Busy families, get ready to transform your Christmas tree into a dazzling centerpiece with our expert Christmas tree decorating tips. Follow these steps for a stunning display that will wow your guests and create cherished holiday memories.
Below are the steps involved in decorating your tree. Many steps are optional, so read through them and decide which you want to include.
🎄 Tree Skirt
Depending on the design of your tree skirt, you may need to place it before putting your artificial tree together. Refer to the chart below on what size skirt you need for the size of your tree.
💡 Tree Lights
There are several types of lights to choose from–LED, traditional, globes, bubblers, and various shapes such as stars. Choose the lights that match your overall design.
Decorating tip: I like to put my lights on the inside and outside of the tree. I wrap a string close to the trunk and then place the rest outside.
You will need about 100 Christmas lights per foot height of your tree. The easy way to place your lights on the tree is to create quadrants on your tree and then wrap them back and forth across. Doing so will also cause fewer tangled lights when you take the tree down. Don’t leave your lights on the outside of the tree. Push back into the branches 2 to 5 inches. Vary the depth.
🎀 Christmas Tree Garland
Garland is referring to anything used to wrap around the tree and not only to that which is labeled garland. Garland is optional.
There are three types to choose from–garland, mesh or wired ribbon.
When using garland, the first thing to consider is what is the theme of your tree. There is a large variety — beaded, crystal balls, greenery, grapevine, candy, etc. Choose something that matches your Christmas tree design.
When using mesh, match the color theme of your tree. It is advised by the experts to buy pipe cleaners (green or match mesh color) to hold your poufs.
Wired ribbons come in a variety of styles and colors. You will want a wide ribbon that matches your Christmas tree design.
Garland is spaced 18 inches to 3 feet apart depending on the size of the garland and tree. On average, a six-foot tree will have 2 to 3 wraps, and a nine-foot tree will have three to four.
If you are using mesh, you will need to make poufs about every 18 inches or so. A pouf is the fluffing out of the mesh to form an outward pouf of fabric. Tie with a pipe cleaner.
Beaded garland is draped over the branches rather than wrapped. You can also swag your ribbon or garlands.
Decorating tip: Your garland will look better if you don’t wrap it as a flat band around your tree.
For more holiday planning, check out our Thanksgiving countdown and learn about planting a Christmas amaryllis for a blooming holiday centerpiece.
Note: Some links in this article may be affiliate links.
🎄 Picks Or Bows
Picks or bows are used to add texture and to unify the tree.
Apply picks or bows in a harlequin pattern/ diamond pattern. On a seven-foot tree, you would use about 2 and a half connecting diamonds on each side of the tree.
Bows should be a minimum of four loops. You can make mixed ribbon bows but keep the colors compatible and repeat the individual ribbons frequently.
Use big picks or floral stems. You can stack picks to create a bouquet. Place one or two leaf or plainer stems on the bottom with a flashier pick on top– flowers, beaded wire, pinecones, etc. Tie all these together or use a zip tie to attach to a long pick.
Insert your pick horizontally into a branch. Fluff up the pick and arrange pine branches around it. Let the pick extend slightly out from the end.
🎁 Focal Points
Focal points are also optional. Use objects that bring immediate attention to them for your focal point–large ornaments, lanterns, wall signs, dolls, teddy bears and other stuff animals, large flowers, wrapped packages, wooden animals, etc.
Experts vary on the number of these objects. Three, five or seven of them are suggested. Notice the use of odd numbers.
Hang these on the tree in a “z” or triangle pattern.
🎀 Tree Ornaments
Divide your Christmas tree decorations into balls and other shapes–stars, onions, teardrops, snowflakes, discs, figurines, etc. The odds are you have more balls than ornaments with different forms. Each year make it a goal to add some of them later. The right balance has your collection 50% balls and 50% other shapes.
A budget way to add shapes to your tree is to look for Styrofoam cutouts of stars, snowflakes, and other shapes that match the color of your tree. Flocked or painted pinecones come in packs, are economical, and will also add texture. You will have to add a string to hang them on the tree.
Then divide the groups by color, then glittered and non-glittered, or any other texture or decoration that makes them unique. Finally, divide by size. Your goal is to group like balls together.
Try to have a variety of balls–matte, shiny, glittered, pearlescent, grooved, decorated with beads, etc.
Most of your tree ornaments probably are 4 inches or smaller. Add to your collection bigger balls (6″ to 8″) These are used on the bottom of the tree to balance the depth and width of this area.
Once divided you are ready to decorate your tree. Follow these decorating tips.
- ✅ Do one color at a time. Doing this helps make sure colors are placed evenly throughout the tree.
- ✅ Hang balls before unique shape ornaments.
- ✅ Hang some balls a few inches back into the tree to add depth.
- ✅ An easy way to ensure similar bulbs are throughout the tree is if you hang an ornament on one side of the tree and add the same style to the opposite side.
- ✅ Save spots for your unique family ornaments. Place these in prominent areas.
- ✅ Ice cycles and imitation crystals go on last after the shape ornaments. Attach these to the end of the branches, with a few back into the tree.
For more holiday decorating inspiration, check out our Holiday Decorating Tips article.
Note: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through our link.
Toppers
The topper is the final step. It can be anything—a bow, star, a hat, or anything else you think is pretty and fits the theme of the tree. Add some finesse to it by adding picks behind it in a fan shape. Wire your picks together and attach them to the tree behind your topper. See above pictures under focal and picks for example.
Lastly, add your tree skirt and something under your tree that matches the tree’s theme. Use a stuffed Santa, poinsettia, reindeer, sled, etc. or merely wrap all your packages to match the tree and place under the tree.
If you have any suggestions, please comment below.
More information:
Easy Ideas for Decorating Your Kitchen for Christmas
Christmas Traditions: Decorating
❓ Questions People Ask
What Is The Best Way To Secure A Topper On A Christmas Tree?
To secure a topper, use a sturdy wire or fishing line. Attach it to the top of the tree and then to the topper. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold the topper in place but not so tight that it damages the tree.
Can I Use Any Type Of Topper On My Christmas Tree?
Yes, you can use any topper that fits your theme and style. Popular options include stars, angels, bows, and even custom-made items.
How Do I Store My Christmas Tree Topper After The Holiday Season?
Store your topper in a cool, dry place. If it’s delicate, consider wrapping it in tissue paper or placing it in a storage box to protect it from damage.
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