and Silver
Josh Yöung
Here’s another idea from artist and designer Josh Yöung, who uses saffron hues to brighten up traditional metallic tones.
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Minimal and Rustic
Egle AleksanraviciuteGetty Images
Sticking with neutral colors and natural textures will allow the greenery of the tree itself to become the true focal point of the room.
27
Pink Perfection
Ryan McVayGetty Images
Looking for something a little less traditional this year? How about a monochromatic pink Christmas tree? As far as the decorations go, the gold offers a dramatic flair, while the darker pink hues give the tree some depth.
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Warm Tones Only
Jasmin MerdanGetty Images
It may be cold outside, but your holiday decor doesn’t have to be. A Christmas tree like this that uses only warm colors makes a bright, vibrant statement in any kind of weather.
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A Monochromatic Look
Svetlana Baranovskaya / EyeEmGetty Images
Coordinating all of your decor around a single color makes for a cohesive look—not to mention an easier decorating process.
And it’s sure to complement any design style.
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A Mod Moment
Melissa RossGetty Images
Alternatively, pair an all-white tree with vibrant, neon-colored ornaments for a striking, modern focal point.
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White Christmas
SolStockGetty Images
Pair your white Christmas tree with all-metallic ornaments for a tree that will truly glitter with every reflection of light.
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Silver Bells
Getty Images
A silver—and only silver—color scheme would make the most elegant statement of all.
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Mixed Metals
Getty Images
Silver and gold remain the stars of this festive setup—an appropriate palette to match the home’s modern feel.
34
Regal Pink
Kip Dawkins
Going pretty in pink works wonders on this Janie Molster–designed tree, which adds a feminine twist to a traditional color scheme.
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Simple Ribbons
Alyssa Rosenheck
Switch things up without adding more work to your decorating agenda by exchanging ornaments for ribbons, like in this setup styled by Alyssa Rosenheck.
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Glitter-Flocked
Ashley Luengo/Modern Glam
Ashley Luengo of Modern Glam chose heavy flocking, pale pinks, and a sophisticated black-and-white ribbon to conjure modern Christmas vibes grounded in a classic decorative feel.
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Red and White
Jen Woodhouse
Jen Woodhouse stuck to two simple and seasonal shades for a fail-safe Christmas setup that feels festive yet refined.
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Green Glow
REDA&COGetty Images
If you want a classic pine to feel slightly nonconformist, opt for a slightly more saturated shade and scatter bright white lights all around.
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Cascading Poinsettias
Jen Woodhouse
Jen Woodhouse chose pretty poinsettias as the focal point for her Christmas tree, while delicate white details tie the look together.
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Silver Statement
Ashley Luengo/Modern Glam
A generous dose of flocking—plus color-coordinated ornaments—make this silver tree all the more luminous and, thus, more festive.
41
Contemporary Twist
Courtesy of Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith makes the case for a pink Christmas tree, which features black, white, and gold ornaments and a matching tree stand worth showing off.
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Sultry Black Tree
Reichel Broussard
A black tree doesn’t have to be rebellious and dark. It can also be festive, charming, and unique—this tree by Copy Cat Chic is proof.
43
Snow-Dusted Fir
Craftberry Bush
A holiday vignette by Craftberry Bush is dressed with frosted pine cones, snow-dusted branches, and dazzling pops of red for a winter wonderland–inspired look.
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Elongated Trunk
Getty Images
If you prefer a petite tree, a longer trunk is both unique and space-saving.
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Red Glow
Getty Images
The natural green of this beautiful fir is paired with reds for a traditional holiday palette.
From ornaments and stockings to presents and lights, this gorgeous tree boasts a beautiful Christmas color scheme.
46
Plain Jane
Douglas Friedman
Embrace your tree’s arboreal beauty with ultra-minimalist decor that lets the pine speak for itself. This sky-high tree, courtesy Ken Fulk, is decorated with simple twinkling lights for a subdued spirit without all the glam.
47
Muted Hues
Getty Images
This bright and airy living room features a traditional forest-green pine decorated in a variety of muted and glittery ornaments. The thoughtfully curated decor complements the room’s existing design.
