I’m so excited to share all my Chrstimas tree decorating tips and tricks with you all today!
Growing up, my family never had a Christmas tree. Not until we moved to Canada that is.
And I’m so glad that it became a tradition because it is one of the greatest joys of the Christmas season.
It’s not about making the decorations the focal point (meaning it doesn’t replace the real reason for celebrating for Christian families, which is the birth of Jesus), it’s just one of many things that have become joyous staples for families during this time:
- Baking
- Watching movies
- Listening to Christmas music
- Shopping
- Wrapping gifts
- Practicing songs for programs
- Giving and acts of kindness
- Driving around looking at lights (one of my favorites)
- Photos and Card making
- Gathering with friends and family
It is a culmination of just enjoying each other’s company through this special time of year.
That said, I just adore everything about the season, Christmas tree decorating and all. I love the process and seeing the final result brings me tremendous joy.
The thrill of mixing up different pieces, new and old, is the best.
I’ve learned many tips and tricks along the way to create a beautiful Christmas tree which I’m so excited to share with you!
How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro
- Use Ribbon.
Whenever I’m setting out to decorate our Christmas tree, I start with wrapping some form of ribbon or garland around the tree.
It really helps to define the tree and adds a lot of depth and texture.
Options:
- Wood bead garland
- Burlap ribbon
- Buffalo check
- Yarn
- Pompom garland
- Paper garland
I make sure it’s snug in the branches, but not too far in that it’s hard to see.
2. Choose a color palette or theme.
I was hesitant about whether to include this point or not, since the point of this is not to make you feel like you “have to” do these things.
I’m simply sharing my tips and giving you an understanding of what goes into decorating your Christmas tree like a pro.
Color palettes don’t mean you can only choose one color – it can be multiples in the same shade (think gold, wood tones and browns together), or contrasting colors like navy and gold or blush and teal.
2018 Christmas Tree: “Tree Farm” theme with reds and browns.
Doing this helps bring your vision to life and keeps you on track when buying your Christmas decor.
3. Use various sizes of ornaments.
Mixing up the size of your ornaments will add visual interest to your tree.
Whether you choose a specific color palette or not, it’s a fun way to make a beautiful statement.
I’ll often choose a color palette where at least one of the color tones is neutral. This means I can always use and re-use my browns, golds and rose golds and add in a fun pop as an accent color.
4. Don’t buy everything in one place.
This is something I realized a few years ago: I would have an idea of how I wanted to decorate the tree, and the pieces would all fall into place over time.
How?
I gave myself time.
I would browse early.
If I really loved an item, I wouldn’t wait to go back and get it, just slowly curated the pieces.
If I saw an ornament or trinket I really loved and knew I would use, I would buy it – even if it meant during Boxing Week sales for the following year and just stash them away until then.
I’ve gotten tons of Christmas decor that way for a fraction of the cost.
Whether it’s the Dollar store (that’s where I got the white doves), thrift store, Walmart or a small shop, collecting the pieces is one of the most fun and special parts of decorating your Christmas tree.
I also always reuse things too (the small earthy tone ornaments are thrifted) and just add the new things to it.
Related: DIY Faux Fur Ornaments
5. Tell a story.
As beautiful as Christmas trees are to look at, what takes them above and beyond is making it personal.
Maybe you still have some special ornaments from your younger years. Whatever you use, adding that sentimental touch goes a long way.
- Family trinket
- Christmas souvenir
- Family photos
- DIY family crafts
- Ornaments with Bible verses
6. Use picks.
This trick blew my mind when I first learned about it.
I was like, “What?! I can stick a stem into my Christmas tree?! So.cool.”
Those brown glittery floral picks were found at a local greenhouse.
You can find these picks almost anywhere, from the Dollar store to Walmart to Home Sense.
You can even use neutral picks, like cotton stems that I use at other times of the year too.
7. Finishing Touches.
Lastly, we have the items that make it all come together in one big beautiful display:
Your tree topper and tree skirt.
There are so many options with both of these, but I say go with what you love.
I’ve used Angel tree toppers and for the last three years, Star toppers.
No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong because they’re a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
Tree skirts are an awesome way to bring in all the cozy textures around your tree. Here are just a few of the options:
- Knitted
- Faux fur
- Galvanized stand
- Basket
- Wood crate
- Blanket
It doesn’t need to be literally a “tree skirt,” it can be any item that hugs around the bottom of your tree and tree stand.
This year I’m actually using a crocheted throw blanket which I found several years back at a thrift store.
I love how it adds this layer of warmth, perfect for placing the Christmas gifts under the tree.
Here’s a recap so you too can decorate your Christmas tree like a pro:
- Use ribbon
- Choose a color palette
- Various ornament sizes
- Don’t buy all in one place
- Make it personal
- Use picks
- Finishing touches
I’m one of those people who bring up the tree as soon as November hits.
Decorating it is one of the most fun parts of Christmas for me and my husband.
I enjoy pulling out the old ornaments and adding in the new.
The fire crackles in the wood stove, encompassing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in our sunroom where the tree stands.
I bask in the warm glow of the lights every evening as they turn on and illuminate the corner of our sunroom.
O Christmas tree, indeed.
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