Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

From LoveToKnow Christmas

Use Christmas tree decorating ideas to create a unique display of holiday cheer. Hanging a bunch of ornaments, garland and tinsel on a tree without any thought can look sloppy. Create a theme and a plan for decorating the tree.

Let the family add their decorating ideas to the Christmas tree.

Christmas Decorating Themes

A tree does not have to have a specific theme, but most people tend to coordinate similar styles of Christmas ornaments and decorations. From rustic ornaments to wild bird decorations to Hallmark Christmas ornaments, a theme will become clear to anyone who sees the tree.

Certain colors, like red, blue, green, gold or silver may stand out in an overall theme, even if the actual items are not related, like cowboy Christmas decorations mixed with Winnie the Pooh Christmas decorations.

Parents may want to decorate their live Christmas tree with homemade tree decorations that their children created. Bakers, cooks and those with a youthful perspective on the festive tradition may want to create a theme based upon Christmas decorations made from candy.

A theme should reflect the personality and interior design style of the individual or family decorating the tree. Elegant gold and burgundy decorations with velvet ribbons would look lovely in a house decorated for a Victorian-era Christmas. An animal lover may choose to hang pictures of Fido and Fluffy on their tree, complete with miniature bone ornaments.

Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Decorating a Christmas tree is easier if all the decorations are gathered in one place before starting. Use these ideas to complete a tree:

  • Ornaments: Ornaments can be simple glass or even animated scenes that spin, make noise and light up.
  • Garland: Make homemade garland out of popcorn and dried fruits, or use a silver or gold garland on a large tree.
  • Tinsel: Use tinsel to create a sparkling effect on a small or large Christmas tree. It also helps fill in empty patches.
  • Tree Toppers: A tree topper can be anything from a large velvet bow to an angel to a Santa figure. Lighted stars are a popular choice in many homes.
Tree toppers complete a decorating theme.
  • Lights: Artificial Christmas trees often come with lights attached, although strands can still be purchased for trees without lights. Choose a single color, such as clear, red or blue, or a multi-colored strand.
  • Ribbons: Ribbons can be used in a variety of ways on a Christmas tree. Use a large bow as a topper, then roll ends vertically down the tree. Create small bows to use as ornaments. Small ribbons can be curled and attached to plain ball ornaments for some extra pizzazz.
  • Nature’s Bounty: Pinecones, berries, leaves and faux snow can all be used to create a Christmas tree that looks like it was brought in from the wilderness. Place a few small stuffed birds, raccoons and squirrels in the branches for a cute effect.
  • Tree Skirts: A tree skirt will cover an unsightly stand below the tree. Skirts come with all kinds of decorations on them, from quilted metallic patterns to snowmen to commercial cartoon characters.

The best Christmas tree decorating ideas combine several items for a stunning visual effect. For example, top a medium-sized tree with a white angel figurine. Hang white lights around the tree. Hang ornaments that are silver and white. Use white feathers for accenting around the tree. Add a little tinsel for some sparkle. The tree is not only decorating using items listed above, but features a theme of white, silver and angels.

Decorating Steps

Creating a balanced tree, regardless of Christmas tree decorating ideas, is important for a proper holiday display. Follow these steps to get the Christmas tree decorated picture-perfect:

  1. Hang the lights on the tree, leaving approximately six inches between strand loops. More space should be used if the tree is large, while less space between the lights creates a spectacle of lights.
  2. If using garland, wrap it around the tree, not up and down.
  3. Hang bulbs of similar style or color, using the light strands for spacing. Depending on the size of the tree, one to two bulbs should be visible from every angle in each row.
  4. Put ornaments with similar themes on the tree, spacing them evenly between the bulbs.
  5. Add any special items, such as animated ornaments or heirlooms.
  6. Tie on bows or ribbons, if desired.
  7. Turn on the tree lights to see how everything is spaced. Try to adjust one or two ornaments at a time. Doing too many can create large gaping holes.
  8. Use a little tinsel to fill in any overtly blank spots.
  9. Add the tree topper.

Children who enjoy decorating the tree will not notice if their parents adjust the ornaments slightly after they have gone to bed. However, completely redoing a tree may hurt a child’s feelings.

Balanced tree decorations are especially important if the tree is in a rotating Christmas tree stand. These stands turn the tree 360 degrees, allowing a view from every direction. Place a beautifully decorated tree in a large front or bay window so passersby can appreciate its glory.

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