Upgrade Your Christmas Tree Game with These Decorating Ideas
- 1/90
1) Citrus and Tin
Painted pine cones and dried orange slices pair perfectly with the rustic charm of galvanized tin bells and stars. The overall look is cheerfully chippy, and will weather the elements an outdoor Christmas tree may face.
Dylan Chandler - 2/90
2) Skinny Tree
Skinnier branches can be just as pretty as a full-blown fir, and don't feel overwhelming in cozy corners. Add woodland creature and felt mushroom ornaments to bring the outdoors in.
David Meredith - 3/90
3) Copper & Cones
This dapper tree mixes metallic ornaments with pinecones and burlap bows.
Anastasiia Krivenok - 4/90
4) Bright Balls + Paper Ephemera
This 200-year-old farmhouse's Christmas decor includes a tree decorated with festive balls and paper ephemera—like sentimental numbers—found at flea markets and antique shops.
Dylan Chandler - 5/90
5) Vintage Ribbons
This tree—a fit for those who love creating new ideas from vintage finds—repurposes prize ribbons as a garland. A velvet star topper and Shiny-Brite ornaments round out the nostalgic look.
Brian Woodcock - 6/90
6) Classic Touches
This timeless tree—displayed at this charming farmhouse in the Catskills—incorporates classic touches like red balls and plaid accents, as well as natural elements like a dried citrus garland and a stunning rattan star topper.
Rikki Snyder - 7/90
7) Grandmillenial Glamour
A flocked Christmas tree gets dressed up with vintage glass bead garlands, cross-stitched ornaments, and velvet bows both as a topper and on pastel-wrapped presents.
Brian Woodcock - 8/90
8) Traditional Touches
This tree features details that harken back to earlier times, like a gingerbread garland, electric candles (a nod to the early way trees were illuminated), and a straw star on top. A quilted tree skirt rounds out the homespun vibe.
Brian Woodcock - 9/90
9) White + Red + Natural
The Christmas tree and collection of vintage ornaments in this living room are at home among natural elements. The tree is perfected by a vintage tree topper.
David A. Land - 10/90
10) Country Charm
Jazz up an entryway table with a mini balsam fir decorated with a plaid bow, cranberry garland, tartan ornaments, and clip-on candlesticks. A stoneware crock serves as a tree stand.
Brian Woodcock - 11/90
11) Citrus Ornaments
When it comes time to trim a Douglas Fir tree, opt for homemade ornaments over store-bought. Craft homemade citrus ornaments and pair them with twinkling lights for an understated yet cozy tree.
David A. Land - 12/90
12) Calm and White
An all-white spruce serves as an eye-catching foundation for sparking snowflakes, pastel baubles, putz house accents, and a sweet ice-skate topper. A hatbox evokes a bit of jet-set glamour.
Brian Woodcock - 13/90
13) Pretty & Plaid
Red plaid is such a fun theme for any family room around Christmastime, since almost everything can be coordinated to match. This room features the pattern in a garland, on the presents themselves, and even on the kids' pajamas.
Kim Cornelison - 14/90
14) Navy & Gold
There are few things more beautiful than vibrant red poinsettias. Still, these navy ones might just give them a run for their money.
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
Jen Woodhouse - 15/90
15) Hay Bale Christmas Tree
Stacked hay bales make for a stunning—and incredibly original—"Christmas tree." This cowboy-approved idea features a Lone Star topper and a few simple string lights.
Buff Strickland - 16/90
16) Mini Christmas Tree Stand
How cute is this? We're into the idea of using a vintage candy box or antique cookie tin as a tree stand for one of these small Christmas trees.
Melanie Butcher - 17/90
17) Reds and Whites
There's barely any green to be seen here—even on the tree itself! Blogger Jen Woodhouse matches her living room decor to her tree decorations beautifully.
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
The House of Wood - 18/90
18) Gold Bows
Giant bows make for an extravagant statement—even on smaller trees. Here, their gold colors add shimmer and shine too.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Studio DIY - 19/90
19) Vintage-Inspired Trains
These antique toys have been used as under-the-tree decorations for decades now—and it's easy to see why. They're adorable! Let them chug around your tree skirt for a vintage look.
