How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Tips for Creating a Magical Holiday Display
Posted by Fortunoff Backyard Store
'Tis the Season
Few things capture the magic of the holidays quite like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Whether you prefer a traditional evergreen look, a snow-dusted flocked style, or a sleek white artificial Christmas tree, the right décor can turn your home into a winter wonderland.
At Christmas at Fortunoff Backyard Store, we specialize in bringing that magic to life. Our collection of artificial Christmas trees, holiday ornaments, garlands, wreaths, and outdoor holiday décor is designed to make decorating easy, elegant, and endlessly customizable. Whether you shop online or in one of our stores, you’ll find everything you need to deck the halls in style.
Ready to transform your living room into a festive masterpiece? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro.
Step 1: Select Your Christmas Tree
The foundation of any great holiday display starts with the tree itself. At Fortunoff Backyard Store’s holiday shops and Christmas express showrooms, we offer artificial Christmas trees in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors — so you can find the perfect one for your space and style.
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Evergreen Christmas Trees: Classic and timeless, these trees resemble the look of a freshly cut pine. They pair beautifully with traditional ornaments, red and gold color palettes, and warm white lights.
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Flocked Christmas Trees: Lightly dusted with faux snow, flocked trees bring a touch of winter magic indoors. They’re perfect for cozy, rustic décor or elegant, white-and-silver color schemes.
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White Christmas Trees: For a modern twist, white artificial Christmas trees create a striking backdrop for colorful ornaments or monochromatic metallics. Think bold jewel tones, shimmering silvers, or icy blues.
Pro Tip: When choosing your artificial tree, consider ceiling height and available space. A 7.5-foot artificial Christmas tree works beautifully for most rooms, while slim and pencil trees are ideal for smaller spaces or entryways.
Step 2: Fluff and Shape Your Tree
Even the most stunning artificial Christmas trees need a little love straight out of the box. Fluffing and shaping each branch helps create a full, natural appearance and ensures your lights and ornaments are evenly distributed.
Start from the bottom and work your way up, gently separating branch tips and bending them in different directions to fill gaps. It’s a bit of extra effort, but it makes all the difference in how your tree looks once decorated.
If your tree features a Power Connect Pole or built-in lighting system, make sure to check that all light sections connect properly before decorating.
Step 3: Add Your Lights
If your artificial Christmas tree doesn’t come pre-lit, now’s the time to string your lights. Choose between warm white, cool white, or multi-color LEDs depending on your theme.
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For a classic look, warm white lights create that timeless holiday glow.
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For a modern aesthetic, try cool white or twinkling LEDs.
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For an eclectic holiday style, go for multi-color lights to add vibrant cheer.
Start at the base of the tree and work your way up, wrapping lights around each branch from the inside out. This layering technique adds depth and ensures the tree shines from every angle.
Step 4: Choose a Theme or Color Palette
Before hanging ornaments, decide on your decorating style or color theme. Choosing a cohesive palette brings your entire display together and makes your holiday décor feel intentional.
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
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Classic Christmas: Red, green, and gold ornaments paired with plaid ribbons and nostalgic décor pieces.
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Winter Wonderland: Silver, white, and icy blue tones on a flocked or white tree for an elegant, frosty look.
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Rustic Charm: Wooden ornaments, burlap ribbon, pinecones, and warm fairy lights for a cozy cabin vibe.
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Modern Glam: Metallic ornaments, glass baubles, and satin ribbons in champagne, blush, or rose gold.
Don’t forget to tie in matching wreaths, garlands, and tabletop décor to extend your theme throughout your home.
Step 5: Add Garland and Ribbon
Garland and ribbon are the secret to a designer-quality Christmas tree. Depending on your style, you can drape classic beaded garlands, weave velvet ribbon, or layer mesh and lace for extra texture.
For a polished look, start from the top and work downward, loosely weaving your garland around the tree. If using ribbon, cut it into sections and tuck the ends into branches for a cascading effect rather than wrapping one continuous piece.
Step 6: Hang Your Ornaments
This is where the fun begins! Start with larger ornaments first, placing them deeper within the branches to create depth. Then, layer in medium and smaller ornaments toward the outer edges.
To achieve a balanced look:
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Distribute colors and shapes evenly around the tree.
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Use ornament hooks or ribbons for variety.
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Incorporate a mix of shiny, matte, and textured finishes for visual interest.
And don’t be afraid to mix personal touches — family keepsakes, handmade ornaments, or yearly collectibles can make your tree uniquely yours.
Step 7: Top It Off
The tree topper is your finishing flourish — the exclamation point on your holiday centerpiece.
From traditional stars and angels to modern bows, snowflakes, or oversized ornaments, your topper should complement the rest of your décor. Make sure it’s securely fastened and centered before you step back to admire your work.
Step 8: Don’t Forget the Tree Skirt and Base Décor
The finishing touch to any Christmas tree is what’s beneath it. Choose a tree skirt or collar that complements your color scheme. This not only hides the base but also provides a pretty backdrop for gifts.
If you’re displaying your tree in a larger room, consider surrounding it with indoor holiday décor like glowing lanterns, snow globes, or reindeer figurines to complete the look.
Step 9: Coordinate with the Rest of Your Holiday Décor
Once your tree is ready, tie the entire space together with coordinating pieces from your holiday collection.
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Wreaths and Garlands: Hang matching pieces on your mantel, staircase, or front door for a cohesive look.
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Outdoor Holiday Décor: Extend the festive spirit outside with light-up reindeer, snowmen, or twinkling house lights.
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Indoor Accents: Layer in candles, figurines, and tabletop displays to make every room feel merry and bright.
Step 10: Enjoy the Glow
Once your decorations are in place, dim the lights, pour a cup of cocoa, and take in the warm glow of your creation. Decorating a Christmas tree isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating moments that bring joy, nostalgia, and connection.
Whether you’re setting up a grand 9-foot evergreen tree or a slim white tree for a cozy nook, your artificial Christmas tree can become the heart of your home’s holiday story.
At Christmas at Fortunoff Backyard Store, we’re here to help make that story magical. Shop our selection of artificial Christmas trees, ornaments, holiday décor, wreaths and garlands online or visit us in-store to experience the season’s best.
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