How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree in 5 Easy Steps
It's all in the detail.
The secret to decorating your Christmas is as easy as following these simple steps. From giving your tree's branches a good fluffing to hanging dozens of magical, twinkling Christmas lights like a pro, make this year’s Christmas tree your most head-turning yet with our step-by-step guide. Tis' the season!
1. First, Give Branches Some Attention
Found your perfect pine, spruce or fir tree this year and not sure where to begin with your festive decoration? To get the most out of a real tree, make sure to trim the tips of any longer or stray branches and shape. However, if your Christmas tree is artificial, fluff and fan out the tips in different directions to give it a more realistic effect. If you're undecided on what type of tree to use this year, our guide, How to Choose the Perfect Real or Fake Christmas Tree offers some great insights.
Once you've got the shape of your Christmas tree set, plug in your string lights and weave them throughout the branches as you wrap up toward the top of the tree. You’ll need approximately 100 string lights for every foot of height for your Christmas tree. To save time, pre-lit Christmas trees offer the perfect amount of light per branch.
Tip: Avoid getting wrapped up in your own string lights by reading An Expert's Guide to Hanging Outdoor & Indoor Christmas Lights.
3. Hang Garlands From the Top
Whether your holiday garland looks like a string of baubles, pine cones, ribbon, tinsel, bells, a paper chain or even popcorn, you should start by hanging your garland decoration vertically or stringing it around the tree. Secure your garland to the top of your Christmas tree then drape it down evenly to cover any holes and create a festive base.
Think outside the box when it comes to decorating with festive ornaments and baubles. Opt for decoration that has a running colour theme and add a mix of shapes, textures and sizes. For extra personality, try decorating your Christmas tree with accents that you would normally find sitting on the dining table or mantlepiece. Check out our Christmas decorations to find something you'll love. Remember, there's no right or wrong here!
Tip: These 11 Alternative Ways to Decorate With a Wreath will help you add even more festive-ness to your Christmas decoration. Remember, it's the holidays so there's no such thing as going 'over-the-top'.
5. Keep the Topper and Skirt in Proportion
Of course, no Christmas tree is complete without a good, festive tree topper. Opt for a traditional angel or shimmering holiday star or think outside the box to add something totally unique. As a rule of thumb, your finishing tree topper and skirt should be sized according to the height of the tree. Find some suggestions in this helpful chart.
Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then we think you'll also love these festive ideas:
- How to Decorate Scandi Style this Christmas
- 3 Steps to Your Most Festive Table Yet
- Christmas Country Cottage Decor Ideas
