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17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Looking for ways to decorate your Christmas tree? Learn how to decorate your tree with a rustic farmhouse aesthetic and see 17+ Christmas tree decorating ideas.


Do you have a theme for your Christmas tree or do you decorate from a collection of things?

When we started having children, I put away the vintage breakable ornaments and moved towards a rustic country theme with ornaments they could not break.

Through the years, I focused on ornaments with lots of neutral, natural, and organic textures with pops of red.

Lots of red.

When you decorate your tree, do you follow a particular Christmas aesthetic too?

Wait until you see these incredible Christmas tree decorating ideas.

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Christmas Tree Decorating Blog Hop

I’m so excited to be part of the Festive and Fun Christmas Tree Blog Hop with a bunch of my good friends! So be sure to check out all of the amazing Christmas tree decorating ideas at the end of this post.

It’s so neat to see how others decorate their Christmas trees and hopping over from one blog to the next is a great way to see all of the pretty details. If you stopped by from Mansa’s over at This is Simplicite welcome to my home!

If you are new here, I’m Stacy, a self-taught master gardener who lives and gardens in northern New Jersey, zone 6a.

We recently moved to a beautiful 1850 Farmhouse with 10 acres of gardens, sculptures, and statues.

I’ve been gardening for over 20 years and enjoy helping beginner gardeners find their inner green thumb, as well as discover a love for all things plants and flowers. I love to bring the outdoors inside my home too.

I hope you enjoy visiting my home today and hope you come back so we can grow stuff and create beautiful spaces together.

close up of rustic farmhouse christmas tree with paperbag snowflakes and diy wood pallet tree topper - How to Make Snowflakes with Paper Bags

Going from a Live to a Faux Christmas Tree for the First Time

Since my husband and I have been celebrating Christmas together, we have always had a real tree.

But this year, we changed things up and went with the 7.5′ Royal Fir Tree by King of Christmas.

Why?

Because we want to have the tree up for longer without the care.

We had a few years where the tree dried out SO QUICKLY and if you merely looked at the tree, the needles dropped.

Plus we wanted it to be a little less of a family fuss.

Traditionally, every year we would take the kids out to breakfast, then head to a local tree farm to cut down a tree.

Sounds pretty fun right?

Except without fail, we could never agree on a tree and it would take hours to pick one.

So we’d be out there standing in the cold field, arguing over which tree fits, doesn’t fit, looks good, doesn’t look good, is too fat or too skinny.

UGH!

2 black labs sitting in front of christmas tree decorated with rustic farmhouse aesthetic
This was our tree from December 2019.

The Final Straw

Last year, we visited a new tree farm.

And while we were there, we tried to avoid disagreements and picked one quickly that we thought would work.

It did not look perfect in the field, but no one had any real issues with it.

So we went with it.

When we got it home, it was really misshapen, had huge holes in it and I literally have no idea why we picked it. LOL!

Searching for the perfect christmas tree at the local tree farm

Has that ever happened to you before?

So anyway, here we were with this tree. And all the ornaments in the world could not fix it.

I tried trimming the branches to help shape it a little more, but it was just not good.

And it bothered me all season long. If you look closely at the picture above with my dogs, you’ll see it.

Which is why you don’t see many pics of last year’s tree. But that wasn’t the only reason we decided to move to faux.

My family choosing the perfect Christmas tree at the local tree farm

We went to Vermont to ski more last year. And when we arrived home after a ski trip all of the needles were on the ground.

From that moment on, we decided we were going with a faux tree. And I could not be happier with our choice!

Our new faux Christmas tree is a perfect size. The perfect shape. It looks real and authentic.

And best of all?

No needle drop!

Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Decorating Ideas with faux christmas tree, cozy blankets, poinsettias, houseplants and more

Christmas Decorating Before Thanksgiving

Since we decided to make the switch from live to a faux Christmas tree this year, we put our tree up pretty early for the first time.

And because we put it up earlier and didn’t want to take down fall, we left it undecorated until after Thanksgiving.

The result looked so gorgeous!

Because I want to mix both Christmas and fall until after Thanksgiving, this is a great way to have the best of both worlds.

And I love how simple, rustic, a beautiful the tree looks without the ornaments.

Close up of rustic farmhouse christmas tree ornaments

Rustic Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

I’ve been collecting rustic Christmas tree ornaments for about 20 years now. We have a great local nursery that also sells Christmas decorations and they have the prettiest things!