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The Neon Tree
Getty Images
Make a playful statement this year with a vibrant pink tree.
The eye-catching color complements nearly all holiday palettes, lending a funky feel that will enliven the festivities.
49
The Tiny Potted Tree
Getty Images
When you’re big on holidays but short on space, a tiny tree is the perfect solution. The quirky shape of this miniature pine is accented with spaced-out ornaments, including simple white candles, heart-shaped cookies, and grassy green balls.
50
Gilded Tree
Getty Images
Give your home a welcoming glow with this warm golden tree, boasting glitz and glam.
51
Seaside Tree
Feeney+Bryant Photographers
For a cheerful, coastal Christmas tree, like this one designed by Seahorse & Stripes, swags of ribbon in shades of cream and straw pair with distinctive sea stars and an airy waterfront color scheme.
52
Monochrome Tree
Just Destiny Mag
Red and green might be the de facto colors of the season, but simple black and white, with neutral sleigh ornaments, make a chic statement on this boldly bedecked tree by Just Destiny Mag.
53
Neutral and Natural
Janis Nicolay
Stephanie Jean of Stephanie Jean Design took this sparse Christmas tree and adorned it with neutral-colored ornaments that fit the simple yet chic decor of the home of Danielle Hardy of Urban Walls.
54
Brilliant Baby Blue
Sara D Harper
Whether you are looking for the perfect tree to match your coastal decor or just prefer an unexpected holiday color scheme, a blue Christmas tree is always a beautiful choice. Kelly Page of bluegraygal used blue and silver glass ornaments and gold garland to tie this tree into her existing decor.
55
Rustic Chic
Just Destiny
For a rustic-chic Christmas tree, Destiny of Just Destiny Mag decorated her spruce with an eclectic mix of ornaments. The buffalo-check garland and the wood ribbon take care of the country-inspired elements, while the black-velvet accents and glossy white bulbs give it a glamorous flair.
56
Blue-and-Gold Christmas Tree
Dabito
Featured on Old Brand New, this Christmas tree warms the space with its rich blue and gold ornaments. The mix of matte, shiny, and shimmering decorations create a beautiful effect especially when lit.
57
Flocked to Perfection
Vicki Bartel
If you want your living room to look like a cozy, snowy wonderland, this tree is for you.
Styled by Shauna Dean of Quentin & Co and featured on Style Me Pretty, this holiday tree is pure sophistication with its sparkly silver ornaments and luxurious ribbon, topped with burlap, yarn balls, and nonbreakable, childproof ornaments.
58
Geometric Christmas Tree
Lia Griffith
This is a tree with geometric flair that you can enjoy from every angle. Lia Griffith used a palette of glitter gold and crisp white, plus Scandinavian inspiration, to design a charming tree covered with paper house ornaments, wooden stars made of natural willow, and felt garland.
59
Pastel Hues
Janis Nicolay
A pastel color palette doesn’t typically come to mind when you think about the holiday season, but this Christmas tree makes a great case for one. For a charity event, Jillian Harris of Love It or List It Vancouver uses pale pinks, dusty blues, and white, creating a playful but sophisticated backdrop for holiday entertaining.
60
Unadorned Christmas Tree
Dreamy Whites Lifestyle
A skinny, unadorned tree in a creamy white room is perhaps a minimalist’s dream. This design by Dreamy Whites improvises a tree skirt from a blanket and adds a white-and-plaid stocking nearby for good measure.
61
Mini Christmas Tree
Julie Blanner
A personal tree will get your little one more excited than a kid on, well, Christmas morning. This minimally adorned Christmas tree by Julie Blanner adds a little touch of charm to a daughter’s room but is likely to bring a big smile to anyone awaiting Santa this season.
62
Blooming Tree
Delia Creates
We can’t get enough of the flowers-on-Christmas-tree trend: It is stylish and feminine and adds a perfectly soft touch to the world’s favorite winter tree.
Here, Delia Creates arranged a tree with giant faux magnolias, glass bulbs, and gold wire bent into words that reflect the holiday spirit.
