82 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas That Bring the Holiday Cheer
From traditional red trimmings to Barbiecore.
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Nothing says Christmas like a giant Douglas fir covered in string lights, holiday ornaments, and ribbon. So if you need some Christmas tree decorating ideas, consider this your cheat sheet. We hunted around the internet for a variety of styles, so no matter what your December look may be, you'll definitely find a match here. From maximalist options dripping in sparkle to a coastal-inspired alternative, there are a lot (read: 78) of fabulous Christmas tree ideas ahead. We've got it all: ideas for a traditional Christmas tree with colored lights, ribbon, or poinsettias as well as simple Christmas trees with more of a Scandi vibe. You'll find a new favorite here.
No matter how intricate these trees may look, you can decorate them yourself in a matter of hours (though we suggest including the whole family and taking your time). Here's the thing: Because you'll be spending a lot of time and effort outfitting your tree, you may as well enjoy it for as long as you can, so we suggest getting the party started on Thanksgiving weekend and leaving your tree up through the days following Christmas. After all, we can't think of a better way to recover from Turkey Day than putting on some carols, gathering the crew, and tossing some tinsel on the tree.
There's no better time to start thinking about your Christmas decorating scheme. We even have a few concepts on hand if you're in the market for not one but two trees. Otherwise, peep the ideas for tall or tiny trees. Trust us, regardless of what you're going for, you'll want to take a look at every Christmas tree decorating idea on our well-curated list below.
Add Faux Tapers
While putting real candles on your Christmas tree is something of a fire hazard, you can do as Beata Heuman does and opt for battery-operated clip-on tapers instead. The glow is oh so cozy and festive.
Tie Bows
Take a cue from interior designer Melanie Lissack and put a Christmassy twist on the bow fashion trend. This technique is also great if you have copious amount of gift-wrapping ribbon and too few ornament hooks.
Add Tinsel
Midcentury modern Christmas decor, including tinsel trees, is all the rage this year, and for good reason. The metallic strings add vintage flair while still feeling glitzy and glamorous.
Go Coastal
Live on or near the water? Opt for a chic seaside theme by using scallop shells as ornaments. This example, fashion designer Bill Blass's tree in Connecticut from an old House Beautiful book on Christmas decorating, uses warm-toned lights to make the shells appear gilded.
Pare It Down
We know traditional Christmas trees are often full and fluffed, but there's something to be said about the so-called rejects. Just think about Charlie Brown's tree! String a few special ornaments and tinsel on a tree with well-spaced branches, such as a silvertip fir, and each element will have room to shine.
Stick to a Single Color
We love the look of a monochromatic Christmas tree. If you do too, pick a color that pairs well with green and outfit your tree in that shade. Of course, you can't go wrong with red.
Decorate an Outdoor Tree
We're all for decorating a tree to leave where it was born: outside! Just make sure that your lights and extension cords are safe to use outdoors and that the decorations won't deteriorate or get ruined if left out in the elements.
Cover It in Frosting
Well, not literal frosting, as that would become a bug-infested disaster, but you know what we mean! If you're going the artificial tree route, you may want to consider one flocked in faux snow. Nothing creates a more magical winter wonderland vibe like a snowy white flocked Christmas tree.
Touch the Ceiling
If you have tall ceilings, make sure to snag an equally tall Christmas tree. You may need a ladder to get to the top, but that's okay.
Keep It Small
On the other hand, if your home is complete with a little nook, feel free to stick a miniature tree in there. The only thing sweeter than a nook is a nook with a beautifully decorated and lit Christmas tree.
Let There Be Light
It's our personal opinion that there is no limit on the number of lights when it comes to Christmas trees. Case in point: this beauty that's covered from trunk to angel in lights.
Let the Tree Itself Shine
While some opt for maximalism, covering every inch of the branches in ornaments and lights, others prefer something a bit quieter. If you fall into the latter category, we suggest stringing microlights (which are even smaller than string lights) and only a select few ornaments.
Embrace a Traditional Look
You can't go wrong with a classic Christmas tree: a seven-foot fir or evergreen, metallic and red ornaments, and an angelic tree topper. It's as traditional as it is beautiful.
Get Two
If you have the space, why not get two Christmas trees? It may make the room feel a bit smaller, but we can guarantee that the holiday cheer will double.
Make It Golden
While we'll never say no to color, we're also on board with the idea of swathing the tree in an array of soft, warm metallics. From muted golds to darker brasses, there's a lot you can do that's elegant and full of the Christmas spirit.
Embrace Nature
To get a natural, wintry look, focus on a simple color palette of brown and white accents on a green tree. Make it cozy—as designer Kate Lester did here—with fluffy sheep-shaped ornaments, brown pinecones, and leafy greens. Finish it off with muted brown bells and white ribbons.
Mix Textures
To create a minimalistic yet moody Christmas tree display, designer Jess Weeth of Weeth Home mixed paper teardrop and velvet ball ornaments in rich shades of red, brown, and black.
Just Add Bows
Ditch little ornament hooks in favor of securing ornaments onto your tree with ribbon. Here, designer Nicole Salceda of Eye for Pretty added silver ornaments in multiple shapes, each hung with a thick light brown ribbon tied in a bow.
Go Overboard
For an eclectic, over-the-top display that screams Christmaximalism, completely cover your tree with ornaments and lights. The lack of green space and variety of ornaments will fascinate anyone who so much as glimpses it from the street. Place the tree in a painted vessel as designer Matthew Bees did here for an unexpected touch.
Tuck in Leaves
Pare back on ornaments in favor of metallic leaf accents, bunches of orange berries, and a natural garland. Boost the overall chic look with a white faux-fur tree skirt.
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