Secrets to decorating your Christmas tree like a pro
Style to perfection with these tips from the experts.
We all want to decorate the perfect Christmas tree with baubles, ornaments and candles that fit perfectly with a festive and stylish scheme. In reality, however, that's easier said than done. Decorating a Christmas tree is no easy task, especially for the perfectionists among us, but if your home is your pride and joy and the tree is the centerpiece of your home during the Christmas season, we have you covered.
We spoke to a number of style and decoration experts, including the team of Balsam Hill – whose artificial Christmas trees adorned the TVs of The X Factor, Good Morning Britain and This Morning – on how to decorate your Christmas tree to look like you've hired a professional and how to choose the right Christmas tree decorations for your theme.
But before we begin, like any task, you need to have the right tools to ensure the safe and correct placement of your Christmas tree. These include cotton gloves for forming branches (that's quitea chore!), Scissors with safety handles for materials, packaging or equipment , and a sturdy ladder or step stool for installing toppers and arranging décor on taller trees.
So now you're all set, do you want to get that Insta-worthy look with very little effort? Read on for tips from the pros...
1. Invest in a high-quality artificial tree
Christmas trees made of high-quality materials provide sturdy and reliable support for decorations. You will find that high-quality trees are generally more durable and can withstand repeated use year after year while retaining their beautiful appearance.
Choose a traditional tree instead of a trend-oriented one so that it doesn't become "obsolete" after a few years, and a traditional design gives you the perfect base to layer and decorate as you please.
Pre-lit Christmas trees are a staple household favorite, as they save time by loosening all these lights, but one advantage of buying an unlit tree is that you can choose any style of light you want. When it comes to size, 7ft Christmas trees are now very popular, but you should always choose a tree that fits into your space and doesn't make it too cramped. If you're short on space, there are some large , sleek Christmas trees on the market, including narrow pencil designs that might fit better. And remember, to avoid wear and tear on your Christmas tree, consider models with advanced features that provide easy setup and storage.
Alternatively, if you want a real Christmas tree, there are plenty to choose from at tree farms, markets, or home and hardware stores. See all available types of trees, including Nordmann fir and spruce, in our real Christmas tree guide.
2. Form fluff and branches
Loosening the branches will help make your Christmas tree look fuller and more natural. This can be a very time-consuming task, but trust us, the end result is more than worth it. Separate each branch so that it blows out to cover as much area as possible, and do not hesitate to bend individual branches to fill gaps. A properly shaped tree is an appealing sight, no matter how minimal or lavish your ornaments may be. Remember to wear gloves and long sleeves if possible to avoid scratches on hands and arms.
3. Design around a theme
A professional-looking Christmas tree has a central look that connects the decorations together. When deciding on a theme before choosing your decorations, set the tone and give yourself a clear idea of how to decorate your tree. Need inspiration? Why not take a look at John Lewis' Christmas themes this year — from the Winter Fayre to Santa's Rainbow Workshop, there are six essential looks to help you decorate this festive season. And Homebase has shared four festive themes, from party nights to refined nature, to create a look that is traditionally Christmas.
4. Choose the right colors (and materials)
Once you've decided on your theme, curate a color palette to bring it to life. For example, stick to a red-gold color combination for a traditional but sumptuous look, stick to a red-gold color combination for a Scandi mood layer of white and soft neutrals, or choose blue and silver for an icy cool look. Stick to two (certainly no more than three) colors to keep the look restrained and not cluttered. Also think about materials and texture: plush velvet balls work well for a luxurious tree, while paper and wood decorations are ideal for Nordic-inspired or minimalist trees.
Less is always more, but after all, it's Christmas, so above all, decorate your tree in the way that makes you happy! The decoration rulebook is definitely relaxed at Christmas time, so have fun with it.
5. Start with the lights first
While kindled Christmas trees are popular and save you time (and money),You Christmas tree lights up if you have a simple tree (real or artificial). As a rule of thumb,Lights4fun's lighting experts recommend 100 bulbs or 5 meters of light per 2 feet of Christmas tree. So for a 6-foot tree, you need 300 bulbs or 15 feet of light.
The first, most important thing you should do when decorating your Christmas tree is always to add the lights first – it's harder to do this after adding decorations like baubles and garlands.
Balsam Hill recommends using the plug as a starting point, wrapping the lights around the trunk of your Christmas tree and working your way up from the center of your tree's base. Continue to wrap the candles evenly around the branches closest to the trunk, and then weave them upwards from the center of the crown.
"When you reach the crown, twist back down and arrange the lights further out on the branches," advises Balsam Hill. "Keep weaving the candles until you reach the top of the branches."
And remember, when weaving, the onion should be placed under one branch, and the next onion over a branch, etc.
6. Balance the décor
Given the variety of Christmas tree decorations you're likely to have, make sure everything is balanced and distributed to your liking. Arrange the ornaments from the top of the tree, and then work your way down. This way, you can easily check your design while dressing your tree.
7. Cluster your balls
Brad Schmidt, design consultant at Balsam Hill, recommends grouping three spheres into different sizes to add flair and visual appeal. You can either assemble the same parts or choose contrasting ones.
The White Company repeats this suggestion — creating a balanced, visually appealing tree, buying balls of three, six, or twelve, and adding them in a "Z" shape first. You need to hang larger balls closer to the center of the tree to give it more depth and use small ones at the end of the branches.
Let delicate glass beads dangle from the top of the tree to avoid breakage, and finally add special ones to make sure they are in the perfect position.
And how many balls do you need? The White Company recommends 80 balls for a 7.5-foot tree.
8. Team and style bands
Another expert tip is to lay your Christmas tree with decorative ribbons that enhance the aesthetics of your tree. You can use one type of ribbon or combine ribbons with contrasting textures and different widths for greater impact.
Brad recommends using tapes with wired edges because they are easier to form into loops, rollers, or loops and keep their shape better than non-wired tapes. Follow these simple techniques to arrange ribbons on your family tree.
9. Bridge træpeber
Tree picking and flower sprays come in many forms, such as ornate branches, twigs, berries, or even cones — use them as subtle accents to complement your tree's overall look. Grouping picks with flower thread is a creative way to increase your tree's visual appeal without overwhelming other decorations.
They are great for adding vibrant splashes of color not only to Christmas trees, but also to wreaths and garlands. Be sure to choose picks with pliable stems to make shaping easier.
10. Add fragrant ornaments
Now you can make your artificial Christmas tree smell of fragrant decorations – it will fill your entire room with the magic of Christmas. Buy a bottle of Scentsicles' fragrant paper tubes (including hooks) and place them between the decorations in your tree for the freshly cut scent. You immediately get a fresh scent with scents such as cinnamon, berries or winter spruce. You can also buy scented decorations from The White Company that fit your tree theme.
11. Choose the right treetop
A statement treetop is a beautiful way to complete your tree's designer look. Be sure to choose one that best suits your theme and the proportion of your tree, and also consider the height of your ceiling. Starwood toppers or angels are traditionally the most popular, but there are many alternative designs to choose from, including personal designs, or you can make your own.
12. Finish with a wooden skirt
Often overlooked, a Christmas tree skirt is the icing on the cake of your decoration and serves to balance the overall design of your Christmas tree. Wooden skirts also have many benefits, from covering the ugly "legs", trunk, or tree population, to protecting your floors and carpets from fallen pine needles (if you have a real tree).
Naturally, it draws attention to the lower part of the tree and contributes to a complete, harmonious appearance. Plus, it's the perfect backdrop for beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts. Alternatively, if you have a potted Christmas tree or one that comes in a basket, opt for a wooden blanket instead.