63
Bright Blue
Sugar Bee Crafts
If Christmas is your favorite holiday, you may find yourself erring toward an exaggerated tree that truly reflects your love of the season. The formula, as proven by Sugar Bee Crafts: giant ornaments, giant snowflakes, and a tree color that breaks the norm, like wintry turquoise.
64
Woodlands Inspired
Style Me Pretty Living/Keith Morrison
Bring a bit of the forest home with your Christmas tree by decorating it with ornaments that evoke the woodlands, such as the dainty owls and deer showcased in this tree by Style Me Pretty.
65
Frosted Red Christmas Tree
Style Me Pretty Living/Emily Egan
Red is the perfect hue to contrast with a snowy tree, as proven by this winter wonderland Christmas tree from Style Me Pretty that is dotted with red berries, bows, and ornaments.
66
Charlie Brown Style
Andressa Hara
There is unmistakable charm in a scroungy tree, as our favorite animated holiday movie once taught. Adorn a skinny Christmas tree with simple silver ornaments to give a little tree big spirit, as Twinkle Twinkle Little Party brilliantly did here.
67
Personalized Tree
The Charming Life
Can’t stop buying monogrammed towels? This tree is for you. Personalize your fir by adorning it with your favorite ornaments and the letters of everyone in your family, as This Charming Life did here. Since your tree will be busy with ornaments, keep the color palette neutral to avoid a cluttered look.
68
Soft and All-White
The Tomkat Studio
If you really want your tree to say “Merry Christmas” from the moment a guest walks in, don’t be afraid to spell it out.
A monochromatic tree from The Tomkat Studio features a garland casting the season’s greetings, which is paired with snowy white ornaments.
69
Simple Beaded
The Merrythought
Care to make a tree come to life with just two elements? Follow The Merrythought’s lead and adorn your Christmas tree with a wood garland and clay ornaments—natural elements that lend holiday decor a soothing, relaxed aesthetic.
70
Glam Christmas
Kara's Party Ideas
Black, white, and gold is a timeless color scheme. This tree from Kara’s Party Ideas is covered with gold-dipped feathers, photo frames, bows, and even presents wrapped to match.
71
Rustic Charm
Style Me Pretty Living/Viera Photographics
Celebrating Christmas at a winter getaway cabin? Bring a tree with you! Sweeten it with ornaments made of gingerbread and cushion it with an earth-toned skirt, as with this tree from Style Me Pretty.
Anna Fixsen Deputy Digital Editor Anna Fixsen, Deputy Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, focuses on how to share the best of the design world through in-depth reportage and online storytelling.
How to decorate a Christmas tree: amazing ideas for every taste
December 23, 2021LikbezHolidays
Create a magical holiday atmosphere at home.
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0Decide on a color scheme
It all depends on your preferences and imagination. There are no clear rules - make the Christmas tree colorful or more concise by choosing one or more primary colors.
The traditional holiday color is red. It pairs perfectly with green, gold and white. You won't go wrong with these shades.
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You can dress the Christmas tree completely in gold or add white accents to it.
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The Christmas tree in silver tones looks especially gentle. White and blue elements will wonderfully fit here.
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If all this is too ordinary for you, try dressing the Christmas tree in non-standard colors, such as pink, purple, green, blue. Or pair together a few bright shades.
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white coating, start from its color - it will be the main one.
You can pick up decorations to match the branches or play in contrast.
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Hang decorations
First of all, do not forget to put electric lights on the Christmas tree. Here are some ways to do it:
When choosing jewelry, don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild. You can resort to the good old classics and just hang balloons and other toys. Such a Christmas tree will look concise, but at the same time elegant.
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Very large balls, stars and other decorations look original.
Add small or extra large bows to your Christmas tree. You can dilute the rest of the toys with them or make them the main focus.
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You can also decorate the Christmas tree with ribbons. There are many ways to place them, such as in a circle, diagonally, top to bottom, or criss-cross.
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This video will show you how to hang a ribbon top to bottom:
Similar way:
Here is how to decorate the Christmas tree with a very wide ribbon in a circle:
The creation process will surely give you a lot of pleasure. And the hung decorations will delight the eye, remind you of pleasant moments or a loved one, if it was a gift.
