18 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Tree This Season

Christmas tree decorations and decorating ideas - orange ornament

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Decorating the Christmas tree is more than just knowing how to put lights on a Christmas tree and digging into the assortment of decorations from years past. Figuring out Christmas tree decorations sets a tone for your entire approach to the holiday season. If you feel your time and energy would be better put toward something else, you can ignore all this and carry on with your delightfully understated celebrations; but if you want to make Christmas a Big Deal, with lots of decorations, a picture-perfect tree, and stacks of freshly baked cookies, this guide to decorations and decorating ideas can help you make it happen.

Even among those planning on making a big deal out of their Christmas festivities, there are different approaches to decorating the Christmas tree. Alternative Christmas trees are increasingly popular, and people have their pick of a live Christmas tree, an artificial one, or a colored one—even upside-down Christmas trees have had their moment. Whatever your personal style, your holiday personality, your budget, and your space constraints, we have some decorating ideas for you. The hardest part, even more challenging than learning how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree, might be committing to just one theme or idea.

Click through these inspiration shots of Christmas tree decorations and take stock. There’s probably at least one tree decorating idea that you can accomplish using ornaments and other decorations you already have. If you’re itching to buy new ornaments—those homemade ones aren’t going to last forever—these ideas can help you make those purchases, too.

What’s important is that you focus on the decorating ideas that suit you and your family. All-glass ornaments may look elegant and sophisticated, but if you have a household of pets and small children, it’s not a practical move. (The kids would probably appreciate stuffed ornaments more, anyway.) From casual to classy, there’s a Christmas tree decorating idea here for you.

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Color Burst, Katie Kime

Courtesy of Katie Kime

“Bright, nontraditional embellishments add funky flair to your holiday decor.” —Katie Kime, designer in Austin, Texas

Various shapes and textures combine to form a lively and energetic arrangement. Bright yarn tassels offer an unexpected color pop, while metallic, mirrored, and iridescent accents reflect those vibrant shades. Use multiglobe branches to strategically fill out your design for a lush effect.

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Casual Contemporary, Justina Blakeney

Courtesy of Justina Blakeney

“Instead of an evergreen, dress up a tall cactus, euphorbia, or other sturdy houseplant for a quirky twist on tradition.” —Justina Blakeney, designer in Los Angeles

With a smaller footprint than a standard spruce, a potted plant is a great alternative for small-space dwellers. It also requires fewer decorations. Keep the embellishments consistent, using primarily brass and gold charms, then soften the overall look with a pom-pom garland or plush patterned fabric around the base.

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Updated Classic, Rebecca Atwood

Courtesy of Rebecca Atwood

“Balance sophisticated, artsy, and personal elements to create something that’s both stylish and meaningful.” —Rebecca Atwood, designer in Brooklyn, New York

Start with silver, gold, and blush baubles, then weave in sentimental mementos (Atwood opted for a lobster ornament to recall her New England roots). Finish with a traditional faux-cranberry garland. To tone down the formality of the look, arrange a few yards of indigo-dyed shibori fabric around the tree stand, tucking the hem under to form a rounded edge.