December 1, 2023
In this guide, we’ll share tips on how to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro. From twinkling lights to the perfect ornament placement, we’ve got the inside scoop to make your tree the talk of the town.
Clearly one of the highlights for me each Christmas season is decorating the Christmas tree.
In fact, I start thinking about it months in advance, planning the look and theme I’d like this year.
I may go a little overboard, but this year I’ve set up and decorated 5 full size Christmas trees.
Certainly I’m not the only one who set’s up multiple trees in their home!
Please let me know how many full size trees you plan to decorate this year in your home.
I’d love to know!
Well a few years back I decorated a Christmas tree in my bedroom and I loved it so much that I do it every year now.
I love the glow of the lights in the evening, the romantic vibe it adds to my bedroom and it just makes me feel good!
And one of my all time favorite Christmas themes was my cozy Christmas tree.
This year I received a new tree for my entryway, a 9′ Yorkshire Fir slim tree from King of Christmas (#gifted) and I knew I wanted to decorate this Christmas tree with vintage romantic feel.
There’s no question that I get a lot of joy designing and decorating my Christmas trees.
Join me as I share practical tips on decorating your Christmas tree with finesse.
From placing ribbon to mastering the art of ornament placement, we’ll guide you through the steps to turn your Christmas tree into the talk of the neighborhood.
Let the holiday decorating begin!
Select Christmas Tree
The search for the perfect Christmas tree is a cherished tradition, and the first step sets the tone for festive Christmas home.
For those who crave the nostalgic scent of pine, a fresh tree straight from the farm adds a touch of nature’s magic, infusing your home with the authentic aroma of the season.
While I love the scent and look of a real Christmas tree, I’ll admit I just can’t handle the mess.
Over the years we’ve invested in several realistic Christmas trees for our home.
And I’ll get that Christmasy pine sent by diffusing essential oils or a fantastic scented candle.
On the flip side, artificial trees offer a practical choice, allowing you to reuse your tree year after year.
First and foremost you want to select a tree that fits your space.
No doubt the Griswold family’s Christmas tree in :”National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was a spectacle to behold, and full of enthusiastic holiday cheer.
Clark Griswold’s quest for the perfect tree took an unexpected turn when he selected a tree that was “a little full.”
The tree, a symbol of Clark’s unwavering commitment to creating the ultimate family Christmas, became both a comical centerpiece and a testament to the unpredictable joys of the holiday season.
So use judgment when selecting the perfect Christmas tree for your festive and fun family Christmas.
When selecting the tree for my entryway, I determined the maximum width I could easily accommodate and because our ceilings are vaulted I wanted a tall Christmas tree.
Clearly the 9′ Yorkshire slim tree was perfect for my space.
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Add Christmas Tree Collar
Before you begin to decorate your Christmas tree, placing the tree collar around the stand not only adds a polished finishing touch, but also simplifies the process.
No question it can be difficult to slide under the tree to add the collar, so if you’re adding one to your Christmas tree, do it first.
While I love the look of a tree collar, my collar does not fit around this tree stand so I will be using a vintage crocheted coverlet as my tree skirt.
And I will be adding the skirt once the tree is decorated so that glitter, needles, etc. won’t fall on the tree skirt while I’m decorating the tree.
Fluff Your Christmas Tree
If you’re putting up an artificial tree you won’t want to overlook fluffing your Christmas tree.
When you pull your tree out of the box the branches may be a bit compressed or flattened from storage.
Taking a few extra minutes to carefully separate and arrange the branches ensures that your tree will look full and life-like.
I like to fluff each section of my Christmas tree as it’s placed into position.
Begin at the back of each branch, open and fan out each section.
Fluffing not only enhances the tree’s visual appeal, but also sets the stage for a canvas ready to showcase the beauty of twinkling lights and your cherished ornaments.
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String Lights
Choosing a pre-lit Christmas tree is a huge time-saver.
However, if you’re opting to add your own lights, fear not!
You’ll first want to begin by testing your light strands to ensure they’re in working order before draping them evenly around the tree.
In addition, I like to leave my lights on while I string them on the tree, this will ensure that they are evenly spaced around the tree.
Start from the top and weave the lights into the branches, making sure to distribute them both towards the outer tips and deeper into the tree for a radiant glow from every angle.
Take a step back regularly to assess the balance and adjust as needed.
Tip: If your tree is not pre-lit you can place your Christmas tree lights on in the sections the tree separates.
Then when you take your tree down, you can unplug each section and leave the lights on your tree when you store it.
And I’m all about the lights, I love lots of lights on my Christmas tree.
How about you?!
Decorate Christmas Tree with Ribbon
When it comes to decking the halls with holiday cheer, a methodical approach to decorating your Christmas tree can make the process more enjoyable.
