10 Christmas tree decorating mistakes to avoid this year

The Christmas tree takes center stage in holiday decor, so it's worth putting thought into how you decorate it and being aware of common Christmas tree decorating mistakes.

Of course, your Christmas tree decorating ideas should first and foremost be a fun experience that leans into the holiday spirit, but that said, there are things to look out for if a cohesive and balanced look is your goal.

From navigating Christmas tree trends to getting your Christmas tree lights right, we've rounded up the top Christmas tree decorating mistakes below to help you on your way this festive season.

Christmas tree decorating mistakes to avoid 

Knowing how to make a Christmas tree look fuller is one of the things you should do to elevate your festive decor, but what should you avoid?

1. Over or under-decorating your Christmas tree

It may seem like a somewhat inevitable place to start, but over-dressing your tree is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, and in many ways, it is easily done. 'Too many decorations on a tree is not a good look,' says designer Jen Dallas.

To prevent your tree from looking too crowded, Jen recommends keeping a balance of space between ornaments and ensuring you can see some greenery and lighting in each space. 'All of those considerations can really make or break a tree,' she says.

'For me, Christmas is all about going over the top with decorations, so I really don't mind over-decorated trees, especially because it's often my kids doing the decorating and they like to throw the kitchen sink at it,' says Lucy Searle, Content Director at Homes & Gardens. 'However, I'm not a big fan of under-decorated Christmas trees, which, I think can look a little miserable and unfinished.'

Take inspiration from this OKA Christmas tree which serves a balanced look with just the right amount of decorations.

2. Placing larger ornaments at the top of your tree

Jen explains that larger ornaments should be placed towards the lower part of the tree, while smaller pieces should be placed towards the top. 'That will keep the tree from looking like it might fall over from all of the heavier objects being placed at the top,' the designer says.

As well as gaining visual balance from putting larger decorations at the thicker, lower end of the tree and smaller ones above, she adds that the ornaments you do use should then be equally disbursed over the entire tree and not placed on one specific side or area since most trees are generally visible all round, even when pushed in a corner.

3. Only using one type of ornament

You would be forgiven for thinking that a coherent collection of ornaments would give your tree a seamless look overall. However, Jen warns that this lacks individuality and character – both of which are fundamental to the best Christmas decor ideas.

'Mix and match ornament styles,' Jen says. 'Don’t use the same types of ornaments. Make it interesting! Help your tree tell a unique story.'

This Layered Lounge tree features a selection of baubles, from glass to richer colors, as well as decorative ribbon bows which together create a layered look.

4. An inconsistent garland

'Christmas garlands, used on the tree, need to look consistent from the bottom to the top of the tree,' says Jen Dallas. 'Keep it equally spaced as it trails up the tree, otherwise, it makes the tree look untidy, and even like it's uneven or leaning.'

On this McGee & Co. Christmas tree, the garland is equally spaced from the top to the bottom, creating a visually pleasing look.

5. Leaving off the tree topper

'I think of Christmas tree topper ideas as a finishing flourish, and it's a mistake to miss it off,' says Lucy Searle. 'It's like choosing to wear a hat at a wedding, elevating your outfit just that touch more. I don't think it matters whether you choose a Christmas tree ribbon, a star, or an angel (which is what my kids favor), it just gives the tree a complete look.'

6. Forgetting the tree skirt

If you've got the Christmas tree base right, it will keep your tree sturdily upright throughout the holiday season, but you shouldn't forget about using a decorative tree skirt to finish the look.

'Christmas tree skirts are largely hidden beneath gifts in the run-up to Christmas,' says Lucy Searle. 'But once those gifts have been opened, they come into their own, hiding and ugly base effortlessly.'

7. Following tree trends too closely

Christmas trends are ever-changing. Every year, different colored trees appear to have a moment, and in some cases, if you're particularly fond of a specific color, these trees can be worth the investment. However, in other cases, designer Devin Shaffer warns, it is better to stick with a traditional tree.

'As beautiful as they might be, a blue or purple tree is eventually going to lose its attraction,' he says. 'Much like an interior project, start with a neutral backdrop (traditional color tree, as seen above) and add trendy colors and styles to the bulbs as your taste changes over the years.'

8. Opting for the wrong type of Christmas tree lights

'Obviously, a beautifully decorated tree is nothing without lights. But normal string lights let off a lot of heat which, as we know, can dry out the tree. If you are putting lights on your tree, consider LED lights,' advises Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express. 'Not only do they let off less heat but they’re also more energy efficient and give the tree a softer glow.'

It's also important to consider the tone of your Christmas tree lights. We'd say that warm-toned lights are generally more flattering (unless you're intentionally going for a cool color scheme), creating an ambient, cozy look.

Overloading outlets is a common Christmas mistake that increases home fire risk over the holidays, so consider opting for a few strings of longer lights, rather than more shorter ones to stay safe.

9. Not prepping your tree before decorating it

To keep a Christmas tree alive for longer, you need to prep it just ahead of decorating it. 'When you purchase your tree, the seller will already cut the bottom of it. But before putting the tree up, it’s a good idea to give it another cut,' says Chris.

'Sap will have formed at the bottom of the trunk from the first trim in an attempt to heal the tree's wound. Giving it another trim before placing it in water will remove this, allowing for much better water consumption.

Then, remember to check your Christmas tree's water levels every day:

'You might be surprised by how much water your tree will consume,' says Chris. 'They can drink up to several liters of water in the first couple of weeks, and will typically consume around one to two liters of water a day, so make sure you keep an eye on water levels and top this up when necessary.'

10. Forgetting about your existing interior style

Lastly, it's important not to forget about your home's existing decor and style when decorating your Christmas tree. If you want your Christmas tree to look aligned with your home, take inspiration from existing colors that feature in your space, rather than feeling that decor has to follow the latest Christmas tree color trends.

This way, your tree will integrate more naturally into your space, with a tied-together color palette. In this dining space, the pared-back Christmas tree decor follows a color palette of neutrals, which blends perfectly with the room's existing color scheme.

By taking stock of these Christmas tree decorating mistakes, your tree will no doubt look balanced and stylish this festive season.

Decorating aside, the most important thing to avoid with a Christmas tree is placing it near a heat source. A radiator that's on will dehydrate your tree and cause it to turn brown, while an open fire can be a real hazard with dried branches nearby. The same goes for candles.