How to Decorate a Christmas Tree for a Show-Stopping Holiday Season

It’s that magical time of year again, and there’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than by putting up and decorating your household Christmas tree. From knowing the order of Christmas tree decorating to helpful tips on decorating a Christmas tree that’s unique,  here’s your ultimate DIY guide on how to decorate a Christmas tree you’ll remember for years to come.

Make a Plan Before Decorating Your Christmas Tree

With so many options and possibilities for decorating your holiday tree, it’s a great idea to think ahead. You should first plan what type of tree you want and where to put it.

Choosing between a natural or an artificial tree is just the beginning, as you’ll also need to consider:

• Pre-lit or unlit tree

• Color of the artificial tree

• Type of natural tree

• Flocked or unflocked tree

• Theme or color scheme

• When to put up the tree, when to take it down

How Much Does It Cost to Decorate a Christmas Tree?

The actual cost of decorating your Christmas tree will largely depend on how many decor items you already have on hand versus what you need to buy.

• Christmas lights (300 count): $10–$20

• Garlands: $11–$60

• Picks and sprays: $3–$30

• Toppers: $6–$80

• Ornaments: $1–$30 each

• Skirt: $20–$130

• Homemade decor: $0–$20

The ways to save money on tree decor are similar to ways to save money on holiday lights:

• Check out thrift stores.

• Buy right after the season when they’re on clearance.

• Find deals online.

Generally speaking, your tree decorating is likely to cost much less than the cost of hiring professional holiday light installers, which ranges between $220 to $650 for an entire home.

How to Prep for Decorating Your Christmas Tree

Decorating a tree is a lot easier if you prepare properly ahead of time. In particular, you should figure out your overall vision for the tree before making any big decisions.

Theme and Color Scheme

Although it’s not absolutely necessary, sticking to a specific theme or color scheme will help your tree have a cohesive look.

Some theme ideas to consider:

• Minimalist

• Vintage

• Traditional

• Boho

Color scheme ideas include:

• Monochrome

• Metallics

• Black and white

• Red and white

You might also consider going bold and unique with ideas like:

• Floral

• Coastal

• Snowy tree

• No ornaments

Once you decide on a theme or color scheme, you can gather all the necessary decorations for your Christmas tree. 

Choosing the Tree

Next, choose the right Christmas tree to make your vision a reality. For example, you might be dreaming of a natural tree with oversized ornaments, in which case you might go with a blue spruce or scotch pine tree, which have sturdy branches.

Or maybe you want to go bold and opt to decorate a black Christmas tree, for an edgy, modern look.

Size and Height

You should also figure out where you’d like to display your tree, and measure the height of the ceiling. You’ll want several feet of space in between the topper and the ceiling, so the space doesn’t look overcrowded.

Also, consider the width of the space where you plan to place your tree. You may need to opt for a narrow tree if space is tight, or you might choose a large, grandiose tree to fill out a large foyer.

Tip for Tall Trees 

If you’re decorating a tall artificial tree, consider using two tree stands: one for the bottom and the other for the top. You can decorate the sections separately without using a ladder and combine them at the end.

If you’re using a ladder, make sure to have a spotter and helper nearby.

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

There are many ways to work on your tree, but things will be a lot easier if you follow the basic order of Christmas tree decorating. Follow the steps below to keep the process as seamless as possible.

Shape Your Tree

If you have an artificial tree, the first thing you need to do is to shape the tree. This step will help your tree look as realistic as possible, so take your time. It might help to wear gloves to protect your hands, and you can reference the product photo for inspiration.

Also, if your tree is pre-lit, plug it in to check that the lights are working before fluffing up the tree.

Start from the bottom of the tree and work on one branch at a time. Fluff up each branch, staggering the tips in different directions for a natural look.

Light It Up

If you’re installing stringed lights, take a moment to plug them in first to make sure all the lights are working. In general, you should plan for 100 to 150 or more lights per foot. So if you have a 7-foot tree, you’ll need at least 700 lights. Of course, the more lights you install, the more eye-catching it’ll be.

