How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro

The Christmas tree is usually the focal point of all the holiday decorations. Getting it to look well-coordinated and designer-worthy isn’t always as easy as it sounds. But rest assured: If you follow this easy guide for decorating your tree and take note of our professional tips, your Christmas tree will be the envy of all who see it — including Santa.

How To Decorate a Christmas Tree

1. Start With the Right Tree Stand or Container

A tree stand or container is what is going to hold up your tree and keep it secure, so no matter which way you go, make sure it's sturdy. Rotate the tree so the best side is facing your most visible, high-trafficked area.

One of the most impactful ways to add personality to your tree is to put it in a unique container. Crocks, baskets, crates, wagons and large buckets are all excellent choices. If using a live tree, insert a plastic bucket or container inside to hold water. Alternately, secure a faux tree's trunk by stacking a few bricks around it.

2. Fluff or Trim the Tree

It’s one of the most boring parts of decorating a Christmas tree, but taking time to properly fluff an artificial tree or trim a live tree will set the stage for a beautiful holiday focal point. On an artificial tree, pull apart the branches and bend them at a slight upward angle. When preparing a live tree, remove lower branches that will interfere with the tree stand and give a "haircut" to any that are distracting or awkward.

3. Put Lights on the Christmas Tree

If you’re buying new lights, look for ones that have a cord that matches or coordinates with your tree color. Naturally, most light strands come in green, but if you have a white tree or another color, you may have to shop around a bit.

Typically, you want the male end of the plug (the one with the prongs showing) at the bottom of the Christmas tree to plug into your wall or a power strip. Other light strands can be added on as you work your way up the tree. Plug in the lights to test them before you begin. Start at the bottom of the tree and wrap your lights around and along each branch to disperse the lights at multiple depths in the tree. Make sure to leave yourself a bit of slack in the strand for adjustments later. Place the lights close to the trunk to give your tree depth and an inner glow.

Designer tip: Don’t be afraid to use two different types of lighting on the tree to add even more interest. A mix of large and small bulbs, string lights and electric candles will take an already beautiful tree and put it over the top.

How to Calculate How Many Lights You'll Need

Yes, there's a formula for determining how long a light strand should be. Lowe's offers this rule of thumb for how many lights a Christmas tree needs: 100 mini lights for every 1.5 feet of vertical height in your Christmas tree.

If you have a 6'-tall Christmas tree, calculate it like this:

• Divide 6 by 1.5, which equals 4.
• Multiply 4 by 100.
• Your 6'-tall Christmas tree needs a total of 400 lights.

Most strands of Christmas lights have 100 lights, so in this case, you would plan on chaining four of them together.

4. Wrap the Tree in Garland

Garland is totally optional, but it can be an easy way to add dimension to your decorations. Some designers use other metallic accents like gold or silver branches tucked into the tree or a bunch of matching oversized ornaments or bows. Ribbon — hung vertically or horizontally — is another trick designers often use instead of traditional garland, because ribbon is an inexpensive way to create a specific color scheme and add texture. Beads are also a popular substitute for garland. If you’re going for a classic look, don’t rule out stringing popcorn or crafting old-school construction paper rings.

When wrapping garland around your tree, start at the top of the tree and work your way down. When draping the garland, use consistent spacing to keep your tree looking uniform. The rule of thumb: Use about two strands of garland for every vertical foot of tree.

5. Place the Topper or Star

The star, angel or topper of choice is traditionally put on last, but leaning over a tree loaded with ornaments is impractical and can be unsafe. Put the star on the top before any ornaments are added to make the decorating process less stressful.

6. Add the Ornaments

When adding ornaments, the pros stick with a theme, even if it’s a loose one. Find a common element, whether it’s color palette, style, material or a specific theme like woodland, coastal, farmhouse, etc. Within that theme, add lots of variation. Use ornaments of different sizes, textures, tones, hues and finishes. Mix new and old, handmade and store-bought, high-end and bargains. Variety within boundaries prevents the tree from looking too crazy or too boring.

7. Stand Back and Take a Look

When decorating a tree, it’s easy to miss the big picture. As you're trimming, frequently take a few steps back to view the tree as a whole. Are there any gaps or clumps in the branches, lighting, ribbons or ornaments? Are any elements distracting or do they work together to enhance the overall look? It’s even a good idea to take a break for a few minutes; then come back to view the tree with fresh eyes.

8. Dress It in a Skirt or a Collar

Tree skirts are another opportunity to think outside the box. Use something that continues your theme or color palette; it doesn't have to be a store-bought skirt. Consider using a tablecloth, a blanket or make your own. A plain skirt can be dressed up with a village scene, an electric train, vintage toys or simply gifts wrapped in coordinating colors. For a more manicured look at the base of your tree, consider a tree collar to cover your stand.