8 Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro

Decorating a Christmas tree in the cold, dark winter months is a highly anticipated holiday activity. Bringing a verdant, green tree whether it’s real or faux is a special way to bring joy and festive cheer into your home. However, it can be overwhelming with all of the Christmas tree decorating options. There are so many styles, colors, and themes to choose from. Here is an order of operations in order to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro. 

1. Start with a good foundation

Before you start decorating your tree, make sure it’s in a stable stand and the branches are evenly distributed. Fluff out the branches to give the tree a fuller appearance. With an artificial tree, make sure to bend the branches and tips in different directions to create depth overall.

2. Choose a color scheme

Pick a color scheme that will tie your decorations together. Traditional colors like red ornaments and green ornaments are always a safe bet, but you can also opt for a more modern and minimalistic approach by choosing a monochromatic color scheme or metallics like gold ornaments, silver ornaments, and bronze. We’ve loved seeing customer photos over the years of Christmas trees decorated with monochromatic Old World Christmas ornaments. 

3. Add Christmas lights

The key to a well-lit tree is to wrap the lights around the tree from top to bottom. Use one strand of lights per foot of tree height. If you have a 6-foot tree, use six strands of lights. Start at the top of the tree and work your way down, making sure the lights are evenly distributed. Use clips or twist ties to secure the lights in place.

4. Add a garland

Garlands are a great way to add texture and color to your tree. Choose a garland that matches your color scheme, such as tinsel, ribbon, or beaded garland. Drape the garlands around the tree, making sure they are evenly distributed.

5. Add ornaments

Here’s where the fun really starts. Christmas ornaments add interest and sparkle to the Christmas tree. Start with the largest ornaments and place them evenly around the tree. Then, add medium-sized ornaments and fill in the gaps with smaller ornaments. Hang ornaments at different depths to create depth and interest. If you have a theme, such as sports ornaments or travel ornaments, use ornaments that reflect that theme. 

6. Add a tree topper

A tree topper is a finishing touch to your Christmas tree. Choose a topper that complements your color scheme and style. Popular tree toppers include angels ornaments, stars, and bows. Old World Christmas has a handful of beautiful tree toppers to tie it all together. 

7. Add a tree skirt

A tree skirt is a decorative covering that goes around the base of the tree. It hides the tree stand and adds a finishing touch to the overall look. Choose a tree skirt that matches your color scheme or adds a pop of color.

8. Add finishing touches

To add some extra sparkle to your tree, consider adding some finishing touches such as glitter, snowflakes, dried flowers, or pinecones. These can be hung from the branches or placed at the base of the tree. Many customers add our icicle ornaments to their tree! 

 

Decorating a Christmas tree like a pro takes some planning, but the result is a beautiful and festive centerpiece for your home. Follow these tips and your tree will be the envy of your friends and family. Happy decorating!

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Written by

Rachael Mitchell

Rachael Mitchell is a freelance writer based in Seattle, Washington, and has over 15 years of writing experience. She’d never be able to pick just one favorite ornament, but narrowed it down to the S’more and Tennis Ball. She always looks forward to s’mores in the summer with friends and family adding gourmet ingredients, and played 4 years of college tennis in the mid-west.

1 comment

Interesting order of decorating. After the tree is put up(I use a pre-lit tree) I place the topper on first. This way none of the ornaments are touched preventing breakage. I put the garland on after the ornaments (I know this is debatable) but I feel the garland is like putting the ribbon on the package. The garland can be draped into the areas where ornaments do not fit but maybe this year I will try garland first to see if I notice a difference. I don’t need a color scheme as I always have a traditional tree with ornaments collected over the years. Your article makes me think…….how soon should I start to decorate??? Is April too early?

Barry Hagenbuch

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