Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas & How to Decorate a Christmas Tree

Your Christmas tree is the focal point of your holiday season and decorating it should be delightful (not frightful). To decorate a Christmas tree, start with a tree skirt or collar, then add lights, ribbon, or garland, ornaments, decorations, and a tree topper. Layering these elements from largest to smallest creates a balanced, dimensional look. This page will guide you through a step-by-step process for creating a beautifully decorated tree, along with offering a variety of finished tree looks that showcase different styles and themes. From classic elegance to playful charm, you'll find plenty of ideas to inspire your own unique Christmas tree design and make your holiday truly merry.

1. Select a Tree Skirt or Collar

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, start from the bottom: Tree skirts and collars are both stylish ways to keep tree stands out of sight. For a traditional, softer look, opt for a tree skirt, which is fabric based and offers more floor coverage. For a more clean, modern feel, try a tree collar, which is structured and only covers the immediate area around the stand.

2. Add String Lights

String lights are a Christmas tree staple. Even if you have a pre-lit tree, adding in extra lights makes a difference. To create a multidimensional look, layer lights in various shapes over traditional string lights, either in the same hue for a unified look—or play with different color combinations. Have fun with it!

3. Add Beads and Ribbon

Incorporate beads and ribbon early in the process as a base layer. Start by draping beads around the tree for a touch of color. Pair them with a pliable, wired ribbon that will hold its shape and is ideally 4 or 5 inches wide for that wow factor. Weave the ribbon in and out of the branches, adding narrower ribbon as accents for a layered look.

4. Adorn with Ornaments

Arguably the most fun part of the Christmas tree decorating process is hanging your ornaments. To best display your beloved collection, start with large ornaments, hanging them towards the bottom and using smaller sizes as you move up the tree. To achieve perfect ornament height, hang each a bit higher and deeper into the tree than where you want it to sit, securing it with a floral wire to keep it in place.

Pro tip: This year, expand your ornament collection with World Market’s enormous assortment of ornaments in styles and shapes for every Christmas tree look!

5. Choose Your Tree Topper

The finishing touch? A tree topper, of course! Choose one that complements your tree's theme, whether it's a classic star, a rustic bow or a whimsical figure. Opt for something proportional to your tree's size, ensuring it doesn't overwhelm or get lost. Your topper should tie everything together, adding that final bit of magic to your Christmas tree.

1. Romantic Vintage Christmas Tree

If you love an antique romance or Victorian vibe, it’s easy to reflect that in your tree. Try a muted or pastel palette, with touches of gilt, and plenty of glass and vintage-style winter romance ornaments. Add tulle or lace garlands and your vintage-style tree is ready to shine.

2. Rustic Woodland Tree

Keep your tree’s outdoorsy identity by decorating it with a rustic look in mind. Incorporate natural elements like a cotton or burlap tree skirt, wooden ornaments, cute woodland animals, and seasonal flora. Finish it off with soft lighting for a cozy, cabin-like feel.

3. Tropical Christmas Tree

For those beachy vacation vibes, give your tree an island theme! Decorate with tropical ornaments, such as flamingos, palm trees, fish, seashells, and fruity drinks. Add flora such as faux hibiscus and plumeria and wrap your tree in fun string lights and fishing net for a truly tropical look.

4. Globally Inspired Christmas Tree

Display your adventurous spirit and create a travel or geographical Christmas tree! Decorate the boughs with global ornaments depicting country and city icons, passports, planes, cameras — anything travel or tourist-themed works. Stack a couple of vintage suitcases and display souvenirs nearby to support your adventurous Christmas theme!

5. Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree

Animal ornaments are always popular, so lovers of cute critters can easily curate a collection of favorites for the tree. You can also narrow the category down for fun and have an entirely cat-themed Christmas tree, for example.

6. Whimsical Christmas Tree

For a retro-chic vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously, look to this kitschy Christmas tree style. Think vibrant, glittery and food-themed ornaments in bold colors paired with disco-inspired beaded garlands for a playful mix of nostalgic charm and modern sparkle.

7. Nordic Gnome Tree

Traditional colors and Nordic charm unite in this cozy Christmas tree look. Picture sweet ornaments in quaint and iconic shapes from mushrooms to tiny stockings. Let natural materials and simple shapes take center stage. Try wood ornaments, neutral textiles, warm white lights and understated greenery with accents of red or green.

8. Small-Space Mini Tree

Don’t let a small space shake your holiday spirit—shop our mini Christmas trees for maximum joy! These sweet little saplings can fit just about anywhere, from cozy corners to merry mantels. Ready to get festive? Just add mini ornaments and let the fun begin!

9. Gilded and Glam Tree

Add a little lowkey luxe to your holiday with this timeless Christmas tree look. Deep jewel-tone hues set a rich backdrop, while more folkloric ornaments add a touch of whimsy. Golden accents like delicate baubles add warmth and elegance, for a tree brimming with sophisticated charm.

10. Small-Space Floral Stem Tree

No tree? No problem! Craft your own Christmas tree using faux floral stems arranged in a stylish vase. First, choose stems that reflect your holiday theme, like evergreen or eucalyptus. Then, decorate them with your favorite ornaments, adding ribbon or lights for extra charm. This DIY tree is perfect for small spaces and offers a unique, personalized touch to your decor. add link to faux floral stems

11. Nordic Wood Mini Tree

For displaying tiny ornaments, opt for a tiny Nordic-style wooden tree. This charming piece sprouts from a star-shaped base with movable branches, allowing for customized decoration. Crafted from natural, light-toned wood, it adds a touch of Scandinavian elegance to your desk, dresser or entryway table.

12. Mini Tinsel Tree

Go retro with a small-space-friendly, pastel-colored tiny tinsel tree! Compact yet eye-catching, its shimmering branches add a nostalgic sparkle to every countertop or table perfect for infusing your space with vintage holiday charm.