Looking for ways to decorate your Christmas tree? Unleash your creativity and create a Christmas masterpiece with these stunning Christmas tree decorating themes.
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 farmhouse Christmas tree decorating 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 jaw-dropping Christmas tree decorating ideas.
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Christmas Tree Decorating Themes
There are lots of different ways to decorate a Xmas tree. Some people change their Christmas tree decor yearly, while others grow their tree decorations over time.
We have a few different Xmas trees in our home and each has a different Christmas aesthetic like my flocked Christmas tree. If you are looking for Christmas tree decorating inspiration, here is a good list of 20 ideas to draw from.
- Traditional Red & Green: Classic with red and green ornaments, ribbons, and lights.
- Winter Wonderland: Use white and silver ornaments, faux snow, and icy blue accents.
- Rustic Charm: Natural elements like pinecones, burlap ribbons, and wooden ornaments.
- Glamorous Gold: Deck the tree with gold ornaments, lights, and sparkling accents.
- Candyland: Bright colors, candy-shaped ornaments, and garlands resembling sweets.
- Nautical Theme: Ornaments inspired by the sea—shells, starfish, and blue hues.
- Vintage Christmas: Use antique ornaments, popcorn strings, and old-fashioned decorations.
- Black and White Elegance: Monochrome ornaments and ribbons for a sleek look.
- Disney Magic: Decorate with ornaments and figures of beloved Disney characters.
- Gingerbread Delight: Gingerbread ornaments, candy canes, and cookie-shaped decor.
- Nature’s Bounty: Adorn the tree with dried fruits, cinnamon sticks, and berries.
- Festive Plaid: Embrace the cozy vibe with plaid ribbons and matching ornaments.
- Peacock Inspired: Vibrant blues, greens, and purples with peacock-themed ornaments.
- Whimsical Whoville: Dr. Seuss-inspired ornaments, vibrant colors, and quirky shapes.
- Metallic Magic: Silver, bronze, and copper ornaments for a shimmering tree.
- Farmhouse Chic: Use galvanized metal accents, cotton balls, and simple ornaments.
- Santa’s Workshop: Toy-inspired ornaments and bright, playful colors.
- Glowing Candlelight: Candles (real or artificial) and warm golden lights.
- Jewel-Toned Extravaganza: Rich colors like emerald, ruby, and sapphire for a luxurious feel.
- DIY/Handmade: Create ornaments with felt, paper, fabric, or personalized decorations for a unique touch.
Fresh vs Artificial Christmas Trees: Which Should You Choose?
For almost our entire marriage, Chris and I had a live Christmas tree. And it was only just few years ago that we made the switch to all artificial.
I’ll share the backstory below as to why, but if you are on the fence of whether to go with a fresh or faux Xmas tree this year, I got you. Here are a few things to consider.
The choice between a fresh or artificial Christmas tree often boils down to personal preference and various practical considerations.
Fresh Christmas Tree:
- Natural Beauty: Fresh trees offer an authentic look, vibrant colors, and that distinctive pine scent that many find irresistible.
- Annual Tradition: For some, selecting a real tree becomes an annual tradition, adding sentimental value to the holiday season.
- Environmental Impact: While they’re biodegradable and renewable, there are concerns about the carbon footprint related to transportation and disposal.
- Maintenance: Requires regular watering, may shed needles, and needs proper disposal after the holidays.
Artificial Christmas Tree:
- Reusable: Can be reused for several years, making them cost-effective in the long run.
- Convenience: No need for watering or dealing with shedding needles; they’re often easier to set up and maintain.
- Customization: Available in various sizes, styles, and colors, offering more customization options.
- Environmental Concerns: While they last longer, they’re typically made of non-biodegradable materials like plastics.
The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences, practicality, and one’s stance on environmental impact. Some prioritize the traditional charm and experience of a real tree, while others opt for the convenience and reusability of an artificial one.
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 a few years ago, 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!
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!
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.
We went to Vermont to ski 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!
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.
Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
I’ve been collecting rustic Christmas tree ornaments for about 20+ years now. We have a great local garden 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. Here are a few ideas about how I decorated our Christmas tree with a rustic farmhouse aesthetic.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shop My Holiday Shop for Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Head over to my holiday shop where you’ll find my curated list of Christmas tree ornaments, tree collars, skirts, and so much more.
More About Christmas Tree Decorating Themes
Do you decorate your Christmas tree with a theme? Or is it a tree full of memories? I would love to know more in the comments below.
And don’t miss joining my Gardening DIY and Decorating Community on Facebook for more chatter. And follow along there and on Instagram as well. There are behind-the-scenes daily things that I share on Instagram that don’t make it to the blog. Would love to see you there too!
If you prefer to binge-watch Bricks ’n Blooms on TV, we go more in-depth with tours and posts on my YouTube channel. Would love to hang out with you there!
And… If you’re catching up on blog posts you may have missed, be sure to sign-up to get my newest posts via email to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here on the blog and more.
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.
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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.
Want to Give the Gift of Flower Gardening This Year for the Holidays?
If you or someone you know has always wanted to grow flowers with ease, I got you. I wrote a book that shares all the things you need to know to grow a beautiful and easy-care flower garden. And it would make the perfect gift for Christmas!
What’s In the Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide?
- Gardening basics to set you up for success
- Great garden design ideas with ready-made plans for you to follow
- Easy-care instructions for a wide variety of flowering annuals, perennials, and shrubs
- Helpful how-tos for container and cut flower gardening
- Graphs, charts, and lists to help you stay organized
My book publishes on February 6, 2024, but you can preorder now and get a special pre-order bonus chapter you can’t get when the preorder period closes.
Preorder your copy here and get a free, downloadable guide that shares bonus information with tips and unique garden designs to get year-round color in your landscape. Offer ends 2/5/24.
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
The Flowering Farmhouse // My Wee Abode // Calypso in the Country
Cottage on Bunker Hill // This is Simplicite
Pin and Save It for Later!
Thanks for stopping by the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xoxo
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.
