How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Pro

The Christmas tree is the focal point for your holiday decor, so it’s only natural that it should make a statement. Learn How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Pro this holiday season and create your own show-stopping designer tree.

Have you ever wondered how to get that beautiful designer look for your own Christmas tree?  It’s actually easier than you think, all you need are the right supplies and a few secret tips.  

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Pro

Over the year’s I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite brands to decorate several Christmas trees.  And, each year I learn a little bit more and hone in on my personal style.  I have been using this same basic method for decorating my tree over the years.  This year I learned a few secrets from the pros at Decorator’s Warehouse and want to share my top tips and steps with you.

Step 1: Light it Up

Investing in a quality pre-lit artificial tree will help you achieve this professional look.  It is essential that before you start adding decorations you fluff the tree branches.  Separating all of the tips within the individual branches. Pulling them apart and positioning them in different directions creates a full fluffy look on the ends of your branches.

Even though your tree is pre-lit to get that designer look consider adding additional sets of cluster lights. Light it up with strands of mini LED bulbs that are heavily concentrated to give you the WOW factor! I am obsessed with these cluster lights, they have 8 functions, so you can set the lights in “waves” if you prefer a soft twinkle. 

Step 2: Add the Ribbon

The ribbon is my favorite element of the Christmas tree.  It adds texture, color, and the WOW factor you see in designer trees.  It’s also the thing that intimidates most people, but these tips will help you add the ribbon-like a pro.

Start at the top of the tree.  I like to layer wide, wired ribbon together and create loops about 18″ or so, weaving it in between the branches.  At the bottom leave a small tail and fishtail the end of the ribbon.  This is all one continuous piece of ribbon.  

Come to the left or right of the initial piece and repeat the steps to create another series ribbon cascading down the tree.  This is typically what I use as the “front” of my tree, which will face out and be more visible.

To save ribbon on the back parts of the tree that won’t be as visible I use an alternate method of cutting 12-14″ strips of ribbon, looping and trucking them between the branches to create the same full look.

Step 3: Add Large Ornaments

Create interest on the inside of the tree with large, oversized ornaments.  These shatterproof balls are great as a filler and look great tucked back inside the tree.  They fill any blank holes in the branches and also help conceal the pole of the tree.

This year I’m obsessed with these oversized jingle bells on my Winter Woodland Themed Christmas Tree.  When using oversized, heavy ornaments like these be sure to use floral wire to secure them together and attach them to the tree.

Step 4: Add Floral Sprays 

Floral spray, also known as picks, create texture and add a natural element to the tree.  Clustering your florals is a great way to achieve that designer look.  To create a cluster you will need a mix of 3-5 different floral sprays.  Layer 3 different varieties together, separating them so the bottom one is pulled forward a little bit and the top two are angled out to the sides.  

When placing your floral sprays on the tree work in a zig-zag pattern from top to bottom.  A good rule of thumb is one per foot of the tree, so a mid-size 7.5’ tree would use 7 clusters. A 9’ tree would use 9 clusters.

Step 5: Add Decorative Ball Ornaments

Now is the time to add any of the decorative ball ornaments that you have.  Incorporating a variety of sizes and textures help create visual interest in your tree.  When hanging ornaments work in a triangle pattern and hang them in groups from top to bottom.  

I used a variety of different rustic Christmas decorations from Decorator’s Warehouse to create a warm, cozy, and very inviting Woodland themed Christmas tree and mantel.  

Step 6: Hang Specialty Ornaments

Now it’s time to add your show-stopping specialty ornaments.  These will be any ornaments that are balls, so if you have a special collection or delicate ornaments, now is the time to make these shine.

Hang these ornaments on the ends of the branches where they will be front and center.  If you need to adjust where the ornament hangs wrap the string around the branch a few times to adjust the length, it will also ensure the string is not a distraction to the design.

Step 7: Finish it Off with a Topper

A tree-topper is what will give your Christmas tree that designer polished look.  I personally love the look of the gorgeous spray topper springing from the tree.  But, there are lots of options for toppers including stars, angels, or bows.

The key is to look for something that will provide height and incorporate a variety of textures to finish it off.

Designer Christmas Tree Decorations Discount Code 

Here’s everything I used on my tree! If you want to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Pro, use this shopping guide to create your own Winter Woodland Christmas Tree.  Make sure you use my discount code GigglesGalore for 10% off any full-priced purchases thru December 25th.