101 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas for Beautiful Boughs

Decking the halls is one way to get your home ready for the season, but the main event on our holiday decorating to-do list is, of course, the tree. Whether you're team Real Tree or Fake Tree, or you love to fill yours with sentimental, handmade ornaments or prefer an aesthetically pleasing theme, the way you decorate your tree sets the tone for the rest of your Christmas decor. Read on for the best Christmas tree decorating ideas from designers.

First up: Selecting a tree that properly fits your space. The ceiling in this modern-meets-rustic living room is 20 feet high, so an extra-tall tree — 15 feet to be exact — is a must.

Gold tinsel garland is the star of this faux spruce in the home of Albuquerque, New Mexico, blogger Amy Weir of Delineate Your Dwelling. “It’s easier to clean up than my Grandma Gloria’s silver tinsel icicles, but just as magical,” she says. Round, solid-colored plastic ornaments and homemade two-toned pom-poms finish the simple, chic design.

To give her blue spruce tree the French vintage vibes she wanted, Maison de Mings blogger Amy Mings followed a color scheme of pale pinks, coppers, whites and light blues. The result is a perfectly nostalgic vignette.

Two trees are better than one, right? To make a statement in the huge living room of HGTV Dream Home 2021, two oversized flocked trees create a snowy white base for ornaments to shine. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn incorporated red, white and blue ball ornaments in different shapes, sizes and textures throughout both trees, breaking up the monotony with the occasional snow globe, mini wooden house or curly floral pick.

Celebrate the winter season with a nature-inspired Christmas tree. Dried fruit, spices and other natural materials make beautiful, rustic alternatives to traditional ornaments that, when combined, create a delicious holiday fragrance that can be enjoyed all season long.

Don't be afraid to mix trendy with traditional when it comes to trimming your tree. Classic silver and gold ornaments and beaded garland complement the trendy monogram topper on this chic evergreen.

HomeGoods style expert and home blogger Jenny Reimold decked out her Franklin, Tennessee, house for Christmas with statement trees, and it’s epic. For her frosted cranberry look, she went with shades of red and white, and, though it’s untraditional, topped her tree first — then accessorized.

Deck out your tree like a designer by pairing your ribbon with garland for added texture. For example, match up a cream wool pom-pom garland with a gray velvet ribbon, then secure the ribbon and trim together with a twist tie or pipe cleaner before winding it around the branches.

Tired of the same old tree skirt? Try this cute DIY alternative instead. Cut your fabric of choice into a square about the size of a regular tree skirt. Place the fabric face side down, then place your tree stand on top, centered on the fabric. Add a generous amount of polyester fiberfill all around the stand, then wrap the fabric up around the fiberfill, making sure it’s covering the whole stand. Secure with a thick, wired ribbon and enjoy your cute new Christmas look.

Decked in gold tinsel garland, multi-colored glass ornaments and a starburst topper, the sparkly Christmas tree in this unique home also hides a fun surprise: a glass pickle ornament for the kids to find — a quirky family tradition.

These snowy white owls look quite at home tucked into this woodland-themed Christmas tree. Want to copy this nature-inspired look? Wrap your tree in grapevine garland, suggests Four Generations One Roof.

Holiday design expert Brad Schmidt designed this earthy, elegant holiday tree using Balsam Hill's Burnished Metals ornament collection. "This set allows for a mixed metal palette on a green Christmas tree for a modern and clean look," he says. "It works with any age or category, feminine or masculine." Pro tip: Make sure to nestle some ornaments inside the tree, closer to the trunk, to fill in empty spaces.

To create this version of the classic Christmas display, Gilbert, Arizona, blogger Kelli Mullins of Lolly Jane painted cardboard houses, tacked on itty-bitty wreaths made out of pipe cleaners and nestled them in with bottlebrush trees. “We don’t get much snow here in Arizona,” she says, “so I like that they look as if they’re surrounded by snow.”

Balsam Hill's holiday design expert, Brad Schmidt, packed this tree with an abundance of elegant color and metallic luster. "[It] gives the essence of Vermont or The Carolinas," he says. The ornaments are gorgeous on their own, but if ribbon is a must, Brad suggests starting at top of the tree, then working your way down.