While it might seem straightforward, it’s worth learning how to put lights on a Christmas tree properly. When placing the lights on the tree, you should put them on the inside of the tree as well as on the outside. You can mix and match different types of lights, too, like static lights combined with twinkling lights.

It’s a personal choice, but if your tree is partially hidden by a wall or two, you don’t necessarily have to cover the hidden area with lights, which can save you time and money.

You can also opt for a remote plug for your Christmas lights, which makes turning them off and on a cinch.

Ribbons and Garlands

Ribbons are a great way to add a whole new dimension to the tree. Some tips on using ribbons to decorate your holiday tree:

• It’s best to use thick, wide, wired ribbons because they’re easy to style and shape. You might choose a few different types of ribbon to work with of varying transparencies and styles. You can layer them for a stunning effect.

• When it comes to color, it’s best to stick to your color scheme, so the tree doesn’t become visually overwhelming.

• To make things easier, you can pre-cut the ribbons to varying lengths before getting started. Once you have the pieces ready, you can start placing them in your tree by wrapping the ends on the tips of the branch. It’ll look best if you install ribbons in the same direction (all vertical, or all horizontal).

• Working with one long strand of ribbon instead of smaller pieces will create volume. Some options include materials like thick yarn, artificial foliage, or tinsel.

Start installing the garland at the top of the tree and circle your way down. Tuck the garland into the tree branches so it’s not sitting on the exterior.

Time for the Picks and Sprays

Picks and sprays are a great way to add flair to your tree, especially if you have a theme or color scheme. There are so many options available, like ones that are glittery, floral, and even animal-themed.

Whether you’re looking for a modern, chic look (look for pearls or crystal-studded pieces) or something traditional (like pinecones), you’ll be able to find something to fit your needs.

You can start at the top of the tree and start placing the picks and sprays throughout. Some people even choose to use these instead of a traditional topper, so consider that option if you’re interested in something more modern.

Glam It Up With Ornaments

Now, it’s time to decorate your tree with your ornaments. If you have statement pieces, you might start by placing those first in premium spots on the tree where they’re easily visible. Generally, it’ll look best to use smaller ornaments on the top and larger ones on the bottom. With that being said, you can experiment with mixing different-sized ornaments to add depth.

Don’t hang the ornaments on the tips only—be sure to place them on inner branches, too.

Place the Topper

The topper is a great opportunity to showcase your theme if you have one. The traditional route is to go with an angel or a star, but you can also use non-traditional toppers like an oversized bow or a cluster of picks and sprays. You might also take some ornaments and make a topper by stringing them together with wire.

Put the Skirt or Collar on the Tree

Lastly, place the skirt or a collar at the base of the tree. Collars are a more modern option and can be helpful, as they keep pets and kids away from the base. Collars are often made of durable materials like metal or wicker.

How to Take Care of Your Christmas Tree

A natural Christmas tree can last about five weeks or longer if properly cared for. For the best results, you should try to buy a tree locally, so it’s as fresh as possible. While at the farm, buy a fresh-cut tree stand that can hold a gallon or more of water and be sure to ask plenty of questions so you understand how to water a Christmas tree properly in order to keep it healthy.

Your tree stump needs to be in water to keep the sap from sealing the tree. If the tree stays dry for too long (anywhere around 4 to 6 hours) and the sap seals the stump, then the tree won’t be able to absorb any water. During the first day after you bring the tree home, it’ll likely need about a gallon of water. After that, the tree needs a quart or more daily.

Water is also important because a dry tree is a fire hazard. Keep your natural tree away from heat sources and remove it before it begins to dry out.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

Decorating a Christmas tree is a fun project for any DIYer of any skill level. It’s a holiday tradition for many families, so get everyone involved in the fun.

However, a DIY job might not make sense if you want an extremely large Christmas tree. You might also have a specific idea that would be very time-consuming to take on, in which case hiring a local holiday decorator will save you time and ensure you have the most beautiful tree on your social media feed. Also, if you’re planning on hiring a company to do professional Christmas light installation, it makes sense to tack the tree decorating on their to-do list.

Christmas tree decoration services cost around $400 on average.