Christmas Tree Ideas
By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDSEN | Published on October 23, 2020 | Updated on October 10, 2024 |
Christmas Tree Ideas: Transform your Christmas tree this year into a mesmerizing centerpiece that will leave your guests in awe. This holiday season, think beyond the traditional ornaments and discover a world of unique decorating ideas that will make your tree stand out. From whimsical Christmas themes to personalized touches, there are endless possibilities to make your tree reflect your style and create a memorable atmosphere for everyone.
Whether you prefer a rustic and cozy holiday look or a modern and sleek design, here are 16 gorgeous tree bundle collections to make decorating a breeze this year. These curated collections include sets from a top online Christmas shop as well as from interior designer Shea McGee. Get ready to make your tree the star of the show with these unique and enchanting ideas.
Whether hunting for the perfect tree at local farms or pulling the trusty faux evergreen out of the attic, setting up and decorating your Christmas tree is a favorite holiday pastime. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your family’s decorating traditions – and create new ones.
McGee & Co Whimsical Wonderland Holiday Tree
Shop everything from the tree to the topper
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
The secret to decorating a beautiful Christmas tree is similar to designing any room in your home—style in layers! The standard Christmas tree decor elements are lights, garland, tinsel, and ornaments. Whatever your preferred design aesthetic, these core pieces are familiar to almost everyone.
The best Christmas trees are filled with layers upon layers of memories, traditions, and keepsakes. There is an art to Christmas tree decorating, but there is also a science. While we each have individual decorating styles, the following steps can help anyone create a seasonal showstopper.
1. Shape and Fluff
All beautifully decorated Christmas trees start with the foundation. When working with a faux tree, lift and separate the branches and tips to lose the ‘packed away’ look. Doing so will create a fullness that opens pockets to hang lights, ornaments, and garlands. Work in layers – put the first section on the stand, fluff, and work your way up the tree. When decorating a live tree, place the best side outward. You can use a pair of gloves to keep sharp bristles at bay. Gently trim a branch wherever needed to create a more uniform look.
2. Crown Your Tree
Consider adding the topper on the tree first to set the tone for decorating and to avoid disrupting ornaments. The classic choices are seasonal symbols such as angels and stars, yet large poinsettias or burlap bows can make an unexpected and unique choice. When using a non-traditional topper, blend it in by filling spaces with picks, flowers, or faux berries.
3. Light it Up
Many faux trees come with lights already attached. Now is the time to turn them on to ensure they are working. Start at the tree’s base and work up, wrapping lights around every major branch.
Be sure to add plenty of lights to the back of the tree to create extra sparkle and depth. Once the lights are draped around the tree, step back and look for areas that require minor adjustments to allow more or less light through the branches.
4. Create Focal Points
Target a few spots on the tree to group ornaments, picks, flowers, and ribbons for dimension. This step will create focal points providing your eye a place to rest. To add depth and interest, vary ornament sizes and shapes. For a cohesive design, try matching the color of these designated areas to the topper.
5. Put on the Garland & Ribbons
There are no firm rules to draping garland, but I recommend starting at the top and placing it as far out toward the end of the branch as feels secure. Starting at the top and slowly increasing the garland between each wave helps avoid branches bulging between tightly cinched garland strands. Plan on using about two strands of garland for every vertical foot of the tree.
You can also decorate with ribbon instead of garland by loosely wrapping a wide patterned ribbon around the tree in bands. Use the ribbons to create big bows to decorate the tree branches. Varying the width of the ribbon can add visual intrigue, and tucking the ribbons in at various spots helps to create a flow.
6. Layer with Ornaments
The amount of ornaments used is a matter of personal taste. Whether you are going for a full and densely ornamented tree, or prefer a minimalist approach, add ornaments deeper inside the branches. If you are working with several colors, disperse each group around the tree before moving on to the next batch to ensure a proper balance of color.
To showcase your favorite ornaments, place them in prime positions on the tree first. Next, begin with the large ornaments placing them as far into the tree’s center as your branches allow. This will keep them sturdy and fill uneven spaces. Hang them as high up on the tree as is comfortable, but plan to use medium and small ornaments farther up. Then it is time to place medium-sized ornaments farther out on the branches. Lastly, put small decorations on the outermost part of the branches, where their scale won’t get lost, and the weight won’t shift the branch.
Hanging some ornaments closer to the trunk will create depth and interest. They reflect the light to make your tree sparkle from the inside. Stand back and study your tree from various angles to determine if empty areas need filling.
