How to Decorate a Christmas Tree:

A Complete Guide to Creating Your Dream Holiday Tree.

There’s something almost magical about decorating a Christmas tree.

From the glow of twinkling lights to the shimmer of tinsel and the nostalgic ornaments that have been passed down for generations, it’s one of the highlights of the holiday season. But as anyone who’s ever wrestled with a tangled string of lights knows, there’s a bit of technique involved in making your tree look picture-perfect.

Whether you’re a Christmas tree newbie or a seasoned decorator looking for fresh ideas, this guide is packed with tips, tricks, and a dash of holiday humor to help you master the art of decorating a Christmas tree.

So grab your eggnog, put on some festive tunes, and let’s get started!

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Step 1: Choosing Your Tree

Before you can even think about how to decorate your Christmas tree, you have to choose the right one. Here’s where your preferences come into play. Some people are die-hard real tree fans, while others swear by the convenience of artificial trees.

Real Christmas Trees

If you’re a traditionalist, you probably love the idea of walking through a tree farm and picking out the perfect, fragrant tree. Real trees add a natural, authentic look to your holiday decor. Plus, they smell like Christmas in a way that no scented candle can ever quite replicate. However, real trees require a bit more maintenance. You’ll need to keep it watered to avoid a fire hazard (dry needles and hot lights are not friends) and clean up the inevitable needle drop.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees have come a long way. They’re available in every shape, size, and colour you can imagine—from classic green to trendy white or even pink! If you want a hassle-free experience without having to water anything, artificial is the way to go. You can even find pre-lit trees to eliminate the need for stringing lights, though some people argue that stringing lights is half the fun (or maybe just half the battle).

Regardless of which type you choose, make sure it’s the right height and width for your space. You want a tree that fits comfortably without scraping the ceiling or overpowering the room.

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Step 2: Fluffing the Branches

Now that you have your tree, it’s time to get those branches in tip-top shape. Whether you’ve got a real tree or an artificial one, fluffing is an essential step. It may sound tedious, but trust me, this is what separates the ho-hum trees from the wow-factor ones.

With artificial trees, each branch usually needs a bit of shaping. Spread the limbs out evenly, adjusting them so that they look as full as possible. Take your time on this step—it’s worth it! Fluffing the branches will create a nice backdrop for all your decorations, preventing any awkward gaps where the ornaments would otherwise disappear into the depths of the tree.

For real trees, you don’t need to shape the branches quite like you would an artificial tree, but you should still give it a once-over. Trim any stray or too-long branches, and if necessary, rotate the tree to find its most flattering angle.

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Step 3: Stringing the Lights (Let There Be Light!)

Now, it’s time for one of the most crucial steps in decorating your Christmas tree—the lights. If you’ve ever had a “Christmas Vacation”-style mishap where half the lights don’t work after you’ve already strung them, you know this step can be a bit daunting. But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you avoid a light-strung disaster.

Choose Your Light Style

Christmas lights come in a variety of styles, and your choice depends on the look you’re going for.

• • • White Lights: Classic, elegant, and always in style. Warm white lights offer a cozy glow, while cool white lights are a bit crisper and more modern.
    • Coloured Lights: If you’re all about fun and festive, you can’t go wrong with multi-colored lights. They add a playful vibe to your tree and are great if you’re decorating with kids.
    • Twinkle Lights: These add a bit of sparkle and movement to your tree. Some twinkle lights even have different settings, so you can switch between steady, twinkling, and blinking modes.

How Many Lights Do You Need?

A good rule of thumb is to use about 100 lights for every foot of tree height. So if you have a 7-foot tree, you’ll need about 700 lights. If you love a tree that glows like it’s in a Hallmark movie, go ahead and double that!
The Best Method to String Lights

When it comes to how to decorate a Christmas tree with lights, there are several methods. Some people like to go round and round the tree in horizontal loops, while others prefer a vertical zigzag pattern. Here’s my go-to method for perfectly even lighting:

1. Start from the bottom: Begin by plugging your lights in and starting at the base of the tree. That way, you can make sure your plug ends up near the outlet when you’re done.
2. Work your way up: Wrap the lights around the tree, working your way up in a spiral. Make sure to tuck the lights in and out of the branches to create depth.
3. Step back and admire: Once you’ve strung your lights, step back and take a look. Are there any dark spots? If so, you can easily go back and adjust the lights before moving on to the next step.

