Guide to Decorating a Christmas Tree: A Detailed Step-By-Step with Professional Tips

Step 1: Establish Your Tree

 

Invest in a premium artificial tree

From my perspective, putting your money into a top-notch artificial Christmas tree is a smart move when you’re thinking about holiday decor. These trees are made from the best materials, giving you a strong and dependable structure to hang your ornaments on. What’s great about them is their remarkable durability – they can withstand the test of time and be reused every Christmas season, all while maintaining their beauty.

Choosing a classic-style tree over a trendy one is also a good idea. Why? Because it won’t feel ‘old news’ after a couple of years. Plus, a traditional tree design gives you the perfect canvas for layering on decorations exactly the way you want.

Develop a theme

Coming up with a theme for your Christmas tree is the secret to getting that expertly decorated look. First things first, pick a color scheme, a set of ornaments, or even something that showcases your hobbies. You can get some great ideas from interior design blogs, home decor websites, or Pinterest. And here’s a pro tip: put together a mood board. It will help you visualize your dream tree and guide you in picking out the right decorations.

Position the Christmas tree and arrange its branches

Setting up your Christmas tree and arranging its branches, there’s a bit of an art to it. Now, if you’re working with a real tree, you’ll want to be careful during the fluffing process to avoid a shower of falling needles. I’d recommend wearing gloves, because those branches can be quite prickly and you don’t want to end up with splinters.

As for positioning the tree, make sure it’s in a sturdy stand for stability. If you’re a fan of solid or wicker tree skirts, this is the time to put it on. Fluffing the branches is an important step for both artificial and real trees. It gives the tree a fuller, more natural look, which just adds to its beauty. So, take your time with it – trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 2: Opt for a Holiday Style

 

Arrange and mold the branches

As you’re fluffing and molding the branches of your Christmas tree, remember that patience is key. Aim to spread out each branch so it covers a good amount of space. And don’t be shy about bending individual branches to fill in any empty spots. When you shape your tree just right, it’s a thing of beauty – whether you choose to go simple or all-out with your decorations.

Select suitable colors (and materials)

When choosing the right colors and materials for your theme, consider creating a curated color palette to bring it to life. For a traditional and opulent look, stick to a red and gold color combination. If you prefer a Scandi vibe, layer shades of white and soft neutrals. Alternatively, for an icy cool look, opt for blue and silver. Keep the color palette to two or at most three colors to avoid a cluttered appearance. Also, think about the materials and textures you use.

Plush velvet baubles work well for a luxe tree, while paper and wooden decorations are perfect for a Nordic-inspired or minimalist tree.

Read more: Christmas tree cyber Monday deal

Step 3: The Lighting of the Christmas Tree

 

Begin with the lights

Dressing up your Christmas tree, I always recommend starting with the lights or Fairy Lights , whether you’re working with a pre-lit tree or a plain one, real or artificial. If you’re dealing with a plain tree, you’ll need to get your hands on some Christmas tree lights.

Now, here’s a tip from the pros at Lights4fun: for every 2ft of tree, aim for around 100 bulbs or 5 meters of lights. So, for a 6ft tree, you’re looking at roughly 300 bulbs or 15 meters of lights. I’d suggest putting up the lights before adding things like baubles and garlands. It just makes the whole decorating process easier and more efficient.

Install the lights

When it comes to installing the lights on your Christmas tree, here’s a simple method I’ve found to be effective: Start from one side and work your way across, going from top to bottom and making sure to distribute the light strand evenly among the branches. If visible cords are a pet peeve of yours, green cord lights are a great workaround.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color and some depth to your tree, globe-shaped bulbs are just the ticket. And as for the color of the lights themselves, soft white is all the rage this year. Enjoy lighting up your tree!

Step 4: Embrace the Art Deco Style

 

Items you might require

If you’re unsure about what kind of Christmas tree to get, our detailed buying guides for both real and artificial trees could be a great help. If you choose an artificial or potted real tree, double-check if it’s freestanding – you might not need a tree stand or pot.

The tree skirt is an often overlooked item that really adds a finishing touch to the base of your tree. As for lighting, string Christmas lights are a must to add that magical twinkle. I personally recommend 120 LED lights in either ice white or warm white, which come with 8 different light functions for any festive situation. For more insights on festive lighting, check out our advice section.

