Decorating Christmas trees:
8 useful tips

Learn the best way to decorate your Christmas tree!

The festive season is here again! Christmas tunes are playing everywhere, the mugs are brimming with hot chocolate and the Christmas tree is waiting patiently for decoration. But how exactly do you decorate your Christmas tree to get that perfect, sparkling result? Don’t worry: we have a list of practical tips for you here.

Tip 1

Start with the Christmas lighting

Did you know that the order in which you decorate a Christmas tree actually makes a difference? Always start by arranging the lights. It is much easier to distribute the Christmas lighting evenly around your tree before it is full of ornaments. Start at the bottom and work your way up to the top.

How many lights do I need for my Christmas tree?

The quantity of Christmas tree lighting you need depends on the size of your tree and how much brightness you want from it. So,how many lights in a Christmas tree? Here is a general guideline for you:

  • Small tree (up to 1.5 metres): You need about 100 to 150 lights for a small tree, which will produce a lovely, soft glow.
  • Medium-sized tree (1.5 to 2 metres): We recommend using 200 to 300 lights for a medium-sized tree.
  • Large tree (2 to 3 metres): You need about 400 to 600 lights for a large tree.
  • Extra large tree (3 metres and taller): Start with 600 lights for an extra large tree and add more, depending on your preferences.

Tip 2

Choose a colour scheme

A uniform colour scheme will create a cohesive, pleasingly-arranged look for your tree. Whether you go for traditional red and green, stylish silver and gold or something more ideosyncratic such as pastels, make sure you choose the colours that best suit your personal style.

Tip 3

Vary in size

Use ornaments in different sizes and shapes to create an appealing visual effect. Mix and match small tree ornaments with larger ones for a balanced look. Start with the largest Christmas baubles and hang them deep among the tree’s branches to create a sense of depth. Then you can add the medium-sized and smaller Christmas baubles, making sure they hung evenly around the tree.

So, how many Christmas baubles do you need for a tree?

The number of Christmas baubles you need depends on the height of your Christmas tree. Our recommendations are:

  • For a small tree measuring about 1.5 metres (5 feet), 75 to 100 Christmas baubles will make a good start.
  • For medium-sized tree measuring about 2 metres (6.5 feet), you will probably want 125 to 175 Christmas baubles.
  • For a large tree of 2.5 metres (8 feet), consider using 200 to 250 Christmas baubles.
  • For an extra large, 3-metre (10-foot) tree or taller, it is best to begin with at least 300 Christmas baubles.
 

Tip 4

Fill in the gaps

Make sure you don’t just decorate the ends of the branches - remember to do the deeper parts of the tree too. It will make your tree look fuller and more opulent.

Tip 5

Ribbon works wonders

Ribbons are great way of adding more texture and colour to your tree. Wrap it round the tree or weave it between the branches for a festive look.

Tip 6

Give it a personal touch

Add elements that mean something special to you or your family, perhaps a homemade Christmas bauble crafted by your child or a family heirloom that’s been in the family for generations. Or why not use ornaments that are particularly eye-catching?

Tip 7

The star of the show

Whether you go for a traditional star or angel, a spire tree topper or something completely different, don’t forget to put something on the top of your tree. It’s the icing on the cake that's your Christmas tree!

Tip 8

The finishing touch

Don’t forget your tree’s base. You can use a Christmas tree skirt, a Christmas tree stand, a Christmas tree ring, gift-wrapped presents under the tree or perhaps even some artificial snow.

Decorating your Christmas tree is a great way to get into a festive mood. It doesn’t matter how you do it, as long as you have fun. Now you have these tips, you are ready to decorate your Christmas tree. So, turn up the Christmas music, grab a mug of hot chocolate and have fun!