Decorating the tree is one of the best afternoons of the year. It can also be one of the most frustrating if the lights go on after the baubles or the garland ends up lopsided. The good news is that a tree that looks professionally dressed is mostly a matter of doing things in the right order.
Here is the order that works, plus how to hang baubles with depth, pick a colour scheme and keep decorations safe around pets and children.
What order do you decorate a Christmas tree in?
Decorate a Christmas tree from the inside out and from the biggest pieces to the smallest. The usual order is:
- Shape the branches. Let a real tree settle overnight, or fluff every tip of an artificial one.
- Lights. Always first, woven deep into the branches.
- Topper. Fit the star or angel now, while there is nothing to knock off.
- Garland, ribbon or tinsel. These set the shape and flow of the tree.
- Baubles. Largest first, then medium, then small.
- Picks and fillers. Sprays, berries and pine cones to fill gaps.
- Tree skirt or collar. Last, to hide the stand.
Following this order means you never have to take something off to fit something else in. It also means the lights sit behind everything, so the decorations catch their glow.
Get the tree ready first
A good-looking tree starts before any decorations come out. Choose a spot away from radiators, fires and direct sunlight, as heat dries a real tree out quickly. Make sure the stand is secure, holds plenty of water and is topped up from day one.
If your tree is real, take the net off and let it rest in its stand overnight. The branches will drop and spread, opening up gaps for lights and baubles. For an artificial tree, spend time shaping each tip: our guide on how to fluff a Christmas tree explains how to make either kind look fuller.
Timing matters too. A real tree bought in early December will comfortably last until Twelfth Night with good care. If you are unsure when to start, see our guide on when to put up a Christmas tree.
Start with the lights
Lights are the foundation of a well-decorated tree, so give them time. Weave them along each branch towards the trunk and back out to the tips, rather than wrapping them round the outside. This makes the whole tree glow from within and gives your baubles something to reflect.
Allow roughly 100 bulbs per foot of height for a well-lit tree. Our step-by-step guide on how to put lights on a Christmas tree covers the weaving method in detail, and our guide to the best Christmas tree lights will help you choose warm white, cool white or multicoloured.
Garland, ribbon and tinsel
Garland, ribbon and tinsel go on after the lights and before the baubles. They give the tree movement and help the eye travel around it.
There are a few ways to hang them:
- Loose swags. Drape garland or beads in gentle dips from branch to branch, working round the tree from top to bottom. The swags should get wider as the tree does.
- Ribbon cascades. Cut wired ribbon into lengths of roughly 50 to 60 centimetres and tuck them in vertically, from top to bottom, so they look like they are tumbling down the tree.
- Tinsel. Use it sparingly on a real tree. A little looped deep in the branches adds sparkle, while too much hides the needles.
Wired ribbon is the most forgiving choice, because you can bend it into shape and it stays put.
How to hang baubles so the tree looks full
Hang the largest baubles first, spaced evenly around the tree, then fill in with medium and small ones. Put some baubles deep in the branches near the trunk, not only on the tips. This one habit gives a tree depth and makes it look far fuller.
A few more tips:
- Hang heavy baubles near the trunk on the strongest branches, so they do not drag the tips down.
- Group in threes. Placing three of the same bauble in a loose triangle looks deliberate and balanced.
- Mix finishes. Combine matt, gloss and glitter baubles of the same colour for interest without clutter.
- Save favourites for eye level. Handmade and sentimental decorations deserve the spots where people will see them.
- Use proper hooks. Wire hooks twisted around the branch hold better than thread or ribbon loops.
Step back after every dozen or so and check the tree from across the room. Gaps and clusters are much easier to spot from a distance.
Choosing a Christmas tree colour scheme
Two or three colours plus one metallic usually looks the most polished. Here are some schemes that work well with the deep green of a real tree:
| Scheme | Colours | Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Red, gold and green | Warm white |
| Scandinavian | White, natural wood and red | Warm white |
| Winter frost | Silver, white and pale blue | Cool or warm white |
| Rustic | Dried orange slices, pine cones, hessian | Warm white |
| Family and retro | Anything goes, mixed collections | Multicoloured |
Natural decorations suit a real tree especially well. Dried orange slices, cinnamon bundles, pine cones and paper chains cost very little and are easy to make together. If you are curious about why we dress trees at all, our guide on what a Christmas tree represents covers the meaning behind the evergreen, the lights and the star.
Decorating with children and pets
If you have young children or pets, keep fragile and glass decorations on the upper half of the tree and use shatterproof baubles lower down. Avoid anything small enough to swallow near the bottom, and skip edible decorations such as chocolates if you have a dog.
Cats in particular are drawn to dangling baubles and tinsel. Tinsel can be dangerous if swallowed, so many cat owners leave it off entirely. Make sure the tree is in a heavy, stable stand and keep the water covered. Our guide to which Christmas trees are toxic to cats explains the real risks of firs, pines and spruces and how to manage them.
Finish by fitting a tree skirt or collar to hide the stand, keeping the water reservoir easy to reach so you can top it up every day. Then switch off the big light, turn on the tree, and enjoy it.
Still choosing your tree? Search for a Christmas tree farm near you and pick a tree with strong, evenly spaced branches: the best possible start for decorating.
Questions people ask
How many baubles do I need for a Christmas tree?
A common guide is somewhere around 10 to 15 baubles per foot of height for a well-dressed tree, so roughly 60 to 90 for a 6 ft tree. Mixing three sizes makes a smaller number go further.
Should the star or angel go on first or last?
Many decorators fit the topper straight after the lights, so they are not reaching over finished branches and knocking baubles off. Putting it on last is a lovely tradition too, so do whatever suits your household.
How many colours should a Christmas tree have?
Two or three main colours usually look the most polished, with one metallic tone such as gold, silver or copper. A family tree full of mixed decorations works just as well if the lights tie it together.
How do you stop decorations falling off a real tree?
Hang heavier baubles close to the trunk on the strongest branches and use wire ornament hooks rather than thread. Clipping or twisting the hook around the branch holds it more securely than simply hooking it over.
Can you decorate a real tree the day you buy it?
It is better to wait until the next day. Leaving the tree in water overnight lets the branches drop into shape, which makes lighting and decorating much easier.
