How to Decorate a Christmas Tree

Learn how to decorate your Christmas tree with this step-by-step guide.

There’s no denying that one of the most important Christmas decorations is your tree. It just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without having a beautifully-decorated tree to put all your presents under. Plus, decorating the tree is a fun holiday activity for the whole family to do together!

There are a few different things you will need to properly decorate your Christmas tree. And to get it to look as perfect as the ones you see in the mall, you will need to add things in a specific order. To get your tree as festive as possible this holiday season, just follow these five easy steps from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

1. Put Up Your Tree

First, you will need to get the tree itself. There are two main options when it comes to Christmas trees. You can get a real tree or an artificial one. Each have their own advantages.

An artificial tree will save you money in the long run, as you can keep reusing the same one each year. It will also look more “perfect” than a real tree, as you won’t have to worry about it having any odd gaps. However, some people enjoy getting real trees because of their authentic look and pine smell.

Keep in mind that if you get a real tree, you will also need a Christmas tree stand for it.

Whichever type you go with, make sure you get the right size. Decide where you want to put your tree. We recommend an area in your family or living room with a decent amount of space.

Measure this space from floor to ceiling. You will want to get a tree that is at least six inches shorter than this measurement. If you don’t leave extra room between your tree and the ceiling, there won’t be space for a tree topper.

2. Add Lights & Garlands

Once your tree is up, the first thing you should do is add the lights. The color bulbs you go with is up to you. But make sure your tree lights are meant for indoor use.

We recommend that the wire on your lights match your tree. So if you have a green tree, get lights with a green wire.

The amount of lights you use is also up to you. The average Christmas tree has about 100 lights per feet (so 700 lights on a seven-foot tree, for example). However, if you want extra lights, feel free to add more.

Before hanging the lights, plug them in to make sure they’re all working properly. Then, start at the base of the tree and work your way up, wrapping them horizontally around the tree. Depending on how tall your tree is, you may need a ladder to reach the top.

If you want to skip this step, you can purchase an artificial tree that comes with pre-wrapped lights.

Once the lights are on, you can add any garland, ribbon, or tinsel that you’d like.

3. Hang Ornaments

Now, it’s time to start hanging your ornaments. If you have any favorites you want to be easily visible, we suggest adding those first. This way, you’re able to put them front and center.

Then, add the rest of your ornaments, starting with the largest ones and ending with the smallest. The type and amount of ornaments you add is completely up to your preference.

You can choose to do a theme or color scheme, only use matching ornaments, or deck your tree in fun or sentimental ones. Some people prefer to cover their tree completely, while others take a more minimalistic approach.

4. Add a Topper

Next, you can add your tree topper to the top of the tree. There are many different tree toppers to choose from. The most common ones are a star, angel, or bow. Get whichever one you like or matches your tree best!

5. Add a Tree Skirt

Lastly, finish your tree off with a Christmas tree skirt. Tree skirts make your decorated tree look complete and protect your floor by catching any fallen pine needles. Plus, you can set your wrapped presents on them!

Tree skirts come in a variety of festive colors, patterns, and materials to choose from. You can also opt for a tree collar, which is made of harder materials like metal or wood instead of the typical fabric.

For more seasonal decorating tips and guides, check out our Holidays Blog.