If you’re gearing up for the holiday season, decorating a Christmas tree can be a really fun way to kick things off. Whether you want something super traditional or you’re ready to try a themed look, there are so many ways to turn your tree into the centerpiece of your living room. I’ll walk you through the process, covering everything from picking a style to adding all those pretty details that make it feel special for your home and family.
Picking Out a Tree and Deciding on a Look
Before hanging any ornaments, pick the right tree for your space. You have a few options here. Artificial trees come in all sorts of colors now (classic green, trendy white, even bold colors like pink or blue), and they’re pretty low maintenance. If you prefer the smell and feel of a real tree, local farms often have a great selection. Nothing beats the scent of real pine throughout your home, filling the air with instant festivity.
The size of your tree should match your room. If you have high ceilings, go tall with a full shape. If space is tight, slim or tabletop trees fit better and are easier to decorate. Once you have your tree, start thinking about the style you want. There are so many directions you could go:
- Themed trees: Like a winter wonderland tree, a vintage toy theme, or even a coastal theme if you want something totally different. You can also pick a nature-inspired style full of pinecones and wooden ornaments for rustic charm.
- One color decorations: All gold, all red, or even all white can look really sleek. Mixing textures in the same color family adds extra interest. Use glass, velvet, and matte finishes to keep it dynamic.
- Multicolor: A mix of bright ornaments gives a playful, retro vibe. Classic red and green always feels extra festive and creates that familiar holiday warmth.
If you’re hoping for something modern, consider a metallic theme using silver, gold, and copper baubles. For minimalism, fewer, larger decorations and lots of greenery can look super elegant.
Planning and Placing Tree Lights
Lights add that signature holiday magic, so they’re really important. As a rule of thumb, I use about 100 lights per foot of tree. A 7-foot tree looks great with around 700 lights, but you can always add more for extra sparkle. More lights mean more glow, especially at night.
- White lights: These give off a classic glow and work with almost any style. Soft white bulbs create a cozy feel that’s always in style.
- Colored lights: Bright, multicolor bulbs feel cheerful and nostalgic. Mixing both can be fun too, especially if you want to blend modern and vintage touches.
- Lighting options: LED lights last longer and don’t get hot. Some even have remote controls or can switch between color modes for a little extra fun.
Start at the bottom when stringing lights and weave them in and out of the branches. Tuck them in a bit so the cords don’t distract from your ornaments. Plug them in occasionally as you work to check for gaps or dark spots. If you want a brighter look, add a second string of lights in a different color or style for depth. Wrapping lights around major branches adds layers of shine from within the tree.
Ornaments and How to Layer Decor
This is probably everyone’s favorite part. There’s no wrong way to do ornaments but layering them adds a lot of depth. Here’s my system to make your tree look balanced and rich:
- Hang larger ornaments first. Place these deep within the branches to create dimension. This helps make your tree look full and lush.
- Add medium and smaller ornaments towards the tips of branches. Space out colors and shapes for balance. Don’t put all the same color together—spread them out for a professional look.
- Mix in different materials. Shiny glass, wood, glitter, and even homemade crafts all add personality. Let each family member pick a favorite to hang in a special place.
- Add fillers like ribbon, mesh, or garlands. Drape them around the tree in spirals or tuck them vertically for a more modern look. Wired ribbons are easier to shape.
- Sprinkle in personal touches. Family ornaments or souvenir baubles make the tree unique to you. Think about adding small, framed photos, hand-painted wooden pieces, or tiny knitted stockings for extra charm.
If you’ve picked a theme, like woodland creatures, stick to related ornaments (think little foxes, owls, and pinecones). For a one-color tree, vary the sizes and finishes—matte, sparkly, or metallic—so it doesn’t feel flat. Incorporate burlap or lace for texture, or mini bells and candy canes for a playful twist.
Choosing a Tree Topper
The tree topper really ties everything together. For traditional looks, a star or classic angel always works well. Bow toppers made of velvet ribbon look elegant without being over the top. If your whole tree is themed (maybe a snowman theme or a blue and white winter look), the topper can match—like a big snowflake, a Santa hat, or even something homemade if you’re feeling crafty.
Some families create a new topper each year, adding a fun, creative tradition. Other ideas include a cluster of oversized snowball ornaments or a glitzy branch spray fanned out for sparkle. No matter what you choose, make sure your topper fits the scale of your tree for a balanced finish.
Coordinating Decor with Your Mantel and Room
Matching your tree to your mantel decor pulls the whole room together. If your tree has gold and burgundy accents, drape a matching garland or stockings over the mantel. Mini trees, candles, or nutcrackers in the same color scheme carry the vibe across the space. Don’t be afraid to repeat elements from your tree, like ribbon or ornaments, on wreaths or shelves too. You could even add matching throw pillows or cozy blankets to tie in the palette.
Mirroring little details—like velvet bows or metallic tinsel—throughout the room helps everything look intentional and festive. Add bowls of pinecones or glass jars of extra ornaments on tables for extra holiday cheer. If you have an entryway, continue your color scheme there to welcome guests with instant holiday spirit.
