Need Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas? Try One Of These Classic Looks

I’ve committed the ultimate interior design crime…I have not decorated for Christmas yet!! Decorating the tree is on my list for this weekend and I’ve been picking up ornaments here and there when I see one I like.

For those of you who haven’t set up or decorated your Christmas tree yet, (I know there’s few of us left) let this post be inspiration for your 2023 tree! There are many decorating styles that evoke very different feelings. I’ll cover just a few of the styles I love, but I’d love to know which one resinates with you most.

The Fairy Light Tree

Not all Christmas trees need dozens of ornaments, yards of garland, and a tree topper. Sometimes the simplicity of a tree filled with fairy lights is exceptional! Mini twinkle lights, also called fairy lights, are a viral trend we’re seeing this year and understandably so. They create a different effect than traditional Christmas lights since they’re smaller and they disappear into the needles.

When you go this route, don’t skimp on the number of lights you string onto your tree. Wrap each brand individually to ensure the tree isn’t bare. From the people who have done this, I’ve heard it takes hours, but the end result is truly magical.

Source: Arthty Ragupathy

The Traditional Tree

A traditionally decorated tree will always have my heart. Peppered with ornaments of all shapes and sizes and a swaged garland that creates a sense of whimsy. When I decorate a Christmas tree this way, I focus on using a wide variety of ornaments. I mix big and small, round and stout with long and slender, matte and shiny, and hard with soft. I prefer when few ornaments are the same.

As for the garland, I love when it’s extra swaggy. The swaggier the better. 🙂

Source: Balsam Hill

Source: Jenna Sue Design

The Tinsel Tree

Tinsel trees have made quite the comeback in the last 3 years and I wholeheartedly love the magic it creates. The key is to go heavy on the tinsel. Sure, you can sprinkle a few ornaments in the midst of the tinsel for a bit of variety, but the focus is, and should be, on the tinsel! It shimmers so beautifully against the warm glow of the lights.

I’m sure you’ve seen Sean Anderson’s tinsel tree (photo below), but it’s a beautiful example of how to do it right.

Source: Sean Anderson Design

The Icicle Tree

When you don’t want the mess and the time consuming cleanup of tinsel, an icicle tree is a stunning option! The wintery shimmer of glass icicles against the lights is beyond captivating. With so many shapes, sizes, and styles available with icicle ornaments, you can add a touch of variety without altering from the icicle theme.

Source: The Savvy Heart

The Bow Tree

There’s something so charming and playful about a ribbon tree. It’s simple, yet perfectly appropriate with the spirit of the season. I like to pick three to four patterns and colors of ribbon that compliment each other. You can find ribbon online or at craft stores, but I particularly like looking for ribbon and thrift stores! Here’s a helpful tutorial on how to tie and hang ribbon!

Source: Chris Loves Julia

The Charlie Brown Tree

While some prefer the fullness of a tree, others love the unconventional sparse nature of a Charlie brown tree. I for one love a sparse tree. It’s especially perfect in a home where there’s limited space for a tree since it doesn’t overpower the room.

A charlie brown tree puts extra emphasis on the ornaments and garland you put on it so it’s perfect if you are particularly fond of the ornaments you have.

Source: Balsam Hill

Source: Balsam Hill

So what’ll it be? A tinsel tree? Perhaps a bow tree? I’d love to hear which is your favorite and what you’ll be doing, or already have done, this Christmas!