7. Place the Tree Skirt
The tree skirt provides function as well as makes a fashion statement. It catches the needles and sets the stage for beautifully wrapped presents.
Christmas Tree Ideas to Try this Year | Christmas Tree Themes
The Christmas tree is the focal point for all your holiday decor, so it should make a statement. When decorating your Christmas tree, you have two options: stick to the traditional route or go for something unexpected. While traditional decorations can evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring back cherished memories, unique decorations allow you to express your individuality and create a genuinely one-of-a-kind tree.
If you’re considering traditional decorations, consider classic red and green ornaments, sparkling lights, and timeless symbols such as candy canes and snowflakes. These decorations can create a warm and cozy atmosphere reminiscent of childhood Christmases.
However, if you’re more adventurous, why not try something different this year? Use unconventional colors like blue and silver or modern ornaments like feathers or origami shapes. Let your imagination run wild, and experiment with styles such as French Country or Scandinavian and materials to create a tree that reflects your personality.
No matter which route you choose, remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of decorating your tree. Let your creativity shine through, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. After all, Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and your tree should reflect that.
1. Nordic Christmas Ornaments
Decorating a Nordic Christmas tree can be a wonderful holiday season celebration. There are many reasons why people choose to decorate their trees in this style.
For one, it can be a way to connect with your heritage and celebrate your cultural traditions. Additionally, Nordic-style decorations often feature natural elements like pine cones, berries, and wood, which can create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home.
Plus, the simplicity of the decorations can be a refreshing break from the more elaborate and flashy Christmas decorations that are popular in other parts of the world. Whatever your reason for choosing a Nordic Christmas tree, it will bring joy and beauty to your holiday season.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Nordic Christmas Ornaments
A NOD TO SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN
Celebrate Christmas with understated European elegance. Mix and match plaid and Nordic ornaments with plaid ribbon red berry picks.
2. Burnished Metal Christmas Ornaments
Burnished metal ornaments add elegance and sophistication to a tree, making it look polished and put together. Of course, burnished metal ornaments are also beautiful to look at, with their shiny surfaces reflecting the twinkle of Christmas lights and creating a magical ambiance in any room.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Burnished Metals Christmas Ornaments
A TOUCH OF VINTAGE
Create stunning contrast with earthy tones and hints of gold. Add luster to your tree with these metallic ornaments’ glittery glamour and old-world elegance.
3. Parisian Palace Christmas Ornaments
Capture the essence of French elegance with a blend of soft gold, champagne, and ivory. Oversized floral picks, glittering baubles, and ornaments with intricate details bring a touch of luxury to your tree.
Cascading ribbons in metallic and sheer fabrics add movement and sophistication, while crystal accents and shimmering starbursts introduce a hint of glamour. A delicate, sparkling star tops this ethereal creation, and warm white lights enhance its serene and refined festive atmosphere.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Parisian Palace Ornaments
PARISIAN PALACE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
This stunning Christmas Tree was designed using ornaments in ivory and champagne.
4. Après Ski Christmas Ornament Set
Decorate your tree with accents reminiscent of cozy alpine retreats. Combine classic patterns with ski-inspired details to add a whimsical touch to your Christmas display. Decorating a Christmas tree in the après ski style brings a touch of rustic charm and elegance to your holiday decor.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Apres Ski Christmas Ornament Set
5. Farmhouse Christmas Ornaments
Decorating with farmhouse Christmas ornaments is a great way to create a cozy and rustic atmosphere in your home during the holiday season. These ornaments often feature traditional Christmas symbols like wreaths, stars, and snowflakes but with vintage charm.
They can be made from wood, metal, and burlap, giving your tree a unique and homespun feel. Whether you’re going for a classic farmhouse look or want to add warmth and character to your holiday decor, farmhouse Christmas ornaments are the perfect choice.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Farmhouse Christmas Ornaments
A REFRESHING TAKE ON A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
This exclusive set offers an eclectic mix of traditional designs to spruce up your Christmas tree with rustic charm. This collection includes assorted glass ornaments hand-painted in an updated Christmas color palette of sage green, burgundy, and blue.
The mixed materials ornaments include miniature sleds and ice skates, fabric reindeer, and vintage sleigh bells, charming pieces that evoke the cozy look of a wintry countryside cottage.
6. Christmas Cheer Ornaments | Red & Green Christmas Tree Ideas
If you’re a fan of nostalgia and all things vintage, why not incorporate a touch of retro charm into your Christmas tree? Vintage and retro styles can add warmth and nostalgia to your holiday decor and evoke memories of Christmases past.