Driftwood garland and burlap ribbon sweep around this seaside-inspired tree located in Newport, Rhode Island. Peppered with ornaments made from wood slices, glittering white balls tied with rope, starfish and sprigs of eucalyptus, the tree invokes a coastal theme without going overboard (pun intended). Sitting in a bed of dried eucalyptus sprigs, a cute wooden and canvas sailboat serves as a tree topper.

Kara Whitten of Kailo Chic bucked tradition and decked her space and her Christmas tree in dazzling pastels and jewel-toned metallics. The colors pop against the flocked boughs.

Our motto: Embrace the shimmer and shine. What other time of the year do you get to jump headfirst into everything sparkly and glittery? This silver-flocked, coastal-chic tree stuns with ornaments and ribbon in varying shades of blue and a beachy starfish topper.

A crisp white setting is the perfect backdrop to citrus-inspired pops of color in this cheery living room designed by Maria Killam. She adds holiday sparkle with glam gilded wings and gold-foil trees while rustic touches like a faux-fur throw and bundled log coffee table lend a woodsy accent.

Don’t forget to stuff the space beneath the tree with eye candy. For a touch of designer Veronica Solomon’s style, “wrap the gifts under the tree in fun colors, with luscious bows in gold and animal prints. The tree skirt is a great way to bring in a fun color as well, like a fresh green or teal, or even a texture like fur.”

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn filled the branches of this snowy, oversized tree with adorable stuffed owls — a nod to the native birds of Gig Harbor, Washington, where this home is located.

Silent film star Harold Lloyd was known for both his comedy chops and wiring together multiple trees to create gargantuan Christmas displays that he’d leave up all year long. Designer Erika Kikola used him as visual inspiration for her exquisite main tree here — and she cultivates a bit of his spirit, too. “If decorating for the holidays evokes joy and happiness, then do it for yourself. I most certainly do.”

If you love farmhouse holiday decor, you can't go wrong with gorgeous green branches coated in snowy white flocking. Decorate with a few white and burlap ornaments for an updated, farmhouse-style take on the classic Christmas tree.

Determining where to place your Christmas tree is just as important as how you decorate it. Ideally, position your tree for maximum visibility from surrounding rooms, while also keeping how the room is used in mind. For instance, in this large family room, the best spot for the tree is in a corner that allows it to be seen from both an adjacent dining room and formal living room — without blocking any doorways or impeding foot traffic.

Whether your home is traditional, contemporary or shabby chic, choose a tree color and theme that fits your design. This stunning flocked, lavender tree perfectly complements this living room's cool purple and navy decor.

Even if you don't embrace color in your everyday decorating, Christmas is the one time of year you can go overboard. Look for ornaments in bold blues, bright greens, pinks and purples and pair them with metallics, like silver and gold, for a festive tree that is sure to attract attention.

This year, ditch the strenuous strands of standard twinkle lights and opt instead for softer, dainty LED fairy lights draped from the top of the tree.

Avoid damaging collectible or heirloom decorations and make it easy to slide gifts under the tree by not hanging ornaments on the very bottom branches. Also, if you have curious pets or small kids, use plastic baubles on the lower parts of the tree.

A trip to San Diego inspired designer Stephanie Watkins of Casa Watkins to create this simple yet beautiful Mexican and Spanish-influenced tree that features a serape blanket tree skirt.

In the basement bonus room of this home in Newport, Rhode Island, nautical life is on full display. The snowy white tree is adorned with anchors, rope and yes, even buoys. Ornaments in coastal shades of blue, coral and gold hang all over the tree. Pro tip: Layer metallic balls, starting close to the trunk and out to the tips of the branches to create dimension and catch the lights.

For a simple and quick Christmas decorating solution, transform your tree into a fun holiday character, like this adorable snowman. “First create a snowman head and face from a large, foam floral sphere and place it at the top of the tree,” says designer Brian Patrick Flynn. “Next, add two scarves just below the head. To create the look of coat buttons, line up three to seven black ornaments in the center of the tree. Lastly, give the snowman arms with branches placed roughly two-thirds of the way up on each side.”