So every year, I drop by and pick up a few more rustic ornaments and add them to the collection.

Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Tree Collars and Christmas Tree Skirts

Since we moved to a faux tree, I wanted to change the look of the base.

So I bought this gorgeous barnwood box tree collar.

Isn’t it so pretty?

I love the rustic vibe it adds to my faux tree!

barnwood christmas tree base with layers of tree skirt and area rug - 17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

When I was shopping at Big Lots recently, I picked up this cool Merry Christmas tree skirt.

I thought I might use it at the Vermont cabin.

But then I used it as a table runner for this Christmas tablescape.

And then I decided to layer it under my tree with this cool boho rug.

Christmas Decorating Table Decor Idea with poinsettias, winter greens, cozy candles and tree skirt as the table runner

I love the layers, don’t you?

It adds a lot of dimension and texture.

What do you like to use under your tree?

It was fun trying something a little different this year.

I don’t always change things up, but the faux tree inspired me.

And I love the result.

Oversized vintage lanterns in front of rustic Christmas tree - 17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas with Lanterns

Christmas Tree Garland

For my rustic Christmas tree, I added some farmhouse red wood bead garland.

You could add ribbons and stuff, but I prefer a less is more with my rustic Christmas tree.

We also have a garland made from rusty metal in the shape of angels, stars, and hearts.

My husband isn’t a fan because he thinks we’ll get tetanus from it, but I keep it at the top of the tree so no one except me comes in contact with it.

Putting vintage wood ornament on a rustic farmhouse christmas tree - 17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Rustic Christmas Tree Ornaments

When I shop for rustic ornaments, I look for ones with organic textures and materials.

So they are typically made from things like pine cones, bark, wood, scrap fabric, and metals.

If they are painted, it’s often distressed and chippy.

And are a bit tougher to withstand small hands and pets from accidentally breaking them if they get knocked off the tree.

Angel christmas ornament made from pine cone and scrap fabric with twine
rustic ornaments for christmas tree with farmhouse aesthetic - 17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Decorating Ideas with faux christmas tree, cozy blankets, poinsettias, houseplants and more
7.5' royal fir king of christmas tree with white LED lights decorated with rustic farmhouse christmas aesthetic - 17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Rustic DIY Tree Topper

But my favorite decoration, and the coolest addition to our tree, is the DIY wood pallet star tree topper my husband made on the fly last weekend.

Doesn’t it look great???

Whenever we decorate the tree we add the tree topper first.

7.5' royal fir christmas tree by king of christmas that is starting to get decorated with angel tree topper  that will be switched out for DIY Wood Pallet Star Tree Topper

And when we put the angel on top that we have been using for the last 25 or so years, it just did not look right.

There was something missing.

The bottom of the tree has this cool, boho rustic vibe and then as your eye draws up, you just see this angel.

close up of DIY Wood Pallet Star Tree Topper

Gosh, I love him because we both looked at each other, looked at the tree and he just said, “I’m making a star out of the leftover wood pallet.”

And off he went.

It wasn’t part of the plan by any means.

close up of DIY wood pallet tree topper on top of king of christmas tree - 17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas Rustic Star Tree Topper

But I’m so glad he did that because now our new tree looks complete.

I love the look of the wood pallet star, don’t you?

It’s times like these when I am thankful that my husband is handy around the house.

Cause he just does stuff like this. And it always turns out amazing!

Just like he is.

7.5' royal fir king of christmas tree decorated with rustic farmhouse christmas aesthetic - 17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Wood Pallet Christmas Tree Topper on tree decorated with rustic farmhouse christmas aesthetic, cozy lanterns, chair with cozy blankets, poinsettias and houseplants

Shop the Look

Thanks for stopping by my home today.

I hope you’ll come back and visit again!

Be sure and stop by my friend Kristin at White Arrows Home who is the next stop on the Festive and Fun Christmas Tree Blog Hop.

Looking For More Christmas Decorating Ideas?

I love looking through festive holiday inspiration to get ideas for this year’s decorating aesthetic, don’t you?

Wait until you see these holiday decorating, entertaining, and food ideas to create a cozy home for Christmas.

close up of christmas swag

Want to Learn How to Decorate With Fresh Greens for the Holidays?

