12 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas for Every Style
12 Christmas tree decorating ideas from real homes: gold glam, flocked red and white, boho natural, ribbon streams, big red bows and rustic farmhouse trees.
The Christmas tree is the heart of holiday decor, and there are so many ways to style one. Some people love a classic red tree, others want soft neutrals, a snowy flocked look or a rustic farmhouse tree.
I picked 12 real Christmas trees from homes on Instagram, each in a different style. Find the one that fits your home and copy the colors, ribbon and ornament ideas this year.
Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
🎨 Popular Christmas Tree Color Combos
1A Gold and Champagne Tree by the Window
View this post by kirklands on Instagram
Photo: kirklands on Instagram
This tall tree is covered in gold and champagne ornaments with a gold star on top. Placed by a big arched window, it glows day and night.
Pick two metal tones, like gold and champagne, and use them in different sizes. Big ornaments near the bottom and small ones near the top look balanced.
Ask yourself
- Do you have a window spot for your tree?
- Would a gold tree suit your room colors?
- Do you have ornaments in two sizes?
2A Natural Tree With Gold and Greenery
View this post by julie.thedesigntwins on Instagram
Photo: julie.thedesigntwins on Instagram
This tree mixes gold ornaments with extra greenery picks for a full, natural look. It feels warm and a little rustic.
Tuck faux greenery stems, berries and pinecones into the branches to fill gaps and make an artificial tree look real.
Ask yourself
- Does your tree have gaps that need filling?
- Do you like a natural look over shiny?
- Could you add pinecones or berry picks?
3A Flocked Farmhouse Tree in Red and White
View this post by ashleyinthecottage on Instagram
Photo: ashleyinthecottage on Instagram
A snowy flocked tree with red ornaments and plaid gifts looks cheerful in this farmhouse room. The white flocking makes the red pop.
Choose a flocked tree and stick to red and white only. Wrap gifts in matching paper so the whole corner looks planned.
Ask yourself
- Do you love a snowy, cheerful tree?
- Would red and white suit your home?
- Can you wrap gifts to match?
4Ribbon Streams Down a Doorway Tree
View this post by birminghamhomeandgarden on Instagram
Photo: birminghamhomeandgarden on Instagram
Long ribbons flowing from the top of this tree give it movement. Framed by an open doorway, it makes a lovely first impression.
Cut ribbon into long strips and tuck them in at the top, letting them fall loosely down the tree. Wired ribbon holds its shape best.
Ask yourself
- Do you have wired ribbon at home?
- Would ribbon streams suit your style?
- Can your tree be seen from a doorway?
5A Classic Red and Green Tree With a Plaid Skirt
View this post by julie.thedesigntwins on Instagram
Photo: julie.thedesigntwins on Instagram
This tree is pure classic Christmas, with red ornaments, greenery and a red tree skirt. It looks warm and timeless.
A tree skirt or collar finishes the tree. Pick one that repeats a color from your ornaments, like red or plaid.
Ask yourself
- Do you want a classic, timeless tree?
- Does your tree have a skirt or collar?
- Do you have red ornaments to build on?
6A Boho Tree With Natural Ornaments
View this post by thewhitehoneyhome on Instagram
Photo: thewhitehoneyhome on Instagram
Warm lights, wood and woven ornaments make this tree feel boho and calm. A rattan pendant and basket tie it to the room.
Look for straw stars, wood beads and wicker balls. Keep the lights warm white so the natural colors glow.
Ask yourself
- Is your home boho or natural in style?
- Do you like soft colors on your tree?
- Could wood beads replace tinsel?
7Red Ornaments on a Snowy Flocked Tree
View this post by mybeloved_home on Instagram
Photo: mybeloved_home on Instagram
Big red ornaments and red picks stand out on this snowy flocked tree. Red pillows and gifts below finish the look.
Use a few large red ornaments instead of many small ones. On a white tree, bold pieces look best.
Ask yourself
- Do you have a white or flocked tree?
- Would bold red ornaments suit your room?
- Can you add red pillows nearby?
