A Christmas tree is the centrepiece of every home during the Christmas season. Want to learn how to decorate it like a professional? In this article, we share expert decorating ideas that will make your tree look spectacular.
Build a Theme
Before you start decorating a Christmas tree, it’s important to choose a cohesive theme or concept. This could be based on a specific colour palette, a collection of baubles, or one of your interests. To get inspired, check out designer blogs, home décor websites or holiday catalogs, or Pinterest. Creating a mood board can help bring your vision to life and guide you in selecting the right decorations.
Fluff & Shape the Tree
Fluffing and shaping branches may take a while, but it is an essential part of the decorating process. This will help you achieve a lush and lifelike look for your tree. Follow these tips:
- Ask family or friends to help shape your tree.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Refer to the product photo of the tree to easily recreate the look of the branches.
- When fluffing each branch, start from the inner branches and work your way outward.
- Shape the tree section by section, starting from the bottom. For taller trees, fluff the top section before attaching it to the tree to avoid using a ladder.
String the Lights
Before hanging lights on a tree, make sure they’re working. Start at the bottom and work your way up, weaving the lights in and out of the branches.
You can skip this step with Balsam Hill’s pre-lit Christmas trees. Many of these trees come with our exclusive Easy Plug® technology, which includes pre-made light connections inside the trunk. Lighting your tree will be as simple as plugging it into a wall socket.
Divide the Tree into Sections
View your Christmas tree in sections: top, middle, and bottom. Style each section, starting from the top and working your way down. You can also segment your tree into quadrants to ensure two similar décor pieces aren’t too close together. Step back and survey your tree from different angles to make sure lights and baubles are evenly distributed.
Dress the Tree
Learn how to decorate a Christmas tree like a professional with these bauble and décor layering tips.
Start With Classic Baubles
Choose basic baubles in a classic colour scheme such as silver, gold, white, red, or green. These colours complement other tree decorations, allowing for a new theme each year.
Mix Baubles Shapes and Sizes for Depth
Shop curated bauble sets that complement each other for effortless elegance. Experts usually start with larger pieces and place them deeper within the foliage. Smaller baubles look best when hung from the tips of the branches, creating a beautiful, layered look.
Style With Ribbon
Decorate your tree like a professional by accessorising with Christmas tree ribbons. We recommend using wired ones because they’re easier to shape and style. Select two ribbons with different styles and widths and layer them to create texture.
Fill Gaps With Interesting Details
Picks and sprays are great for filling in sparse areas of the tree. Additionally, they bring a different texture to the overall look. If you want a more natural feel, opt for berry, flower, or pinecone picks. Alternatively, create a more elegant effect with crystal or pearl designs.
Finish With Intentional Details
Intricate accents and coordinated accessories elevate the overall look of your Christmas tree. Don't skip out on choosing the perfect tree topper and tree skirt that complements your chosen theme, as these decorations add polish and style.
Add a Tree Topper
Enhance your display with a tree topper that complements your theme. If you’re aiming for a designer look, improvisation is key. You can tie picks together in an elegant bouquet or use floral wire to secure baubles and then add picks for drama. Adding a custom tree topper will give your tree its own unique personality, setting it apart from the rest.
Complete the Look With a Tree Skirt or Collar
Finally, create the perfect backdrop for your presents with a Christmas tree skirt that matches your theme. If you want a unique base, consider using a decorative tree collar as a stylish alternative. These collars are crafted from various materials, such as galvanised metal, wicker, Capiz shells, and many others. They easily wrap around the tree stand for a quick and easy finishing touch. You can also get creative with wooden Christmas village sets and vintage trains to accessorise the tree's base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Dress a Professional Christmas Tree?
If you want your Christmas tree to look like it was styled by a designer, the process begins with choosing the right foundation and a cohesive decorating theme. A high-quality artificial Christmas tree from Balsam Hill provides realistic branches, lush foliage, and easy assembly; the perfect blank canvas for polished and elegant Christmas tree decorating.
Step 1: Fluff the Branches
Take time to shape and spread out every branch tip. Balsam Hill trees are crafted with a mix of True Needle® (PE) foliage and classic PVC for fullness, which helps create a natural and professional appearance.
Step 2: Add the Lights
Layer lights from the inside out, weaving them along the branches for depth and sparkle. Pre-lit Balsam Hill Christmas trees offer evenly placed bulbs that save you time and guarantee a balanced glow.
Step 3: Layer Ribbon or Garland
Use wide ribbon or garlands in cascading or spiral patterns. Professionals recommend tucking ribbon into the branches instead of simply wrapping it around.
Step 4: Place Baubles in Groups
Start with large baubles, then add medium and smaller ones to fill gaps. Distribute shapes, colours, and finishes evenly for balance.
Step 5: Finish With Picks and a Tree Topper
Floral picks, sprays, and a statement topper complete the designer look.
By starting with a Balsam Hill artificial tree, you’ll have a realistic, elegant canvas that makes professional-level decorating achievable every season.
In What Order Should You Decorate a Christmas Tree?
Decorate your Christmas tree in the following order: start with the lights, weaving them in and out of the branches for even coverage. Next, add garland or ribbon, draping it evenly around the tree. Then, hang your baubles, beginning with the largest and finishing with the smallest, ensuring they’re well-distributed. Finally, add the tree topper and a skirt to complete the decoration.
What Is the Best Way To Put Baubles on a Christmas Tree?
The best Christmas trees are often a visual feast of well-placed baubles. When placing your décor, focus on symmetry and balance, distributing decorations evenly around the tree. Larger pieces should be scattered well and placed deeper into the foliage. Use a variety of baubles sizes, shapes, and textures to create visual interest and depth. Ensure lights are well-spaced and reach into the branches for a warm, glowing effect. Add personal touches with sentimental or heirloom baubles and use intricate tree picks or sprays to cover gaps.
How To Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree Like a Professional?
Choose wired ribbons that complement your theme and cut them into manageable lengths. Start at the top, creating loops and tucking the ribbon into the tree every 12-18 inches, twisting it for a cascading effect. Add large bows at strategic points to enhance the design and consider layering multiple ribbons of different textures and widths for added depth. This method creates a polished, professional look.
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