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Renovated Faith

Transforming Your Heart & Home

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Step by Step (The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need!)

Decorating a Christmas tree can seem overwhelming, especially when you want to get the look of those designer trees you see on Pinterest.  Here I’ll give instructions step by step on how to decorate a Christmas tree like a pro including some tricks and tips to help you out along the way. How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Step by Step (Adding Ribbon on Tree-Ideas and Hacks).

 

 Step 1: Getting Christmas Tree Theme Ideas

Before you go shopping, you need some Christmas tree inspiration so head to Pinterest to get a game plan.

Your goal is to find one or two trees you love on-line and add your own style and accents.   I did the same here in this Pinterest Board where I found several red and turquoise trees I loved and combined elements of them all.  You can also check out these Pinterest boards I made:

  • Farmhouse Christmas Tree Ideas

  • Traditional Christmas Tree Decor

  • Elegant Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

  • Red and Turquoise Christmas Decor

Once you have created a Pinterest board, narrow it down to under 3 favorites and decide on two or three main colors.   I picked red and turquoise with some white.  Also, decide if you want to add in some silver or gold accents.

 

Step 2: Christmas Decorating Supplies

Some affiliate links may be used at no extra cost to you.  View my full disclosure here.

You Will Need:

Wired Ribbon – Here’s the best selection I’ve found.  I use 2″ to 4 inch wired ribbon on trees but this year I used all 2.5″.  Be sure the ribbon is wired!

Lights – These are the LED’s I bought and they have multiple different settings.

Large Ball Ornaments

Christmas Tree Ornaments – Regular Sized Ball Ornaments – If you buy ornament sets online like these, make sure they are the 3.15″ ornaments and not a smaller version.

Picks, Snowflakes (like these) or any other Accents

Christmas Tree Skirt or Christmas Tree Collar – I personally used a white sheet because the gifts cover it anyway, but I LOVE these Christmas tree collars.  Maybe next year!

 

Step 3:  The Easy Way to Make Your Christmas Tree look Fuller

A  tree will never look like a designer tree if you can see straight through it.  And no amount of ornaments and ribbon is going to fill in those big gaps.  After you fluff each branch of the tree, I recommend using this to add a little more fullness to your tree.

Decorate a Christmas tree step by step

This garland was less than $5 at Walmart but it made the entire tree look like I paid a lot more for it than I did.

I simply weaved the garland between each row of branches paying special attention to the bare spots.

Doesn’t that make a huge difference?!?

 

Step 4: How to Arrange Christmas Tree Lights

Even if your tree is already pre-lit, consider adding more lights as professionally decorated trees have more than 100 lights per foot of height.  For example, our 7.5 foot tree had 500 lights.  That sounds like a lot but in past years I regretted not adding more.  This year I finally did and it made all the difference with this extra strand of lights (check the current price here).

There are several different ways to add lights to a tree.  If your tree isn’t already pre-lit, I recommend adding lights to one branch at a time by starting towards the base of one branch and running lights up to the tip and then back to the base and the same for the branch beside it.  This way adds a lot of depth to the lights in your tree.

If your tree is pre-lit, add additional lights by going back and forth like the picture below.  Since you already have lights in the innermost parts of the tree, this is the easiest, least time-consuming way to add lights.

If you have extra lights one you get to the top, right them back and form from top to bottom again, filling in any areas that look bare.

 

Step 5: Adding Ribbon on Tree-Ideas and Hacks

If you want to know how to decorate a designer Christmas tree, you need to add some ribbon BUT it’s a whole lot easier than you think with one simple trick!

The Best Ribbon for Christmas Tree Decorating

Make sure you use wire ribbon for your tree because it will be easier to bend in and out of the branches.  I like to use ribbon that is 2.4” to 4” in width.  For my favorite source of Christmas tree ribbon, click HERE.

I go in-depth on the easiest way in my Adding Ribbon to Christmas Trees Tutorial.  It’s even complete with a step by step video so you can decorate a Christmas tree like a pro.  Then come back here for the rest of the tutorial.

 

How To Decorate a Tree Professionally – Video Tutorial of How To Add Ribbon

 

Step 4: How to Add a Topper to a Christmas Tree

Usually, I use a star at the top, but this year I opted for a big bow.  I used the same short cut as I did in my post How to Make a Burlap Bow.  No one will know (or care!) that you cheated and your bow will look stunning!

Step 5:  How to Arrange Ornaments on A Christmas Tree

Designer trees are interesting trees and what makes a tree interesting is that it has varying sizes and shapes of ornaments although they fit into the same color scheme.  I promise this is easier than it sounds!

Remember those 2 or three colors you picked for your tree?  You are also going to use those colors and possibly a neutral metallic (silver, gold, copper, etc.) for your ornament colors.

But you don’t want all the same size of ornaments because that’s boring.  I like to get about 5 or 6 really large ornaments and nestle them in the branches of my tree – mostly in the bottom two thirds as they will be too big for the top.  You can use green pipe cleaners like these, to adhere them to the branches if you’re concerned about them falling off.

Once you have added your large ornaments, you can fill in with the rest of your ornaments in “holes” and to cover the inner “bends” of your ribbon like below.

