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Christmas is a time for cherished moments—family, food, gingerbread houses, music, and movies. As we prepare to decorate our Christmas trees, let's explore the history behind this tradition and how to best adorn them.
Decorating a Christmas tree can feel overwhelming because there are many decoration styles. However, it's a great chance to be creative and try new ideas. By decorating your tree, you can create a display you will be proud of and remember for years, helping to make your Christmas celebrations special.
Home Christmas decorating ideas can also inspire you to extend your creativity beyond the tree and into other areas of your home. Let's explore the best way to decorate a Christmas tree, but first, we have a little history lesson for you. We wanted to know why we decorate Christmas trees at all and who decided how.
Exterior Christmas decorating ideas can also be traced back to early traditions. Christmas decorations like lights, garlands, and ornaments are typical in many homes, but where did this tradition start? The National Christmas Tree Association states that the first decorated Christmas tree was displayed in 1510 in Riga, Latvia. By the 1530s to 1600s, decorating trees became popular in Germany. Although initially hesitant, many American Christmas traditions took root in the 1800s, influenced by German customs. Before Christmas tree decorating became popular, people hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows to celebrate the season.
Must-have Christmas tree decorations
- Lights – lights are the top pick for a tree doesn't matter if it's faux or real
- Ornaments – There are many colors, shapes, and types to choose from.
- Garland – It’s a low-cost way to make your tree stand out.
- Ribbon – Find the right ribbon for your Christmas tree.
- Tree skirt – Don't skip this! Skirts add texture and warmth to your space.
- Presents – Gifts are also tree decorations! They make a big visual impact and motivate you to finish your holiday shopping early.
Christmas tree tips for decorating
First and foremost, you should follow an order in decorating the Christmas tree
- Fluff the tree
- Wrap the lights
- Put on the topper
- Drape the garland
- Place filler ornaments on the interior of the tree
- Space out large statement ornaments
- Fill in with regular ornaments
- Add Ribbon Accents
- Add Picks
- Place a tree skirt around the bottom
1. Fluff the Christmas Tree: Tips
• Choose a spot for your Christmas tree near an outlet.
• For non-pre-lit trees, add lights from the top down, avoiding tight wraps around the trunk for an even glow.
• Fluff branches from bottom to top and front to back in a V-pattern for a natural look.
• Wrap lights around outer branch tips from top to bottom, tucking connection points in for neatness.
• Step back to check for bare spots and adjust lights and branches as needed. Use garland to fill any gaps for a fuller look.
2. Create A Christmas Tree Topper
After fluffing the tree and adding lights, it’s time for the topper. Tree toppers are decorative ornaments placed on the top of a Christmas tree, available in various shapes and designs. They enhance the tree's appearance and create a festive atmosphere in the room.
Decorating the Christmas Tree with Toppers: TIPS
• Leave at least 6 inches between the ceiling and the topper.
• Select a topper that matches your tree's shape; wide toppers suit full trees, while elongated ones fit narrow trees.
• Balance the topper in your hand; if it falls within 3 seconds, it may need extra support.
When decorating a Christmas tree, first consider how long your garland is. This will help it wrap around the tree nicely and make it look better. Choose a garland that matches the tree's theme and your overall decor.
Tips
• Start at the bottom of the tree when adding the garland, and let it drape rather than bend on the branches.
• Adjust the garland to suit your tree's shape: wrap tightly for slim trees and create looser loops for fuller ones. Experiment with patterns like spiral, crisscross, or vertical lines.
• Use energy-efficient LED lights for a beautiful glow, wrapped around the garland or directly on the branches.
You can decorate your Christmas tree with any number of ornaments, depending on your personal style. Some people like a simple look, while others prefer a mix of different decorations.
Tips
• When decorating, start with larger ornaments at the bottom and evenly distribute them for balance. Use more miniature ornaments to fill gaps and create depth. Step back frequently to assess and adjust the tree’s overall look.
• The best size for Christmas tree ornaments depends on your tree size and personal taste. Generally, smaller ornaments (about 2 to 3 inches wide) work well for trees that are 4 to 6 feet tall. Larger ornaments (about 4 to 6 inches wide) are a better choice for taller trees.
5. Christmas Tree Ribbons
Christmas tree ribbons add texture to your display. Choose embroidered ribbons for a luxurious look, metallic ribbons for extra shine, or layered ribbons for a unique appearance.
• When decorating your Christmas tree with ribbons, aim for at least 3 yards of ribbon per foot of the tree. Start at the top and wrap the ribbon downward for a simple look. A 1-2-inch ribbon is ideal for smaller trees, while larger trees benefit from 2.5-4 inches wide ribbons. Choose ribbon width based on your desired aesthetic.
6. Christmas Tree Garland
Christmas tree garlands are decorative strands made of tinsel, beads, ribbons, or lights hung around the tree. For a traditional tree, opt for tinsel or beads; for a modern tree, choose ribbons or greenery.
• Start at the top and drape the garland in a spiral down the tree, securing it with hooks or twist ties.
• Wrap it around a cardboard tube or pool noodle to prevent tangling, and store in a cool, dry place.
• Choose the right length for your tree, coordinate multiple garlands, and experiment with your decorations!
7. Fillers
Fillers add depth and texture, including tree picks, sprays, and natural items like twigs and pinecones. Choose a color scheme and mix various fillers like ornaments, ribbons, and floral picks for an appealing look. Mixing and matching Christmas tree inserts is a great way to add depth and interest to your décor. Start by choosing a color scheme or theme, then select a variety of fillers such as ornaments, ribbons, garlands, and floral picks that fit within that scheme.
• Pinecones add rustic charm and can be painted to match your decor.
• Use twigs or branches with spray paint or glitter for sparkle, while floral picks provide color and texture.
To place the tree skirt, center the tree and level it. Wrap the skirt around the base to cover the stand, adjusting for even distribution.
Best 5 tips to decorate a Christmas Tree
1. Balance in Decorations: To avoid empty spaces, decorate not just the front and sides but the entire tree.
2. Variety of Ornaments: Use a mix of shapes, sizes, and textures from top to bottom for a uniform look.
3. Consider Surroundings: Use a woven basket to hide the tree stand and place wrapped presents beneath the tree.
4. Theme is not for everyone: a professional-looking Christmas tree does not need a specific theme. While traditional themes like nostalgic or snowy designs are popular, simplicity with greenery that can be used year-round is also effective.
5. The world of Christmas decorations is vast, and adding your final touches—like sprigs or small ornaments—is key.
Enjoy some hot chocolate together with festive tunes playing and a cozy fire or beloved Christmas movie in the background. Do not forget! being present with one another truly counts during the holidays.
At Viv Flora Qatar, we love spreading holiday cheer! Share your cherished traditions and decorating stories with us—we can't wait to hear them!
For a modern Christmas tree, use neutral colors like cream, silver, and soft red.
Your Christmas tree doesn't need to match your room's colors; a cohesive theme can enhance its coziness.
To avoid fire hazards, don’t place a Christmas tree near heat sources like fireplaces or space heaters. Also, ensure it doesn’t obstruct guests' views of each other.
To store your Christmas tree decorations safely, remove hooks and hangers first. Wrap ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap and keep them in a sturdy container with dividers. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture, to ensure your decorations stay in good condition.