Sign up here to get my email and get a discount on my ebook, 15 Easy Ways to Decorate With Fresh Greens for the Holidays that offers beautiful, budget-friendly, and sustainable holiday decorating inspiration using fresh greens from the landscape.

This 40-page guide is full of simple DIY holiday decorating ideas that include how to cut, care for, and design with fresh greens, as well as tips to purchase and incorporate faux greens with your holiday decorating style to create a cozy, beautiful, and organic vibe.

From porch styling to cozy centerpiece and tablescape inspiration, wait until you try these budget-friendly holiday decorating ideas using fresh greens for every room in your home.

hanging planter for Christmas on the front porch

Wait Until You See These Amazing Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas!

Bricks ‘n Blooms // White Arrows Home // The Ponds Farmhouse

My Thrift Store Addiction // Down Shiloh Road

Dabbling and Decorating // The Tattered Pew // J Dub By Design

Simply2Moms // Blue Sky at Home

County Road 407 // Shiplap and Shells // Follow The Yellow Brick Home

The Flowering Farmhouse // My Wee Abode // Calypso in the Country

Cottage on Bunker Hill // This is Simplicite

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Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
17 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

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Enjoy your day! xoxo

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Wood Pallet Christmas Tree Topper

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57 Comments

  1. Pingback: How To Style A Full Christmas Tree - Down Shiloh Road
  2. Pingback: Ideas for Christmas Trees in your Home ~ Bluesky at Home
  3. Pingback: 7 Tips For Decorating A Real Christmas Tree | The Flowering Farmhouse
  4. Stacy, your tree is absolutely beautiful! I really love how you layered the tree skirt and round rug. Thanks for organizing the hop. Merry Christmas! Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

    1. Thank you so much Cecilia! I am so glad you joined us! I love your vintage holiday home!!! Enjoy the holidays! xoxoxo

  5. Stacy, your tree is beautiful! I love all the layers and your rustic decorations…and of course your cute tree models! I know what you mean about the real tree vs. artificial. We still get a real tree for our main living room tree but I have an artificial one for the foyer. Then this year I bought a second artificial one for the dining room and I am loving how easy it is! Thanks so much for hosting this awesome blog hop! I can’t wait to see all the Christmas trees!
    Cheers!
    Shelley

    1. Right? I love a real tree but this was so much easier with less of a family fuss! I’m so glad you joined the hop! I love your tree in your navy dining room! It looks beautiful! xoxoo

  6. Pingback: Frosty Minty Christmas Trees Tour - my wee abode
  7. Pingback: 15 Inspired Christmas Tree Ideas - The Ponds Farmhouse
  8. Stacy your tree is gorgeous and I love the star on top! Thanks for including me in this fun blog hop! Happy Holidays!

    1. Thank you! I’m so glad he made that last weekend – the angel just didn’t look right. I’m glad you joined us! Enjoy a wonderful holiday Jen! xoxo

  9. Stacy, thank you so much for hosting this Christmas tree blog hop. What fun. I love the rustic theme of your tree. The wood Star is perfect!! We made the switch a few years ago to a faux tree and it was such a smart decision. Love your Labs too. Our Layla left us in February and I this is our first Christmas without her.

    1. Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. Labs are such wonderful dogs! I’m so glad you joined the tour! I loved all of your decorating ideas! xoxoxo

  10. LOL…probably another reason I have a faux tree…Chuck would probably bring a tape measure to the Christmas tree farm and start measuring the trees!! I love the star your husband made and the box collar looks perfect!

    1. Thank you Julie! I love this tree – it was the easiest to put up and looks so pretty! I miss the real tree but do not miss the fuss at all! xoxoxo

  11. Stacy it’s all so you and I luv it all. Thank you so much for hosting🎄. Merry Christmas🌲🔔

  12. I feel your real Christmas tree pain. A couple of years ago was the last time we’d ever buy a real tree because it fell over twice! Spilled water all over the wood floors and broke several ornaments that we’d had for years. I was sooooo over it. Love your rustic tree and the new DIY topper. Thank you so much for inviting me to join this hop. I love all the inspo and finding new accounts to follow!

    1. Thanks Cindy! Strange to change a family tradition but I think it was a good move for us! Happy Sunday!xoxo

  13. Hi Stacy

    I love how you layered your tree base. I had a similar plan for this year. Plans changed once Peanut went blind.