Brian Woodcock - 20/90
20) Sweet and Sugary
Sweeten up your Christmas decor with candy galore! Lollipop ornaments, peppermint baubles, and gingerbread house decorations garnish this colorful tree.
BRIAN WOODCOCK - 21/90
21) Disco Ball Tree
I mean...we've never seen anything quite so fabulous in our lives. Have you? Who needs a real tree when you've got this much glam?
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Studio DIY - 22/90
22) Traditional Red and Green
The Christmas-colored garland and ornaments are perhaps the most classic ways to decorate, but the tree topper—a gingerbread house!—is something adorably unexpected.
BRIAN WOODCOCK - 23/90
23) White Poinsettias
We don't just love this white Poinsettia tree because it's beautiful, though that certainly counts for something. It's also practical: The large flowers allow for less overall decorations, since they take up so much space on the tree.
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
The House of Wood - 24/90
24) Simply Rustic
The galvanized tree collar, milk cap ornaments, and metal star tree topper go perfectly with the reclaimed wood throughout this country porch.
BRIAN WOODCOCK - 25/90
25) Mix and Match
You can still have a beautiful display without being completely color-coordinated. Incorporate both store-bought and homemade ornaments—along with white or multi-colored lights—for a unique setup.
CHARLIE COLMER - 26/90
26) Classic Black-and-White
Make a black-and-white tree feel perfect for your country chic home with warm white lights, gingham accents, rustic signage, and wooden snowflakes.
Get the tutorial at Crafted Sparrow.
Courtesy of Crafted Sparrow - 27/90
27) Sweet Treats
This candy cane creation features the Christmas confection, plus gingerbread ornaments and popcorn garland for a statement that's ready to be savored.
Get the tutorial at A Thoughtful Place.
Courtesy of A Thoughtful Place - 28/90
28) Feather Filled
Here's a pro tip: Make your tree feel extra full with fluffy feathers tucked in between branches. They'll add extra texture and fill in all those empty holes.
Get the tutorial at Jeweled Interiors.
Courtesy of Jeweled Interiors - 29/90
29) Colorful Florals
For a set up that looks straight out of nature, adorn your tree with faux or fresh florals. Make it fun with a rainbow array, or keep it simple by sticking with two or three shades.
Get the tutorial at Sugar Bee Crafts.
Courtesy of Sugar Bee Crafts - 30/90
30) Elegant Red and Green
While red and green can feel a tad overdone at Christmas, this beauty feels fresh thanks to the soft green leaves layered throughout.
Get the tutorial at Just Destiny.
Courtesy of Just Destiny - 31/90
31) Camp-Style Christmas
The Christmas tree in this camp-style California cabin is peppered with pennants from National Parks and roadside attractions.
David Tsay - 32/90
32) Winter Wonderland
Maximalists will love this over-the-top tree featuring several layers of snow-covered decorations, sparkling poinsettias, and metallic baubles.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Courtesy of A Pumpkin and a Princess - 33/90
33) Snowman Inspired
Make Frosty the star of your holiday home by adorning your tree with snow-themed ornaments and a special finishing touch—a top hat tree topper.
Get the tutorial at Fox Hollow Cottage.
Courtesy of Fox Hollow Cottage - 34/90
34) Vintage Santa Doll Tree
Hit up your local thrift store, flea market, or antique shop for vintage Santa dolls and ornaments for your Christmas tree.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Perkins.
Courtesy of Jennifer Perkins - 35/90
35) Black-and-White Buffalo Check Tree
Black-and-white ribbon add instants punch to your Christmas tree. If this palette doesn't work for your decor, you can customize the look by choosing a plaid buffalo check ribbon in hues that complement your style.
Get the tutorial at Parties for Pennies.
Courtesy of Parties for Pennies - 36/90
36) DIY Christmas Village Tree
Skip the expensive Christmas village sets and opt to make your own at home with papier-mâché versions and some bright paint.
Get the tutorial at Lolly Jane.
