How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to deck the branches? Learn the correct order to decorate your Christmas tree and make it look effortlessly festive.
There’s something almost magical about that moment when the Christmas lights flicker on for the first time. The scent of cinnamon and gingerbread fills the air, there’s the rustle of tinsel and the faint sound of Michael Bublé warming up in the background. Decorating the tree is one of those timeless festive rituals that marks the true start of Christmas.
But even the most seasoned decorator can find themselves wondering: what’s the correct order to decorate a Christmas tree? Should the lights go first? Or the ribbon? And how do you make it look fuller, like the ones in glossy magazines?
Whether you’re dressing a real Christmas tree from a pine farm or an artificial tree that’s been lovingly unboxed for another year, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art, and joy, of tree decorating.
Written By: Dawn Rajah - Published: 20.10.25
Step 1: Add the Lights
Lights always come first, always. Think of them as the foundation of your Christmas tree decor. Without them, everything else struggles to shine.
Before you even start wrapping, test your lights first. There’s nothing worse than realising a strand doesn’t work after you’ve hung every bauble. Once they’re glowing, start at the base and weave your way up, tucking the lights in and out of branches to create depth. Aim for an even glow, not just a ring of bulbs wrapped around the outside like tinsel.
For a traditional look, warm white LED lights evoke candlelit nostalgia, while cool tones or multicoloured strands give a more modern, playful feel. On a small or tabletop Christmas tree, choose fairy lights with finer bulbs for delicate sparkle.
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Pre-lit Christmas trees: A fuss-free option with lights already built in, perfect if you want an even glow without the untangling.
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Warm white Christmas tree lights: The classic golden hue that gives your tree a cosy, candlelit look.
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White Christmas tree lights: Crisp, cool tones that suit minimalist or snow-dusted décor.
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Multi-coloured Christmas tree lights: Bright and nostalgic, with the right touch of personality, these are ideal for family rooms or retro-inspired themes.
If you’re styling a 6ft Christmas tree or taller, use at least 100 lights per foot of height, it’s the secret to that professional twinkle.
Step 2: Drape Garland or Ribbon
Once the lights are in place, it’s time to add texture and movement. Ribbons, garlands, and strings of beads help build volume and make your Christmas tree look fuller.
If you’re wondering how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree, the answer depends on the effect you want. Try one of these approaches:
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Spiral wrap it around the tree for a classic, cascading look.
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Tuck it vertically into the branches in loose waves for a modern feel.
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Cluster short sections of ribbon to create soft loops that mimic bows.
Play with textures: velvet for richness, metallics for shine, or sheer ribbons for a romantic shimmer. For extra personality, twine in garlands of pearls, wooden beads, or greenery, depending on your Christmas theme.
This step is also where you can start adjusting fullness. Loosely draped fabric softens gaps between branches and makes the whole tree look more luxurious. If you want extra texture, weave in bauble garlands or bead strings for added depth and festive sparkle. It’s a clever trick for slimmer or faux Christmas trees.
Step 3: Hang the Ornaments
Now for the fun part: the sparkle. Ornaments are where your tree comes to life, telling the story of your Christmases past and present.
Start with your larger baubles first, placing them deeper inside the branches to add depth. Next, add medium-sized ornaments across the middle section, then finish with smaller, more detailed pieces toward the ends of the branches. Step back regularly to make sure the colours and shapes feel balanced.
If you don’t have a theme, draw inspiration from our Christmas Themes Guide:
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A white Christmas tree with silver and glass ornaments creates a snowy, ethereal glow.
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A pink Christmas tree paired with pearl baubles and velvet bows feels whimsical and chic.
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A black Christmas tree with gold or jewel tones gives a dramatic, fashion-forward finish.
Mix finishes for interest (matte, glossy, and glitter) and add in a few personal touches like family keepsakes or handmade decorations for heart-warming contrast.
Step 4: Place the Christmas Tree Topper
Every Christmas tree needs its crowning moment. The tree topper is like jewellery, it ties everything together.
Classic stars and angel tree toppers never go out of style, but if you’re leaning into modern trends, try a ribbon bow, a burst of metallic branches, or even a cluster of feathers or flowers that echo your theme.
Think about balance as much as sparkle. A minimalist scheme might suit a simple linen bow or sleek star Christmas tree topper, while a more opulent look calls for layered textures, velvet, glitter, or gold. Whatever you choose, make sure your topper feels like the finishing note, not an afterthought.
When placing the topper, make sure it’s secure and proportionate, lightweight options suit slim Christmas trees, while more elaborate toppers suit fuller shapes.
Step 5: Add a Tree Skirt
Once your tree is perfectly dressed, it’s time to finish the look from the ground up. A Christmas tree skirt or basket base hides wires, protects your flooring, and adds a polished, homely touch.
Choose a material that complements your theme:
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Faux fur or chunky knit for cosy charm.
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Woven rattan, linen or wicker tree skirt for Scandi minimalism.
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Velvet or metallic fabric for a glam, editorial look.
You can even repurpose a decorative rug or blanket for a relaxed, layered effect, a Christmas tree collar is the kind of effortless touch that makes a space feel lived-in and welcoming.
How to Make a Christmas Tree Look Fuller
Even the most beautiful faux Christmas trees sometimes need a little help. Here are a few pro tips to add instant volume and wow factor:
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Fluff every branch before decorating to restore shape and density.
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Experiment with textures: mix matte, shiny, and glitter finishes.
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Add floral picks, feathers, or berry sprays to fill gaps and add texture.
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Use different ornament sizes to create visual depth.
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Drape ribbons loosely to soften empty spaces.
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Step back often: the best trees are balanced from every angle.
These tricks work just as well for real trees as for artificial or fibre-optic ones. Remember: the goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a tree that feels full of life and sparkle.
Merry Christmas!
FAQs
What is the correct order to decorate a Christmas tree?
Your Christmas decor is almost done, you're at the tree and are wondering: what are the rules for decorating a Christmas tree? Always start with the lights, then move on to garlands or ribbon, followed by ornaments, then the topper, and finally the tree skirt. Think of it like layering an outfit: foundation first, accessories last.
How to arrange baubles on a Christmas tree?
Start with large ornaments closer to the trunk, add medium ones mid-way, and finish with smaller baubles at the ends. Alternate shapes and colours to keep it visually balanced.
How to decorate a Christmas tree like a professional?
Stick to a cohesive colour palette, vary your textures, and keep lights and ornaments evenly spaced. Step back often to assess the look from all sides.
How long should you let a Christmas tree rest before decorating?
If you’ve brought home a real tree, give it at least 24 hours to rest and settle before decorating. This allows the branches to naturally, making it easier to hang ornaments evenly and spot any gaps that you’ll need to fill in. It also gives the tree time to rehydrate if it’s been freshly cut, meaning fewer needles on the floor later.
Where did christmas decorating come from?
The tradition of decorating for Christmas goes back centuries, rooted in ancient winter solstice celebrations. Long before fairy lights and tinsel, evergreen trees were brought indoors to symbolise life in the darkest months. But it was 16th-century Germany that turned the idea into what we now recognise as the Christmas tree. Candles, fruit, and gilded ornaments soon followed, and before long, the trend had spread across Europe.