The glow of the tree, the scent of seasonal greenery, the sparkle of ornaments — nothing sets the tone for the holidays quite like trimming the tree. Whether you love the ritual or are decorating for the first time, these five steps make it easy to decorate your Christmas tree so it feels joyful, balanced, and personal.
1. Shape the Tree
Once your tree is in place, take time to fluff every branch. Bending out the tips removes the out-of-the-box look and creates the fullness you need before you decorate your Christmas tree with ornaments and lights. Don’t rush this step — a well-shaped tree instantly looks more natural and makes decorating easier.
2. Add the Lights
If your tree is pre-lit, check for burnt-out bulbs and adjust the branches for even glow. Adding your own string lights? Keep them close to the trunk and weave outward. This creates depth and sparkle throughout the tree. A good guideline is 100 lights per foot of height, so a 7-foot tree shines brightest with around 700 bulbs. Choose warm white for a classic look or mix in coloured strands for a playful vibe.
3. Layer From the Inside Out
The most effective way to decorate your Christmas tree is to start near the trunk and build outward. First add garlands or ribbons, then hang larger ornaments toward the centre. Work your way up the tree with medium and smaller pieces. Glittered picks, sprays, and branches fill gaps and reflect the light beautifully. Finally, showcase your most meaningful ornaments on the outside where they can shine.
Family tip: Place delicate keepsakes higher on the tree and mix in shatterproof options lower down if you have children or pets.
4. Ground With a Skirt
The tree skirt hides the stand and frames your gifts. Choose one that enhances your holiday style — velvet for a glamorous mood, plaid for a cozy chalet feel, or simple linen for a natural look. A good-sized skirt should extend well past the base to visually balance the fullness of your tree.
5. Top It Off
The finishing flourish when you decorate your Christmas tree is the topper. A traditional star or angel is timeless, but you can also use ribbon bows, oversized ornaments, or sprays for a more modern effect. Whichever you choose, make sure it feels proportional to your tree’s height. For extra support, gather a few branches together to hold the topper firmly in place.
With a little planning and layering, it’s easy to decorate your Christmas tree in a way that feels festive and true to your style. From twinkling lights to meaningful ornaments, each choice helps set the mood for a joyful holiday season. Once finished, your tree becomes more than décor — it’s the heart of your celebrations.
Photography courtesy of Hudson’s Bay
