How to decorate a Christmas tree – simple steps to a showstopping design

Knowing how to decorate a Christmas tree the way the experts do can make all the difference to having a tree that's characterful yet elegant. The best approach to the task is to take it step by step, from getting the positioning off the tree spot on, right to placing that final decoration.

And as with any Christmas decorating, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Kathy Kuo says, 'My top piece of advice when decorating your Christmas tree is to have fun with it! Holiday decor should be about joy, so you should try to let go of the pressure to make everything look perfect.'

These are the top tips from the experts that will ensure your tree is looking at it's absolute best.

How to decorate a Christmas tree – a step by step guide

1. Choose the right tree

The very first step is ensuring you choose the right tree for your space and your style. If you’re going big, ensure you know how tall your ceilings are so you can make sure there’s enough space to fit in your tree topper. It’s also becoming more important to source trees sustainably, so look out for suppliers who do so or go for an artificial tree you can reuse each year.

Johnathan Adler shares his thoughts on the traditional Christmas tree. 'For years I was an evangelist about decorating with a real tree (yes, they’re a mess and yes, I prefer not to think about the impact on the environment), but as always I reserve the right to change my mind.’

There are plenty of gorgeous, really realistic faux trees available, like this stunningly realistic Lit North Carolina Spruce Faux Christmas Tree. Artificial trees make a cheaper and eco-friendly alternative as they can be reused every year.

2. Position your tree

Choose the position of your Christmas tree – and prioritize somewhere where it won’t get knocked as people squeeze past. There are a few obvious places to avoid putting a Christmas tree, like right by a heat source or in the middle of a high-traffic area, so do think about how you use your space and pick a location that works practically as well as being the focal point of the room.

Gisela Graham is an expert in all things Christmas. She's decorated trees for years and has an enviable line of festive decorations. She says, 'You need to ensure you have the best view of the tree facing the room. With a faux one, this involves taking time to ‘fluff’ each branch - this means separating and shaping every single one individually. Go for a realistic effect with some branches unevenly angled.'

Sometimes a classic choice is best when considering where to put your tree. The most important thing is to place it where it can be appreciated. Gray Walker says, 'I love an old-fashioned Christmas tree placed in front of a window that has a street view and next to a fireplace if possible!'

3. Accessorize with a tree skirt or basket

Don't neglect this step, you want the base of your tree to look nice, otherwise it lets down the rest of your efforts. While it's not the most exciting part to decorate, it's best to nail this step so your tree can be beautifully framed and stand properly all season. Tree skirts are a fun alternative if you're bored of the classic pot or basket.

Gisela says, 'Whether you’re decorating faux or real, the trick to achieving a beautiful tree is the same. Firstly, position the tree in the right place and make sure it’s firm in its pot or in its base. If it’s faux, now is the time to cover the feet of the stand with a skirt or to put the whole tree in a large pot or basket.'

Liad Schwartz likes to ensure his tree full of texture and contrast. He says, 'Pair soft, cozy accents like a chunky knit tree skirt with sleek, glossy ornaments or metallic ribbons. This mix creates a rich, layered look that feels luxurious and inviting.'

4. Pop on the lights

This is the most important step as no Christmas tree is complete without lights. Lights are an integral part of almost all tree themes so if you don't have a pre-lit tree, you’ll need to add string lights. First up, plug them in to check they’re working – it’s much better to find out if they don’t work before you’ve wasted time putting them on the tree.

Gisela says hanging your lights is always the first step to a successfully dressed tree. 'Now comes the fun part! Lights always go on first, and don’t skimp as several will be covered by decorations so you always need more than you think. Check they all work before you put them on, and for ease, add them from the top down.'

It seems the verdict on Christmas lights is unanimous, Gray Walker also enjoys piling them on. He says, 'Loads of white lights, classic decorations, and tinsel tossed strategically is my personal formula.'

5. Add the tree topper

It's easy to forget about the topper and leave it for the end. But, when the tree is fully decorated there’s a danger you’ll knock off precious decorations when trying to get it onto the tree. It’s much more straightforward to position your topper at this stage.

There are a variety of topper styles to choose from, but sometimes classically simple are best, particularly if your tree theme is neutral and delicate. This hand-painted wood tree topper harks back to tradition with its star shape, it's minimalist and rustic in style.

6. Fill with picks and sprays

An often neglected step of the Christmas tree decorating process is filling the sparse areas with stems of Christmas foliage and florals. While ornaments and baubles do a great job of hanging on the branches, they don't cover the gaps in the tree quite as effectively.

Gisela, the Christmas tree expert says. 'If you want your tree to look fuller, now is the time to experiment with adding extra bits of foliage and berries to hide any bare patches.'

There are limitless options to choose from, magnolia garlands are pretty and bring a light elegance to the heaviness of a Christmas tree. Alternatively, Eucalyptus wafts refreshing aromas all season long and lightens the dark color palette.

 7. Hang your core tree ornaments

Put your ornaments further into the tree, particularly the heavier baubles as they can fall off the ends of the branches and smash. And start with the larger ones, position those in any gaps, and then go in with the smaller decorations. If you are using tinsel or garlands add those before any other ornaments.

Choosing a Christmas theme is sometimes the best step if you want your tree to look cohesive or match the style of the room. Kathy Kuo's technique is to collect ornaments each year. She says, 'I love picking up ornaments on my travels to remind me of those fun times when I decorate. For example, I brought some delicate birds and velvet bows from Paris last year and now love the experience of creating a very Parisian tree!'

8. Add your feature decorations

A top tip is to save your most impressive, statement pieces for last. You'll want your favorite decorations to shine and stand out, so slot them in amongst the rest once you've completed most of your decorating.

Your most precious ornaments should stand in all their glory, so while decorating, keep in mind where you want them positioned and save a little space. You'll be able to fill in those annoying gaps if you save the best ones until last!

Feature ornaments can be anything, from a sentimental family trinket to an ornate handmade bauble that you can't wait to show off. They're just pieces that either add dramatic contrast or are most valuable to you.

Nicola Harding likes to keep it personal. 'I love decorations that evoke a sense of nostalgia or that remind me of a certain person or a time in our lives. Our tree is adorned with strings of white lights, some slightly wonky angels that the children have made and decorations that friends have given us – it tells a beautiful story of Christmases gone by.'

9. Take time on the finishing touches

Look at your tree from a good distance back so that you can take in any holes, gaps, or areas in need of extra twinkle. Smaller decorations such as mini baubles, bells, or small hanging stars are the ideal fillers.

Now is the time to really examine your tree, so if you see an empty section, go ahead and place some foliage or decor inside. It's not too late to move some ornaments around either. It can be tricky to see the full picture when you're closely decorating, so if you don't like the position of a bauble, go in and change it.

Liad Schwartz says that adding in multiple layers and bringing variety is key, so don't shy away from adding more if your tree is looking a little sparse. 'I’m a firm believer in layering textures to elevate a design—and your tree is no exception! Combine contrasting materials to add depth.'

10. Lay out your presents

A Christmas tree isn’t complete without a layer of presents scattered around the base. It's up to you when you choose to place your gifts beneath the tree (dependent on how organized you are!), but if you're looking to admire them all month, try coordinating your wrapping with your decor. This creates a unified Christmas nook in your living room and adds the finishing touches to the bottom of the tree.

With these simplified steps, decorating your Christmas tree has never been easier. Remember to place your tree in a communal room where it can be enjoyed and approach the process with a plan and theme.