Artificial Trees in Trendy Colors
Artificial trees come in lots of cool colors these days. A flocked white tree gives a snowy look that makes colored ornaments really pop. Rose gold or blush pink trees are popular and pair well with metallic ornaments for a glam twist. Blue or black trees are pretty edgy and can be decked out with silver or jewel toned baubles for something different. Colored trees make the whole setup feel a little unique, so it’s worth checking out if you want to switch things up.
Try a pastel tree paired with candy-colored decorations for a playful, modern take on tradition. Metallic trees reflect light beautifully and instantly make your space look next-level cool—great for parties or photo backdrops. Just remember to echo the tree’s color in at least a few decorative accents around the room for a pulled-together vibe.
Turning Tree Decorating Into a Family Tradition
Decorating the Christmas tree is always more fun when everyone gets involved. In my house, it’s a group effort; someone untangles lights, others sort ornaments, and little kids get to hang the safe, shatterproof ones down low. Turning on traditional Christmas music sets the mood and makes the whole thing feel extra special. My go-tos are Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey, but any playlist works as long as it feels festive.
Building traditions around this activity can make great memories. After the tree is all set, I love making a round of hot chocolate for everyone and putting on a favorite Christmas movie—usually The Grinch That Stole Christmas or something nostalgic. It’s a simple way to carry the cozy, festive feeling into the rest of the night. You can also have a tradition of baking cookies together, or snapping a family photo in front of the freshly decorated tree. All these little rituals add up to memories that last for years.
Troubleshooting and Tips for a Stellar Tree
Even the best plans can hit a snag. Here’s what I do if things go sideways:
- If your tree feels sparse: Add more garland, ribbons, or fill gaps with big bows and oversized ornaments. Fluff out artificial branches for fullness, or fill empty spots with sprigs of faux pine or holly for a natural touch.
- For tangled lights: Test all your strands before you start. If a bulb goes out, swap it right away. Having spares is pretty handy and saves so much time. Wrap each light string around your arm as you store them after the season to keep things organized for next year.
- Ornaments keep sliding off: Use ornament hooks that wrap around the branch, or just twist the wire a little tighter so they stay put. Sticky wax or floral wire can help secure lightweight ornaments, especially if you have pets or a lot of traffic near the tree.
- Pets or kids pulling at low ornaments: Stick with soft or non-breakable ornaments on the bottom branches and save fragile ones for the top. Consider tying your tree loosely to the wall or using a heavy weighted base to prevent tip-overs if you have adventurous little ones.
Always keep an eye out for overloaded branches and uneven lighting as you decorate. Step back often to make sure everything looks balanced. A small tree skirt or decorative basket can hide an unsightly base and catch fallen needles from real trees. If you want extra scent, tuck a few cinnamon sticks or pine-scented ornaments among the branches.
Decor Ideas for Inspiration
- Scandinavian Minimalist: Use lots of natural woods, white ornaments, and straw stars for a clean, calming look. Sprinkle in a few red accents or fluffy snowflakes for extra coziness.
- Candy Cane Classic: Red, white, and a few stripes make everything pop. Add peppermint ornaments and checked ribbon for extra fun. Don’t forget a stack of wrapped candy canes for guests to enjoy straight from the tree.
- Elegant Metallic: All silver or a gold and champagne mix. Add a velvet tree skirt for luxury vibes. Glass ornaments and mirrored accents up the sparkle factor for a truly glamorous effect.
- Kid Friendly: Plush baubles, cartoon inspired ornaments, and even a toy train track running around the base get kids in on the fun. Felt garlands and hand painted ornaments invite play and creativity.
If you want to really set your tree apart, add a DIY garland made of popcorn or cranberries, or use origami shapes for a unique, budget-friendly touch. Don’t be afraid to mix in family heirlooms or vintage toys for added storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some things I get asked about Christmas trees all the time:
How many ornaments do I need for my tree?
For a 7-foot tree, I usually use around 70 to 100 ornaments. Smaller trees need less, but feel free to go wild if you love a full look. If you’re layering ribbons and garlands, you can get away with fewer ornaments. Just make sure your tree doesn’t look crowded or overloaded.
Should I put lights or garland on first?
Lights always go first, then garland, then ornaments. That way, you’re not knocking things off as you work. This helps you keep the cord hidden and the finished look tidy.
How do I keep my artificial tree from looking fake?
Fluff those branches well, focus on layering decor, and tuck ribbon or garland in to hide gaps. Adding a few real pine sprigs or scented sticks can trick the senses, and using textured ornaments helps distract from plastic needles.
Can I mix and match decor styles?
Absolutely. Mixing vintage with modern or playful with elegant creates a tree that’s totally you. Just keep colors within a matching palette for harmony. Trying out different ornaments each year is a great way to keep your decor feeling fresh and personal.
With some planning and a little creativity, decorating your Christmas tree can be the highlight of your holiday prep. It’s all about creating a space that feels festive and welcoming for you and the people you love. Set yourself up for a cozy, magical season and maybe even start a new tradition or two that everyone looks forward to next year!