How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Designer (Without Splurging on One)

There’s a good chance you’ve been decorating Christmas trees annually since you were a kid. There are so many different approaches, and the way your family did it isn’t necessarily the route you have to take. If you’re in charge of the tree this year for the first time or you simply want to go for a more polished look, we’ve got you.

This guide on how to decorate a Christmas tree covers topics like how to pick a theme, string on lights, and fill out the tree with garland and ornaments.

Choose a Theme

Deciding what direction you want to take your tree before immediately making ornament purchases sets you up for success and saves you from the hassle of making returns.

There are multiple approaches you can take toward selecting a theme. It can be as simple and flexible as sticking to a limited color palette or more narrow and focused, like drawing inspiration from a story like The Nutcracker. Or, decide on one era to emulate, whether that’s a homemade Victorian look or retro 1950s nostalgia.

Your theme will be a good framework to reference when picking out all of your tree decorations.

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Fluff the Tree 

Whether you go with a real or faux tree, you’ll need to spend some time fluffing the branches to help it take its proper shape. Working from top to bottom and inside to out, begin spreading the branches out. If you have a fake tree, you’ll also want to bend the ends of the branches a little to give them more of an organic look.

Take a step back to assess how your tree looks. Look for any bare sections and re-fluff where needed.

Hang the Lights on the Tree

Unless your tree is pre-lit, you’ll need to devote some time to stringing the lights on your tree. A good rule of thumb is to buy 100 lights per foot of a tree if you’re working with traditional mini lights. You may need more or less depending on if you go with a different type of light.

Make sure each strand is in working order, and begin applying your lights. Work from top to bottom in a horizontal fashion (although there is the option to apply them vertically). Weave the string of lights between the branches, making sure to place some closer to the inner portion of the tree as well as the tips of the branches.

Step back and look for any dead spots, and make adjustments where needed. Make sure you have an input plug in a convenient spot near the top just in case your tree topper requires electricity.

Hang Garland, Ribbons, and Tinsel

Before you can get to the fun part of hanging your ornaments, you’ll need to continue finishing the base of your tree decor. If you want to apply ribbon, start in the back and wrap it in a slanted form across the tree. Other types of garland, such as beaded garland, may look better draped more horizontally. Play around with the spacing and application method until you’re satisfied with the look.

Now is also the time to hang your tinsel. You can give it an orderly look by draping it in bundles on each branch or disperse it in more of a random order for a more laid-back appearance.

Hang Basic Ornaments

Your classic ball ornaments make for a great foundation. Using wire ornament hangers, begin placing them on your branches. Try to disperse each color evenly across your tree, and create depth by hanging some closer to the inside of the tree and some outside.

Hang Unique Ornaments

Now it’s time to start placing all those fun-shaped ornaments you’ve been collecting or making over the years. Take a step back from your tree and begin filling in the empty spots with your miscellaneous collection. If you have a pair of matching ornaments, try hanging them on opposite ends of the tree and not too close to one another.

 How to Fill Gaps

Growing your ornament collection takes time. If you’ve already hung all of them on the tree and you notice some bare spots, there are some cost-effective ways you can compensate. For example, you can dry oranges and use them as ornaments or purchase a roll of ribbon and tie bows on your tree. Adding extra tinsel may also help.

Add the Skirt

Once you’re satisfied with your tree and have swept up or vacuumed the stray needles, finish your tree off with a skirt. If you don’t own a tree skirt, you can fashion a makeshift one out of a large blanket. Alternatively, you can place your tree in a large basket or galvanized steel container, but it’s best to do that before you even set up the tree.

Place the Topper

While you can technically do this step at any point, there’s just something symbolic about placing the topper on last. If your tree topper is pretty heavy and makes the top of your tree bend, you may want to purchase a stabilizing tree topper holder.