Setting Up Your Christmas Tree
- For an artificial tree, assemble it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Then shape the branches and tips for a full, natural look.
- For a live tree, make sure the trunk is freshly cut and then position the tree in a Christmas tree stand, add plain tap water and let it acclimate. The tree will take up more water initially, so remember to check the water level in the stand and add water to keep the cut fully submerged.
- Add a tree skirt to hide the tree stand and catch any falling needles on a live tree. It also creates a nice backdrop for you to place gifts. As an alternative, hide your tree stand with a decorative tree collar.
While decorating, position your tree about 2 feet from a corner or wall, so you can easily access the entire tree as you hang lights and ornaments.
Selecting Your Christmas Tree Lights
There are several types of lights to consider, including:
- Incandescent string lights have been the standard for years. They’re inexpensive and come in a variety of styles and colors.
- LED lights give off brilliant white light and feature bulb covers in various shapes and colors. LED string lights cost more than incandescent string lights, but they’re 85% more energy efficient and can last up to 40 holiday seasons. Plus, they don’t produce heat like incandescent bulbs, so they remain cool to the touch.
- White lights draw attention to the ornaments on your tree and provide a classic, elegant look.
- Colored lights create a festive look and conjure memories of childhood. Try colored lights for a retro look.
- Vintage Christmas lights are another way you can give your tree a nostalgic appeal.
How many strands do I need?
A
general rule is to use 100 lights for every 1.5 feet of tree. However, if you
love lights, you may want to double or even triple that amount. Use the chart
below for the recommended number of lights for fresh-cut trees.
Whatever type of lights you choose, make sure they're Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed. It’s also a good idea to choose the same brand and type of lights for your entire tree. Light colors and even brightness can vary between brands. For more help, see our Christmas Lights Buying Guide.
How to Hang Christmas Lights
Few things make the holidays more magical than a tree with hundreds — or even thousands — of twinkling lights. If you don't enjoy hanging lights, a pre-lit artificial tree is a hassle-free way to add sparkle to your home. Here are some tips for how to hang Christmas lights on your own tree.
Instructions
Pick a Style and Color Scheme
If you want your tree to have a unified look, plan a style or color scheme. Some classic color combinations include red and green, red and white, blue and silver, and silver and gold. Use your color scheme all over for a simple, elegant look or instead use it as an anchor and let your ornaments be the center of attention.
From a style perspective, you can let your home décor guide the decorations you choose or try something completely different. Here are some popular ideas:
- Glam decorations, such as silver ornaments, metallic ribbon, glitter decorations, snowflakes and more
- Farmhouse and plaid decorations, including those with the bold checkered pattern of buffalo plaid, the rustic look of burlap, and ornaments in red and black
- Traditional Christmas tree decorations, such as red and green ornaments, plaid ribbon, angel tree toppers, nostalgic ornaments and classic-style lights
- Themed decorations, ranging from animals and flowers to birds and candy
Adding Ornaments and Other Accessories
Now that your lights are ready to go, it’s time to move on to the details. The exact number of ornaments and decorations you need depends on the size of your tree and ornaments, how much of the tree you plan to decorate, and your personal style. Follow the steps below to have a fabulous-looking tree.
- Tree Toppers: Who says you have to save the best for last? By placing your tree topper first, you don’t have to worry about stretching to reach the top of the tree and knocking off ornaments in the process. Choose from angle tree toppers, stars, snowflakes and more. An elaborate bow can also make a great tree topper. Have fun and try something new.
- Garland: If you want to use garland, make sure to add it before you hang any ornaments. Start at the top of the tree and work your way down. Drape garland unevenly and without form for a casual look or layer it in equal loops for a more formal appearance. Ribbon, flocked, beaded and metallic garland all look great, and pre-lit garland adds another layer of light. Pick the type that goes best with your theme and other decorations. For example, if you’re using snowflake ornaments, consider flocked garland.
- Ornaments: Hang your favorite ornaments first. Scatter these throughout the tree in prominent places. Then add something like red or green balls to fill in the rest of your tree. Be sure to balance ornaments by size, too. Jumbo Christmas ornaments make a fun, bold statement, while small ornaments add detail and interest. However, you don’t want one side of your tree to end up with all large or all small ornaments. And, to create depth, layer ornaments throughout the tree instead of just hanging them on the tips of branches.
If you have pets or small children, avoid hanging ornaments on the lower limbs of your tree.
Decorate Multiple Christmas Trees
With so many ways to decorate a Christmas tree, you may need more than one tree to spread the holiday cheer throughout your entire home. Decorating a second or third tree is a great way to utilize extra ornaments or include the kids. Many families have started having a second tree in the family room that includes keepsakes, child-made ornaments and other sentimental items. Another fun idea is to have a small tree reserved just for the kids. You can put this tree in the playroom and when friends or cousins come over for the holiday, they can have fun decorating their own tree with whatever theme they want.
Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Take a look at some examples of Christmas tree designs and ideas to create your own holiday masterpiece.
Continue your color scheme. The red-and-white color scheme for this Christmas tree carries to the tree skirt, a tabletop tree, a throw pillow in a chair and a throw on a love seat. For a fully coordinated look, you can carry the color scheme to the gifts under the tree.
- Make the most of your space. Even if you don’t have space for a large tree, a slim Christmas tree can fill a room with cheer. A slim tree or a pencil tree, like this one, fits in tighter spots, but with a lot of lights and ornaments, it can make a big impact in that small space.
Small trees can even work well in large rooms. A wreath, garland, mantel decorations, and eye-catching red and gold stockings on stocking holders make this fireplace the focal point, but a small decorated Christmas tree makes a great accent piece to balance the chair with holiday-themed throw pillows.
- Sometimes less is more. This tree has no need for bold colors. Gold and white ornaments catch the natural light coming in through floor-to-ceiling windows and give it an elegance even in the daytime. The understated look allows the dramatic patterns of the stockings and throw pillows to catch the eye.
Accessorize. A Christmas tree skirt creates a great backdrop for presents and finishes the look of a tree decked out with multicolor ornaments and lights. Colors coordinate with other décor, like a rich blue holiday throw pillow.
Try something different. A tree collar makes a nice alternative to a traditional Christmas tree skirt. Different colors, designs and materials make it easy to find one that works with your tree and your décor. The galvanized look of this collar creates a rustic look with the room’s wood floors.
Don’t forget your outdoor area. Outdoor trees give the landscape a festive look. Here, a couple of pre-lit twig trees at different heights maximize the look, and path lights add a welcoming touch. For modern appeal, choose from a selection of light show projectors to decorate the entire exterior.
Monica Mangin from "The Weekender" has some Christmas tree decorating tips and favorite designs of her own.
Want More Ideas?
Need quick and easy ideas to keep your holiday supplies in order? From wreaths to wrapping paper, we've got you covered. Watch our Christmas Storage Hacks.