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Step 4: Tinsel, Garland, or Ribbon? You Decide!

Once your lights are in place, it’s time to add some extra sparkle to your tree. Whether you choose tinsel, garland, or ribbon, this step is where you can get creative with texture and style.

• • •  Tinsel: Tinsel is old-school and fabulous! You can toss it casually onto the tree for a fun, retro vibe or drape it carefully to create a bit more order. The key with tinsel is not to overdo it—just enough to catch the light and add some shimmer.
    • Garland: Garland comes in all sorts of materials—beaded, wooden, or even fluffy felt. Drape it in loose loops from branch to branch or wind it tightly for a more structured look.
    • Ribbon: Ribbon is a sophisticated choice. You can go for wide, luxurious ribbon or mix different textures and colours. Weave it through the branches, allowing it to cascade down for a graceful, flowing effect.

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Step 5: Time for Ornaments—Let Your Personality Shine!

This is where things really get personal. The ornaments you choose can tell the story of your family’s traditions, your travels, and even your quirky sense of humor.

Start with the Basics
Before you go wild with ornaments, start by hanging the larger, more basic ones first. These will help create the framework of your tree’s design. Space them out evenly, filling in gaps where needed.

Now for the Fun Stuff
Once your foundational ornaments are in place, it’s time to add the personal touches. Maybe you have handmade ornaments from your kids, or a collection of vintage baubles you’ve been gathering for years. These are the pieces that make your tree truly unique.

Cluster Your Ornaments
A fun trick to add visual interest to your tree is to cluster ornaments together. Take two or three ornaments and hang them from the same branch for a fuller, more dynamic look.

Mix It Up
Don’t be afraid to mix up styles, textures, and colours. The days of strict “theme trees” are long gone (unless you’re into that, in which case, more power to you!). Feel free to mix classic glass balls with quirky figurines or even some DIY pieces. The goal is to make your tree feel like you.

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Step 6: The Finishing Touch—The Topper

No Christmas tree is complete without a topper, and this is where you can really let your creativity shine. While stars and angels are the most traditional toppers, there’s no rule that says you have to go that route.
Here are a few creative ideas:

• A sparkling snowflake
• A vintage Santa figurine
• A festive bow made of ribbon
• A quirky animal, like a reindeer or an owl
• or you can go a little crazy and have a predator figurine as you tree topper (yes, the Arnold Schwarzenegger film from the 80s)

Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your tree’s overall theme and is secured safely in place. You don’t want to lose your topper halfway through the season!

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Step 7: Tree Skirt and Presents

Now that your tree is fully decorated, don’t forget about the base. A beautiful tree skirt can cover the stand and add a finishing touch to your tree. Whether you go for a traditional red and white velvet skirt or something more rustic like a woven basket or wooden box, it should complement the overall look of your tree.

And of course, once the presents start piling up under the tree, the whole scene comes together in a magical way. Don’t forget your Kip&Co Velvet Santa Sacks and Velvet Christmas Stockings!

Now that you know how to decorate a Christmas tree like a pro, it’s time to put your newfound skills to the test. Decorating the tree is about more than just hanging ornaments—it’s about creating a warm and inviting space that celebrates the holiday season and your personal style. Whether you’re going for traditional elegance or something a little more quirky, the most important thing is that your tree brings you joy.

So, turn up the holiday tunes, grab some hot cocoa, and get decorating! Before you know it, you’ll have a Christmas tree that’s not just Instagram-worthy, but also full of memories, love, and plenty of holiday cheer. Happy decorating! 

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