Christmas decorating / Christmas tree ideas

Christmas tree ideas for your home

A tree looks finished when it has one color story, lights tucked deep into the branches and a few big pieces that lead the eye. Here is how to get there, whatever your budget.

6 ideas that work

1. Pick one color story

   Two main colors and one metal. Red and green with brass, or white and silver with a little gold. Three is calm; five is busy.

2. Lights first, and deep

   Wrap lights from the trunk out along each big branch, not just around the outside. Plan about 100 lights per foot of tree.

3. Ribbon in drops, not spirals

   Cut 2 to 3 foot lengths and tuck them in from top to bottom. It looks styled and hides gaps.

4. Big ornaments in the back

   Hang the largest, plainest balls deep inside the tree to add color and depth. Save the special ones for the outside.

5. Group the special pieces

   Heirloom or handmade ornaments read better in small clusters at eye level than spread thin.

6. A collar instead of a skirt

   A basket or metal collar at the base makes even a simple tree look finished.

By budget

• Around $50One color of shatterproof balls, a ribbon roll, a tree collar from a craft store.
• Around $150Add warm white lights, a mix of matte and shiny balls and one statement topper.
• Around $300Real-touch picks and stems, layered ribbon, and a set of glass ornaments in your colors.

See it on your own photo

Stand where your guests first see the tree and take one daylight photo of the whole corner. Text it to us with your colors and budget. We send back your tree, decorated, and for $29 a shopping list with links to every piece.

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