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Our tree going up is my favorite part of the whole season! 🎄🤍
Whether you have a brand-new tree or the same one you’ve had for years, a few simple add-ins make a basic tree look so much more expensive. Here’s how I decorate a Christmas tree step by step: picking the tree, fluffing, lights, ornaments, ribbon and greenery, plus the finishing touches at the top and the base. Everything is linked below each photo, so just swipe through to shop!
Step 1: Start With a Full, Realistic Tree
The tree itself does most of the work, so it’s worth starting with a good one. When I was choosing, I set four Amazon trees up side by side so I could compare them in person. Here’s what to look for:
- Lots of branch tips. More tips means a fuller tree with fewer gaps to fill later.
- Pre-lit with warm white lights. It saves so much time and gives you that soft, cozy glow.
- Realistic needles. A natural green and a mix of needle textures read as real from across the room.
- The right shape for your space. A slim or medium tree works great in a corner or a smaller room, and a full tree makes a statement in a living room with tall ceilings.
Step 2: Fluff Every Branch (and Add Extra Glow)
Fluffing is the step most people rush, and it makes the biggest difference. Give yourself time for this one and put on a Christmas movie!
- Work from the bottom up, one section at a time.
- Separate every tip. Pull the center tip straight out, then fan the side tips up and down so they fill the space around the branch.
- Shape the branches near the trunk too, not just the tips you can see. Filling in the inside is what makes a tree look full instead of flat.
- Step back and look for holes, then pull nearby branches over to fill them.
- Plug the lights in while you fluff so you can see where the glow falls. If your tree needs more light, tuck battery fairy lights deep into the branches.
I also love a few lit twig branches or little light-up trees around the room. They carry that warm glow beyond the tree.
Step 3: Layer Ornaments in Three Sizes
For a tree that looks timeless, I keep the ornaments neutral (cream, champagne, brown and mercury glass) with a little texture from glitter, velvet and pinecones. Hanging them in order of size keeps the tree balanced:
- Start with the biggest ornaments. Space oversized balls around the whole tree and tuck some deeper into the branches for depth.
- Add medium ornaments in groups of two or three, filling in around the big ones.
- Finish with small ornaments and favorites near the tips, where they catch the light.
- Hang a few close to the trunk. It adds depth and hides any gaps.
Tip: grab a box of ornament hooks. They make hanging (and taking everything down in January) so much faster.
Step 4: Tuck In Ribbon and Greenery
Ribbon is my favorite add-in for making a tree look more expensive. A soft velvet ribbon in a warm neutral adds texture without feeling busy. A few easy ways to use it:
- Ribbon tails: cut the ribbon into lengths, tuck or tie the top into a branch and let the tails hang down. Repeat all the way around the tree.
- Cascading ribbon: start at the top and tuck the ribbon into the branches every so often as you work down and around, letting it loop softly between tucks.
- Greenery picks and stems: tuck cedar, pine and berry stems into the tree to mix up the greens and add texture so it looks more natural.
Step 5: Finish the Top and the Base
The top and the bottom are what make a tree look finished. A star topper adds height, and a tree collar or skirt hides the stand.
- Add the topper last, once the top branches are fluffed and the ornaments are on. Fluff the tips up around it so it sits straight.
- Choose a collar or a skirt. A woven or metal tree collar gives a clean, tailored look, and a faux fur or knit skirt feels extra cozy. Pick the one that goes with the rest of your room.
- Wrap a few gifts in neutral paper and set them under the tree to finish the look.
Small Space? Put a Little Tree in a Basket
A Christmas tree is even cuter in a basket! 🎄 A small lit tree in a woven basket is the easiest way to add a tree to a corner, a kids’ room, an entryway or a bedroom.
- Pick a small or potted tree with a base that fits inside your basket.
- Set the tree in the basket. If it sits too low, raise it up with a sturdy box underneath.
- Hide the pot by tucking a little greenery or a soft throw around the base.
- Keep the decor simple. On a little tree, the warm lights are the star.
Shop Our Joss & Main Tree Picks
A full, warm-lit tree is the heart of our holiday living room. These are the Joss & Main tree picks I linked for it, along with a gold tree collar, a glass topper and a few ball ornaments.
Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Take a peek at our timeless Christmas tree decor from 2024 and our cozy Christmas mantel, and save this post for later!
xo, Katie