Courtesy of Lolly Jane - 37/90
37) Paper Candle and Tassel Tree
Though this Christmas tree might look simple, the handcrafted gold candles and tassels feel romantic and nostalgic, all while embodying the magic that makes the holiday season feel so special.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Courtesy of The House That Lars Built - 38/90
38) Coastal and Beachy Christmas Tree
Whether you're spending your holiday by the seashore or want to bring some of that beach beauty inland, your Christmas tree is the perfect place to show off your collection of shells. Finish the look with turquoise ornaments and starfish tree topper.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Courtney.
Courtesy of Crafts by Courtney - 39/90
39) Pom Pom Tree
Get your craft on by creating your very own ornaments with help from a DIY pom pom maker. These bright balls make quite the statement, so you won't need much more for your Christmas tree.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth.
Courtesy of Sugar and Cloth - 40/90
40) Citrus Ornaments
Blogger Nora Murphy made the Christmas tree in her Connecticut home smell even more fragrant with the addition of dried fruit and gingerbread ornaments.
Annie Schlechter, styling by Matthew Gleason - 41/90
41) Vintage Ribbons
The owner of this Michigan farmhouse uses her collection of 4-H Ribbons and retro ornaments to deck out her Christmas tree.
David Tsay - 42/90
42) Upcycled Decorations
The Junk Gypsies outfitted their tree with metallic accessories including a thrifted bass drum, which they fashioned as a Christmas tree stand, and a gold crown used as a tree topper.
Buff Strickland - 43/90
43) Classic Elements
Though the tree is the centerpiece in this family room, holiday-appropriate plaid accents, like the red and green throw on the ladder and the scarf on the caribou, add timeless charm, while vintage wrapping paper ups the nostalgia factor.
Jean Allsopp - 44/90
44) Simple Farmhouse Christmas Tree
If your home is decorated with fresh whites and natural textures, you'll love this simple tree featuring elements from the great outdoors, such as pine cones and pieces of cotton.
Get the tutorial at Love Grows Wild.
Courtesy of Love Grows Wild - 45/90
45) Rethink the Tree Skirt
Featuring jolly red lettering, this former potato chip pail is the perfect vessel for a mini tree.
Jean Allsopp, styling by Heather Bullard - 46/90
46) Rustic Marquee Christmas Tree
This tree couldn't be more festive with springs of snow-dusted pinecones, twine ornaments, marquee letters, plaid ribbon, and woodland creatures.
Get the tutorial at Craftaholics Anonymous.
Courtesy of Craftaholics Anonymous - 47/90
47) Tiny Tree
Use a vintage tin as a container for a tiny Christmas tree to place on a cabinet.
David Tsay - 48/90
48) Jewel Tones
Overflowing with good tidings, this "friends and family" tree features an assortment of holiday greeting cards (clipped to jute rope with mini clothespins) and a spirited mix of jewel-toned ornaments from the '50s and '60s.
Monica Buck - 49/90
49) Woodsy Scene
Wintry woodland frills (owl and deer ornaments, a forest of flocked bottle-brush trees in lieu of a skirt) evoke the snow-laden trek to grandmother's house, while flickering clip-on, battery-operated candles are reminiscent of the tapers in her windows. Antique snow shoes and skis reinforce the frosty feel.
Monica Buck - 50/90
50) Jingle Bells
Adorned with jingle bells, red jute webbing runs down the length of the tree. Burlap poinsettias add a decorative touch, and a seven-point star hand-crafted from vintage sheet music hits an especially high note. Antique sleds are a practically sized sub-in for a one-horse open sleigh. Tip: Assign each family member a sled, and pile on gifts accordingly.
Monica Buck - 51/90
51) Frosted Sugar and Blue Pine Tree
Icy blue Christmas decor with touches of silver, gray, and gold make this Christmas tree a dazzling one.
Get the tutorial at Refresh Restyle.
Courtesy of Refresh Restyle - 52/90
52) Retro Tree
Perfect for a kids' room, this retro tree is as jolly as Kris Kringle himself, thanks to a vintage tree stand and old-school ornaments.
Monica Buck - 53/90
53) Let It Snow
Fuzzy felt mittens lend a hand to the cold-weather theme, as do snowmen, snowflakes, and ice skates, all in a crisp blue-and-white palette. On the stairs, another sprinkling of snowflakes and a pair of vintage ice skates spruce up a simple, rambling garland. Below the tree, a glittering Christmas village atop faux sheepskin rugs makes for a cool alternative to the standard gift display.
