How to decorate a Christmas tree – a step by step guide with tips from the professionals

Step 1: Set Up Your Tree

1. Invest in a high-quality artificial tree

Investing in a high-quality artificial tree is a wise choice when it comes to Christmas decorations. These trees, crafted from premium materials, offer sturdy and reliable support for your ornaments. Not only do they have exceptional durability, allowing for repeated use year after year, but they also maintain their beautiful look.

Opting for a traditional tree rather than a trend-led one ensures that it won’t go ‘out of date’ after a few years. Additionally, a traditional design provides the perfect base for layering and decorating as you wish.

2. Build a theme

Building a theme for your Christmas tree is key to achieving a professional look. To start, choose a color palette, an ornament collection, or something that reflects your interests. Find inspiration from designer blogs, home décor sites, or Pinterest. Lastly, create a mood board to bring your vision to life, helping you select the decorations you need.

Read More: black friday artificial christmas tree deals 2023

3. Place the Christmas tree and fluff the branches

Take care when fluffing real trees to avoid dropping needles. Remember to wear gloves as the branches can be prickly and there is a risk of splinters.
To place the Christmas tree securely, first ensure it is in a stable stand. If you prefer using a solid or wicker tree skirt, attach it now. Fluffing the branches is crucial for both artificial and real Christmas trees. This step enhances the tree’s natural and full appearance, making it even more beautiful.

Take care when fluffing real trees to avoid dropping needles. Remember to wear gloves as the branches can be prickly and there is a risk of splinters.

 

Step 2: Choose a festive style

1. Fluff and shape branches

When fluffing and shaping the branches of your Christmas tree, take your time and make each branch fan out to cover as much area as possible. Don’t hesitate to bend individual branches to fill in any gaps. A properly shaped tree is a beautiful sight, regardless of how minimal or lavish your decorations may be.

 

2. Choose the right colours (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.

 

Step 3: Christmas Lights

1. Start with the lights first

When decorating your Christmas tree, it’s best to start with the lights first. This applies to both pre-lit trees and plain trees, whether they are real or artificial. If you have a plain tree, you’ll need to use Christmas tree lights.

According to the lighting experts at Lights4fun, a general rule of thumb is to use 100 bulbs or 5 meters of lights per 2ft of tree. For a 6ft tree, you would need around 300 bulbs or 15 meters of lights. Adding the lights before decorations like baubles and garlands are recommended for easier and more efficient decorating.

 

2. Put the lights on

Drape the light strand evenly across the branches, working from one side to the other, from the top to the bottom. To avoid visible cords, consider using green cord lights. Enjoy decorating your tree with bursts of color and a sense of scale using ‘globe’ shaped bulbs. Soft white light is the trendy choice this year.

 

Step 4: Art Deco

1. You might need:

– Not sure what type of Christmas tree you’re looking for? Check out our handy buying guides for both real and artificial trees to help you find the perfect one.

– If you opt for an artificial or potted real tree, you might not need a tree stand or pot. Make sure to check if your tree is freestanding before purchasing.

– Don’t forget a tree skirt for the base of your tree.

– String Christmas lights are essential to bring your tree to life. We recommend the 120 LED lights in ice white or warm white, with 8 light functions suitable for any Christmas occasion. Learn more about festive lighting in our helpful advice section.

– Use Christmas tree light fixings to securely attach the string lights to tree branches.

– We have a wide variety of tree decorations, from baubles to bead chains, to suit every style. Choose from assorted multipacks for a coordinated look or individual pieces for a more personalized mix.

– Hang your decorations from tree branches using Christmas decoration hooks.

– Finish off your Christmas tree with a tree-topper.

– If access to the socket is difficult, use a timer or smart home socket to remotely turn your Christmas lights on and off.
If needed, use a step stool or work platform to safely reach the top of the tree.

 

2. Safety first

– Avoid climbing or overstretching to reach high spots – ask for assistance if needed.
– Before turning on old filament bulb Christmas lights, check for any damage to the plug, cable, bulbs, and bulb holders.
– Additionally, plug the lights into the nearest socket to the tree to minimize tripping hazards caused by trailing cables.

 

3. Start adding decorations

Adding decorations to your Christmas tree by placing the heaviest ones on the inside. This way, the branches can support their weight. For the middle part, fill it with inexpensive glitter or shiny ornaments to catch the light.

If you have a fake tree, you can simply nestle the decorations among the branches. This step will fill any gaps inside the tree, making it more three-dimensional and interesting.

 

4. Showcase those extra-special ornaments

Showcasing those extra-special ornaments is the highlight now. These treasures hold sentimental value – from cherished heirlooms to beloved collectibles. Maybe you’re reminiscing a family vacation with a Christmas trinket or displaying handmade decorations crafted by your children. Whatever the case, give them the attention and admiration they deserve. Celebrate their significance by making them the spotlight of your holiday decor.

 

5. Choose your tree skirt

For your tree skirt, get creative! Consider using burlap, faux fur, or any fabric that can hide the trunk and unremarkable stand. A trendy choice is a willow tree skirt, but remember to put it on before the lights. Choose your tree skirt based on personal preference and style.

 

6. Layer and style ribbons

When layering and styling ribbons on your Christmas tree, consider using decorative ribbons of contrasting textures and different widths. This can create a more visually stunning effect.

Suggests opting for ribbons with wired edges as they are easier to sculpt into loops, rolls or bows, and they hold their shape better. These simple techniques can help you arrange your ribbons on the tree effortlessly.

 

7. Use tree picks

Tree picks and floral sprays are versatile decorative elements that can enhance the overall look of your tree. They come in various forms like branches, twigs, berries, and pine cones. Use them as subtle accents to add a pop of color to your Christmas trees, wreaths, or garlands.

Grouping picks together with floral wire allows you to get creative and elevate the visual appeal of your decorations. Choose picks with bendable stems for easier shaping.

 

8. Add scented ornaments

Add scented ornaments to your artificial Christmas tree to give it a real tree smell. Use Scentsicles scented paper tube sticks with hooks included and place them among the decorations on your tree. Choose from scents like cinnamon, berry, or winter fir. You can also buy scented decorations from The White Company to match your tree theme. Enjoy the magic of Christmas with a fresh fragrance in an instant!

 

9. Choose the right tree topper

When choosing a tree topper, it’s important to consider your tree’s theme, proportion, and ceiling height. Traditional options like star tree toppers or angels are popular, but there are plenty of alternative designs available. You can even personalize your own or create a unique topper.

 

10. Time for finishing touching touches

For the finishing touches, you can fill any empty spots in the tree with smaller decorations such as mini baubles or bells. Another option is to add glass or acrylic icicles to the tips of the branches, creating a beautiful winter wonderland effect for your tree.