 

Step 6: Add Some Accents to Your Christmas Tree

The last phase of decorating a Christmas tree step by step is to add an “interest factor”.  You can do this by adding various picks or even snowflakes.  I’ve also seen someone add big bows instead of snowflakes.  The possibilities are endless!

 

I love how it looks like the ends of the bow continues in and throughout the tree.  This combinatiom of colors already coordinates well with all the blue in my home and they are still whimsicle and not-too-stuffy for my eight-year-old daughter!

 

It was also fun to color coordinate the gift wrapping with the tree to make the look all come together.  It was also a WHOLE lot easier to wrap all the gifts in white but they weren’t lacking for color with the sparkly ribbon!

Decorate a Christmas Tree-Step by Step Tutorial – Step 2 made all the difference!  Ideas on how to decorate and add ribbon to a Christmas tree on a budget.  Decorate your tree like a pro in just a few easy steps.  Works with mesh, garland, tulle and ribbon, even burlap for a beautiful tree through the holidays!  #christmastree #christmasdecor

 

I’d also love for you to check out my post on how to do DIY Wood Slice Place Cards.  They also double as personalized ornaments for your guests!  

An for a super cute addition to your mantel or front porch, check out this DIY Letter to Santa Sign.

diy letter to santa sign

Quick Links to Information in this Post

  • 1  Step 1: Getting Christmas Tree Theme Ideas
  • 2 Step 2: Christmas Decorating Supplies
  • 3 Step 3:  The Easy Way to Make Your Christmas Tree look Fuller
  • 4 Step 4: How to Arrange Christmas Tree Lights
  • 5 Step 5: Adding Ribbon on Tree-Ideas and Hacks
  • 6  
  • 7 Step 4: How to Add a Topper to a Christmas Tree
  • 8 Step 5:  How to Arrange Ornaments on A Christmas Tree
  • 9 Step 6: Add Some Accents to Your Christmas Tree

If you want to save this post for later, pin it here:


 

Related Posts to Decorating a Christmas Tree, Step-by-Step:

DIY Letter to Santa Sign (No Cricut Required)

The Best Delivery Driver Appreciation Ideas

How to Add Ribbon to a Christmas Tree, The EASY Way
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sjZggujASQ

 

Did you like this post? Be sure to share it with others. Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,

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Karin Peters

Welcome to Renovated Faith, where I share about DIY projects, my faith and everything in between! When I’m not spending time with my family, you will find me redoing furniture in the garage or watering plants in my greenhouse. This blog is about transformation. Anyone can renovate a house but only God can transform our hearts!

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November 20, 2018 8:31 pm Karin Peters 9 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Home Decor Projects, Seasonal

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Theresa Hudepohl says

    October 9, 2019 at 10:35 am

    Thank you so much. I am going to use ribbons this year, I have a large bow topper but only used 3 or 4 small strands down over the tree. My tree looks pretty much the same every year, and nothing great. We have a pre lite tree but they no longer work so we have to put other lights on it. Love the tree so I’m dealing with it. Thanks again .

    Reply
    • Karin Peters says

      October 10, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      Hey Theresa, So glad you found the tutorial useful! Be sure to show me how it turns out. I know your tree will be gorgeous! -Karin

      Reply
  2. Heather says

    December 7, 2019 at 11:45 pm

    Thank you so much!! Husband and I’s first Christmas in our new home and we needed some guidance on a big tree! Excited to open our home to guests and family this season! <3 heather

    Reply
    • Karin Peters says

      December 12, 2019 at 11:10 pm

      Aww, thank you so much for taking the time to share that with me. I wish you a very Merry Christmas together Heather!

      Reply
  3. Danita Center says

    October 21, 2020 at 7:27 am

    Last years tree was probably the prettiest tree I’ve put up, at 63, I have put up alot of trees. Last year I went with burgundy and gold. I also hung big loose ringlets of burgundy and gold wire ribbon. I started the ribbon at the top of the tree and just let the curls flow down the length of the tree. With all the beautiful burgundy and rich gold ornaments and soft white lights, that tree was beautiful.

    Reply
    • Karin Peters says

      October 29, 2020 at 1:57 am

      I bet it was absolutely stunning! I would love to see a picture if you get a chance. Did you use any of the tips in this tutorial? Have a great day Danita!

      Reply
  4. SHERRY CUMBIE says

    November 24, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    I love your tree! We do a traditional tree each year, but may add some of your ideas to it. I would like to know where you found the bucket that is on the floor by your tree (that ornaments in it).
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Karin Peters says

      November 25, 2020 at 11:12 pm

      Hey Sherry,
      I actually found it at Walmart. It has “Flowers & Garden” on one side but I just turn that side to the back. Thank you so much for your sweet comment and have a great day! – Karin

      Reply
    • Karin Peters says

      December 2, 2020 at 11:51 pm

      Sherry, I actually got it at Walmart! It says Flowers & Garden on one side but I always turn that toward the tree. Let me know if you have any other questions! – Karin

      Reply

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Meet Karin

Welcome! My name is Karin.  I love DIY home decor, coffee, the color french blue and most of all Jesus. The purpose of Renovated Faith is to inspire and equip women to transform their house into a home while demonstrating how God offers hope to transform our lives for the better. Read More…

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