Make decorations 🎄
- 50 cool DIY Christmas decorations
You can hang not only homemade garlands and toys on the Christmas tree. Dried citrus circles, cinnamon sticks or New Year's cookies on threads, photographs, small gifts and paper snowflakes will look great.
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Decorate the bottom of the Christmas tree
Cover an unsightly cross with a Christmas tree skirt.
Try to match it with the rest of the jewelry.
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You can buy a ready-made skirt or make it yourself. For example, here is a very simple felt version:
If you have a sewing machine, sew a patchwork skirt:
Those who know how to crochet can make this wedge-shaped skirt:
Instead of a special skirt, a piece of beautiful fabric, burlap or tinsel is also suitable. Just wrap them around the cross.
The final touch is to place beautifully wrapped gifts and New Year's toys under the decorated Christmas tree.
Get ready for the holiday 🎁🎄🎅
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How to decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year 2022: 44 ideas on how to decorate a Christmas tree beautifully
Decorating a Christmas tree is a pleasant New Year's duty. And every time I want to make something fundamentally new from the existing set of toys. Or at least differently than last year. Therefore, the questions are standard from time to time: how to decorate a Christmas tree this year? How to make a foundation? How to decorate the top? Prefer classics or follow fashion trends? Choose.
1. Do not dress up at all
Green, fluffy, fragrant — even without decorations, it will create a festive New Year's atmosphere in the room. Shift the focus by paying more attention to the decor of the room and table setting. And most importantly - no need to rack your brains on how to decorate the Christmas tree for the New Year. Let it stand in the manner of a ficus in a flowerpot, without a single thread of "rain".
Louise de Miranda
2. Minimum accessories
How else to decorate a Christmas tree without balls? One garland is enough to add solemnity. Unencumbered with toys and tinsel, the tree looks fresh and harmonizes with a calm, light Scandinavian-style interior. Pay attention to how well the white basket at the base emphasizes the natural freshness of the spruce branches.
Bruno Belli Architectural Photography
3. Additional tree
If you can't decide to decorate the main home tree with one garland - decorate the additional tree in such a minimalistic way. After all, there can be more than one Christmas tree in the house, right? Along with traditional garlands, you can use luminous stars or large balls. The main rule is only lights!
Rikki Snyder
4. Lots of lights
A lot of twinkling lights on the Christmas tree will make it just fabulous! No balls are needed here, but more than a dozen garlands are needed - it depends on the size of the Christmas tree, of course.
By the way, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree solely with the help of light is common in England and Ireland.
Perspekktive
5. Lights on the wall
Decorating a wall in a room with an electric garland is a non-standard approach, but in some cases quite practical. In this way, you can fill an empty wall, as well as compensate for the small size of the selected spruce. The main thing is to use only the "yellow" mode of the garland - options with switching to colored lights will look worse.
Farrow & Ball
6. Lights on the floor
A garland of light bulbs wrapped around the Christmas tree on the floor creates a very interesting effect. It seems as if instead of needles, lights were falling from the branches.
Sara Garanty
7. Swedish minimalism
How to decorate a Christmas tree in a Scandinavian interior? Even on New Year's Eve, there is a way not to go away from style, but to emphasize it with the help of festive decor.
If your choice is Sweden, take simple geometric shapes in white and gray tones. Avoid excesses in Christmas decorations. You can even casually scatter extra toys on the floor near the Christmas tree - the style "allows".
Inredningsstylist
8. Minimum decorations + lights on the wall
Light candles on New Year's Eve. And even with a modest decoration of the New Year tree, a holiday will reign in the room. If possible, replace traditional sconces with Christmas stars. The tree does not need to be lit.
Base
9. Holiday inside and out
The garland can be hung in the form of a Christmas tree outline and thus "turn into a Christmas tree" any tree growing in the yard.
Me & Harmony | New Vintage Home
10. Decor from the forest
How to decorate a Christmas tree if there are no toys? The natural beauty of natural spruce can be enhanced with pre-assembled spruce cones.
Pay attention to this decision - paired with a garland, cones will replace traditional balls and tinsel. Walnuts, bunches of mountain ash, dry leaves and dried flowers will also serve as a natural decoration.
