A Christmas tree is the centrepiece of every home during the holiday season. Want to decorate yours like a professional? In this guide, we share expert styling tips to help you create a stunning, polished tree that looks beautifully designed from top to bottom.
Build a Theme
Before you start decorating your Christmas tree, choose a cohesive theme or concept to guide your design. This could be inspired by a specific colour palette, a favourite collection of ornaments, or one of your personal interests. For inspiration, browse designer blogs, home décor websites, holiday catalogues, or Pinterest. Creating a mood board can help bring your vision to life and make it easier to select decorations that work beautifully together.
Fluff & Shape the Tree
Fluffing and shaping the branches takes a bit of time, but it is an essential step in creating a lush, lifelike Christmas tree. Proper shaping helps bring out the tree’s natural fullness and beauty. Use these tips to get the best results:
- Ask family or friends to help make the process quicker and more enjoyable
- Wear gloves to protect your hands while adjusting branches
- Refer to the product photo to recreate the intended branch shape and silhouette
- Start shaping from the inner branches and work outward on each branch
- Fluff the tree section by section, beginning at the bottom. For taller trees, fluff the top section before attaching it to avoid using a ladder.
String the Lights
Before hanging lights on your tree, make sure they are working properly. Start at the bottom and work your way up, weaving the lights in and out of the branches for even coverage.
You can skip this step with Balsam Hill’s pre-lit Christmas trees. Many styles feature our exclusive Easy Plug® technology, with built-in light connections inside the trunk. Lighting your tree is as simple as plugging it into a wall outlet.
Divide the Tree into Sections
Think of your Christmas tree in sections: top, middle, and bottom. Decorate each area one at a time, starting at the top and working your way down. You can also divide the tree into quadrants to ensure similar décor pieces are spaced evenly. Step back often and view your tree from different angles to make sure the lights and ornaments are well balanced throughout.
Dress the Tree
Learn how to decorate your Christmas tree like a professional by layering ornaments and décor for depth, balance, and visual interest. Start with larger statement pieces, then fill in with medium and smaller ornaments to create a cohesive, beautifully styled look.
Start With Classic Ornaments
Begin with timeless ornaments in classic colours such as silver, gold, white, red, or green. These versatile hues pair beautifully with other decorations and make it easy to refresh your tree’s theme year after year.
Mix Ornament Shapes and Sizes for Depth
Choose curated ornament sets that naturally complement one another for an effortlessly elegant look. Decorating professionals typically begin with larger ornaments placed deeper within the branches to add dimension. Smaller ornaments are best hung toward the branch tips, creating a layered, visually balanced display.
Style With Ribbon
Decorate your tree like a professional by accenting it with Christmas tree ribbons. We recommend using wired ribbon because it is easier to shape and style. Choose two ribbons in different textures, patterns, or widths, then layer them throughout the branches to add depth, movement, and visual interest.
Fill Gaps With Interesting Details
Picks and sprays are ideal for filling in sparse areas of your tree while adding depth and visual interest. These accents introduce new textures that enhance the overall design. For a natural look, choose berry, floral, or pinecone picks. To achieve a more elegant style, opt for crystal or pearl designs that catch the light beautifully.
Finish With Intentional Details
Intricate accents and thoughtfully coordinated accessories elevate the overall look of your Christmas tree. Complete your design with a tree topper and tree skirt that complement your chosen theme, as these finishing touches add balance, polish, and visual harmony.
Add a Tree Topper
Enhance your display with a tree topper that complements your chosen theme. For a designer-inspired look, creativity goes a long way. Try tying decorative picks into an elegant bouquet or using floral wire to secure ornaments, then layer in picks for added drama. A custom tree topper gives your Christmas tree a distinctive personality and serves as the perfect finishing touch.
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. Tree collars offer a clean, modern finish while concealing the stand and cords, giving your professionally decorated tree a refined, designer-worthy look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Dress a Professional Christmas Tree?
To achieve a designer-styled Christmas tree, start with a high-quality foundation and a cohesive decorating theme. A premium artificial Christmas tree from Balsam Hill provides realistic branches, lush foliage, and easy assembly, creating the perfect canvas for polished, professional decorating.
Step 1: Fluff the Branches
Take time to shape and spread every branch tip. Balsam Hill trees are crafted with a mix of True Needle® (PE) foliage and classic PVC, helping create a natural, full appearance.
Step 2: Add the Lights
Layer lights from the inside out, weaving them along the branches to add depth and sparkle. Pre-lit Balsam Hill Christmas trees feature evenly spaced bulbs, saving time while ensuring a balanced glow.
Step 3: Layer Ribbon or Garland
Use wide ribbon or garlands in cascading or spiral patterns. For a professional look, tuck ribbon into the branches rather than wrapping it around the tree.
Step 4: Place Ornaments in Groups
Begin with large ornaments, then layer in medium and smaller pieces to fill gaps. Distribute colours, shapes, and finishes evenly for visual balance.
Step 5: Finish With Picks and a Tree Topper
Floral picks, sprays, and a statement tree topper complete the designer look.
By starting with a Balsam Hill artificial Christmas tree, professional-level decorating becomes effortless season after season.
In What Order Should You Decorate a Christmas Tree?
Decorate your Christmas tree in this order:
- Add the lights, weaving them in and out of the branches for even coverage.
- Layer garland or ribbon, draping it evenly around the tree.
- Hang ornaments, starting with the largest and finishing with the smallest.
- Add the tree topper and finish with a tree skirt or collar.
What Is the Best Way To Put Ornaments on a Christmas Tree?
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree relies on balance and depth. Distribute ornaments evenly around the tree, placing larger pieces deeper into the branches and smaller ornaments toward the tips. Use a variety of shapes, textures, and finishes for visual interest. Finish with tree picks or sprays to fill gaps and highlight key areas.
How Do You Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree Like a Professional?
Choose wired ribbon that complements your theme and cut it into manageable lengths. Starting at the top, create soft loops and tuck the ribbon into the branches every 12 to 18 inches, twisting slightly to create a cascading effect. Layer multiple ribbons of varying textures or widths for added depth and a refined, professional finish.