How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Styling Tips and Ideas

I think we can all agree that when decorating your living space, the Christmas tree is the indisputable star of the show. Every December, the kids and I haul our family tree out of the closet and begin the process of assembling and fluffing hundreds of branches. At some point, each of them will get sick of it and disappear, only to magically reappear when it’s time for the fun part: putting the ornaments on.

But creating a beautiful, full-looking Christmas tree takes a little more than simply hanging up your favourite decorations. There are a few simple tricks that can make a big difference to the finished result. If you're wondering how to decorate a Christmas tree and get that full, layered look, here are some Christmas tree styling tips to try out this year. 

Choose Your Christmas Tree Colour Palette 

Before you start hanging decorations, it helps to have a general idea of the look you're going for. This doesn't have to be a strict theme or perfectly coordinated colour palette. Sometimes choosing just two or three colours, or a particular style of decoration, is enough to make the finished tree feel cohesive rather than a collection of random ornaments. 

Tip: It’s worth taking your home’s existing colours into account when choosing your tree’s colour palette, especially if your tree will be on display in a main living space. 

How to Fluff a Christmas Tree 

Before you add a single decoration, take the time to properly fluff your tree. It might be the least exciting part of decorating, but it makes a huge difference to how full and finished your tree looks.

Work your way around the tree, separating each branch and spreading the tips in different directions rather than leaving them bunched together. Look for obvious gaps and gently bend branches forward, sideways and upwards to fill them. Don't forget to step back occasionally and check the overall shape.

It can be tempting to rush through this part so you can get to the fun stuff, but a well-fluffed tree gives you a much better base to work with and can even make a smaller Christmas tree look considerably fuller.

Tip: Spread the tree tips out in star shape. 

Add Christmas Tree Lights 

Lights are the foundation of your tree, so it’s worth getting them in place before you start adding ornaments. Working from the inside of the tree outwards helps spread the light more evenly and gives your finished tree plenty of sparkle rather than leaving dark patches between the branches.

Warm White, Cool White or Coloured Lights?

This really comes down to the look you’re after. Warm white gives a soft, cosy and traditional glow, while cool white has a brighter, crisper feel that works particularly well with icy, silver or modern colour schemes. Coloured lights are nostalgic and joyful. If you’re mixing different sets of lights, make sure they have the same colour temperature so your tree doesn’t end up with noticeably different shades of white.

You’ll also need to decide between plug-in and battery-operated lights. Plug-in lights are a great choice for larger trees or if you want plenty of lights without worrying about changing batteries. Battery-operated sets give you more flexibility and avoid having cords running from the tree, which can be particularly useful for smaller trees, shelves or areas without a convenient power point.

Add Large Statement Ornaments 

Once your lights are in place, start with your largest and most eye-catching decorations. These create the foundation of your tree and help determine where the smaller decorations will go.

Try spreading your larger pieces throughout the tree rather than placing them all at the front or around the same height. Don't be afraid to push some decorations further into the branches either. This creates depth and makes your Christmas tree look fuller, while also giving your statement pieces a little more impact. I like to follow a zig-zag pattern to spread the decorations out evenly without having to guess where things should go. 

Tip: Replace ornament strings with floristry wire or pipe cleaners that are the same colour as your tree branches. This helps hold your big ornaments in place better than flimsy strings.

Fill Your Tree With Smaller Ornaments 

Once your larger decorations are in place, it’s time to start filling in the gaps. Use a mixture of medium and smaller ornaments to balance out the tree and build on the shape you’ve created with your statement pieces.

Try not to place similar decorations right next to each other. Spreading different colours, shapes and sizes throughout the tree will make it feel more balanced and interesting. Remember to look at your tree from different angles as you go, rather than just decorating the side that faces the room.

Tip: Create clusters with smaller baubles by restringing them onto floristry wire or ribbons. 3-4 ornaments per ribbon.  

Add Ribbon to Your Christmas Tree 

Ribbon is a great way to add colour, texture and movement to your tree, and it can help tie all your decorations together. There are plenty of ways to use it, so don’t worry about getting it perfectly symmetrical. You can weave it loosely through the branches, let sections cascade down the tree, or tuck it in and out to create soft loops.

For a fuller, more layered look, try using two different ribbons that complement each other. Just remember to secure the ribbon into the branches as you go, rather than wrapping it tightly around the entire tree. 

Tip: The best ribbon for this is wired ribbon because it holds its shape.

Add Picks and Greenery

Picks, sprays and greenery are an easy way to add texture and make your tree feel fuller. They can also be a great way to bring your theme together, whether you're adding frosted foliage, berries, pinecones, flowers or something a little more playful.

Tuck them into gaps throughout the tree, angling some upwards and others outwards to give the tree more dimension. You don't need to cover every branch. A few well-placed picks can have much more impact than trying to fill every available space.

Tip: For extra long picks, secure them to the base of the tree using floristry wire or pipe cleaners. This stops them from sagging over time.

Choose Your Christmas Tree Topper 

The tree topper is the finishing touch, and there really is no right or wrong choice. Some people love the timeless look of a classic angel, while others prefer a traditional star or something simple and elegant.

Or, if you're like me, you might prefer to get a little more creative! A tree topper doesn't have to come straight from a box labelled “tree topper”. Oversized bows, sprays of greenery, clusters of ornaments or even a collection of decorations can make a fantastic topper. Choose something that suits the style of your tree and, most importantly, something you love looking at.

Tip: If your tree topper is wobbly, add a stick or wooden dowel to the top section of your tree and secure it with cable ties. Place your topper on the stick rather than the tree itself. 

Finish Your Christmas Tree Base

Don’t forget about the bottom of your tree. A beautiful tree can still feel unfinished if the base is left bare, so finish it off with a tree skirt or collar that complements your decorations. You can also add presents, baskets, greenery or a few festive figures around the base to make the whole display feel more complete.

Step back and adjust

Once you think you're finished, step back and look at your tree from across the room. This is often when you'll spot a gap that needs filling, an area that feels a little too crowded, or a colour that has ended up clustered in one spot. Move things around until the tree feels balanced from all angles.

And don't be afraid to take something off. Sometimes the final touch is simply giving your tree a little more breathing room.

Make it your own

At the end of the day, styling your Christmas tree doesn’t have to be about following a set of rules or creating a perfectly coordinated display. These tips are simply a starting point to help you create a tree that feels full, balanced and beautifully put together.

Whether you love a traditional tree covered in classic decorations, or prefer a more understated neutral tree, there’s no wrong way to do it. After all, the best Christmas tree is one that brings you joy and adds a little bit of Christmas magic into your home.

And if you're taking that Christmas magic outside too, check out our guide to outdoor Christmas decorating for more inspiration and tips for creating your own outdoor display.