Green Christmas tree with red/green/gold ornaments, warm white lights

Special occasions

How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree for 2024

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

Browse Christmas Decorations

The Christmas tree is arguably the most important part of decorating your home: it sets the tone for the rest of your decor 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 trim 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?".

Real Christmas Trees

Pros:

  • Traditional - A real tree is a classic feature of the big day and the perfect pick for that Christmas card-worthy 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 space in the attic or garage.

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

Cons:

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

  • Needles! The biggest complaint about the real deal? The needles. The longer it's in the house, the more it’ll shed (and they seem to be infinite). Because of this, real trees might not be the best option for 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 colors available. 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, saving you money over time.

Cons:

  • Upfront Cost: Artificial trees can be more expensive than real ones, but you can store yours to bring out every year, making it cost effective.

  • Storage: A fake tree will take up storage space when not in use. Think about whether that's feasible for your space.

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

Types Of Tree Decorations

Deciding on decoration materials is great place to start. Some fabrics are more versatile while others bring a specific texture to your decor.

Materials

  • Glass Christmas decorations: elegant, adding sparkle to your space.

  • Plastic Christmas decorations: versatile and practical picks with durability and variety.

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

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

Shapes

Next, let's talk shapes. Christmas makes us think of so many shapes and symbols. You can create a display with just one theme to get 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:

  • Stars are a time-honored symbol, often used as tree toppers or ornaments.

  • Round ornaments are a classic, giving versatility in size, color, 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 canes are all about the sweetness of the season, with iconic red and white stripes.

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

Colors

A key part of trimming a tree is choosing color combinations. They'll depend on your taste, existing design, and the effect you're going for.

  • Traditional Christmas colors like red, green, and gold evoke a sense of nostalgia, Creating an inviting and heartwarming atmosphere.

  • Modern Christmas colors are all about contemporary vibes, with shades like silver, white, and pastels. They're colors that create a chic, minimalist look for a sleek, stylish display.

  • Contrasting colors like bright blues, vibrant purples, or even neon shades add a bold, unexpected twist. These cool combinations will make your tree a standout.

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 ornaments really gets you into the festive spirit! Before you start trimming your tree, decide on your theme or colors. Not sure how to find your concept? Read our Christmas decor ideas guide.

Step 2: Find The Best Spot:

Look a visible location that enhances your home’s festive vibe. Make sure there's enough space for the tree’s height and width, away from obstacles like furniture or doorways. Have kids or pets? Prioritize safety by making sure your tree is secured and stable. Also make sure it's viewable from multiple angles and that there's easy access to a power outlet for lights.

Step 3: Shape Your Tree

Got an artificial tree? Spread and fluff the branches to fill any gaps and make it look fuller. You’ll probably need help, so ask family or friends (it's part of the fun!).

When fluffing the branches, think about wearing gloves to protect your hands. Work through each section. Start from the inner part of the trunk and work your way outwards for the best results.

Step 4: Layering Lights and Tinsel:

Start with string lights, wrapping them from the bottom up for even coverage and a warm glow. Count 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 different types of lights—like twinkling or colored picks—to create depth and interest.

Step 5: Adding Decorations:

Now it's time for the ornaments! Start 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. Add personal touches, like handmade ornaments or family heirlooms, for character.

Step 6: Choosing and Placing The Tree Topper:

The tree topper is the final flourish for your beautiful tree. Pick one that reflects your style—a classic star, an angel, or a whimsical character. Secure it at the top, making sure it's stable. For taller trees, use a step ladder for safety. Your topper should reflect the overall theme and complete the decor.

Last Step: 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.

Final things 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: Create a balance between colors and sizes all over 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 makes sure they shine through ornaments.

How do you decorate a Christmas tree to look full?

  • To make your tree look full, use various-sized ornaments 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 other decorations to create a more abundant appearance.

How do you arrange ornaments on a Christmas tree?

  • Start with larger ornaments and place them deeper in the branches. Then add medium-sized ones, followed by smaller ones. Group them in clusters of two or three for more visual appeal, making sure 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 things like small gifts or festive accents to create an attractive display.

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

  • The most common decorations are ornaments. They're colorful and come in various sizes and materials to add charm. Other common ones include lights, tinsel, and of course the finishing touch: a tree topper.