Decorating a Christmas tree is one of those traditions that makes the season feel real. A finished tree can change the whole mood of a room and make it feel warm and festive. However, when you open the boxes and see piles of lights, ornaments, and ribbon, itās easy to feel stuck and not know what to do first.
The good news is that decorating a tree can be simple when you follow a clear order. In this article, weāll show how to decorate a Christmas treeĀ step by step, so your tree looks full, balanced, and beautiful. Weāll cover how to choose the right decorations, where to place lights, and how to spread ornaments out so everything looks even and bright. Letās get started.
What You'll Need to Decorate a Christmas Tree?
Before you start, it helps to have everything ready. Gathering your supplies first makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Hereās a basic list:
- Christmas tree: Real or artificial, depending on your preference.
- Tree stand: To keep your tree stable and upright.
- Lights: LED or classic string lights; make sure you have enough to wrap the whole tree.
- Garlands or ribbons: Add texture and fill in gaps.
- Ornaments: A mix of sizes and styles works best for a balanced look.
- Tree topper: Star, angel, or any decoration you like for the top.
- Hooks or ornament hangers: Make hanging ornaments easier.
- Scissors or wire cutters: Useful for trimming ribbons or garlands.
- Optional decorations: Beads, pinecones, candy canes, or personalized ornaments to add a special touch.
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Step-by-Step
Once everything is ready, choose a clear theme for your tree. Pick a color palette, a style you like, or a set of ornaments that work well together so the whole tree feels neat and coordinated. Then follow the steps below.
Step 1: Choose Your Christmas Tree
Decide whether you want a real or faux tree. Both work with the same decorating steps. Faux trees have come a long way; some look so realistic itās hard to tell.
Step 2: Put Your Tree Collar in Place
If you have an artificial tree, a tree collar helps hide the centre pole and makes the tree look more natural. For a real tree, a collar or a simple tree skirt both work. Just check it fits around the stand and sits flat on the floor. Once the collar or skirt is in place, assemble the tree above it.
Step 3: Assemble and Fluff Your Tree
For faux trees, take your time fluffing the branches. Start at the back of each branch and spread the tips out in different directions. Work layer by layer to fill any gaps. This simple step helps the tree look fuller and more natural.
Step 4: String the Lights
Now it is time to add the lights. Begin at the bottom of the tree and work your way up in slow circles. Wrap the lights around the branches and tuck some closer to the trunk for depth. Keep checking from a few steps back so the lights look even and the whole tree has a steady glow.
Step 5: Add Loops of Ribbon
Ribbon gives your tree extra texture and style. Use wire-edged ribbon,Ā so loops keep their shape. Start with wide ribbons at the bottom, then layer narrower or sheer ones on top. Make 2ā4 loops per ribbon, tucking the ends into branches. Spread them evenly and donāt stress about being perfect. Ornaments will help balance the look.
Step 6: Add Ornaments
Hang the big ornaments first to fill the empty gaps. Then add medium ones, and finish with the small pieces. Spread similar ornaments around the tree so they do not all sit in one spot.
For a 7.5-foot tree, about 120 ornaments is a good guide, but you can use more or fewer to suit your style. Mix different colors and textures so the tree looks balanced and interesting from every angle.
Step 7: Add Other Decorations
Add extra pieces like picks, flowers, berries, or pinecones to give the tree more interest. Large sprays can be cut into smaller parts and tucked evenly around the branches.
Simple, classic touches like candy canes or a little tinsel work well too. Just use a light hand so the tree still looks tidy and not crowded.
Step 8: Add a Tree Topper
Finish with a topper, like a star, angel, or large bow. Make sure it is light enough for the top branch and has a way to sit snugly, not wobble.
Secure the topper to the main top branch with the built-in clip, twist ties, or a bit of floral wire. Fluff the branches around it so it looks like part of the tree, not just sitting on top. Once the topper is in place, step back and check the tree from a few angles to make sure it looks straight and centered.
Step 9: Add a Plug-In Timer or Smart Dimmer
Turning the tree lights on and off every day gets old fast. Plug them into a simple outlet timer or a smart plug instead. Set the times once, or control them from your phone, and the lights will come on each evening and turn off before bed on their own.
Once the indoor tree is decorated, the festive spirit can easily extend outside with permanent outdoor lights. TheĀ eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights S4Ā are a great option for a hassle-free, professional look. Once installed, you can enjoy the view for years without rehanging every year.
These lights can be mounted along the roofline and controlled via the eufy app to change colors, patterns, and holiday themes instantly. Built to last, they have a lifespan of 55,000 hours and feature IP67 waterproofing, making them resistant to rain, snow, and heat. The lights are cuttable for a perfect fit and can be programmed for different moods, from festive holiday displays to everyday ambient lighting.
Conclusion
Decorating a Christmas tree doesnāt have to be complicated. Knowing how to decorate a Christmas treeĀ step by step makes it easier to get a full, balanced, and festive look. Pick a tree that fits your space, fluff the branches, add ribbons and ornaments thoughtfully, and tuck in a few picks or berries for extra charm. Top it off with a star, angel, or bow, and your tree is ready.
Take your time and enjoy the process. Even a faux tree can look real and magical with a little care. Once itās done, the tree becomes the heart of your holiday decor, adding warmth and cheer. For outdoor lights that stay up all year, eufy Smart LightingĀ is a great choice, easy to install, bright, and fully controllable through the app. Just install once and enjoy for years to come.
FAQs
How to decorate a Christmas tree to look full?
Fluff the branches thoroughly, spread ornaments evenly, and use ribbon, garlands, or picks to fill in gaps. Layering decorations and varying sizes creates a balanced, full look.
What is the correct order to decorate a Christmas tree?
The lights go on the tree first, so you can hide the wires easily. Next come ribbons or garlands to fill in the gaps. Then hang large ornaments, followed by smaller ones. Finish with a few picks or berries, and place the tree topper last.
When putting lights on a Christmas tree, should you start at the top or the bottom?
Most people find it easier to put lights on from the bottom and work up. Wrap the lights around the tree in gentle circles, tucking some closer to the trunk. This helps you see gaps as you go and keeps the tree looking even and bright.
How many decorations for a 7-foot Christmas tree?
A 7-foot Christmas tree usually looks good with around 100 to 150 ornaments. Use fewer if the tree is slim, more if it is wide or very full. Try to mix large, medium, and small decorations and spread them out evenly, so the tree looks balanced from top to bottom and from every angle.
