How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
Decorating the Christmas tree is one of the most magical parts of the festive season. It's a moment when families come together, old ornaments get unwrapped, and new ones are added. For a tree that reflects your unique style, follow these simple steps to create a Christmas tree that’s both beautiful and meaningful.
Build a theme
Before you start decorating, think about the theme or colour scheme you’d like for your tree. Whether you’re drawn to classic reds and greens, metallics, or a rustic woodland feel, establishing a theme will make it easier to pick decorations that work together. Some popular themes include:
- Traditional Christmas: Reds, greens, and gold with a nostalgic charm.
- Winter Wonderland: Silvers, whites, and blues for an icy, magical look.
- Rustic Charm: Earthy tones, natural textures, and woodsy accents.
Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’s time to gather your decorations. For something extra special, shop Personalised Christmas’ customised baubles and decorations that can bring a personal touch to any theme.
Fluff and shape
Whether you’re working with a real tree or an artificial one, taking time to fluff and shape it makes all the difference. For artificial trees, spread out the branches and position them to fill any gaps, creating a full and even look. Start at the bottom and work your way up, making sure each branch is fluffed and positioned for maximum coverage.
If you’re using a real tree, trim any branches that stick out oddly or make the tree appear lopsided. This will create a balanced shape and give you the perfect base for decorations.
String the lights
The next step is to add the lights, which are essential for a magical glow. For a standard-sized tree, 100 lights per foot of height is a good rule. White lights give a classic look, but coloured lights add a playful twist. Choose whichever style complements your theme.
To achieve even coverage, start from the bottom of the tree and wrap the lights around each branch, working your way up to the top. By tucking lights into the inner parts of the tree, you’ll create depth and dimension.
Dress the tree
Now comes the fun part—adding baubles and decorations. Start with the larger ornaments, spacing them evenly around the tree to create balance. Next, layer in smaller decorations to fill in gaps. Try clustering a few smaller baubles for visual interest.
To make your tree truly special, incorporate personalised decorations. Personalised baubles with names or holiday messages add warmth and individuality, and our range of custom baubles come in various styles such as wood engraved and slate. Our baubles also feature all your favourite Christmas characters which will become keepsakes that you’ll cherish year after year.
Other decorations like wooden ornaments, signs, or even small photo frames with family photos can bring an extra personal touch to your tree. The goal is to tell a story with your decorations, creating a display that reflects your family’s personality and memories.
Style with ribbon
Adding ribbon is an elegant way to add texture and depth to your tree. Choose ribbons that fit your theme—perhaps a plaid pattern for a rustic look or shimmering metallic for a glamorous finish. For a professional look, cut the ribbon into segments and tuck each piece into the tree, creating loops and soft waves rather than wrapping it around in a spiral.
You can also combine different ribbon styles, such as a wide ribbon with a narrow one layered on top. This adds depth and creates visual interest.
Add a tree topper
No Christmas tree is complete without a topper. Whether you prefer a classic star, an angel, or something a little more unique, the topper adds the finishing touch to your tree. Make sure it complements the theme you've chosen and is the right size for your tree.
Finish with a skirt
A tree skirt not only hides the base of the tree but also adds a polished look to your display. Choose a tree skirt that complements your theme—a faux fur skirt for a winter wonderland look, or a traditional red and green for a classic theme. Some families even place presents around the skirt as part of the decoration, creating a beautiful display of gifts as Christmas Day approaches. Shop our range of personalised gifts, such as cheeseboards and mugs, and find the perfect present to put under the three.
Decorating a Christmas tree is more than just a tradition; it’s a chance to bring your loved ones together and create an atmosphere of joy and warmth. With a little planning, a touch of creativity, and the unique range of decorations from Personalised Christmas, you can create a tree that’s both beautiful and meaningful. So, gather your decorations, put on some Christmas music, and enjoy every moment of bringing your tree to life. Shop personalised gifts and decorations at Personalised Christmas now.