8A Colorful Tree With Big Red Bows
View this post by kristynewengland on Instagram
Photo: kristynewengland on Instagram
Big red bows and lots of wrapped gifts make this tree feel fun and festive. Built in bookshelves around it add a cozy library feel.
Tie big bows from wired ribbon and place them all over the tree. They are cheap, easy and fill space fast.
Ask yourself
- Do you love a fun, colorful tree?
- Can you make bows from wired ribbon?
- Will lots of gifts go under your tree?
9A Full Red Tree Surrounded by Gifts
View this post by potterybarn on Instagram
Photo: potterybarn on Instagram
This tall tree is packed with red ornaments and lights, with a pile of red wrapped gifts around the base. It is bold and very merry.
Make the base of the tree part of the decor by wrapping gifts in two colors that match your ornaments.
Ask yourself
- Do you want a bold, full tree?
- Could you wrap gifts in two matching colors?
- Do you have tall ceilings for a big tree?
10A Tall Silver and White Tree in the Entry
View this post by mk_interiors_ on Instagram
Photo: mk_interiors_ on Instagram
This tall flocked tree in silver and white fills a bright two story entry. Blue and silver gifts keep the cool color story going.
For a cool toned home, pick silver, white and soft blue. It looks icy and elegant.
Ask yourself
- Is your home bright with cool colors?
- Do you have a tall entry or stairwell?
- Would silver and blue suit your style?
11A Ribbon Wrapped Tree in Silver and Blush
View this post by motorcitymouse on Instagram
Photo: motorcitymouse on Instagram
Silver ribbon wraps around this tree in loops, with soft colored ornaments in between. It feels light and pretty in a bright room.
Wrap ribbon around the tree in a loose spiral from top to bottom, then add ornaments between the loops.
Ask yourself
- Would a ribbon spiral suit your tree?
- Do you like a light, soft look?
- Do you have a long roll of ribbon?
12A Rustic Tree in a Wooden Crate
View this post by shanna_athome on Instagram
Photo: shanna_athome on Instagram
This tree sits in a wooden crate with a star on top, next to white cabinets. It is simple, rustic and very cozy.
Set your tree in a crate, basket or galvanized bucket instead of a tree skirt for an easy farmhouse look.
Ask yourself
- Is your tree small enough for a crate?
- Do you like a rustic farmhouse style?
- Do you have a basket or crate to use?
Real Tree vs Artificial Tree
Both can look beautiful. It depends on your time, budget and space.
Real Tree
- Fresh pine smell
- Natural shape and texture
- Needs water every day
- Bought new each year
Artificial Tree
- Reuse for many years
- Pre lit options save time
- No needles to clean
- Flocked styles available
Tips for a Fuller Looking Tree
A full tree looks expensive, even when it is not. Most of the work is in the lights and filler, not the ornaments.
- Fluff every branch before decorating
- Use more lights than you think, about 100 per foot
- Tuck ornaments deep inside, not just on the tips
- Fill gaps with ribbon, picks and greenery
- Finish with a skirt, collar or basket
💡 Hana’s tip
Pick your color story before you buy anything new. Two or three colors on a tree always look calmer than a mix of everything.
Christmas Tree Decorating Checklist
- Warm white lights
- Ornaments in two or three colors
- Ribbon or garland
- Filler picks and greenery
- A topper and a tree skirt
FAQs
What are the most popular Christmas tree colors?
Red and green, gold and champagne, red and white, and silver and white are the most popular color combos.
How do I make my Christmas tree look expensive?
Fluff the branches, use lots of warm lights, keep to two or three colors and add ribbon and filler picks.
How many ornaments do I need for a Christmas tree?
About 10 to 15 ornaments per foot of tree height, so a 7 foot tree needs about 70 to 100.
Should I put ribbon on my Christmas tree?
Ribbon is an easy way to fill space and add color. Use wired ribbon in loops, streams or a spiral.
Find Your Perfect Tree Style
Choose the tree style you love most and pick two or three colors to match. With good lights and a little ribbon, your tree will shine all season.
Need more Christmas ideas? See our Scandinavian Christmas decor and whimsical Christmas decor ideas.