To securely attach these lights to your tree branches, use Christmas tree light fixings. Decorations, of course, are a must and we have a wide range to suit every style, from baubles to bead chains. You can opt for assorted multipacks for a cohesive look or individual pieces for a more eclectic vibe. Use Christmas decoration hooks to hang these beauties from the branches.

Don’t forget the cherry on top – a tree-topper! And, if reaching the socket is a hassle, a timer or smart home socket can be a lifesaver to remotely control your Christmas lights. To safely reach the top of the tree, consider using a step stool or work platform if needed.

Prioritize safety

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, safety should always be your top priority. If you’re trying to reach those high spots on the tree, don’t take any risks by climbing or overstretching – get some help if needed.

Before you even think about turning on those old filament bulb Christmas lights, make sure to give the plug, cable, bulbs, and bulb holders a good once-over for any damage. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Also, another pro tip: try to plug the lights into the socket nearest to the tree. This way, you can reduce the risk of anyone tripping over those pesky trailing cables. Safety first, always!

Initiate the decoration process

Ready to start adorning your Christmas tree with decorations, here’s a tip from my experience: begin by placing the weightier ornaments on the inside. This not only helps the branches support their weight but also gives your tree a fuller look.

For the middle section of the tree, consider using budget-friendly glittery or shiny ornaments. They’re great at catching and reflecting the light, adding that extra sparkle to your tree.

If you’re working with a fake tree, just nestle the decorations right in among the branches. It’s a simple trick that fills up any gaps, giving your tree a more dimensional and visually appealing look.

Highlight your highly prized ornaments

Now comes the best part – showcasing your most prized ornaments. These aren’t just decorations; they’re memories and stories, from treasured heirlooms passed down through generations to cherished collectibles. Perhaps it’s a Christmas trinket that takes you back to a memorable family vacation, or maybe it’s a handmade decoration your child crafted with love. No matter what they represent, these special ornaments deserve to be front and center. Let them shine and make them the stars of your holiday decor, celebrating the unique stories they hold.

Select your tree skirt

 

choose your tree skirt, let your creativity flow! You can use anything from burlap to faux fur or any other fabric that can cleverly conceal the trunk and the not-so-pretty stand. The current trend is all about willow tree skirts, but if you decide to go for it, just remember to put it on before the lights. Ultimately, the choice of your tree skirt should reflect your personal taste and style. So, pick something that sparks joy and complements your overall Christmas decor.

Arrange and style ribbons

To arrange and style the ribbons on your Christmas tree, think about using decorative ribbons that contrast in texture and vary in width. This little trick can make your tree look even more visually appealing.

I’d recommend going for ribbons with wired edges. Why? They’re just so much easier to shape into loops, rolls, or bows, and they maintain their form really well. With these simple techniques, you’ll find arranging your ribbons on the tree is a breeze.

Utilize tree picks

Tree picks and floral sprays are like the secret sauce of tree decorating – they can really elevate the overall look of your tree. They come in all sorts of shapes, from branches and twigs to berries and pine cones. You can use them to add a little extra color to your Christmas trees, wreaths, or garlands.

One cool trick is to group picks together using some floral wire. This lets you get creative and really boost the visual impact of your decorations. And here’s a little tip: go for picks with bendable stems – they’re so much easier to shape.

Incorporate fragrant ornaments

Want to give your artificial Christmas tree that authentic, real-tree aroma? Scented ornaments are the way to go. Try using Scentsicles – they’re these scented paper tube sticks that come with hooks, and you can just hang them among your other decorations. They offer a variety of scents like cinnamon, berry, or winter fir to choose from.

Also, The White Company sells scented decorations that can be matched with your tree theme. So, not only does your tree look festive, it smells festive too! It’s an easy way to add a touch of magic to your Christmas with a fresh fragrance.

Pick the perfect tree topper

Choosing the perfect tree topper is all about keeping your tree’s theme, size, and ceiling height in mind. Sure, you can always go with classic choices like stars or angels – they’re popular for a reason. But don’t be afraid to look at other designs, too. Heck, you could even customize your own topper or create something totally unique. It’s all about finding that perfect finishing touch that brings your whole tree together.

It’s time for the final touches

When you’re putting the final touches on your tree, you’ll want to fill any empty spots with smaller decorations – think mini baubles or bells. And if you really want to give your tree that winter wonderland vibe, try adding some glass or acrylic icicles to the branch tips. It’s all about those little details that make your tree truly shine.