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How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree for 2024

From baubles to tinsel, real trees to fake trees, this guide will help you decorate your 2024 Christmas tree.

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The Christmas tree is arguably the most important part of decorating your home; it sets the tone for the rest of your design scheme and plays a big part in the day itself (plus, if you're an early decorator, you’ll be looking at it for a long time).

Choosing the right tree and decorations can be a big task, but this guide will help you dress a Christmas tree (short of doing it for you).

Real or artificial Christmas tree?

The first question to answer is one that comes around every year: 'Should I get a real or artificial Christmas tree?’.

Christmas tree with red decorations

Real Christmas trees

Pros:

  • Traditional - A real Christmas tree is a classic feature of the big day and the perfect choice for that chocolate box scene.

  • Natural scent - Authentic trees bring with them the scent of pine that will linger in your home, creating a festive atmosphere with no extra effort.

  • Space saving - When the big day is over, it can be cut up, recycled, or left to compost, taking up no extra storage in your loft or under the stairs.

  • Variety – they come in a lot more shapes and sizes than artificial ones. This can be useful for tailoring it as a centrepiece in your space.

Cons:

  • Upkeep – it’s just like a massive houseplant. It needs water and the right conditions to thrive. Without these elements it will quickly turn brown (not very joyful!)

  • Needles! The biggest complaint about the real deal is the needles. The longer it's in the house, the more it’ll shed (and they seem to be infinite). Because of this, they may not be the best option for households with pets or children because their leaves are very sharp.

Should I get an artificial Christmas tree?

Pros:

  • Low maintenance: An artificial tree requires no extra maintenance once put up, perfect for busy family life.

  • Variety: Faux trees have more styles and colours available. Are you going for a pink theme? Get a pink tree. Want an upside-down tree? Just grab one and turn your Christmas on its head.

  • Cost Effective: Once you have an artificial tree, you can reuse it for years to come, saving you money over time.

Cons:

  • Upfront cost: Artificial trees can be more expensive than their authentic counterparts, but you can store it for all your Christmases, making it cost effective.

  • Storage: A fake tree will take up storage space when not in use. Consider if this is feasible for your space.

  • No scent: they lack the natural pine fragrance of a real tree.

Christmas decorations on a tree mixture of white and blue decor

Types of tree decorations

Choosing decoration material is great place to start. Some fabrics are more versatile whilst others bring a specific texture to your decor.

Materials

  • Glass Christmas decorations: offer elegance, adding a touch of sparkle to your space.

  • Plastic Christmas decorations: versatile and practical choice, offering durability and variety.

  • Wood Christmas decorations: bring a rustic, natural aesthetic to displays.

  • Paper Christmas decorations: lightweight, and can be handmade, adding a homely element to holiday decor.

Shapes

Next, let's talk shapes. Christmas is a season known for its abundance of shapes and motifs. Creating a display with just one theme is a way of achieving a uniform look, but mixing and matching is a fun way to add your own personality and style. Here are some of the top ones to look out for:

  • Star decorations are a time-honoured symbol, often used as tree toppers or ornaments.

  • Round baubles are a staple, offering versatility in size, colour, and material.

  • Snowflake decorations capture the magic of winter, adding a frosty, delicate touch to any scene.

  • Angel decorations are a cherished symbol of peace and goodwill.

  • Candy cane decorations embody the sweetness of the season, with their iconic red and white stripes.

  • Gingerbread decorations bring warmth to displays, reminiscent of baking and festive treats.

Red christmas decorations on a tree

Colours

A key part of any festive tree is choosing colour combinations. The ones you decide upon will depend on your taste, existing design, and the effect you're going for.

  • Traditional Christmas colours like red, green, and gold evoke a sense of nostalgia. Together, they create an inviting and heart-warming atmosphere.

  • Modern Christmas palettes embrace contemporary aesthetics, incorporating shades like silver, white, and pastel tones. These colours create a chic, minimalist look resulting in a sleek and stylish display.

  • Contrasting colours, such as bright blues, vibrant purples, or even neon shades, add a bold twist on conventional expectations. These unexpected combinations will make your home stand out.

Step-by-step guide to decorating your christmas tree

Step 1: Pick a theme

Choosing a theme is a good place to start, and sourcing the decks gets you into the festive spirit! Before you begin dressing your tree, decide on your preferred theme or colour scheme. If you’re unsure of your concept, read our Christmas decor ideas guide.

Step 2: Find the best spot

Select a visible location that enhances your home’s festive vibe. Ensure there's enough space for the tree’s height and width, free from obstacles like furniture or doorways. If you have pets or children, prioritise safety by placing it securely. Make sure it's viewable from multiple angles and ensure easy access to a power outlet for lights.

Step 3: Shape your tree

If using an artificial tree, spread and fluff the branches to fill any gaps and make it look fuller. You’ll probably need help, so get assistance from family or friends!

When fluffing the branches, it might be useful to wear gloves to protect your hands. Work through each section and start from the inner part of the trunk and work your way outwards for the best results.

Step 4: Layering fairy lights and tinsel

Start with fairy lights, wrapping them from the bottom up for even coverage and a warm glow. Aim for about 100 lights per foot of tree height. Once they’re in place, drape tinsel evenly throughout the tree to add maximum shine. Consider mixing light types—like twinkling or coloured—to create depth and interest.

Step 5: Adding decorations

Now it's time for ornaments! Begin with larger ones, placing them deeper in the branches for dimension and balance. Add medium-sized ornaments next, finishing with smaller ones for a cohesive look. Incorporate personal touches, like handmade ornaments or family heirlooms, to add character.

Step 6: Choosing and placing the tree topper

The tree topper is the crowning glory! Select one that reflects your style—a classic star, an angel, or a whimsical character. Secure it at the top, ensuring stability. For taller trees, use a step ladder for safety. Your topper should complement the overall theme and complete the decor.

Step 7: Add a festive tree skirt

Wrap a tree skirt around the base to hide the stand or create a snowy effect. You can also use fabric or festive boxes as a finishing touch.

White and blue christmas decorations on a tree

Final tips to remember…

  • Layering: Build the decorations from inside the tree outward to create depth.

  • Even Spacing: Distribute ornaments and lights evenly to avoid overcrowding certain areas.

  • Balance: Maintain balance with both colours and sizes across the tree.

  • Textures: Combine different textures—glossy, matte, sparkly—to add interest.

FAQs

When decorating a Christmas tree, what goes on first?

  • Start with the lights. Wrap them around the tree from the bottom to the top for even coverage. This sets the foundation and ensures they shine through ornaments.

How do you decorate a Christmas tree to look full?

  • To make your tree look full, use various-sized adornments and layer them. Start with larger pieces deeper in the branches, then add medium and smaller ones on top. Fill in gaps with ribbons, tinsel, or picks to create a more abundant appearance.

How to arrange baubles on a Christmas tree?

  • Arrange baubles by starting with larger ones and placing them deeper in the branches. Then, add medium-sized embellishments, followed by smaller ones. Group them in clusters of two or three for a visually appealing effect, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

What do you put at the bottom of a Christmas tree?

  • At the bottom of your tree, consider using a skirt or a decorative blanket. This not only enhances the overall look but also provides a soft base for presents. You can also add items, such as small gifts or festive accents, to create an attractive display.

What is the most common thing to put on a Christmas tree?

  • The most common decorations are baubles. These colourful ornaments come in various sizes and finishes, adding charm. Other common ones include lights, tinsel, and of course, the pièce de resistance, a tree topper.