Decorating the perfect tree can be overwhelming with so many styles of décor available. However, choosing a theme that matches your taste and style can make the process easier. This guide will cover the most common types of Christmas tree decorations and provide tips to consider before buying.
Christmas Tree Toppers
Tree toppers are decorative ornaments placed on the top of a Christmas tree that enhance the overall festive feel of your tree display. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs:
- Star – Ranges from 5-pointed stars to 3-dimensional Moravian designs
- Figurine – Includes angels, Santa Claus, and other classic holiday characters
- Snowflake – Assorted snowflake designs ideal for winter holiday themes
- Finial – Elongated and tapered toppers in various shapes and sizes
- Bouquet – Arrangements with faux flowers, leaves, and berries
- Bow – Lightweight tree toppers made of decorative ribbons
What Size of Tree Topper Do I Need?
Consider the following factors to ensure your topper suits your tree:
- Height of the Tree—Check that you have enough clearance for a tree topper. Allot at least 6 inches of space between the ceiling and the top of the tree topper.
- Shape of the Tree – Choose a topper that complements the shape of your tree. Wide toppers like stars or angels are perfect for a full tree, while elongated ones work well on narrow trees.
- Weight of the Tree Topper – Try to balance the topper in the palm of your hand. If it falls within 3 seconds, it might need additional support.
How Do I Properly Secure and Position the Tree Topper?
Tree toppers usually have a conical, spring, or spiral base. Insert the top branch of your tree into the base and secure it with green floral tape or zip ties if needed.
Are There Any Safety Considerations in Adding a Tree Topper?
Ensure the topper is securely attached to the tree's top to prevent it from falling off and causing potential harm. Additionally, if using lights or other electrical components on the tree topper, follow proper safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Invest in basic globe ornaments and pair them with themed collections for easy decorating. We offer many Christmas tree ornaments in diverse styles and designs, including the following types:
- Globe Ornaments – Standard Christmas tree balls made of glass, metal, plastic, or acrylic
- Finials – Long, tapered points on one end with either a round or egg-shaped bulb
- Angels – Angel ornaments made from glass, plastic, or metal
- Egg – Egg-shaped ornaments made of blown glass and feature intricate designs
- Figurines – Includes nutcrackers, Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves
- Snowflakes – Made from glass or iron in a variety of unique patterns and designs
- Icicles – Made from assorted materials like blown glass, plastic, or acrylic
- Vintage Ornaments – Ornaments from older generations or replicas designed to look vintage
How Many Ornaments Do I Need?
There’s no set rule for the number of ornaments on a Christmas tree. How many you choose to use largely depends on your personal style preferences. Some people prefer a more minimalist look, while others like to use various ornaments to create a more eclectic look.
In the guide below, we’ve combined various factors to give you our recommended count for tree ornaments. However, remember that you may need to adjust the number depending on the sizes or types of ornaments you plan to use. The table in the guide considers ornament sizes ranging from 4 inches to 8.75 inches long.
| Tree Height | Light Coverage | Heavy Coverage | Ornament Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 feet | 70 pieces | 105 pieces | 4–8.75 inches |
| 7.5 feet | 105 pieces | 140 pieces | 4–8.75 inches |
| 9–10 feet | 175 pieces | 210 pieces | 4–8.75 inches |
What Size Should My Ornaments Be?
The ideal size for Christmas tree ornaments can vary depending on your preference and the tree size. As a general guideline, smaller ornaments (around 2-3 inches in diameter) work well on 4-6 feet tall trees, while larger ornaments (around 4-6 inches in diameter) are better suited for taller trees. Ultimately, the best ornaments complement the overall aesthetic of your tree and bring you joy during the holiday season.
How Do I Properly Hang and Arrange the Ornaments on My Tree?
When decorating your Christmas tree with ornaments, start with the larger decorations as they are heavier and look best towards the bottom of the tree. Evenly distribute the ornaments to create balance and avoid clumping. Add smaller ornaments to fill gaps and create depth. Space the ornaments out and vary their placement for a natural look. Step back frequently to assess the tree’s balance and adjust as needed.
Christmas Tree Ribbons
Christmas tree ribbons are an easy way to add texture to your display. Go for embroidered ribbons for a luxurious touch, metallic ribbons for extra sparkle, or layered ribbons for a unique look.
What Is the Ideal Length of Ribbon for Christmas Trees?
When decorating your Christmas tree with ribbons, your chosen style will determine the length of ribbon you need. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3 yards of ribbon per foot of tree. If you prefer a simple look, start at the top of the tree and wrap the ribbon around it in a downward spiral. The wider your tree, the longer the ribbon you’ll need. Here’s a rough guide based on tree size to give you an idea:
| Tree Height | Ribbon Length |
|---|---|
| 6.5 feet | 19.5 yards |
| 7.5 feet | 22.5 yards |
| 9–10 feet | 27–30 yards |
What Width of Ribbon Should I Choose?
When choosing the perfect ribbon for your Christmas tree, it’s important to consider the size of your tree. A 1-2-inch ribbon will work great for smaller trees, while larger trees require a wider ribbon, around 2.5-4 inches. Your decision on the ribbon width should be based on the look you want to achieve for your tree.
