How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Professional

Build a Theme

Before you start decorating a Christmas tree, it’s important to choose a cohesive theme. This could be based on a specific colour palette, a collection of baubles, or one of your interests. To get inspired, check out designer blogs, home décor websites, or Pinterest. Creating a mood board can help bring your vision to life and guide you in selecting the right decorations.

Fluff and Shape

Fluffing and shaping branches may take a while, but it is an essential part of the decorating process. This will help you achieve a lush and lifelike look for your tree. Follow these tips to make it easier:

• Ask family or friends to help shape your tree.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Refer to the product photo of the tree to easily recreate the look of the branches.
• When fluffing each branch, start from the inner branches and work your way outward.
• Shape the tree section by section, starting from the bottom. For taller trees, fluff the top section before attaching it to the tree to avoid using a ladder.

Looking to save time? Consider our Pre-Fluffed^® trees. These trees are designed with memory wire branches that adjust into place as soon as you unbox them. The branches will hold their shape well, making it easier to set up the tree in the coming years.

String the Lights

Before hanging lights on a tree, make sure they’re working. Start at the bottom and work your way up, weaving the lights in and out of the branches.

You can skip this step with Balsam Hill’s pre-lit Christmas trees. Many of these trees come with our exclusive Easy Plug^® technology, which includes pre-made light connections inside the trunk. Lighting your tree will be as simple as plugging it into a wall socket.

Divide the Tree into Sections

View your Christmas tree in sections: top, middle, and bottom. Style each section, starting from the top and working your way down. You can also segment your tree into quadrants to ensure two similar items aren’t too close together. For example, using two different styles of tree picks to mark the divisions can create a dramatic effect while maintaining a balanced look.

Dress the Tree

Learn how to decorate a Christmas tree like a pro by following the steps below.

• Start With Classic Baubles – Choose baubles in a classic colour scheme such as silver, gold, white, red, or green. These colours complement other tree decorations, allowing for a new theme each year.
• Combine Large and Small Baubles for Depth – There are no strict rules for hanging baubles, but experts usually start with larger ones and place them deeper within the foliage to add depth, creating a beautiful, layered look. On the other hand, smaller baubles look best when hung on the tips of the branches to create a draping effect. You can mix different sizes to make a bold statement.
• Style With Ribbon – Decorate your tree like a professional by using Christmas tree ribbons as baubles. We recommend using wired ones because they’re easier to shape and style. Select two ribbons with different styles and widths, layer them to create texture, and finish with a creative twist at the ends.
• Fill in Gaps With Picks – Picks and sprays are great for filling in sparse areas of the tree. Additionally, they bring a different texture to the overall look. If you want a more natural feel, opt for picks such as berries, flowers, or pinecones. Alternatively, create a more elegant effect with crystal or pearl picks.

Bring In Interesting Details

Intricate accents elevate the look of your tree. If you have prized heirloom baubles with gorgeous details, now is the time to use them. For vivid pops of colour, group several floral picks to create points of interest.

Add a Tree Topper

Enhance your display with a tree topper that complements your theme. If you’re aiming for a designer look, improvisation is key. You can tie picks together in an elegant bouquet or use floral wire to secure baubles and then add picks for drama. Adding a custom tree topper will give your tree its own unique personality, setting it apart from the rest.