Nothing says "festive holiday" quite like a set of properly placed pom-poms. We’re jumping for joy over the pom-poms here, strung along the mantel, lining the tree skirt and echoed in the round baubles dotting the tree.

For a designer-worthy look, match your ornaments' color theme with the gift wrap and ribbons. Here, this flocked tree's snowy branches create a beautiful backdrop to both matte and shiny ornaments in assorted shades of blue, while a few gold baubles bring the glitz. In coordinating colors of blue and gold, the gift wrap and ribbons carry the theme.

Kara Whitten of the Kailo Chic blog broke out the air pump to create this oh-so-whimsical, color-packed balloon garland. You can recreate this look at home (and impress your guests) by checking out her step-by-step tutorial.

This high-concept, monochromatic room puts a sophisticated and eclectic spin on traditional winter hues. There’s a lot going on here, but because the palette is tightly controlled, the overall effect is opulent rather than overwhelming. “The tree is one focused area to go bold, whimsical and unique,” designer Veronica Solomon says.

Skip the traditional tinsel-style garland this year and instead weave wide, wired ribbon through your tree's branches. It's easy: Just start at the top of the tree, then work your way down, weaving the ribbon along the branches, tucking it about halfway back along each branch. The ribbon's wired edges make it easy to bend or fold the ribbon at places to create a visually pleasing sense of movement, plus the wire's stiffness helps the ribbon stay upright for maximum visibility.

Handcrafted ornaments aren't just for kids. This tree features pretty yet simple ornaments fashioned from twigs, hot glue and white spray paint. For a polished look, pinecones and pretty metallic baubles complement and soften the DIY decorations.

Atlanta-based designer Kelly Page trimmed this gorgeous, flocked tree with silky blue ribbon, oversized champagne and silver baubles, and gold winter berries. If this icy and elegant tree suits your style, follow Kelly's tips to recreate the look.

Pets love to play with (read: destroy) Christmas trees. Thankfully, there are some tips you can follow to help keep your pets safe and your tree intact.

Choose an artificial tree that is under 6 feet tall and anchor it securely to the wall or floor to avoid toppling. Use flat matte ornaments that are larger in size — they're less attractive to pets than shiny ornaments and are harder to chew on or swallow. Attach ornaments securely with twist ties, and avoid hanging too many on the bottom quarter of the tree. Don't use tinsel or garland, as pets can easily entangle themselves or choke on swallowed pieces. Lastly, tape down or cover any electrical wires, and always turn the tree off when you aren't in the room.

For a contemporary home full of solid colors, clean lines and bright light, a Christmas tree decorated in a modern black and white aesthetic will fit in perfectly. Simply purchase all solid black and all solid white ornaments and add personality with a paint pen and some fun ribbon. Pro tip: Skip the tree topper and cluster a handful of your favorite round ornaments on top for a playful look.

True to the decade of bold hues and big hair, Austin, Texas, blogger Kara Whitten of Kailo Chic does not hold back when it comes to holiday decorating. Her white flocked tree is bursting with fun stripes, squiggles and terrazzo patterns, along with flashy iridescent ornaments and disco balls. As she says, “Childhood nostalgia can look really modern.”

Lights, playful pom-pom garland and a large, graphic banner are all you need to create a statement tree — with minimal clean up come Jan. 1.

This flocked tree pairs matte beige ribbon with metallic ball ornaments and fairy lights for a glowing display. Pro tip: Tuck ribbon in billowing folds from the top down for a lush, scene-stealing look on even the skinniest of trees.

Some old quilts are too fragile or tattered to use as bedding, but they're too precious to throw away. Repurpose one into a charming, cottage-style Christmas tree skirt by using the largest intact portion of the quilt.

The natural textures, wood tones and overall color scheme of this modern tree make it look straight out of a fairy tale. In addition to flocked branches and a show-stopping topper, this tree features sleek, mismatched ornaments spaced evenly for a balanced look.

Colorful Christmas candy was the inspiration for this sweet tree by Kara Whitten of Kailo Chic. The snowy tree is dripping in colorful candy canes, gumdrops, gingerbread cookies and sparkling disco balls. To top it all off, a classic star is covered in rainbow pom-poms that resemble sugary sprinkles.