How Do I Properly Drape, Tie, or Arrange the Ribbon on My Tree?
Draping, tying, or arranging ribbon on a Christmas tree can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Pinecones – These natural items are perfect for adding a rustic touch. You can use them as they are or paint them to match your color scheme.
- Berry sprays and branches—Fill empty spaces with berry sprays in metallic or glitter finishes to add sparkle to your tree.
- Floral picks – These are a wonderful way to add pops of color and texture. Choose picks with different flowers, leaves, and berries to create a visually interesting effect.
- Feathers—Feathers can add a whimsical touch to your tree. You can use them as they are or spray paint them to match your color palette.
Christmas Tree Garlands
Christmas tree garlands are decorative strands of tinsel, beads, ribbon, or greenery draped around a tree. The best type of garland will depend on the overall style of your tree and your personal preferences. You can also get creative by mixing and matching different types of tree garlands.
How Do I Hang a Garland on My Christmas Tree?
Start by draping the garland around the tree in a spiral pattern, starting from the top and then working your way down. You can use hooks or twist ties to secure the garland to the tree branches.
How Do I Store My Christmas Tree Garland?
To store your Christmas tree garland, simply wrap it around a cardboard tube or a pool noodle. This will help prevent the garland from becoming tangled. You can then store the garland in a cool, dry place.
Christmas Tree Fillers
Christmas tree fillers or stuffers are decorations that fill empty spaces on the tree and add depth and texture to its overall appearance. These fillers come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and can be made from different materials.
- Pinecones – These natural items are perfect for adding a rustic touch. You can use them as they are or paint them to match your color scheme.
- Berry sprays and branches—Fill empty spaces with berry sprays in metallic or glitter finishes to add sparkle to your tree.
- Floral picks – These are a wonderful way to add pops of color and texture. Choose picks with different flowers, leaves, and berries to create a visually interesting effect.
- Feathers—Feathers can add a whimsical touch to your tree. You can use them as they are or spray paint them to match your color palette.
How To Mix and Match Christmas Tree Fillers?
Mixing and matching Christmas tree inserts is a great way to add depth and interest to your décor. Start by choosing a color scheme or theme, then select a variety of fillers such as ornaments, ribbons, garlands, and floral picks that fit within that scheme. Experiment with different combinations and placements until you achieve the desired look.
Christmas Tree Skirts and Collars
To complete your theme, choose from various Christmas tree skirts and stands that cover the base of your tree.
What Is the Purpose of a Tree Skirt?
Tree skirts were originally meant to protect the floor from falling needles and wax drippings from traditional candlelit Christmas trees. Now, tree skirts and collars hide the tree's feet and wires from the tree lights and create a beautiful backdrop for presents.
How Do I Properly Position the Tree Skirt Around the Tree?
When putting the tree skirt around your Christmas tree, start by making sure the tree is centered and level. Then, gently wrap the skirt around the tree’s base to cover the tree stand. Adjust as needed to ensure the skirt is evenly distributed around the tree.
What Size Christmas Tree Skirt Should I Get?
Go for one at least 6 inches bigger than the full width of your tree. Make sure that it covers the entire tree base. For more details, see the table below.
| Tree Width | Tree Skirt Size |
|---|---|
| 30–42 inches | 36–48 inches |
| 42–54 inches | 54–60 inches |
| 54–64 inches | 70–72 inches |
| 64–76 inches | 84 inches |
What Size Christmas Tree Collar Should I Get?
Tree collars are conical cylinders that latch around the base of your tree. These offer more coverage than tree skirts and are commonly made of metal, wood, or natural fibers.
When buying a tree collar, check if it matches your tree’s height and pole diameter. Our small collars suit trees below 7 feet, while the large collars accommodate 7- to 11-foot-tall Christmas trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
In What Order Should You Decorate a Christmas Tree?
Lights typically go first, followed by larger or more eye-catching ornaments evenly distributed around the tree. Smaller ornaments, garlands, and other tree fillers follow. Finally, a tree topper and a tree skirt complete the look.
How To Decorate a Christmas Tree Step by Step?
Assemble your Christmas tree, following the manufacturer's instructions. Then,
- Fluff the branches and foliage for a natural-looking tree.
- Add the light strings, then test the lights first before adding any more décor.
- Layer in ornaments, ribbon, and other tree decorations according to your theme or vision.
- Secure the Christmas tree topper and wrap your tree skirt or collar around the base.
- Step back and survey your decorated tree, checking for visual balance from different vantage points. Adjust the foliage and décor as needed.
How Many Ornaments For a 7-Foot Tree?
It depends on your theme and the size of your ornaments. For a full tree, you'll need more or less 105 ornaments, while sparse trees require much less due to their minimalist design.
What Is the Best Way To Place Ornaments on a Christmas Tree?
Scatter larger ornaments evenly around the tree and place them deeper into the foliage. Smaller Christmas balls and ornaments can be placed closer to the branch tips. Start from the bottom and work your way up, mixing and matching your coordinating ornament sets for depth and visual interest.
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