Once all the lights are on the Christmas tree it’s time to place the ribbon and/or garlands on the tree.
Begin by choosing a ribbon that complements your overall theme, whether it’s a classic satin, a rustic burlap, or a playful plaid.
I generally prefer a wired ribbon, which will allow you to shape it and drape it easily.
For my tree this year, I chose a gold and white striped wired ribbon which I found at Sam’s Club.
That’s such an affordable way to buy ribbon when you decorate your Christmas tree.
For less than $9 I was able to purchase 50 yards of wired ribbon.
To achieve an elegant look, start at the top of the tree and gently cascade the ribbon in a diagonal or zigzag pattern, allowing it to flow naturally and create visual interest.
Secure the ribbon to the branches with a gentle tuck and twist, ensuring it drapes gracefully.
Another way you can add ribbon to your tree is by cutting it into pieces that are between 18″ and 24″.
Then take each piece and tuck the ends into the tree, so it looks like the ribbon is flowing in and out of the tree.
For added depth, intertwine the ribbon with the branches, allowing it to weave through the tree.
Whether your ribbon flows down from the top of the tree or you choose to drape it more like a garland around the tree, the goal is to achieve a balanced look from top to bottom.
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Add Large Ornaments
With the foundation of your Christmas set with lights and ribbons, the next step in decorating your Christmas tree is to place the large ornaments.
These statement pieces act as focal points, drawing the eye in and creating interest with texture and size.
Begin by placing the larger ornaments around the tree, evenly distributing them to maintain visual balance.
For this tree I added the large Christmas bells and I also updated some large ball ornaments with peonies and ribbon.
Whether they’re beautiful Christmas orbs or sentimental treasures, these substantial ornaments really make a statement and enrich the overall feel of your Christmas tree.
Take a step back periodically to assess the arrangement, ensuring a well-spaced and visually appealing distribution.
Add Smaller Ornaments and Decorations
Now that the stage is set with the larger statement pieces, it’s time to place in the charming smaller ornaments.
On my tree I placed white, clear, blush and mercury glass ball ornaments, along with the pretty cameo ornaments that we made.
Focus on placing each style of ornament on the Christmas tree one at a time.
This way you can make sure that they are evenly interspersed throughout the tree.
Make sure to also place some ornaments deeper in the tree to create depth and dimension as well.
Decorate Christmas Tree with Unique Items
When you decorate your Christmas tree think outside the box.
Look for unique items that will add personality to your Christmas tree.
This year I scattered a few vintage teacups tied with chiffon ribbon to my Christmas tree.
In keeping with my theme when decorating my Christmas tree, I also added vintage beaded gloves and a few doilies.
Another fun element to add when decorating your Christmas tree is picks.
I love these champagne icy ball picks, not only do they add texture, but also a bit of glam.
And glittery snowflakes look beautiful on any Christmas tree.
In addition, fillers such as branches, pinecones, metalsic stems or pampas grass will add texture and variety to your Christmas tree.
This step adds the final layer of personality to your tree, turning it into a sparkling symbol of the Christmas season.
Tree Topper
The pièce de résistance when decorating your Christmas tree is the tree topper— the perfect finishing touch to your holiday masterpiece.
Whether it’s a classic star, an angel figure, a grouping of floral stems, or a beautiful bow, the tree topper serves as the crowning jewel.
Placed at the top, it becomes the focal point, tying together the entire tree with a touch of seasonal magic.
When choosing your tree topper get creative, clearly I love how Steph used a driftwood star as her tree topper.
It fits in so well with her coastal Christmas theme.
What tree topper will you add when decorating your Christmas tree this year?
Plug Lights into Timer
As the finishing touch to your holiday masterpiece, plug your Christmas tree lights into a smart timer.
This small step not only simplifies your daily routine but also ensures that your beautifully decorated tree glows precisely when you desire.
With a simple set-and-forget approach, you can enjoy the enchanting glow of your holiday creation every day, effortlessly transforming your home into a haven of festive warmth.
So, sit back, relax, and relish the beauty of your Christmas tree.
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If you’re looking for more holiday inspiration for your home, then you’ll want to see the best outdoor Christmas decorating ideas made easy and festive Christmas front porch ideas.
Thanks for spending some time with us today, we hope you found a little inspiration here today!
What theme will you be decorating your Christmas tree this year?
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Wow! Your Tree is stunning. So many great ideas. I’m definitely putting a sled in front of my tree. Thanks for the inspiration, my friend. Merry Christmas to you.
Thank you Renae, it was so fun to decorate my tree with a more feminine and romantic feel. That sled has been fun to use around my home when decorating for Christmas. Would you believe I purchased from the Facebook marketplace for only $5. I knew right a ways that it was worth much more than that. I love it when I find gems like that.