WHAT WE LOVE: The small natural touches. Dried wildflowers, mini succulents, and a little bowl of nuts are all these Christmas tables need for a sophisticated farmhouse look.
How To Decorate A Christmas Tree Like An Interior Designer
There are so many amazing things about Christmas that we all Cherish — family, food, gingerbread houses, music, and movies. Quite honestly, just thinking about it gets us in all the feels.
And I know from experience, there are two very distinct types of people in this wonderful world whose approach for when to decorate for Christmas varies widely. I bet you know them too.
On one hand, you’ve got those who watch the clock on Halloween waiting for it to strike midnight before declaring to their insta + facebook followers — It’s OFFICIAL!! Time to decorate for Christmas!
And then there’s those who wait until the final piece of pumpkin pie has been devoured on Thanksgiving Day before embracing ol’ St. Nicholas.
So, whenever you decide to deck the halls + begin your Christmas countdown, we’ve pulled together some of our best tips on how to decorate a Christmas tree like a savvy pro.
Psst… it’s not too complicated, I promise!
And yes we’re going to deep dive into what’s the best way to decorate a Christmas tree but first, a lil’ history lesson for ya because I myself was dying to know. Why do we decorate Christmas trees at all? And who decided how to decorate a Christmas tree?
Why We Decorate Christmas Trees
Let’s be honest, Christmas decorations like lights, garland, ornaments + yes, even tinsel (that makes a huge mess) are all commonplace in just about every home that celebrates Christmas.
But why? Where did it all begin?
Certainly, I won’t bore you with too much detail *wink* so take this as the briefest of history lessons.
- According to the National Christmas Tree Association , the first display of a decorated Christmas tree was in 1510 in Riga, Latvia.
- Then, between 1530 + 1600 in Germany, Christmas tree decorating became commonplace.
- And while initially resistant to the idea, many of the American traditions of Christmas decorations began in the 1800s and found their roots from German decorating.
Humph… who’da thunk! In fact, one of the most fascinating things I uncovered during my research around why we decorate Christmas trees was “just as people decorate their homes today during the festive season with pine, spruce and fir trees, history shows long before Christmas tree decorating became a thing that people hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows.”
And with that tidbit of knowledge, you may now officially close your history books + fast forward more than 500 years so we can dig into the really fun part that’s all about Christmas tree decorating tips. shall we?
Best Tips To Decorate Your Christmas Tree
First, are some high-level overview tips for decorating your Christmas tree. And then, in the next section is a step-by-awesome-step guide to decorating your Christmas tree like an interior designer.
Alright, first up is balance.
Balance Is Paramount
Around the Monte household, we fully embrace the holidays + try to make it a magical season of experiences for everyone (especially Brooklyn). However, balance is key.
I’m not just talking about making sure your tree doesn’t topple over (which is also not a bad idea #wompwomp) but rather balancing how you place the decorations on your tree.
One of the most common mistakes people make is to only focus on the front + sides of the tree that will be visible to you + your guests. Unfortunately, sticking all your favorite decorations in just a few areas draws your eye to even the smallest of spaces where decorations are lacking.
What you want is to create a well-balanced tree that feels uniform with Christmas decorations. To ensure you don’t go through the hassle of decorating your tree only realize after the fact that it’s out of balance — consider mixing the shapes, sizes + texture of your ornaments throughout the entire tree. With this in mind, arrange your decorations from the top of the tree + then work to the bottom.
But that’s not all.
When it comes to marrying balance + your Christmas tree, it’s important to consider what’s around your tree. Undoubtedly, the star of this show is the Christmas tree. However, balancing your tree with a woven basket will go a long way in helping you hide that ugly tree stand before carefully tucking those beautifully wrapped presents of yours gently beneath its boughs.
Then, depending on where your tree is at all that’s missing is a side chair + accent table placed alongside it. Why? Because these, my friend, are the little details that help create a sense of continuity by tying together the tree with your existing furniture (not to mention it’s an easy way for you to layer in texture!)
Finally, like when styling bookcases, shelving or tabletops, be certain to take a step back each time you add a few decorations. The best way to decorate a Christmas tree is to admire your tree while you work (not just after you are all finished!) Look at it from all different angles as this will help you quickly pinpoint exactly what you need to add or take away.
Themes Aren’t For Everyone
A professional-looking Christmas tree doesn’t have to have a theme. Sure, nostalgic traditions + snowscapes are two incredibly popular design themes for this time of year because they set a clear tone but honestly, don’t fret if you don’t have one OR you don’t want one.
Decorating for Christmas doesn’t have to be over the top. Simple, classic + greenery that you can use throughout the year will work just fine. In fact, that’s what we prefer. A collection of pieces you love + play well together is perfect.
But that’s not all.
What do you do with those special, ornamental, family heirloom types of Christmas decorations? Well, it’s easy for them to get lost amidst a large tree — so, if you channeled your inner Clark Griswold this year:
Which is every year for John…
We recommend having a smaller tree elsewhere in your home or tying them into your garland which will give them ample room to shine on their own.
Create Clusters Of Decorations + Put Extra Ornaments To Use
One of our favorite things to do when considering how to decorate a Christmas tree each year is to think about how many different clusters we can create with the unique decorations we’ve collected over the years.
A great way to go about this is to consider using different-sized Christmas balls + various baubles. Playing with not only color but the scale will add a lot of visual interest + because you’re repeating these clusters over + over again you’re creating Christmas continuity.
Oooh, I think I just got tingles!
