How to Decorate a Christmas Tree with a Designer Touch

{image from BHG}

The Christmas tree is typically the focal point in the room during the holiday season. Decorating the tree isn’t difficult, but approaching the process in layers makes it more manageable and the end result beautiful. Here are some tricks and tips for a designer holiday look.

Determine the Look & Feel

Before getting to work, think about the color scheme and feeling you’d like your tree to convey. Keeping the color palette to three main colors is an easy way to begin {but not necessary}. For example, Martha Stewart’s holiday tree above is comprised of different shades of yellows/gold, silver/blue and white/creams. Taking a color from your palette and turning up or down the shade is a great way to add visual interest.

Once you have a color scheme in mind, take inventory and group your existing ornaments, garland and other tree accessories according to hue to see what you may already have. Determine where you might need more color. Need more red? Drop by Goodwill, Target or Kmart to see what’s on sale. If you are crafty and have the time, try making an ornament or garland that fits design your vision.

If you don’t think in color, then you may want to design your tree from a theme. This coastal tree with colorful shells, starfish and sailboats was created by Martha Stewart.

Or how about this adorable “monkey” Christmas tree Tobi Fairley designed for her daughter’s playroom? The bright multi-colored ornaments and whimsical sock monkeys make this tree one of my favorites this holiday season.

{image via Martha Stewart}

Add Light

A well illuminated tree is the first step. Small white lights are typically more sophisticated than multi-colored or larger lights, but of course this is up to you. String lights from top to bottom and tuck the light strands carefully around the branches  to illuminate the tree's interior. Wrap the lights around every major branch and string from the trunk down to the branch tip and them back. A seven-foot tree will need approximately 700 lights or 100 lights for every foot. Check stores for new, energy-saving LED options.

Drape with Garland

Beads, ribbon or tinsel. There are so many fun garland options for draping around the tree. Strung popcorn, berries, gum drops or pinecones can be made easily and inexpensively at home {just a little time intensive}.  When placing garland, it is best to start at the top and work your way down and around the tree. Some garland such as beads may look best with a little swag between branches.

Mix garlands of different size, texture and shape for a more designer look. This “How to Make Garland” post from In My Own Style also has great ideas for making and draping garland.

{image via Country Living}

Hang the Ornaments

Hanging the ornaments is the fun part and something the whole family can help with. If you have favorite or meaningful ornaments you want to stand out, place them at eye-level. Hang larger ornaments first by spacing apart. Place middle sized ornaments in between and follow-up with the smallest ornaments. Reflective hand-blown glass ornaments, silver or gold balls and crystals look best when near a light.

Skirt the tree base with a skirt {examples up top from Pottery Barn and Ballard Design}, create your own {scalloped felt tree skirt how to from Martha Stewart} or simply gather a white sheet around the base. 

Oh, and don’t forget to top the tree in style! This blue, and gold Christmas tree from Country Living is darling with the star topper and repeated pattern in the garland.

Need some more inspiration? Go here for tips of decorating your mantel for the holiday season.

Happy decorating and happy holidays!