Monica Buck - 54/90
54) Glowing Tree
This Christmas tree shines in shades of gold, white, and blue. If you don't have a mantel, simply hang stockings from thick twine.
Lisa Hubbard - 55/90
55) 12 Days of Christmas Advent Tree
Put a spin on a traditional advent calendar by boldly displaying numbers around a tree on boxes, containers, and packages.
Get the tutorial at Tatertots and Jello.
Courtesy of Tatertots and Jello - 56/90
56) Rainbow Christmas Tree
Creating this ombre tree is easier than it looks! Simply arrange your existing ornaments by color to create this rainbow effect.
Get the tutorial at Lines Across.
Courtesy of Lines Across - 57/90
57) Farmhouse Tree
Sleeping bags for "campouts" turn this pinecone-covered Christmas tree into a hot spot for an at-home holiday getaway.
Max Kim-Bee - 58/90
58) Quaint Tree Trimmings
For the tree in this cozy Wisconsin cabin, a simple popcorn garland, glass ball ornaments, and a wooden crate in lieu of a tree skirt reinforce the room's-stuck-in-time vibe.
David Land - 59/90
59) Merry and White
Papier-mâché ornaments in red and blue feature a fresh twist on traditional red and green.
Cederic Angeles - 60/90
60) Rustic Theme
Placed in front of her aunt's vintage enamel wood stove, blogger Virginia Fynes's rustic tree is decorated with birch sticks, glittered acorns and wreaths, hoop art, and feathers.
Get the tutorial at Fynes Designs.
Courtesy of Fynes Designs - 61/90
61) Vintage Camping Tree
Any avid hiker will get a kick out of this camping-themed tree, decked with marshmallows, vintage backpacks, little lanterns, and more mini camping gear.
Get the tutorial at Lil' Blue Boo.
Courtesy of Lil' Blue Boo - 62/90
62) Whimsical Finds
Toy soldiers, painted white, along with green globes decorate the Norwegian spruce in this Connecticut farmhouse.
Josh Gruen - 63/90
63) Birds and Berries
Just looking at this "birds and berries" tree puts a smile on our faces!
Get the tutorial at DIY Showoff.
Courtesy of DIY Showoff - 64/90
64) Plaid and Preppy Tree
Patterns of plaid and tartan cover this tree and are complemented by bright red and blue ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Craftberry Bush.
Courtesy of Craftberry Bush - 65/90
65) Buffalo Check Ribbon
The classic country pattern gets turned into the prettiest Christmas tree decor.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Courtesy of A Pumpkin and a Princess - 66/90
66) Winter Woodland
Topped with a snowy owl, this wintry tree is covered in rustic, woodland decor.
Get the tutorial at Giggles Galore.
Courtesy of Giggles Galore - 67/90
67) Bring the Outdoors In
For a "bring the outdoors in" theme, use shades of brown and cream to help achieve a rustic look.
Get the tutorial at The Charming Life.
Courtesy of The Charming Life - 68/90
68) Black-and-White Tree
Black-and-white striped ribbon wraps around a Christmas tree that's adorned with flocked branches and faux marble ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Just Destiny.
Courtesy of Just Destiny - 69/90
69) Royally Red
Attach three large reindeer on tree branches to make it look as if they are running through the forest. Top with a kraft paper reindeer trophy.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
Courtesy of Lia Griffith - 70/90
70) Scandinavian Style
This Scandinavian Christmas tree is filled with dala horses, rustic ornaments, and beautiful red details.
Get the tutorial at Lil' Blue Boo.
Courtesy of Lil' Blue Boo - 71/90
71) Desert Theme
Move over, red and green! Southwestern finds—whimsical tepee ornaments, sunset-colored gift wrap—infuse this neutral living room with uniquely festive style. Iconic tree trimmings, like cactus and dream catcher baubles cheer up the room with holiday charm.
David Hillegas - 72/90
72) Country Charm
This mini Christmas tree brings major country charm thanks to its burlap banner, galvanized bucket, and lantern ornaments.