Blogger Amy Allen of A Little Love Designs created the coziest Christmas corner in her home by filling a wicker basket with a skinny silver tree from Target and decorating it with festive, rustic little houses.

Woodsy ornaments from Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts adorn the tree decorated by designer Patricia McLean. "The Christmas tree has birds and nests and eggs all nestled in, as in nature. The light, bright berries and baby’s breath give it light and life. A client has already copied it exactly and installed it in time for Thanksgiving. They are Jewish and he has never had a tree before. I was so touched."

Pink and cream blooms are masterfully woven into the branches of this perfectly pretty tree by Kelly Page of BlueGrayGal. She completed the magical look with gold ribbon and silver and gold ball ornaments.

The small, live tree in this Victorian home makes a fun holiday statement without overwhelming the space. Graphic black-and-white ball ornaments match the eye-catching striped couch while metallic pink, white and gold baubles pull in the hues of the rug, coffee table and walls.

Make a graphic visual statement with matte ornaments in every color of the rainbow. Starting at the top of a white tree, layer red, yellow, green, teal, blue, purple and pink ornaments in color-blocked sections, finishing the look with silver and gold tinsel garland.

Recreate the look and feel of a snowy wonderland by trimming your flocked tree in ice blue, silver, teal and glittering blue ornaments in various sizes. Stacks of presents beneath the tree create a more finished look, adding layers of color and pattern, thanks to the festive wrapping.

Put your passions on display in style. Love Steampunk? Transform vintage and industrial knickknacks into cool ornaments and finish your tree with a Victorian-style top hat.

Ashley Wilson, author of the At Home With Ashley blog, kicked up the color in her living room with this Grandin Road Christmas tree that she decorated with rainbow bulbs, colorful florals and a fringed tree skirt.

Swap traditional ribbon garland for stylish strands of skinny gold and silver beaded garland for a look that's traditional yet elegant.

Designer Whitney Moore loaded her 8-foot-tall tinsel tree with ornaments in sugary shades of pink, blue, and green and fluffy white pom-pom garland for an over-the-top look that exudes holiday cheer.

A white faux tree was spray-painted in layers from dark to light to create this dramatic winter wonderland look. Lake Elsinore, California, blogger Angie Ramirez of Little Inspiration used Satin Black, Matte Deep Gray and Pewter Gray (all by Krylon), from the bottom up. “To keep the focus on the ombré, I matched ornaments to the paint, with clear plastic ones on top,” she says.

You no longer have to choose between displaying sentimental ornaments and a well-designed tree. Choose a simple theme — like this wood bead, twinkle lights and pom-pom trim design — then pair your favorite family ornaments with a bold, trendy baubles, like the gold starbursts shown here.

Look closely and you'll notice that the foliage on this color-packed tree is actually dark blue. Pittsburgh blogger Michael Wurm Jr. of Inspired by Charm decorated this unique tree in a range of dark and light blue baubles that morph into teal and lime green as the eye travel upwards. “I strung copper bauble garland for a bit of contrast and more fullness,” he says. The vintage topper, also copper, is from eBay.

This gorgeous classic Christmas tree by Kelly Page of BlueGrayGal dazzles with gold ornaments punctuated by deep red ribbons.

Don't forget to decorate the spaces you use most often — even if that space is the laundry room. Here, a small tree adorned with large ornaments and a leafy garland sits at the end of a folding counter.

Whether you can’t have a Christmas tree in your home or you're just looking to add extra cheer to your space, this wrapped-present tree is as easy to make as it is impressive. All you need to do is wrap all of your gifts in beautiful green paper. If you don’t have enough gifts, wrap a few extra boxes for filler. Stack all of the wrapped boxes in the shape of a Christmas tree and finish off the tree-like look with a few stick-on bows for ornaments. Place a white gift box with a bold red bow at the peak as a topper.

This Christmas tree designed by Lauren Davenport Imber features beautiful soft pink and gold hues. "There are no rules anymore when it comes to colors used for the holidays. Pick your favorite one and repeat it on your tree, garlands and bows. I like to keep the colors soft, as not to overwhelm," says Lauren.

