What has now become a global spectacle has its roots in 16th-century Germany. Astounding, right? The 16th-century Germans began the tradition of decorating an indoor Christmas tree. Then, slowly, it travelled to the US and spread globally like all things do. And now, the decorated Christmas tree has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations, even yours.
You just finished the most delightful Thanksgiving and soon, you will have to start thinking about your Christmas decor, focusing mainly on the tree decorations. Well, fortune is smiling down on you because we have compiled the best Christmas tree decorating ideas exclusively for you!
But first, we will also help you choose the right tree. How cool is that? All you have to do is sit back and scroll down!
hristmas Tree Ideas: Choose the Right One
Before jumping into decorating ideas, let’s look at the different Christmas tree types. Choosing the kind of Christmas tree you’ll be adorning is essential. With real and artificial options, here are the ones you can pick from.
Fir Christmas Trees
Image source: cottonbro studio
Fir trees are Evergreen trees that are popularly used for Christmas. There are numerous varieties of Fir trees with a lot of common characteristics. But they can be distinguished based on color,shape and aroma.
- Noble Fir: Has a dark green color, intense fragrance and sturdy branches.
- Douglas Fir: Fully bodied with a pyramid shape, dark green color and a seasonal aroma.
- Balsam Fir: With a conical shape, it is exceptionally aromatic.
- Fraser Fir: Except for lighter-toned needles, the shape and aroma resemble Balsam Fir.
- Grand Fir: Has a sturdy body with an intense fragrance and subtle yellow-green needles.
- Canaan Fir: A hybrid of Balsam and Fraser, it has robust branches, a moderate aroma and a lush green hue.
- Concolor Fir: Has a big, rounded structure with blueish-green colored needles.
Pine Christmas Trees
Image source: alexamichellepeters
This type of Evergreen tree is the most ideal for Christmas. They have distinct and iconic shapes and colors that a perfect Christmas tree should have.
- White Pine: Although it is tall, it’s not strong. Yet, it’s ideal for light decor and has a mellow aroma with pale, blueish-green needles.
- Scotch Pine: Has sturdy branches, a deep green color, and a moderate aroma.
- Virginia Pine: Short and stout with a moderate scent and twisted needles.
Spruce Christmas Trees
Image source: Banksi_b
These are cone-shaped Evergreen trees. There are almost 35 varieties of Spruce trees, but only three can be used for Christmas.
- Blue Spruce: The grayish-blue needles give a natural snowy touch to this tree. It has a rich aroma and thick foliage cover that is ideal for decoration.
- Norway Spruce: Has a lean body, rich green needles and a moderate aroma. However, it has low water absorption with dense foliage, droopy lower branche and sharp needles, making it difficult to water. Hence, it might dry quickly.
- White Spruce: Has sturdy branches with a lighter shade than the Blue Spruce, which gives it a natural snow-dusted look.
Cypress Christmas Trees
Image source: klly_bb
Cypress trees aren’t as popular as other trees used for Christmas. But two of its varieties are worth checking out.
- Arizona Cypress: Has a tall, conical body with a blueish-green color and a moderate scent.
- Leyland Cypress: Has the perfect Christmas tree shape with feathery foliage. Its lack of fragrance is very helpful for people struggling with allergies.
Cedar Christmas Trees
Image source: gatehouseno1
These are pretty different than the other trees used for Christmas. Try to understand their appearance differences so that it’s easier when you go Christmas tree hunting.
- Red Cedar: Has an intense aroma with a pyramid or pencil shape.
- Deodar Cedar: This tree has the most extraordinary shape of them all. Although it has a big pyramid stature, its branches fall elegantly without a distinct structure.
Artificial Christmas Trees
If you don’t want the trouble that comes with a real Christmas tree, you can always take a shortcut and go with an artificial one. Artificial trees are an eco-friendly option as they are reusable for a few years and don’t need to be watered. Plus, they also look (and even smell) exactly like the actual trees. No one will be able to tell the difference!ADVERTISEMENT
Here are a few things you should consider when choosing an artificial Christmas tree:
- Height & Width: Artificial trees come in various sizes. Measure the space where you want to place the tree before choosing the size. Don’t forget to account for the space needed for decorations or the height of the tree topper. You can choose a full, slim, or pencil tree, depending on where you want to place it. For a limited space, consider a flat-back tree.
- Lighted or Unlighted: An unlighted tree is the cheaper option. But if you don’t want the mess of string lights, you can opt for a lighted tree. It is available in LED (less heat, less electricity) or incandescent (less cost) lights for you to choose from.
- Branch Type: The branches are either hook-in or hinged. The hinged ones are easier to set up than the hook-in ones. However, they are also costlier. So, one saves time and the other saves budget. You can pick the one you are comfortable with.
- Material Type: The material used is either PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or PE (Polyethylene). While PVC is durable and affordable, PE is more realistic and expensive. Choose the one that is best suited for you.
