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90 Festive Christmas Tree Ideas to Try This Year

Don't get your tinsel in a tangle! We have all the tips for trimming your tree.

Headshot of Leigh CrandallBy Leigh Crandall
preview for Three Steps to a Perfectly Decorated Christmas Tree

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There are so many wonderful ways to make your Christmas tree come to life this holiday season—and create a look your whole family will love. From DIY Christmas tree lights to homemade Christmas ornaments and Christmas tree toppers galore, we've rounded up beautiful Christmas tree decorating ideas that are inexpensive, easy to pull off, and even simple enough for your kids to help out with. Plus, they look fantastic on both real and artificial Christmas trees.

And while red and green hues can certainly help set the stage for a merry Christmas celebration, you can still have a gorgeous display without being completely color-coordinated. Consider trying to deck your tree with rose gold colors this year, or even walk on a bolder side by opting for blue Christmas decor. You can also deck your tree with ribbon, or try one of these glitter Christmas ornaments if you want to add some sparkle to your spruce. Whatever Christmas tree look you choose, the purpose of all of our best ideas is to encourage you to think outside the box, have fun, and bring your family closer together during December. After all, that's what this holiday—and its green centerpiece—is really about.

1

Citrus and Tin

christmas tree with citrus
Dylan Chandler

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.

2

Skinny Tree

skinny christmas tree
David Meredith

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.

3

Copper & Cones

copper christmas tree
Anastasiia Krivenok

This dapper tree mixes metallic ornaments with pinecones and burlap bows.

SHOP ORNAMENTS

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4

Bright Balls + Paper Ephemera

christmas tree with bright ornaments and presents
Dylan Chandler

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.

SHOP ORNAMENTS

5

Vintage Ribbons

christmas tree decorated with ribbons
Brian Woodcock

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.

6

Classic Touches

rustic christmas tree
Rikki Snyder

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.

SHOP RATTAN STAR TOPPER

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7

Grandmillenial Glamour

grandmillenial christmas tree
Brian Woodcock

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.

8

Traditional Touches

christmas tree decorated with candles
Brian Woodcock

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.

SHOP FLAMELESS CANDLES

9

White + Red + Natural

christmas tree decorating ideas
David A. Land

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.

SHOP ORNAMENTS

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10

Country Charm

christmas tree decorating ideas
Brian Woodcock

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.

SHOP ORNAMENTS

11

Citrus Ornaments

christmas tree decorating ideas
David A. Land

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.

SHOP DRIED CITRUS

12

Calm and White

christmas tree decorating ideas
Brian Woodcock

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.

SHOP ORNAMENTS

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13

Pretty & Plaid

plaid christmas tree decorations
Kim Cornelison

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.

SHOP PLAID PAJAMAS

14

Navy & Gold

navy gold christmas tree decorations
Jen Woodhouse

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.

SHOP BLUE POINSETTIAS

15

Hay Bale Christmas Tree

hay bale christmas tree decorations
Buff Strickland

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.

SHOP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

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16

Mini Christmas Tree Stand

mini christmas tree decorations
Melanie Butcher

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.

SHOP CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

17

Reds and Whites

red white christmas tree decorations 
The House of Wood

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.

SHOP ARTIFICIAL SNOW

18

Gold Bows

gold christmas tree decorations
Studio DIY

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.

SHOP GOLD RIBBON

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19

Vintage-Inspired Trains

toy train christmas tree decorations
Brian Woodcock

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.

SHOP TOY TRAINS

20

Sweet and Sugary

ways decorate christmas tree sweets
BRIAN WOODCOCK

Sweeten up your Christmas decor with candy galore! Lollipop ornaments, peppermint baubles, and gingerbread house decorations garnish this colorful tree.

SHOP LOLLIPOP ORNAMENTS

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Fun Christmas Decor and Gift Ideas 2023

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