11. Paper toys
Don't have time to stock up on cones - no problem! They can be made from paper, as well as balls, Christmas trees, snowmen and icicles. By the way, paper toys are a great solution if there are small children or pets in the apartment. The tree is not afraid to overturn on the floor.
Holly Marder
12. Paper garlands
How to decorate a Christmas tree with your own hands? Remember how we used to make colored paper chain garlands as kids? Instead of colored paper, use gift paper, leftover wallpaper, pages of old magazines and books, decorative ribbons. Paper stars, for example, from musical notations, stars from paper tubes and paper bags, will help to support the theme.
Rikki Snyder
13.
Paper Silhouettes
Another simple way to make a Christmas tree decoration out of paper is to draw or print outline drawings on sheets of thick paper. Cut out the outer contour with scissors, and the inner one with a craft or clerical knife. Make a small hole in the paper figures and hang on the Christmas tree with threads.
Tip: Paper silhouettes will look more spectacular if they are illuminated from the back with a Christmas tree garland.
ComfyDwelling.com
14. Garland-congratulations
A variant similar to paper silhouettes is paper letters. From them you can assemble a garland-congratulations on the New Year and Christmas. However, there are also ready-made letters made of plastic or plywood on sale. Just be prepared for the fact that you have to drill holes in them to fasten them into a garland.
Kerrie Kelly Design Lab
15. Wishes on ribbon
How to decorate a beautiful Christmas tree at home? An alternative to traditional garlands is a ribbon with congratulations and wishes.
They will help with the production in printing centers and wedding salons. Add some Christmas decorations and present the guests with a solemn and elegant graduate of the outgoing year. Beautiful and unusual.
Houseology Design Group Limited
16. Tell us how you feel...
Decorating a Christmas tree is a way of expressing yourself. This is how we see the holiday, what we feel, what we wish for ourselves and loved ones. The heart-shaped toys are a clear sign that love is in the air of this apartment. A great decor idea for a young family on their first New Year together.
Cortney Bishop Design
17. …and good memories
Spice up your Christmas tree outfit with travel photos or postcards. On New Year's Eve, they will be an occasion to once again recall the important events of the past year for you and share your impressions with the guests.
Janet Paik
18.
Oh, the sea!
The beach, the waves, the warm white sand under your feet… How far away it all is now! But after all, no one forbids dreaming and decorating the New Year tree not with classic snowflakes and icicles, but with figures of seahorses, octopuses and mermaids. If we celebrated the New Year in July, all the Christmas trees would look like this!
Coastal Vintage
19. Souvenirs instead of toys
Of course, you will have to look for atypical toys… But travel souvenirs will also help decorate the Christmas tree beautifully. And garlands can be made from shells. An electric garland with cold light, blue and turquoise shades of accessories will support the marine theme.
Artistry Interiors, LLC
20. Children's toys
Ordinary toys are another unusual idea for decorating a Christmas tree. Make the kids happy by decorating the Christmas tree with their toys. This is very practical, because with one purchase you can solve the problem with decorating the Christmas tree and with gifts for children.
Just be prepared for the fact that you will be persuaded to take off your outfit long before the chiming clock.
www.adddesign.se
21. Light decor
A Christmas tree outfit will look simple, light and airy if you hang bright satin ribbons instead of classic rain and tinsel.
Maria Killam
22. To match the interior
When choosing a color scheme for Christmas toys, consider the palette that is present in the room. Choose Christmas accessories in the color of walls, draperies, textiles or other decor items. With a successful decision, the Christmas tree will look like part of the interior.
AM Dolce Vita
23. Tree in soothing colors
In calm monochrome interiors, the same calm Christmas trees look good in the color scheme. Use white, shades of gray, silver. Don't be afraid of black. In the predominance of light colors, it will not be associated with gloomy, mournful moods.
Dotted inclusions of bright colors also do not spoil the overall picture.
Houseology Design Group Limited
24. All white
If saturated colors prevail in your interior, a traditionally decorated Christmas tree will most likely be lost against their background. You have no choice but to decorate a white Christmas tree: play on the contrast, decorate the Christmas tree exclusively with white accessories.