- Color: There are other options if you don’t want to go along with the classic green color. White, pink, black, blue, orange, or red; you can pick any color that you want.
Once you choose the tree that best suits your needs, it is time to look at the decoration ideas you can try and enjoy with your family. Let’s jump into it!
Enchanting Christmas Tree Decorations and Ideas to Deck Your Halls
We get it; you love Christmas. You don’t have to shout it out from your rooftop; well, you can actually. But why not let your trendy and creatively decorated Christmas tree do the shouting this year?
As the world keeps changing every Christmas, so does the decor. Recently, people have opted for unconventional decor, which involves choosing eccentric themes like boho or maximalism. Last year, more than 35% of global consumers chose maximalism as their preferred tree decoration style.
On the other hand, some people are returning to mother nature and adorning their winter trees with natural decorations like pine cones, acorns, or dried citrus. Another playful way in which decorators spark up festive excitement is by using colors. Neutrals, dark, metallic, natural, or warm; people are leveling up their tree game using these palettes for a merry, bright, and trendy tree.
You can also go along with any of these trends or go with something personal. Because trends come and go, but Christmas is a forever, once-a-year phenomenon!
From the brilliant Christmas tree decorations and ideas below, some are trendy, some are absolutely nouveau and some add a personal touch. In the end, it will be all up to you! Are you ready for this quest to hunt the best idea to make your Christmas tree the most favorite winter tree ever? If so, let’s begin with themed Christmas tree ideas.
Themed decor effortlessly makes a statement. Not only is themed decor trendy, but it also has a visual appeal that can convey a message. There are numerous tree themes to pick from. Let’s check them out.
1. Vintage Revival
Image source: DJ_Packrat
Indulge in nostalgia and turn your tree into a collector’s edition. Use your unique vintage collection as antique ornaments. Add festive baubles and handmade garlands. Make it more vintage with stockings, clip-on electric candles, and a classic tree topper. Finish the look with an old-fashioned tree skirt like an old quilt for a complete vintage wonderland.
2. Trendy Minimalism
Image source: Sven Brandsma
A minimalist Christmas tree idea will be simple, charming, and cheap. Adorn your tree with plain clay ornaments and simple wood garlands. For a chic finish, clothe the tree in a simple string light. Let the tree’s greenery outshine the decor, and its subdued elegance grace your space.
3. Maximalist & Magnificent
Image source: Sebastian Coman Photography
If you have an eccentric soul and love to go all out, whether decorating your house, Christmas decorating, or tree adornment, then maximalist decor is what you really need!
Don’t hold back. Unleash your creativity with an excess of ornaments like glittering crystal garlands, sparkly or plaid ribbons, fluffy feathers, or velvet balls for a sophisticated variation. And, most importantly, don’t forget the lights! Use lots of them to dress up your tree into a bright and merry one and have a dazzling holiday.
4. Rustic Farmhouse
Image source: CHUTTERSNAP
Spruce up your spruce with the old-world aesthetics of the romantic Southern charm and opt for rustic farmhouse decor. Use burlap ribbons, old glass ornaments and pine accents like a pine garland or pine branches and twigs. You can also stuff mason jars with these pine twigs and hang them from the tree. Focus on the natural wooden elements for the tree to be the perfect amount of rustic.
5. Brilliantly Boho
Image source: emilyvdesrochers
Want your tree to be the point of admiration as soon as the guests enter your house? Just go with boho decor for the perfect festive Christmas tree!
Add flair with an eclectic mix of zany pompoms, terrific tassels and lovely lights. For an extra dose of eccentricity, use vibrant-hued flowers and feathers. Crown the look with diverse ornaments like rattan, wicker, crystals, mandalas, or macrame. For finishing touches, use patterned ribbons and bows. Your brilliant boho tree is ready to dazzle!
6. Coastal Craze
Image source: remarkablewreathsforyou
Bring the seaside charm to your wintery space with cozy coastal decorations for your blue spruce. Hang beach-side ornaments like starfish, seashells, anchors, sailboats, or beachballs. Use pale blue or cream-colored ribbons and garlands. Add sandy touches with warm lights, or add touches of the waves with subtle blue lights.
7. The Queer Rainbow
Image source: stephanie.djx
This Christmas, why don’t you surprise Santa? Bid adieu to the classic decor and pay tribute to the queer rainbow! Bedeck the tree with ball ornaments or lights of rainbow hues. From a radiant red at the top to a velvety violet at the bottom, let your rainbow tree be the Christmas superstar.
8. Throwback to Retro
Image source: Toni Cuenca
Let nostalgia overpower you with the oh-so-lovable retro decor! Focus on the striped or plaid ribbons, pine and cedar decor. Let extra large “Merry Christmas!” banners intertwine with the lush green foliage. Let the fairy lights twinkle away and the brown bells jingle away as your glam Christmas tree steals the show.
