Decorating the Christmas tree is one of the most magical parts of the festive season. Whether you prefer a traditional family tree full of treasured ornaments or a beautifully coordinated designer look, a well-decorated tree can become the centrepiece of your Christmas celebrations.

At Southwood Christmas Shop, we stock thousands of Christmas decorations to help you create the perfect festive display. In this guide, we'll show you how to decorate a Christmas tree like a professional, from choosing a theme to adding those all-important finishing touches.

Step 1: Choose a Christmas Tree Theme

Before opening the decoration boxes, it's worth deciding on the overall look you'd like to achieve.

Popular Christmas tree themes include:

Traditional Christmas

A timeless style featuring red, green and gold decorations, classic baubles, berries and warm white lights.

Winter Wonderland

Silver, white and icy blue decorations paired with frosted branches and cool white lighting.

Luxury Gold and Champagne

Elegant metallic tones with sparkling ornaments, ribbons and statement tree toppers.

Rustic Christmas

Natural textures such as wood, pinecones, hessian ribbons and woodland-inspired decorations.

Modern Christmas

Contemporary colours such as black, rose gold, navy blue or monochrome schemes.

Choosing a theme before decorating helps create a cohesive and professional-looking finish.

Step 2: Start with the Christmas Lights

Professional decorators always add the lights before any decorations.

Many people underestimate the importance of lighting, but it forms the foundation of the entire display.

As a general guide:

  • 6ft tree: 500-700 LEDs
  • 7ft tree: 700-1,000 LEDs
  • 8ft tree: 1,000-1,500 LEDs

Rather than simply wrapping lights around the outside of the tree, weave them in and out of the branches. This creates depth and makes the tree glow from within.

Warm white lights create a traditional and cosy feel, while cool white lights offer a crisp, contemporary look.

Step 3: Add Christmas Ribbon

One of the biggest secrets professional decorators use is ribbon.

Ribbon helps fill gaps, adds texture and instantly creates a luxury appearance.

Popular options include:

  • Velvet ribbon
  • Glitter ribbon
  • Satin ribbon
  • Hessian ribbon
  • Wired ribbon

Rather than wrapping ribbon around the tree in a spiral, gently tuck sections into the branches to create flowing waves throughout the display.

This technique adds dimension and helps guide the eye around the tree.

Step 4: Add Large Decorations First

Begin decorating with your largest ornaments.

These might include:

  • Large statement baubles
  • Decorative picks
  • Artificial flowers
  • Christmas sprays
  • Decorative branches

Space these evenly around the tree.

Starting with larger decorations first creates structure and makes it easier to fill the remaining space with smaller ornaments.

Step 5: Hang Your Baubles

Baubles are often the main feature of a Christmas tree.

For the best results, use a mixture of:

  • Large baubles
  • Medium baubles
  • Small baubles
  • Shiny finishes
  • Matt finishes
  • Glitter finishes

Position larger baubles deeper within the branches and smaller baubles towards the outer edges.

This creates depth and gives the tree a fuller appearance.

Try not to place identical decorations next to one another. Instead, spread colours and styles evenly across the tree.

Step 6: Add Picks, Sprays and Floral Decorations

Christmas picks and sprays are often overlooked but can make a huge difference.

Popular options include:

  • Berry sprays
  • Glitter branches
  • Artificial poinsettias
  • Eucalyptus stems
  • Pine sprays

These additions help fill gaps and add texture throughout the display.

Simply tuck them between branches wherever extra detail is needed.

Step 7: Add Special Ornaments

Once the main decorations are in place, add any sentimental or feature ornaments.

These may include:

  • Personalised decorations
  • Family keepsakes
  • Character ornaments
  • Glass decorations
  • Handmade ornaments

Place these where they can easily be seen and enjoyed throughout the festive season.

Step 8: Finish with a Tree Topper

A Christmas tree isn't complete without a beautiful topper.

Popular choices include:

  • Traditional stars
  • Decorative angels
  • Glitter tree toppers
  • Bows
  • Illuminated toppers

Choose a topper that complements the overall style and colour scheme of your tree.

Step 9: Add a Tree Skirt or Collar

The base of the tree is often forgotten, but it's an important finishing touch.

A tree skirt or collar helps:

  • Hide the stand
  • Conceal wires
  • Complete the overall look

Popular styles include wicker collars, faux fur skirts and luxury fabric designs.

Step 10: Step Back and Adjust

Professional decorators rarely get everything perfect first time.

Once you've finished decorating:

  • Step back several feet.
  • Look for empty spaces.
  • Reposition decorations if needed.
  • Ensure colours are evenly distributed.
  • Check lights are visible throughout the tree.

Small adjustments can make a huge difference to the finished result.

Common Christmas Tree Decorating Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

Using Too Few Lights

Insufficient lighting can make even the most beautifully decorated tree look flat.

Hanging Decorations at the Ends of Branches Only

Place some decorations deeper into the tree to create depth.

Choosing Too Many Colours

Limiting your colour palette usually creates a more elegant and professional appearance.

Decorating Without a Plan

Having a theme makes it easier to create a coordinated display.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many baubles do I need for a Christmas tree?

As a rough guide:

  • 6ft tree: 80-120 baubles
  • 7ft tree: 120-180 baubles
  • 8ft tree: 180-250+ baubles

The exact number depends on how full you would like the tree to appear.

Should ribbon go on before baubles?

Yes. Ribbon should normally be added after the lights and before the majority of decorations.

What colour lights look best on a Christmas tree?

Warm white lights are ideal for traditional and cosy displays. Cool white lights work well with modern, winter-themed decorations.

What is the most popular Christmas tree decorating style?

Traditional red, gold and green remains one of the most popular Christmas decorating themes in the UK, although luxury gold and champagne schemes have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Create Your Perfect Christmas Tree

Whether you're creating a traditional festive display or a luxurious designer-inspired centrepiece, the right decorations can completely transform your Christmas tree.

At Southwood Christmas Shop, we stock over 4,000 Christmas products including baubles, lights, ribbons, tree toppers, wreaths, garlands and festive decorations to help make your Christmas truly magical.

Browse our collections and start planning your perfect Christmas display today.