How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Professional Designer

The Holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by creating a stunning Christmas tree that dazzles with elegance and charm? If you’ve ever admired professionally decorated trees but felt overwhelmed at the thought of replicating that look, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my 10-step process to help you decorate your Christmas tree like a professional designer, all while infusing it with your unique style.

To illustrate my framework, I’m sharing how I’ve decorated my “cozy Victorian” themed Christmas tree this year! I’ve decorated a LOT of trees over the years, and this year’s tree is definitely in my top 5 favourites. It turned out so cozy and beautiful looking!

You may be wondering: what is the correct order to decorate a Christmas tree? Well, I’m sharing my framework below with the decorating order I’ve been using for years. I’ve used this framework not only on my own trees, but on trees for events and even on trees featured in publications! I’m so excited to share this simple 10 step method with you today.

Step 1: Fluff the Tree

The first step in achieving a beautiful Christmas tree is fluffing it. This is crucial, especially if you have an artificial tree. Take the time to separate each branch and bend them in different directions to create a more realistic appearance. Don’t be shy! This step is not just about aesthetics; it gives your tree a fuller, more lush look, making it a perfect canvas for the decorations to come.

When fluffing, start from the bottom and work your way up, ensuring that each layer of branches has been given its moment in the spotlight. You might even want to grab a friend to help you out—after all, it’s more fun to fluff together!

My tree is from Costco, and it’s my favourite designer-look tree for the price. It requires minimal fluffing. You can read more about my Costco tree & more of my faux Christmas tree favourites here!

Step 1B: Add the Tree Lights

If you don’t have a pre-lit tree like I do, this is the time to add string lights to your tree. My preference is to apply them in an up & down pattern for more even placement.

Step 2: Add Picks and Sprays

Once your tree is fluffed and looking good, it’s time to add some texture and natural elements. This is where the fun begins and truly my favourite way to make my Christmas tree look full! I love incorporating picks and sprays—think pinecones, berries, glittery stems, and even frosted branches. These elements create layers of interest and add that coveted touch of nature to your tree.

When placing these items, think about balance and variety. You want them to peek out from different angles, creating a sense of depth and dimension. Mixing in natural elements not only enhances the visual appeal but also connects your decor to the seasonal theme.

Because I want to create a Victorian inspired tree this year, I’m adding picks with pinecones and in neutral colours.

My picks are from Michaels, Canadian Tire and Amazon many years ago, but I’ve linked to similar picks in my Amazon Shops:

Step 3: Add Ribbon (Optional)

If you’re a fan of ribbons, now is the time to incorporate them! Ribbons can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your tree, but this year, I decided to skip the flowing ribbon look to maintain a more vintage vibe. However, if you’re curious about how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree like a professional, check out my previous blog post here where I showcase four different techniques.

If you choose to use ribbon, consider varying its texture and width. You can drape it gracefully down the branches or create a more structured look by weaving it in and out. The key is to complement the overall theme of your tree.

Step 4: Add Large Round Ornaments

Next step to decorate your tree like a professional is adding the large round ornaments. These are the foundational pieces that will help give your tree volume and sparkle from the inside. The trick is to place these larger ornaments deep into the tree, close to the trunk. This technique creates that rich, layered look that you often see in designer trees.

By focusing on the inside of the tree, you allow the outer branches to showcase smaller ornaments later on, which creates a beautiful progression of size and depth. Make sure to vary the colors and finishes of these ornaments for a more dynamic look.

For my tree this year, I’m using simple round gold-toned ornaments, and bronze & gold pinecone-shaped ornaments for my largest selections.

Step 5: Layer Smaller Ornaments

With your large ornaments in place, it’s time to layer on the smaller ones. These should be positioned closer to the outer branches of your tree. Not only does this create visual interest, but it also helps fill any gaps that may be present.

A fun designer trick is to cluster three smaller ornaments together using pipe cleaners, ornament hangers or floral wire. This simple technique adds a designer flair to your tree and allows for more creative freedom in placement. You can mix different shapes and finishes to create unique clusters that draw the eye.

I’m using paper ornaments in burgundy, dusty rose & gold as well as clusters of round gold, brown and green ornaments as my medium-sized selections this year.

Step 6: Add Showstopper Ornaments

Now comes one of my favorite parts: adding the showstopper ornaments. These are the unique pieces that add personality and tell a story. For my vintage-inspired tree, I’m including battery-operated candles that evoke a lovely Victorian ambiance. You can find these in my Amazon shops:

Think outside the box with these ornaments—maybe you have family heirlooms or quirky pieces that could add charm to your tree. The goal is to make your tree feel personal and special, so don’t hesitate to showcase items that resonate with you.

Step 7: Add Bows (Optional)

If you chose not to include ribbon earlier, consider adding bows near the tips of the branches now. I’m using gorgeous gold velvet bows from Amazon, which perfectly complement my vintage theme. Bows can bring a polished finish to your tree, making it look more sophisticated.

When placing the bows, aim for balance—distributing them evenly throughout the tree helps maintain a cohesive look.

Shop my Amazon Christmas Finds

If you’re interested in more affordable Christmas tree decor options, I’ve curated a special list of my favorites below:

Step 8: Add a Tree Topper

No Christmas tree is complete without a topper! Whether you prefer a star, an angel, or a beautiful bow, this element is the crowning glory of your tree. This year, I’m opting for a lovely metallic bow to enhance the romantic vintage style I’m going for.

Choose a topper that complements your overall theme and color scheme. If you want a dramatic statement, go for something larger or more intricate. If you prefer a subtle touch, a simple bow can still make a big impact.

Step 9: Add a Skirt or Collar

The finishing touch at the base of your tree is just as important as what goes on the branches. A tree skirt or collar can ground your design and add a touch of texture. I personally love using a knitted skirt for that cozy, wintry feel or a rattan tree collar for a rustic touch.

When selecting a base, consider the materials and colors you’ve used throughout your tree decor. This will create a harmonious look that ties everything together beautifully.

This year I’m using the rattan collar I found at IKEA last year. I love its natural texture. PLEASE NOTE that if you’re using a tree collar with no opening like I am, you’ll have to add this at the BEGINNING of your tree setup!

Step 10: Edit

Now that all your elements are in place, it’s time to step back and take a critical look at your tree. This is the editing phase, where you can see if anything feels out of balance. Do you need to move some ornaments around? Is there a spot that feels too bare or too busy?

Editing is an essential part of the decorating process, allowing you to refine your design until it feels just right. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments—this is your masterpiece, and you want it to shine!

When I took a step back and looked at my tree, I realized I wanted a few more medium-sized ornaments. Once I added those, I had the idea to nestle some dried orange slices in the branches of my tree to further enhance the vintage Victorian theme. I’m so glad I did! These final edits took my tree to the next level.

I’m so happy with our Victorian-inspired Christmas tree this year in soft golds, and my girls love it too. It’s so warm & inviting, and I love that I was able to use mostly Christmas tree decorations I already had on hand. The new additions of the candles, paper ornaments, and bows gave it so much personality!

Thanks for reading my blog post today & I hope you enjoyed my Christmas tree decorating tips! With these 10 steps, you can achieve a stunning designer look that showcases your unique style and personality. Whether you choose to go all out with layers of ornaments or keep it simple with natural elements, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and create a tree that brings joy to your Holiday season. Happy decorating, and may your Christmas season be filled with coziness!

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