Max Kim-Bee - 73/90
73) Natural Arrangement
For a refined rustic look, decorate with pinecones lit from within, white porcelain globes, and creamy poinsettias.
Trevor Dixon - 74/90
74) Cozy and Colorful
Finnish birch and felt ornaments trim the tree in this Wisconsin home.
Philip Ficks - 75/90
75) A New Use for an Old Thing
A tractor grill takes the place of a tree skirt in Serena Thompson's home.
Victoria Pearson - 76/90
76) Outdoor Decor
A stone fireplace keeps an elegant Christmas tree toasty on the covered patio at one Arizona home.
Max Kim-Bee - 77/90
77) Cozy Corner
Carved-wood cookie molds and burlap ribbon decorate the living room tree in this Tennessee home.
Bjorn Wallander - 78/90
78) Blue, Green, and Gold Tree
For the living room's tree, the homeowners of this home limited themselves to basic glass ornaments in a handful of shades: blue, green, and gold. The presents beneath it benefit from a similar restraint.
James Merrell - 79/90
79) Golden Touches
Instead of one big tree, you can also opt to place multiple mini-trees throughout the house with different themes.
James Merrell - 80/90
80) Santas, Stockings, Snowflakes
No need to go out-of-the-ordinary for something extraordinary. Use your staple holiday ornaments like Santa, snowflakes, and stockings to create a superfestive and fun tree. Choose ornaments in the same red-and-white palette to pull it all together.
Getty Images - 81/90
81) Blue and Gold
Vivid robin's-egg blue ornaments lend this conifer top (often sold by tree farms and vendors) a touch of whimsy. Handmade taffeta birds alight in the branches, making their home among faux nests and glass- and foil-covered eggs. A champagne bucket makes a one-of-a-kind tree stand.
Keith Scott Morton - 82/90
82) Moon and Stars
This tree celebrates the heavens with cookie decorations, baked with ready-made dough bought at your local grocery store. Plaid ribbon doubles as garland and packages are wrapped to match. Buy ready-made dough—it's sturdier than homemade. Knead in 2/3 cup flour until smooth to increase dough's density, making it suitable for ornaments. Roll dough. Cut shapes. Make holes for hanging. Chill and bake per manufacturer's instructions. Decorate to suit your style!
Keith Scott Morton - 83/90
83) Letter Perfect
A tree trimmed in traditional red and green emphatically says "Christmas" with top-to-bottom vintage letters. These letters culled from old signs, printers' type, and alphabet teaching aids punctuate this tree. Arrange them to make a statement, and spell out holiday words such as "Ho Ho Ho" and "Holly." Throw in silver starbursts, baubles, and tinsel garland for a stylish '50s aura.
Country Living Staff - 84/90
84) A Cook's Christmas
Holiday time usually means more time—and more people—in the kitchen cooking and baking. A small tree introduces Christmas spirit without getting in the way. Green hobnail glass and kitchen utensils from the '40s and '50s inspired the mint green and cherry red palette of this tree. Hang utensils amid homespun touches such as popcorn garlands and crisp gingham ribbon.
Country Living Staff - 85/90
85) A Colonial Christmas
In re-creating early American holiday tradition, consider decorating with little gifts, paper chains, cookies for children, and dried quince slices. Candles add a special, warm glow, but to ensure safety at home, opt for faux candles that are lit with bulbs.
Courtesy of Gridley + Graves - 86/90
86) The New Tree Skirt
So long, standard base-hiding apron: This kicky wicker mini provides contemporary cover with natural style.
William Waldron - 87/90
87) Spreading the Cheer
In the Beekman Boys' house, poinsettias were turned into living ornaments, in a flash, with floral water tubes.
Lucas Allen - 88/90
88) Folk-Art Ornaments
Frame fabric in embroidery hoops to create homespun ornaments with graphic good looks.
Country Living Staff - 89/90
89) Fanciful Flight
This fir tree is decked out with craft-store birds and painted pinecones.
Max Kim-Bee - 90/90
90) DIY Tag Ornaments
Make eye-catching ornaments by creating custom tags with written messages or photos.
Country Living Staff