The combination of red and green symbolizes the natural beauty of the winter season, with the bright red representing the warmth of a crackling fire and the green representing the fresh pine scent of a Christmas tree.
Choosing vintage ornaments adds a charming and sentimental feel to the tree, as each ornament tells a story of Christmases past and brings back cherished memories. Look for ornaments with a nostalgic feel, such as glass baubles, tinsel garlands, and hand-painted decorations. These vintage treasures will add a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to your tree.
Another idea is to use vintage-inspired wrapping paper as a tree skirt or to create unique ornaments. Look for papers with retro patterns and colors, such as polka dots, stripes, and floral prints.
Cut the paper into various shapes and sizes, add a hole at the top, and attach a ribbon for hanging. These homemade vintage-inspired ornaments will add a personal touch to your tree and create a cohesive and nostalgic look.
Add vintage-inspired garlands or lights to your tree to complete the vintage look. Opt for garlands made from tinsel, popcorn, or string vintage-inspired lights with larger bulbs for that classic Christmas glow. These small details will tie the whole vintage theme together and create a tree that is both timeless and charming.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Christmas Cheer Ornaments
OLD-WORLD TREASURES
Pay homage to Christmases past by decorating with vintage-style ornaments. Choose one design for a unified theme or mix and match to create a festive holiday display.
7. Starry Night Christmas Ornament Set
Capture the wonder of moonlit winter nights. Decorate your holiday foliage with this collection of deep blue and silver ornaments to recreate the magic of a star-filled sky.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Starry Night Christmas Ornament Set
Holiday Tree Bundles by Interior Designer Shea McGee
This year, well-known interior designer Shea McGee has created a series of 4 beautifully decorated trees where you can shop for all the pieces, from the tree to the stand, ornaments, tree toppers, and gift-wrapping options. Here are the four styles:
Elevated & Elegant: May your days be merry, bright, and polished.
Classic Christmas: Deck your tree with timeless & classy details.
Merry Maximalist: Make your treetop glisten from every angle.
Whimsical Wonderland: Let visions of sugar plums dance in your heads.
8. Elevated & Elegant
Elevated & Elegant Holiday Tree Ornament Collection
A polished and elegant Christmas tree perfect for formal living rooms and dining areas. The stunning array of ornaments includes stars, metallic baubles, LED candlelights, and warm earth tones. The look is complete with metallic foliage, tiny Santas, picture frame ornaments, and a brass garland.
9. Classic Holiday
Classic Holiday Tree Ornament Collection
This tree is decked with classy and timeless details and brings a nostalgic feel to any room in the home. A faux flocked Norway Spruce takes center stage and is adorned with brass bow ornaments, flocked baubles in earthy tones, pinecones, paper and metallic ornaments, and glazed porcelain ornaments.
10. Merry Maximalist
Merry Maximalist Holiday Tree Ornament Collection
Make your treetop glisten from every angle. This look is best styled anywhere you want to make a statement. Ornaments include dried orange slices, alabaster stars, flocked baubles, metal bells, wooden nutcrackers, beaded garland, blown glass ornaments, and a crochet-edge tree skirt.
11. Whimsical Wonderland
Whimsical Wonderland Holiday Tree Ornament Collection
This gorgeous Christmas tree was curated with a 7′ tall pre-lit faux flocked tree, brass bow clips and tree topper, frosted berry glass ornaments, hanging bells, lovely white doves, pearl pea pods, a natural tree ring, and gold beaded garland.
12. Grand Heritage Ornament Set
Decorating a Christmas tree in gilded gold, red, and green is a beloved tradition that brings joy to many during the holiday season. These colors symbolize the season and hold special meaning for many people.
Gold represents the light of the holiday season, red indicates love, and green represents the hope of new beginnings. Together, these colors create a festive atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of Christmas.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Grand Heritage Ornament Set
FESTIVE & ELEGANT
Glam up the look of your Christmas foliage with shimmer and shine. Accentuate your tree, wreaths, and garlands with hand-wrapped leaves of gleaming gold and sparkling metallic tones.
13. Brilliant Bordeaux Ornament Set
Add a dazzling touch of sophistication to your holiday display with these burgundy and gold glass ornaments. Featuring intricate patterns embellished with bead and glitter accents.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Brilliant Bordeaux Christmas Ornament Set
14. Roaring Twenties Ornament Set
Bring the lively and joyful spirit of the Jazz Age to your Christmas tree. Classic shapes in metallic hues and sparkling designs add the timeless allure of the period.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Roaring Twenties Christmas Ornament Set
15. Biltmore Legacy Ornament Set
This collection features Christmas balls, jumbo ornaments, and finials intricately hand-painted with golden details.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Biltmore Legacy Christmas Ornament Set
16. Biltmore Legacy in Blue & Gold
Bring the grandeur and elegance of Biltmore to your holiday decorating. Mix with other heirloom ornaments for an added layer of sparkle and shine.
