What are the things you put on a Christmas tree?

Technically, you can put anything you want on your Christmas tree. Traditionally, people put candles on them. However, this is a fire hazard. Instead, start with string lights. Tinsel is another traditional decorative item, but it’s dangerous to pets. Popular decorative items are garland and ornaments with a tree topper or angel.

How can I make my Christmas tree look nice?

Before you decorate your artificial tree, separate and fluff the branches. Wrap a tree skirt around your Christmas tree base to give the bottom a finished look and hide the stand. Use picks and garland to hide the holes that you find in the tree. Use a theme for your ornaments so that everything blends and complements each other.

How do you put lights on a Christmas tree like a pro?

Start by checking that all of the bulbs work. Begin adding lights at the top of the tree and work your way down and around the tree. Intertwine the lights so that they are both on the outside and towards the center of the tree. Aim to create even coverage throughout the tree.

Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas for a Festive Holiday

“I had a year-round Christmas tree with nothing but colored vinyl 45s hanging on it, like, old Elvis records and stuff.”- John Prine

Your Christmas tree is the focal point and centerpiece of your home for the holiday season. There’s no right way of decorating your tree. What you should focus on is how you want your tree to look. Start by deciding where you want your tree to be. Maybe you want it in the family room, or perhaps you want multiple trees throughout your home.

Now comes the fun part, checking out Christmas tree ideas and deciding a theme and decorating style. You could make all of the ornaments for your tree. Or you could choose a single color for a monochromatic look. Perhaps you want the tree to reflect the rest of your home’s decor aesthetic. These Christmas tree decorating ideas will get you excited for the holiday season.

1. Put up an Oversized Star

Making a bold statement, an oversized star atop your Christmas tree creates a striking focal point. This larger-than-life addition anchors the tree’s design, drawing the eye upward and setting a grand, festive tone.

Christmas tree with oversized star topper — Source: @desichittum via Instagram

2. Add Pops of Red

Intersperse vibrant red accents throughout your Christmas tree to inject a classic, yet dynamic flair. These bold red elements, whether in the form of baubles, ribbons, or flowers, infuse a sense of warmth and traditional holiday spirit into your space.

Christmas tree with pops of red ornaments — Source: @farmhousewithaltitude via Instagram

3. Jazz it up With Muted Pastel Ornaments

Adorn your tree with muted pastel ornaments for a soft, contemporary look. This palette brings a calm, sophisticated air to your holiday decor, blending seamlessly with a variety of interior styles while maintaining a festive cheer.

muted pastel Christmas tree — Source: @mellorandco via Instagram

4. Stick to one Colored Ornament

Embrace simplicity and elegance by decorating your tree with ornaments of a single color. This monochromatic approach creates a cohesive, refined appearance, allowing the texture and shapes of the ornaments to take center stage.

Christmas tree with white ornaments — Source: @asher_c via Instagram

5. Opt for a Winter Wonderland Theme

Transform your space into a serene winter wonderland. Adorn your tree with snowy whites, icy blues, and glittering accents to mimic the enchanting beauty of a frosty landscape, creating a tranquil and magical holiday setting.

Winter wonderland themed Christmas tree — Source: @edelweiss.homes_ via Instagram

6. Rose Gold & Silver

Blend rose gold and silver ornaments for a trendy, sophisticated look. The warm hue of rose gold pairs beautifully with the cool sheen of silver, offering a chic and contemporary twist on traditional holiday decor.

Rose gold and silver Christmas tree — Source: @richstudio_foto via Instagram

7. Outdoor Christmas Tree With Lights

Elevate your outdoor space by setting up a Christmas tree adorned with weather-resistant lights. This creates a welcoming, festive atmosphere, turning your garden or patio into a charming holiday haven.

8. Modern String Christmas Tree

For a minimalist, space-saving design, create a Christmas tree using only strings of lights. This contemporary concept is perfect for urban living, offering a unique and artistic take on traditional holiday decor.

9. Balloon Christmas Tree

For a fun, unconventional approach, construct a Christmas tree out of balloons. This playful design is perfect for family-friendly spaces and adds a whimsical, festive touch to your holiday celebrations.

10. Modern Metal Bone Christmas Tree

Embrace industrial chic with a modern metal bone Christmas tree. This sleek design adds an avant-garde edge to your holiday decor, perfect for contemporary interiors seeking a bold statement piece.

11. Paper Christmas Tree

Craft a unique, eco-friendly Christmas tree using recycled paper. This DIY approach allows for endless customization and adds a personal, artistic touch to your holiday decor.

Creative Christmas tree ideas — Source: @mariathony via Instagram

12. Wood Pallet Christmas Tree

Create a rustic, charming tree using wood pallets. This sustainable option brings a warm, natural element to your holiday decorations, perfect for a cozy, country-inspired home.

13. Creative Christmas Tree Stack

Stack different elements, like books, bottles, or even smaller trees, to form a creative Christmas tree. This innovative design allows for personalization and adds an unexpected twist to traditional holiday decor.

Wine Christmas tree stack — Source: @18_below via Instagram

Book Christmas tree stack — Source: @anugummaraju via Instagram

14. Uniquely Shaped Tree

Break away from the norm by choosing a Christmas tree with a unique shape. Whether it’s spiral, slim, or irregularly branched, a distinctively shaped tree adds a modern, artistic touch to your festive display.

Trimmed Christmas tree — Source: @thesequinhanger via Instagram

15. Just Add Lights

For a minimalist approach, simply decorate your tree with lights. This understated style highlights the natural beauty of the tree and creates a warm, inviting glow, perfect for a serene holiday ambiance.

Christmas tree with lights — Source: @pleasant_hill_design via Instagram

16. Table Christmas Tree Ornament

Incorporate a small, decorative Christmas tree as a centerpiece on your table. This adds a festive touch to your dining area and is ideal for smaller spaces where a full-sized tree isn’t feasible.

Wood Christmas tree table ornament — Source: @annaaelmans_diy via Instagram

17. Use a Mini Christmas Tree

Place a mini Christmas tree in smaller rooms or as an additional decoration in larger spaces. These petite trees can be customized to fit various decor themes, offering a charming and space-efficient way to spread holiday cheer.

Lights Christmas tree ideas — Source: @stagerroz via Instagram

18. Drift Wood Christmas Tree

Assemble a unique tree using driftwood pieces. This natural, beach-inspired design brings an organic, earthy element to your holiday decor, perfect for homes with a bohemian or coastal aesthetic.

19. Use a White Christmas Tree

Opt for a white Christmas tree for a sleek, modern look. This blank canvas allows for a wide range of decorating possibilities, from bold color schemes to monochromatic motifs.

20. Halloween-Themed Christmas Tree

Combine spooky Halloween elements with traditional Christmas decorations for an unconventional, playful tree. This fusion creates a unique, eye-catching display that’s sure to be a conversation starter.

21. Rainbow-Themed Christmas Tree

Brighten your space with a rainbow-themed Christmas tree. Arrange colorful ornaments in a spectrum order for a vibrant, joyful display that celebrates diversity and brings a burst of color to the holiday season.

Rainbow Christmas tree — Source: @pom_neon via Instagram

22. Colored Christmas Lights

Swap traditional white lights for colored ones to infuse your tree with lively energy. This simple change can dramatically alter the mood of your space, offering a fun, festive twist on classic holiday lighting.

Christmas tree with colored lights — Source: @our_nightingale_home via Instagram

23. Wall Christmas Tree

For those with limited space, create a Christmas tree on your wall using lights, garlands, or even wall decals. This space-saving solution brings holiday spirit into smaller homes without sacrificing floor space.