For designer Caitlin Wilson and her family, there’s no better place to spend Christmas than at her parents’ home in Oregon’s Rogue Valley. The great room easily fits a 12-foot-tall tree, which Caitlin’s mom jazzes up with bottle-brush-animals and glass ball ornaments.

Glam up your holiday decor with a flashy and fun Hollywood-inspired tree. Trimmed with mini gold sunburst mirrors and pretty pops of pink and red ornaments, this bright white tree is fit for a superstar. To get this expensive look on a budget, make miniature versions of these DIY sunburst mirrors and reuse them as year-round home decor once the holidays are over.

To mimic the bright blue-green hue of peacock feathers, designer Meg Caswell spray-painted the tips of this tree's branches a rich teal hue. Add a touch of whimsy to your own tree with fun painted designs, like white branch tips, top-to-bottom color or an ombré effect. Pro tip: Choose a non-toxic paint and always apply in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Allow paint to dry thoroughly before decorating.

Tinsel is a great way to incorporate sparkle and interest into any tree design. To recreate the subtle charm of this modern, white designer tree, add generous amounts of soft silver and light gold tinsel to branch tips after ornaments and garland are in place.

A galvanized washtub and old baby buggy make a mobile base for this adorable entryway tree. Take a look around your own home for creative pieces you can incorporate into your tree's decor.

A white Christmas tree is the best canvas for extra-bright ornaments and patterned wrapping paper. Designer Jessica Tompane's cozy space blends saturated tones and festive decor seamlessly. It's the perfect spot for a holiday movie marathon.

Going big with holiday decor can be intimidating and expensive — but, as Erika Kikola explains, it doesn’t have to be that way. “Purchase a cheap Christmas tree: As long as you fluff it out correctly, you really cannot tell once it’s decorated. This is actually the first year that I purchased a Christmas tree; I used one that I’d gotten for free for several years.”

Don’t feel constrained by traditional decor choices. Add personality with off-beat and fun elements, like the cowboy hat tree topper and bright orange holiday baubles on this Western-inspired tree.

Deck out your tree in America's hues: red, white and blue. This beautiful evergreen sat in the White House's East landing and featured ornaments representing all five military branches.

For her iconic vintage radio tree, stylist Jenny Reimold takes a “shove and stuff” approach. “Anything goes,” she says. Her method: Pick out a decorative accessory that’s not an ornament (she went with vintage radios) about the size of your forearm, separate the branches and place the item angled towards the tree. Be sure to secure each accessory with a hook or wire. If you’re going for the “shove and stuff” on a real tree, you’ll want strong branches. Jenny recommends a cedar or a spruce.

Keep your gaggle of grands excited and entertained with a tree trimmed in mini stocking garland. Add each child's name to the front of the detachable stockings, fill them with treats, then watch as little ones rush to find their names on Christmas day. This is also a great idea for a classroom or Friendsmas tree.

“Few things are more aesthetically pleasing than the spectrum of the rainbow,” says organizing expert Clea Shearer of The Home Edit. Playing with different ornament shades and shapes adds to the fun. Clea also recommends trying this look on a white tree for a high-contrast look.

Who says your Christmas tree has to stay put? A galvanized bucket on casters makes a stylish tree container and will allow you to transport your tree to any room in the house.

Add a sweet touch to your tree with holiday candy. To get this whimsical look, use packaged candy with a long shelf life, such as candy canes or lollipops. If you have pets or small children, artificial candy ornaments are a great alternative and will give you a wider range of decorative options. Polish off your sweet design with a candy-inspired tree skirt.

Tired of untangling yards and yards of string lights? Toss the twinkle lights and up the drama with a few simple strands of oversized bulbs.

Put all of this year's leftover yarn to good use with easy-to-make yarn ball ornaments and bunny tail yarn garland. Paired together on a mini tree, these simple decorations are a chic and pretty addition to your front porch holiday decor.

Bright, cheery neutrals are a great fit in almost any interior design, making them ideal for holiday decorating. This crisp, white tree is anything but bland when trimmed with modern parchment-colored ornaments and minimalistic garland. Make a beautiful, modern statement in your home with this easily adaptable, less-is-more approach.