Emma Green Design
25. Blue and Violet
The color spectrum will tell you a stylish solution. For example, take blue and purple needles that are close in spectrum to green - a variant that is discreet in color.
Tobi Fairley Interior Design
26. A riot of citrus
In response to the question "What does the New Year smell like?" we will first name the tree, oranges, tangerines and cinnamon. Transfer olfactory associations to visual ones by dressing up a spruce tree with glass oranges and lemons.
Instead of artificial toys, you can use natural dried citrus slices, supplementing them with cinnamon sticks and anise stars. Heating up from the heat of the light bulbs, they will exude that very “New Year's” aroma that we all love so much.
Lori Pedersen Home
27. Unobtrusive green
The idea of decorating a green Christmas tree with green toys is the most unobvious. But with a successful implementation, your New Year's beauty will receive a very spectacular outfit. Use different shades of green and pay more attention to the shape of the toys, choose as many varieties as possible. As a highlight, you can place in the background, closer to the trunk, several toys that deviate from the main color rule.
Tip: Green toys will make your Christmas tree more lush. Use this technique if you are unlucky with your choice of tree.
Treetopia
28.
Gradient
How to stylishly decorate a Christmas tree with simple means? Perhaps, experimenting with color schemes in past years, you have already accumulated a considerable stock of Christmas decorations. So, it's time for the main experiment - throw all the colors on the Christmas tree. But instead of chaotic placement, try to arrange them by color, creating a rainbow effect. Great idea for decorating an artificial Christmas tree.
AMR Interior Design & Drafting Ltd.
29. Screw hanging
By alternating rows of toys of different colors and hanging them in a spiral from the base of the tree to the top, we get an alternative to colorful garlands.
Mindi Freng Designs
30. White tinsel
These garlands create the effect of snow on the Christmas tree. It can be further strengthened by spraying artificial frost on the branches (only “washing” it from an artificial spruce is another occupation).
It's better to experiment like this with a living tree, which sooner or later will have to be disposed of.
New View Designs by Laurie Cole Inc.
31. Christmas tree in the snow
A white fluffy rug at the base will complete the image of a forest beauty wrapped in snow.
Galvanized Tree Collar
32. Metal decor
Adherents of industrial styles in the interior can decorate the Christmas tree with beads made of metal medallions. You can make them yourself by painting cardboard circles with silver, copper and gold enamels. And put the tree itself on a galvanized basin, turned upside down.
33. Tree in a basket
It is worth considering in advance what to install and how to decorate the lower part of the tree trunk. A wicker basket is one of the most successful options: it looks very natural and hides the supporting elements as much as possible. And if there are a lot of baskets, you get a whole composition.
Baskets can be filled with cones or Christmas gifts.
ComfyDwelling.com
34. In a bucket of cones
A bucket full of cones will serve as a good support for the Christmas tree. A transparent glass flowerpot looks especially impressive. A living tree requires moisture, so a smaller vase filled with water can be inserted inside.
Alfredo Arias photo
35. On a tree stump
You may be lucky enough to find a hollow trunk into which you can put a Christmas tree. Remove the bark from it and clean it or leave it as it is. In any case, you will get an excellent example of eco-design.
36. On a cart
To make a small Christmas tree look taller, place it on a pedestal. In this capacity, for example, a wooden box will serve. And the New Year’s beauty, who “arrived” at the house on a sleigh or in a cart, is generally a plot from a fairy tale.
ComfyDwelling.
com
37. In a paper bag
There is nothing easier than packing a bucket with a Christmas tree in a kraft paper bag. A few of the same simple and casual decorations on the tree itself - that's the holiday!
Thonet GmbH
38. Craft gifts
The final touch is gifts wrapped in the same style under the tree. With the help of kraft paper and bright ribbons, you can do this without much effort and extra spending.
39. Gift baskets
If there are many presents, place them in wire baskets. They are increasingly appearing in modern interiors as convenient temporary storage spaces.
Mia Mortensen Photography
40. Christmas tree on a rug
Place a round rug on the floor before installing a live Christmas tree. This will make it easier to remove loose needles. And you will also receive a completed composition with gifts laid out on the carpet.
