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Christmas Trees

7 guides

How to decorate a Christmas tree

The order to decorate a tree in, color schemes that work, and how to dress slim, small and white trees.

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Christmas tree decorating follows the same basic order on most trees: lights, garland or ribbon, ornaments, topper, then skirt. Home Depot and Hicks Nurseries both start with lights, and they differ on some later steps. Ornament counts differ even more, so start low and add where you see gaps.

The step-by-step decorating guide walks through each stage and compares ornament counts from several sources. The tree itself changes the advice, so there are separate guides for a white Christmas tree and a slim or pencil tree, plus one for a small tree of 2 to 4 feet.

For color schemes, start with red and gold decorations. The blue color pairings guide compares silver with gold as a partner color, while the pink decorations guide also covers pink trees.

Gold, white and wire-ball Christmas ornaments resting on fir branches with pine cones
Mixing sizes and finishes keeps a two-color scheme from looking flat.

Christmas tree ornament sets

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Decorating

07Guide

Red and Gold Christmas Tree Decorations

Red and gold Christmas tree decorations: how to balance two strong colors, starting ratios, shades and finishes, and how to use them on a green or white tree.

Frequently asked questions

What order do you decorate a Christmas tree in?

Lights, garland or ribbon, ornaments, topper, then skirt. Hicks Nurseries and Reviewed put ribbon before ornaments, while Home Depot adds ribbon after them, so either order can work.

How many ornaments does a 7 foot tree need?

Start from about 70 to 105, which is Old World Christmas's 10 to 15 per foot, with the about 80 from Mahoney's Garden Center inside that range. Hicks Nurseries' 20 per foot comes to 140.

What color ornaments go on a white Christmas tree?

Ashley's XO blog suggests blue from teal to navy, gold or silver as separate options, and brights such as pink, lime green or orange. Pale ornaments disappear against white branches, so mix in darker or more reflective pieces.

Sources

  1. How to Decorate a Christmas TreeThe Home Depot
  2. How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a ProHicks Nurseries
  3. How to decorate a Christmas tree like a professionalReviewed
  4. Christmas Tree Decorating by the NumbersMahoney's Garden Center
  5. Finding Your Perfect Tree-to-Ornament RatioOld World Christmas
  6. Christmas Ornament Color SchemesXO Ashley

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