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Struggling with decorating your Christmas tree? Don’t sweat it! This is the best guide on how to decorate a stunning Christmas tree that will be sure to impress.
The holiday season is here once again, and that means getting to drink hot chocolate, listen to Christmas music, and, of course, getting to decorate your Christmas tree!
This year is the first year that I actually have a place to myself (those broke college girl days are over! Well, kind of, lol). When you’re living with roommates or only staying somewhere for a year, decorating for Christmas, let alone any season or holiday, is not on the top of your to-do list. But this year, I’m going all out for Christmas decorating!
The apartment I live in is my first ever apartment that’s my very own, so I basically had to start from scratch with all of my decorations, and let me tell you, Christmas decorations can definitely add up when you are starting from square one. With that being said, I think I did a pretty good job sticking to a budget but also getting things that I loved and will keep for years to reuse.
My major purchase this season was a Christmas tree, and I wanted something durable but also affordable, because let’s be honest, most people can’t afford a $300 tree, lol. With buying a Christmas tree for my apartment, I also had to decorate it, and I didn’t really know where to start.
But, after searching for hours for the perfect tree, ornaments, tree topper, lights, and tree skirt, and successfully decorating it on my own, I have for you a guide on how to decorate a Christmas tree of your own! Here are the exact steps, with little tricks along the way, to easily decorate a Christmas tree that you will be extremely proud of this year.
This post shows you how to decorate a Christmas tree like a pro.
Step 1: Pick Your Christmas Tree
First of all, in order to start decorating your Christmas tree, you need a tree! There are so any colors, shapes, and styles to choose from with Christmas trees. The one you pick will depend on your style, budget, and what kind of Christmas vibe you want to achieve.
I am loving flocked Christmas trees this year. They show some traditional greenery, but also incorporate that bright white snow look that just makes your home feel cozy and light. Honestly, I have just always loved that “white Christmas” look, so flocked trees are right up my alley!
There are also tons of options for where to get Christmas trees. Target, At Home, Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair, and Walmart have lots and lots of options for stunning and affordable trees. Whether you’re in need of a traditional green tree, a flocked tree, or a colored tree (like pink or white), you’ll easily be able to find one that fits your style and budget!
Once you choose your tree and get it set up in your home, the next order of business is to make it look full and as real as possible. To do this, you need to separate the branches. This step takes some time, especially if you’re a perfectionist like me, but it’s so worth it, and it makes such a difference for your tree display! Separating the branches of your tree will make it look fuller and will give you more flexibility to hang ornaments because the holes and gaps in the tree will be filled with branches.
1. Classic Snow Flocked Tree
This is your classic flocked tree, and it’s one of the most affordable ones on the market that’s actually a good size!
2. Traditional Pre-lit Green Tree
If you want a green tree for a more traditional look this Christmas, then this one is perfect for you! It look real, and it’s not too expensive for the quality.
3. Flocked Unlit Hinged Pencil Tree
If you don’t have a lot of space to work with this season, then a pencil tree is a great option for you! This is the exact one that I bought for my apartment this year.
4. White Unlit Tree
Going for a white Christmas look this year? This tree is your standard 6ft tree, and its only $50 (score)!
Step 2: Add String Lights
Okay, you have your tree picked out and it’s all fluffed and ready for decorations. Next step is to string Christmas lights on your tree. If you bought a tree that comes pre-lit, then you can skip to Step 3. But if you bought a tree that doesn’t have any lights, then you definitely need some string lights to give your tree some shine!
Christmas tree lights usually come wrapped up, and they can quickly get tangled, so here’s a trick: plug them in before you start unraveling them and stringing them on your tree. This will help to keep the lights organized and it will be easier to see where the strand in going.
Here’s another pro hack: string your lights in a zig-zag fashion instead of wrapping them all the way around your tree. This will not only make stringing your tree lights easier, but it will make it way faster when taking them off your tree after the holidays are over. Plus, you won’t have to use as many lights, which saves you money!
1. LED String Lights
These are your classic string lights, but LED, so they’ll be bright and sparkly on your Christmas tree!
2. Delicate Fairy Lights
If you’re going for a more dainty look this Christmas, then pick up a bundle of fairy lights for your tree.
