Christmas Tree Decorating Guide

Decorating your Christmas tree can feel like a big task. You want everything to be just right—balanced, beautiful, and festive. With so many decorations and options available, it can be tough to know where to start and how to bring it all together. We’re here to make it easier! Read on for expert advice on the best order for decorating your Christmas tree, along with our favorite pieces from our store to get you started.

#1. Start with Garland

Garland is the foundation of any beautifully decorated tree. It’s best to begin with this before adding ornaments, as it helps create depth and sets the tone for your entire design. For an 8-foot tree, we recommend using 4-5 garlands, which should cover about half the height of your tree.

Pro tip: Avoid wrapping the garland around the outer surface of the tree like a mummy. Instead, tuck parts of it inward toward the center, then bring some sections back out. This creates a more dynamic and full look, making your tree feel rich and layered. We absolutely love our Champagne Glass Bead Garland for its elegant and shimmering touch. 

#2. Add Large Ornaments

Next, it’s time for the large ornaments. These are usually round, but you can use whatever you have.The general rule is to add one large ornament per foot of tree height. For an 8-foot tree, aim for 8 large ornaments, but feel free to adjust if you prefer more or fewer.

Large ornaments are key to filling gaps in the tree, especially at the back. Strategically placing them throughout will help give your tree fullness and balance. Our 4.5” Dark Brown Glass Ball Ornament and Off-White Glass Ball Ornament are perfect choices for this step. Their classic design adds sophistication while also being versatile enough to pair with other decorations.

#3. Incorporate Large Specialty Items

Once the large ornaments are in place, it’s time to add your special touches—those larger, standout pieces that bring personality to your tree. These could be anything from angels to large bows to unique ornaments that tell a story.

Add 1-3 specialty items for the perfect finishing touch. We recommend our White Canvas Wreath Ornament for a soft, whimsical vibe or the Gold Metal Angel Bell Ornament for a timeless, elegant feel. 

#4. Finish with Small Ornaments, Ribbon, and Bows

Now it’s time to bring everything together with smaller ornaments, ribbons, and bows. These final touches fill in any remaining gaps and add texture and interest to your tree. We love pieces like our Frosted Copper Ornament, Metal Glass Star Ornament, and  ⅜” Burgundy Ribbon.

Expert tip: Instead of using the original tie, we prefer to tie our ornaments close to the branches of the tree. Choose a coordinating ribbon that complements your overall theme, tie the ornament up tight, and be sure to hide the original tie behind branches for a polished, seamless look.

#5. The Final Touch: The Star on Top

No Christmas tree is complete without a star like our Gold Metal Tree Topper, Paper Mache Star Tree Topper, or your preferred topper! Whether you go for a classic star, angel, or something more unique, the topper is the finishing touch that pulls everything together and makes your tree shine.