Decorating the perfect Christmas tree can feel overwhelming with so many décor styles to choose from. But picking a theme that suits your personal taste and home style can make things much easier. This guide outlines the most common types of Christmas tree decorations and shares helpful tips to keep in mind before you shop.
Christmas Tree Toppers
Tree toppers are decorative ornaments placed at the top of a Christmas tree to enhance the overall festive look of your display. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to suit different styles and preferences.
- Star – Ranges from classic five-pointed stars to intricate three-dimensional Moravian designs
- Figurine – Includes angels, Santa Claus, and other traditional holiday characters
- Snowflake – Various snowflake designs perfect for winter-themed décor
- Finial – Elongated, tapered toppers available in different shapes and sizes
- Bouquet – Decorative arrangements featuring faux flowers, leaves, and berries
- Bow – Lightweight toppers crafted from festive, decorative ribbons
What Size of Tree Topper Do I Need?
Keep these factors in mind to make sure your tree topper fits your tree just right:
- Height of the Tree – Make sure there’s enough clearance for your tree topper. Leave at least 6 inches of space between the ceiling and the top of the topper.
- Shape of the Tree – Pick a topper that suits your tree’s silhouette. Wide designs like stars or angels are ideal for full trees, while taller, narrower toppers work better on slim profiles.
- Weight of the Tree Topper – Test the balance by placing the topper in the palm of your hand. If it tips over in less than three seconds, it may require extra support.
How Do I Properly Secure and Position the Tree Topper?
Most tree toppers have a conical, spring, or spiral base. Gently insert the top branch of your tree into the base, then secure it with green floral tape or zip ties if extra stability is needed.
Are There Any Safety Considerations in Adding a Tree Topper?
Make sure the topper is firmly attached to avoid it falling and causing injury. If your topper includes lights or other electrical components, follow safety instructions carefully to prevent electrical hazards.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Start with classic globe ornaments, then layer in themed collections to make decorating simple and stylish. We offer a wide range of Christmas tree ornaments in various styles and designs, including the following:
- Globe Ornaments – Classic Christmas tree balls crafted from glass, metal, plastic, or acrylic
- Finials – Long, tapered ornaments with a rounded or egg-shaped bulb at one end
- Angels – Angel-shaped decorations made from glass, plastic, or metal
- Egg – Delicately designed, egg-shaped ornaments made of blown glass
- Figurines – Features holiday favourites like nutcrackers, Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves
- Snowflakes – Decorative pieces in a variety of unique patterns, made from glass or iron
- Icicles – Slender ornaments made from materials like blown glass, plastic, or acrylic
- Vintage Ornaments – Heirloom pieces or new designs crafted to look like cherished vintage classics
How Many Ornaments Do I Need?
There’s no strict rule for how many ornaments to hang on your Christmas tree. The number really depends on your personal style. Some prefer a minimalist approach, while others enjoy a more eclectic look with a variety of ornaments.
The guide below combines key factors to offer a recommended ornament count. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust based on the size and type of ornaments you’re using. The chart considers ornament sizes ranging from 4 inches to 8.75 inches in length.
| Tree Height | Light Coverage | Heavy Coverage | Ornament Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 feet | 70 pieces | 105 pieces | 4–8.75 inches |
| 7.5 feet | 105 pieces | 140 pieces | 4–8.75 inches |
| 9–10 feet | 175 pieces | 210 pieces | 4–8.75 inches |
What Size Should My Ornaments Be?
The ideal ornament size depends on both your personal taste and the height of your tree. As a general guideline, smaller ornaments (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) suit trees that are 4 to 6 feet tall. Larger ornaments (around 4 to 6 inches in diameter) are better for taller trees. In the end, the best ornaments are the ones that enhance your tree’s look and bring you joy during the holiday season.
How Do I Properly Hang and Arrange the Ornaments on My Tree?
Start with the larger, heavier ornaments near the bottom of the tree. Distribute them evenly to keep the tree balanced. Use smaller ornaments to fill in gaps and add dimension. Vary their placement to achieve a more natural look, and step back often to make sure everything feels well-balanced and visually appealing.
Christmas Tree Ribbons
Adding ribbon is a simple way to bring texture and personality to your Christmas tree. Choose embroidered ribbon for an elegant touch, metallic ribbon for a bit of sparkle, or layer different ribbons together for a unique and eye-catching design.
What Is the Ideal Length of Ribbon for Christmas Trees?
The amount of ribbon you’ll need depends on your decorating style. A general guideline is to use at least 3 yards of ribbon per foot of tree height. For a more understated look, start at the top and wrap the ribbon in a downward spiral. Keep in mind—the wider your tree, the more ribbon you’ll need. Here’s a rough guide by tree size to help you plan:
| Tree Height | Ribbon Length |
|---|---|
| 6.5 feet | 19.5 yards |
| 7.5 feet | 22.5 yards |
| 9–10 feet | 27–30 yards |
What Width of Ribbon Should I Choose?
When selecting ribbon for your Christmas tree, consider the size of the tree and the overall look you’re going for. A ribbon that’s 1 to 2 inches wide works well for smaller trees, while larger trees look best with wider ribbons—around 2.5 to 4 inches. Choose a width that complements your decorating style, whether it’s subtle and simple or bold and dramatic.
