12 Pretty Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas to Make the Season Bright
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There’s no denying that the Christmas tree is the star of the season in most holiday homes. The iconic motif is the centerpiece for nostalgia and memories, from decking the halls to unwrapping gifts on Christmas day. It only makes sense, then, that the way you decorate your Christmas tree should be thoughtful, merry, and heirloom-worthy. The ideas for decorating your Christmas tree truly are endless, with so much room for creativity and personalization.
While we’ll always have a soft spot for hand-me-down ornaments and retro baubles, each year offers a new opportunity to reinvent what the Christmas tree looks like in your home. If you’re craving a little bit something different this year, let one of the scenes below act as your North Star for the season. From pretty pastels and charming woodland creatures to the sparkling tinsel and playful bows that caught the attention of Drew and Jonathan in their own homes last year, these Christmas tree decorating ideas are the best way to spread holiday cheer come December.
Try a Tinsel Tree
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about tinsel—it’s retro, charming, and playful. Perhaps that’s why Jonathan chose to cover his colorful tree in the shimmering strands last year. He might not have known it then, but he provided us with some much-needed inspo as we plan for the season ahead! Tinsel looks especially great with classic multicolored Christmas tree lights, so consider this your permission to go bold with your bulbs.
Tie on a Ribbon (or 92)
Looking for an alternative to the traditional Christmas tree ornament? Take inspiration from Drew’s tree last year, which boasted a bevy of hand-tied bows covering the branches. The best part? Pulling this off couldn’t be easier: Simply cut 12- to 14-inch strips of ribbon and tie them around each branch toward the end. You can opt for wired ribbon for a more polished finish or look to regular silk or velvet ribbon for a style that’s a bit more loose and relaxed but equally as charming.
Choose an Unexpected Hue
A pink Christmas tree scene might not be the first color you think of when you envision the holiday, but that doesn’t mean it won’t make for a gorgeous scheme. The key to incorporating an unexpected hue? Go as festive as possible to convey a celebratory atmosphere. Think baby pink ornaments flocked with snow, a pink wreath dusted in metallic gold glitter, or sweet blush presents tied up with billowing bows.
Lean Into Metallics
Nothing screams holiday cheer quite like a scene that sparkles and shines. This year, go for glam with a heavy dose of metallics, whether that’s warm gold or frosty silvers. You can incorporate the gilded finishes into every nook and cranny of your holiday tree scheme, from mirror-like balls to tinsel that looks like icicles. Just make sure to incorporate plenty of lights nearby—like paper stars or fairy lights—to really make the moment twinkle.
Indulge in Nostalgia
Ralph Lauren Christmas is the holiday aesthetic heard ‘round the globe this year, making it a great time to lean into all things classic red and green. This look works best if you incorporate as many heritage items as possible, so make sure to pull out the bits and baubles you’ve been saving from your own childhood, then pair them with plenty of tartan, cheery red, and textures like velvet and satin.
Keep It Simple
There’s a lot happening around your home during the holidays, so sometimes a minimalistic tree can be a nice way to cultivate a moment of calm. To make it work, choose a tree (real or fake) with a compelling shape and nicely spaced branches, then strategically dot the boughs with just enough ornaments to make it shine. Focus on designs with clean shapes and a tight palette to keep your scheme feeling minimal but intentional.
Embrace a “More is More” Attitude
If bold, bright, and bountiful cheer is your holiday personality of choice, your tree needs to follow suit. To curate a wow-worthy spruce, look for an assortment of ornaments that go big in both quantity and size. Here, oversized baubles mingle with a tight color palette and unexpected extras (ice skates! snowflakes! picture frames!) for an exaggerated tree that still feels thoughtful and curated.
Flock Your Tree for a Snowed-In Look
For a scene that brings the magic of a winter wonderland into your home (mess-free!), look no further than a flocked Christmas tree. The fancy phrase is just another way to say that the tree’s branches are covered in an artificial snow powder, lending the effect that it’s been freshly dusted by snowfall. To really emphasize the whimsical look, choose ornaments that have the snowy veil, or ones that embrace a frosty atmosphere, like cool silvers and velvety whites.
Drape Garlands for Fullness
Garland is one of the most overlooked Christmas tree accents, but it can really bring your tree together and be a great way to fill any “holes” in natural trees caused by wonky branches or uneven growth. The key to finding a good match? Pull out a common theme from the rest of your decor, whether that’s an accent color, vibe, or size match.
Add in Cute Woodland Animals
There are certain animals that just feel essential to the wintertime vibe, like arctic penguins and white polar bears; snow owls and reindeer; and even arctic foxes and showshoe hares. Next time you’re looking for a theme for your tree, consider nature-inspired motifs in the form of ornaments, clip-on figurines, and floor-level stuffies for a sweet and creative take on Christmas decorations.
Dream of a White Christmas
Take the dream of a white Christmas to the max with a blue and white tree that’s as festive as it is frosty. You can stick to the duo of icy shades for your overall color palette when it comes to ornaments, or take things one step further and spring for a modern-meets-retro faux white tree that will act as an unexpectedly playful twist on holiday tradition.
Nod to a Christmas Past
When in doubt, nothing warms the heart quite like a nostalgic Christmas tree. Recreate the holiday of your childhood with all the mainstays: retro colored lights, tinsel garland, personalized and sentimental ornaments, an angel Christmas tree topper, and—of course—stockings hung by the chimney with care.
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And they’ll become heirlooms for years to come.
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Alyssa Longobucco
Alyssa is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in interior, food, and lifestyle content. The recent recipient of an interior design certification, she has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry helping readers digest design trends and providing actionable expert advice for creating a home and life they love.