    Adding new textures confuse blind dogs and she’s doing so good we didn’t want to throw her for a loop. Yes, we adore our dogs..

    Tge wood star tge hubs made is still pretty. I still can’t believe you bought the angel at Rickles.

    The new tree is a beauty and very full. I use a different piece to hold our trees every year.

    Great tour.

    Cindy

  14. Stacy,
    I came to your blog first thing this morning but completely forgot to comment. LOL I love how you decorated your tree and I appreciate you for putting this together.

  15. I love you tree this year Stacy. The tree skirt is beautiful and the rustic star tree topper is perfect. Thank you so much for inviting me to the hop. It’s been a lot of fun!

  16. Stacy your tree is just beautiful! I love that you husband made the new tree topper. It turned out so good and now will be such a special memory. Thank you for hosting and Merry Christmas!

  17. Pingback: Creative Christmas Tree Ideas for Your Small Spaces - Shiplap and Shells
  18. It’s so pretty Stacy! We do the same thing and have a faux tree because of holiday travel. I LOVE your wood box! It’s so pretty!! Thanks for organizing a wonderful hop!

    1. Thank you Kristin! Faux is easier on the lifestyle when you travel more! I’m so glad you joined – it was fun! xoxo

  19. Pingback: Christmas Tree Decorating Around the House ~ White Arrows Home
  20. Stacey! I love your Christmas tree!! It is decorated beautifully! And your pallet star!!! We went with a real tree for the first time this year. Fingers crossed it goes well! My husband has been resistant to a real tree since we got married. If this year goes poorly we will be back to an artificial tree by next year! XoXo

    1. Thank you! Truth be told I miss the real tree and the experience of getting it but it was so much easier for us doing it this way this year! We’ve had some great live trees through the years. Enjoy yours!!!! xoxoxo

  21. I love your new faux tree and have considered making the switch from real too but my family still insists on a real tree. I loved the layered tree skirt and rug with the rustic wood box! And that star well it’s just the cherry on top of your pretty tree! Thanks for hosting this fantastic Christmas tree blog hop!

    1. Thank you! I was surprised we didn’t get the resistance from the girls. I’m so glad you guys joined – it was fun! xoxo

  22. I just love your rustic tree, and I enjoyed your “Griswald” family tree story! I had real trees for years until developing some allergies to chemicals that might have been used on commercial trees during the growing process (I can still use some fresh evergreen clippings with no problem) I also just needed to get started earlier with decorating for blogging. and didn’t want a dead tree by Christmas!

    Your new tree is just beautiful! I just would love to snuggle up on that chair with that cozy throw and enjoy your lovely home for the holidays.

    Thank you so much for hosting this tour. Merry Christmas!

    1. Thanks Amber! I miss the family tradition but definately not the fuss. It always sounds so much more fun than it actually was. hahaha. I’m so glad you joined the tour. I hope you have a wonderful holiday! xoxo

  23. Pingback: Charming Homes and Gardens 34 - Stacy Ling
  24. What great ideas! I love those lanterns – they are really gorgeous. I have a question – how to you hold up your star on the top of the tree? Mine always bend and fall off. Thanks. Carol

    1. Thanks Carol!!! We did picture framing wire on the back and hooked it on top. The tree is faux so its pretty sturdy holding it. You could also try some zip ties or maybe adding a stick to help support it more like a stake in the back.

  25. Pingback: Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree - Cottage On Bunker Hill
  26. We argue every year about the lights on the tree. I feel you can never have too many. 6’ tree 200 lights! Simply NOT enough. Sooooo please tell me how many lights are in your FABULOUS TREE. It looks beautiful, by the way!

    1. I could not agree with you more Jenny! On this tree, it comes with 1000 lights and there are several different modes! I usually keep it on white but every now and again my husband switches it up. hahaha

  27. Such a beautifully decorated tree! Your home looks great for the holiday season, thanks for sharing! Pinned.

  28. Oh my word, Stacy, your tree is STUNNING! I just want to come over and sip on some coffee and take it all in.
    Thank you for sharing…pinned!
    xoxo,
    Brendt

  29. Your tree is absolutely gorgeous! I love everything about it. I used to do a real tree every year as well, I love a faux tree. It’s so much easier.

  30. Your tree looks fabulous Stacy. I know real trees are so pretty, but they do make a mess.
    I am glad that you are loving your new faux tree.