Ornament Set Shown Above: Biltmore Legacy Christmas Ornament Set
How Many Christmas Ornaments do I need?
There’s no hard rule when it comes to the number of ornaments. Your style preference also comes into play when deciding the amount of ornaments for your tree. You might prefer a minimalist look, while others love to mix and match assorted pieces.
The Christmas ornament guide below combines all these factors to give you our recommended count. However, you might need to scale the resulting number up or down depending on the sizes or types of ornaments you’ll use. For reference, the table accounts for ornament sizes ranging from 4 inches to 8.75 inches long.
| Tree Height | Light Coverage | Heavey Coverage | Ornaments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 feet | 70 pieces | 105 pieces | 4-8.75 inches |
| 7.5 feet | 105 pieces | 140 pieces | 4-8.75 inches |
| 9-10 feet | 175 pieces | 210 pieces | 4-8.75 inches |
What is the Ideal Length of Ribbon for Christmas Trees?
When you decorate your tree with Christmas ribbons, your chosen style will affect the length of ribbon needed. A good starting point is to have at least 3 yards of ribbon per foot of tree. If you want to keep it simple, start at the top of your tree and wrap the ribbon around it in a downward spiral. The wider your tree, the longer the ribbon you’ll need. Here’s a rough guide based on tree size to give you an idea.
| Tree Height | Ribbon Length |
|---|---|
| 6.5 feet | 19.5 yards |
| 7.5 feet | 22.5 yards |
| 9-10 feet | 27-30 yards |
Christmas Tree Lighting & Ambiance | Christmas Tree Ideas
When creating a magical and enchanting Christmas tree, lighting is key. The proper lighting can transform a simple tree into a breathtaking centerpiece that sets the mood for the holiday season.
Start by choosing the right type of light for your tree. LED lights are popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. They come in various colors and can be programmed to create different lighting effects. Opt for traditional incandescent lights if you prefer a warm and cozy glow. These lights emit a soft, warm light that creates a nostalgic and inviting ambiance.
To create a magical effect, consider adding twinkle lights to your tree. These lights have built-in settings that make them twinkle, fade, or chase, adding movement and sparkle to your tree. Place the twinkle lights near the tips of the branches to create a starry effect.
Another way to enhance the ambiance of your tree is by using candles. While real candles are not recommended due to safety concerns, battery-operated or LED candles are available that mimic the flickering effect of real flames. Place these candles in candleholders or lanterns and scatter them throughout your tree for a warm and cozy glow.
Remember to consider the overall ambiance of your space when lighting your tree. Dim the lights in the room and play soft holiday music to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Add scented candles or diffusers with holiday scents such as cinnamon or pine to create a sensory experience that complements the visual beauty of your tree.
My Christmas Tree
Here is my own Christmas Tree this year. Last year, I removed the red and green ornaments we’d used for the past 15 years and updated them with silver, gold, and blush metallics. Our tree looked sparse before being decorated, so I purchased larger-scale flowers and shimmering leaves to fill the gap. I ordered the bows for the gifts from Amazon and was surprised they had to be assembled.
On a good note – they were super easy to make. You pull two loose strings, automatically forming a beautiful bow. I ordered the Satin Wired Glitter Ribbon from Michael’s and used it to create a bow at the top of the tree. Next year, I’ll order more and use it throughout the tree, as it’s stunning! It has a beautiful color, with just enough bling. The Christmas Ball Ornaments are from Canadian Tire.
Make your Christmas Tree Unforgettable
Take your Christmas tree to the next level this holiday season by incorporating unique and enchanting decorating ideas. Whether you opt for traditional or unconventional decorations, DIY ornaments, creative tree toppers, alternative tree ideas, colorful themes, nature-inspired elements, or vintage and retro styles, the possibilities are endless.
Transform your tree into a mesmerizing centerpiece that reflects your style and creates a memorable atmosphere for everyone. Use lighting and ambiance to enhance the magic of your tree, and remember to carefully arrange and space your ornaments for a visually appealing display. Let your tree steal the show this Christmas and make your celebrations unforgettable. Happy decorating!
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