Step 3: Add Garland or Ribbon
Garland is that extra little ✨umph✨ you need to really elevate your tree display! If you bought a tree with gaps of not as many branches, garland is the perfect trick to use to fill in those gaps and make your tree extra pretty. Traditional garland can get pretty expensive, so if garland isn’t the move for you this year, then use ribbon!
Here’s another pro hack: if you choose to use ribbon for your tree, then try to choose some with wiring so that it’s easy to mold it to the curves of your Christmas tree.
1. Gold Tinsel Garland
Tinsel is a classic and super easy way to trim your tree, and this tinsel from Target is only $5!
2. Silver Wired Ribbon
If you’re not going for gold this year, then try this beautiful silver ribbon to give your tree some shine!
3. Wooden Bead Garland
Wooden bead garland is literally everywhere this season. It’s a super trendy way to spice up your Christmas tree and make it more neutral and earthy.
4. Velvet Wired Ribbon
Velvet is very trendy this year, and it’s an insanely easy way to make your tree look posh and chic while also adding some flare.
Step 4: Hang Your Ornaments
Ornaments is one of the most important part of your Christmas tree display. They’re also the part of your tree that will have the most impact on the “feel” of your Christmas décor.
Here’s a Pro trick: choose 2-3 different kinds of ornaments with multiple styles, shapes, colors, and sizes to add some dimension to your Christmas tree. When hanging your ornaments, start with the largest ones first to fill in the bigger gaps in your tree, and then move to the smaller ornaments to fill up the spaces that are left over. Lastly, make sure your ornaments are evenly spaced so that they aren’t clustered together.
1. Assorted 20pc Metallic Ornament Set
These ornaments are so cute! Having a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors of ornaments on your tree will give it dimension.
2. Blue and Silver 50ct Ornament Set
If you’re not feeling the gold this year, then go with silver ornaments and embellish with colored ones. These would look awesome on a white tree!
3. Champagne 30pc Ornament Set
On a traditional green tree, champagne ornaments really pop, and these come in different textures and patterns, which will give your tree variety.
4. Snowflake 24ct Ornament Set
Adding white snowflakes to any tree will really make your white Christmas come true!
Step 5: Add a Tree Topper
A tree topper is another one of those pieces of your Christmas tree display that really makes a difference and can really make your tree sparkle. There are tons of different options with tree toppers, and you can find one within any style and budget!
1. Silver Star Tree Topper
A perfect silver tree topper to go with your white tree or your silver ornaments! Matching the color of your tree topper to your ornaments will make your tree more cohesive.
2. Gold Glitter Tree Topper
If silver isn’t your thing this year, then check out this modern gold tree topper! This would look amazing on a traditional green or snow flocked tree.
3. Capiz Tree Topper
LOOK at this tree topper! 😍 This is an insanely good option if you’re looking for a unique and classic tree topper for your tree this year.
4. White Poinsettia Tree Topper
Don’t want to go for the typical star or snowflake tree topper this year? Then grab this super cute white poinsettia tree topper for a rustic feel to your tree.
Step 6: Finish Your Tree with a Tree Skirt or Collar
And now for the final touches! A tree skirt or tree collar is optional, but it really does elevate your Christmas tree display.
Here’s a pro trick: if you don’t want to buy a tree skirt or collar (they can get pretty expensive), use a throw blanket. Wrap a medium or large throw blanket around the base of your tree to mimic a tree skirt. This will take your tree to the next level!
1. Gold Hammered Tree Collar
Going for gold? Keep the theme with this beautiful tree collar! It also comes in silver and rose gold.
2. Birch Wood Tree Collar
This is the first tree collar like this that I’ve seen this season, and I absolutely love it! It’s more on the pricier side, but you won’t regret it. You’ll reach for this tree collar year after year!
3. White Knitted Tree Skirt
If you want to stick to the traditional tree skirt look this Christmas, then this knitted one is a great affordable option!
4. White Faux Fur Tree Skirt
Fur is a glam and posh way to add a little ✨spice✨ to your tree. This one is super affordable and would look awesome with a traditional green tree!