If you aren't a huge fan of white Christmas trees, but still want to try a neutral approach, consider an earth-toned design. On a classic tree, pair copper and metallic ornaments in flat matte or glossy finishes with natural decorations, like pinecones and cinnamon sticks, for a warm, neutral look.

When you think of classic Christmas decor, you are likely picturing the rustic simplicity of the Scandinavian style. To get this handmade look, use decorations made from natural materials such as salt dough, basket weave and embroidery in subdued colors.

Match your tree to your gift wrap or vice versa. Designer Laurie March created a bright, unified look by using the same festive blue bows on both the Christmas tree and the gift wrap in this disco-inspired holiday space.

Amp up the personality with a handful of oversized ornaments, like these DIY felt poinsettias. Create graphic focal points by hanging the large-scale ornaments first, then decorate the rest of the tree in small baubles, trinkets and winter berries in complementary hues.

"A designer trick for adding depth to your Christmas tree decor is to cluster similar ornaments together then hang them inside the tree and along the tips of branches," says designer Brian Patrick Flynn. "From a distance the clusters will read much more graphically than tucked and partially-hidden single ornaments, plus they will help fill voids throughout the tree."

Looking for a unique tree skirt you don't have to constantly adjust? Try an oversized basket for a fresh, farmhouse-inspired look.

A fluffy flocked tree makes a beautiful, wintry backdrop for the silver and gold decorations on this show-stopping tree. Faux candlesticks shimmer against gold beaded garland, sparkling ribbon and crystal floral picks.

Start a new family tradition by turning your tree into a beautiful, vintage Advent calendar. This handmade garland version is made from printed linen pockets that hold candy or small gifts for each day of the Advent.

A bright statement against a dark-painted wall, this fresh evergreen tree is dripping in colorful paper honeycomb ornaments and twinkling white lights for a high-style look that easy to recreate.

This darling tiny tree fits perfectly on a tabletop display. Cookie cutters in dove, angel and bell shapes adorn the tree, while a small wood star is positioned at the top. A wood basket conceals the base and provides a sturdy foundation for easy decorating.

Balsam Hill's flocked alpine trees, sparse by design, offer a simple and natural approach to holiday decorating. Styled in a set of two by designer Jenny Reimold, these beautiful, minimalistic trees turn any home into a farmhouse-inspired winter wonderland.

Brightly colored trees make a great base for outside-the-box decorating themes like this sweet tree full of ice cream ornaments.

Can't get away this Christmas? Transform your home into a luxurious vacation spot with ornaments and decorations sourced from or inspired by your favorite locale. For actor Wayne Brady's Hawaiian-themed holiday home, designer Stacey Vuduris trimmed the tree with starfish, pineapple and tropical flower ornaments and pretty puka shell garland.

A family's backyard playhouse is converted into a festive escape for the holidays with the addition of a cute, gray tree decorated by the kids.

Jennifer Perkins, the "Queen of Kitsch," stuffed her flocked Christmas tree full of vintage decorations like antique German glass ornaments, midcentury felt Santas and toys from the '70s. She calls it the "kitchen sink tree" because you see something different each time you look at it.

“As a compromise, my husband and I switch between a themed tree and a traditional one every other year,” says Heidi Rew, a lifestyle podcast host in Atlanta. She went cozy for this creation, blending buffalo check fabric, faux-fur garland and white felt flowers with mint and gold ornaments. The letters are her family members’ initials.

Visit your local craft store for a variety of silk flowers, like these rich red garden roses, peonies, hydrangea and gerbera daisies. Mold the flowers into a lush garland, or scatter throughout the branches along with an assortment of well-placed ornaments. Top the tree with a richly textured ribbon for a high-end designer look.

The staff at Atlanta gift and grocery emporium Lucy's Market decorated this tree in trendy rose and gold ornaments to continue a pink theme seen throughout the home. The neutral colors used on the tree blend beautifully with other neutrals found throughout the showhouse.

Let your tree skirt do all the talking. Balance a bold tree skirt, like this beautiful Nordic-inspired design, with minimal tree decor such as white lights and simple mesh garland — no ornaments necessary.