But the fun doesn’t stop there. In fact, once you’re done decorating your tree if you have enough ornaments + Christmas balls instead of pushing them back into storage bins add them to the rest of your Christmas decor around your home.
Place your leftover ornament balls in a display bowl to jazz up your side table a bit, or you can use the extra tree pricks or floral stems that didn’t make their way into your Christmas tree in garland or as accents on a console table.
We love to style our entire home with many of the same decorations we use on our tree because again we are creating repetition + continuity as we move from room to room.
Use Tree Branches, Floral Stems + Subtle Accents
A lot of what makes a designer Christmas tree stand out is the accents which make the tree feel — unexpected. Learning how to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro is all about the subtle accents.
Layering in strands of beads, oversized ornaments, and decorative branches, floral stems, stuffed animals, stiff wire ribbon + almost anything else that makes your heart sing can really level-up the overall look of your tree.
There are so many ways to do this but we like to curate our collection of branches, stems, and accents as we’re unpacking our Christmas decorations. This way, we can lay them all out on the floor + see exactly which ones we truly inspired by instead of using what we find first while we’re unpacking.
You want to place twigs, berries, pinecones, floral stems + oversized balls or ornaments in any awkward gaps. Perhaps a branch below it is sagging or a void of a branch altogether. Filling in these spaces softens the imperfections + that my lovely is what we love about Christmas trees.
Be Mindful
This one we’ve learned through trial + well error. *wink*
Whether it’s Brooklyn’s ferocious curiosity about by a shiny ornament that has been calling his name for days or our four-legged fluffball (aka Bradie-Mae) whose happy tail wagging just can’t be contained — it’s so easy to get lost in the bliss of decorating your home + your Christmas tree that it’s easy to forget about keeping the breakables up high.
Certainly, we want plenty of decorations to kiss those lower branches of your tree as well, but perhaps putting lightweight ornaments that are shatterproof as to be mindful of the traffic flow + who may be running around your tree this year.
Welcoming Christmas Decorating Ideas
Transitional Christmas decorating ideas by Decorilla interior designer, Eileen P.
Spark holiday cheer with indoor and outdoor decor alike. There is something special about a neighborhood dressed in Christmas ornaments and decorations. So, let the festive spirit emanate from your doorstep. And the coziness of elegant Christmas decor can’t be beat. Here are a few of our favorite Christmas decorating ideas:
The Color of Christmas
Want to know how to decorate for Christmas? Keep it simple. You can create a magical space by sticking to festive colors and the latest Christmas decor trends. Green, red, and gold are the most popular, but blue and purple are also associated with Christmas. One color, especially red, is enough to make a statement.
Need a little extra help getting your home holiday ready? Schedule your Free Online Interior Design Consultation to get started with the finest interior designers today!
Inviting Illumination
The warm glow of fairy lights can give doorways an instant luxurious boost. You can use a string light wreath to adorn the front door or emit a welcoming glow from your home by placing soft lighting just inside the window.
Lush Naturals as Christmas Decorations
Acorns, holly berries, pine or cedar branches, fir, and mistletoe all sing Christmas. Moreover, these greens double as naturally pleasing decor. Plus, they are hardy and will look great for the whole season. A welcoming doorway followed by a beautifully designed entryway will certainly give a lasting first impression.
How to Decorate for Christmas with Door Decorations
Start your holiday decor journey by making the front of your home welcoming. You can create a lovely first impression by giving your doorway a little decor love.
Christmas Doorstep Decor Ideas
Your doorway will likely see many visitors come and go during the holidays. That’s why Christmas decorations in this high-traffic area must be durable and sturdy. Two great options include a colorful, patterned doormat with a dense pile and weighty potted cedar or pine trees. The former is not only decorative, but it can also absorb dirt and moisture from shoes, whereas the latter doubles as cute mini Christmas trees.
Cheery Front Door
Decorating the front door for Christmas is simple. One item, such as a tried-and-tested wreath or enormous candy cane, is all you need to add a bit of festivity. But if you want to mix things up, try wrapping the front door with an oversized ribbon or attaching snowflake-like white pompoms to the front door.
How to Decorate a Christmas Wreath
The humble Christmas wreath is key to sprucing up your home’s facade. Although these holiday spheres are near quintessential to Christmas decorations, they can cost next to nothing. Moreover, Christmas wreaths come in every style imaginable – colorful and metallic to natural and refined.
Select a Style
The list of styles is endless. Your home can be anything from traditional, light and bright, unique and eclectic, or colorful and modern. Pick your favorite and keep to it to create a chic and cohesive festive interior.
Getting the Christmas Wreath
You have two options: buy a wreath or make your own. If you choose the DIY route, follow our quick how-to below.
How to Decorate a Wreath for Christmas in 3 Steps
Collect the Materials
You can use floral wire, tape pins, and craft glue to keep your wreath in place and fishing line for a no-show look or a cute ribbon. If your materials need more structure, use an embroidery hoop as a base. The decoration can range from pinecones, dried phalaris, Christmas ornaments, bells, oranges, and even to fairy lights. You’ll also need shears or scissors and work gloves to protect your hands.
Form & Secure the Wreath
Create a circular shape with entwined twigs or use a hoop for other pods, flowers, or Christmas ornaments. Layer the items from the most voluminous (cedar branches) to the daintiest or feature pieces (holly or cranberry). Neaten the Christmas wreath by cutting off any excess foliage.
Place and Enjoy!
Hang up your creation on the front door, foyer, above a bed, as part of a gallery wall, or in the window frame, and marvel.