How Do I Properly Drape, Tie, or Arrange the Ribbon on My Tree?
Decorating with ribbon can be a fun and creative way to elevate your Christmas tree. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Pinecones – These natural elements are ideal for adding a rustic touch. Use them as-is or paint them to match your colour scheme.
- Berry Sprays and Branches – Fill in empty spaces with berry sprays in metallic or glitter finishes to add a touch of sparkle.
- Floral Picks – A great way to add colour and texture, floral picks come in a variety of styles featuring flowers, leaves, and berries to create visual interest.
- Feathers – Feathers can bring a whimsical feel to your tree. Use them in their natural state or spray-paint them to suit your chosen colour palette.
Christmas Tree Garlands
Christmas tree garlands are decorative strands made from tinsel, beads, ribbon, or greenery that are draped around the tree. The best type of garland depends on your tree’s overall style and your personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative—mix and match different types of garlands to achieve a unique and festive look.
How Do I Hang a Garland on My Christmas Tree?
Begin by wrapping the garland around your tree in a spiral pattern, starting from the top and working your way down. Use hooks or twist ties to secure the garland to the branches as needed.
How Do I Store My Christmas Tree Garland?
To store your garland, wrap it around a cardboard tube or a pool noodle to keep it from tangling. Then place it in a cool, dry area until the next holiday season.
Christmas Tree Fillers
Christmas tree fillers—or stuffers—are decorative accents used to fill gaps between branches and add depth and texture to your tree. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, and are made from various materials to suit any style.
- Pinecones – These natural accents are perfect for adding a rustic touch. Use them as-is or paint them to match your colour scheme.
- Berry Sprays and Branches – Fill in empty spots with metallic or glittered berry sprays to add sparkle and dimension.
- Floral Picks – Great for adding pops of colour and texture. Look for picks featuring a mix of flowers, leaves, and berries to create visual interest.
- Feathers – Feathers bring a whimsical element to your tree. Use them naturally or spray-paint them to match your chosen colour palette.
How To Mix and Match Christmas Tree Fillers
Combining different Christmas tree fillers is a great way to add depth and visual interest to your décor. Begin by selecting a colour scheme or theme, then choose a mix of fillers such as ornaments, ribbons, garlands, and floral picks that complement your overall look. Don’t be afraid to play around with placement and combinations until you find the perfect balance.
Christmas Tree Skirts and Collars
Complete your tree’s look by choosing from a variety of Christmas tree skirts and collars that beautifully cover the base of your tree.
What Is the Purpose of a Tree Skirt?
Tree skirts were originally used to protect floors from fallen needles and wax drips from candlelit Christmas trees. Today, both skirts and collars serve to hide the tree stand and light cords while creating a polished base for your décor and a beautiful backdrop for gifts.
How Do I Properly Position the Tree Skirt Around the Tree?
Start by ensuring your Christmas tree is centred and level. Then gently wrap the skirt around the base, covering the tree stand. Adjust as needed so it sits evenly and complements your overall tree display.
What Size Christmas Tree Skirt Should I Get?
Choose a tree skirt that’s at least 6 inches wider than the full width of your tree to ensure it fully covers the base. This helps create a balanced, finished look. For more details, refer to the table below.
| Tree Width | Tree Skirt Size |
|---|---|
| 30–42 inches | 36–48 inches |
| 42–54 inches | 54–60 inches |
| 54–64 inches | 70–72 inches |
| 64–76 inches | 84 inches |
What Size Christmas Tree Collar Should I Get?
Tree collars are cone-shaped cylinders that wrap around the base of your tree, offering more coverage than traditional tree skirts. They’re often made from materials like metal, wood, or natural fibres.
When selecting a tree collar, be sure it fits both the height of your tree and the diameter of the centre pole. Our small collars are ideal for trees under 7 feet, while large collars are designed to fit Christmas trees between 7 and 11 feet tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
In What Order Should You Decorate a Christmas Tree?
Start with the lights, wrapping them evenly around the tree. Next, place your larger or more eye-catching ornaments to create balance. Add in smaller ornaments, garlands, and fillers. Finish with a tree topper and a tree skirt or collar for a polished look.
How To Decorate a Christmas Tree Step by Step?
Begin by assembling your tree according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Fluff the branches for a fuller, more natural look.
- Add your light strings, testing them first before adding more decorations.
- Layer in your ornaments, ribbons, and tree fillers to suit your chosen theme.
- Secure the tree topper and place your skirt or collar around the base.
- Step back and review your tree from different angles, adjusting décor and foliage as needed for balance.
How Many Ornaments for a 7-Foot Tree?
It depends on the look you're going for and the size of your ornaments. For a full, richly decorated tree, aim for around 105 ornaments. Sparse or minimalist trees require far fewer.
What Is the Best Way To Place Ornaments on a Christmas Tree?
Place larger ornaments evenly throughout the tree, tucking them deeper into the branches. Smaller ones can be hung closer to the tips. Start decorating from the bottom up, mixing and matching different shapes and textures for added depth and visual interest.