‘Tis the season when we see Christmas trees everywhere, and some of them look absolutely perfect. You know the ones: in department stores, in business lobbies, maybe even in your neighbor’s house. The ones that make you gasp and wonder how they achieved such stunning artistry, with not a twig, a bulb or a detail out of place. It’s not an impossible dream. With a few key Christmas tree decoration ideas, you too can design a tree that makes people take a second look.

How to decorate a Christmas tree like a professional

The pros start with a beautiful real tree or a top-quality artificial tree. While both types can make beautiful looking trees, there are several advantages of artificial Christmas trees when it comes to decorating. These trees are balanced and without blemishes, offering a consistency that starts you on the right track. You can choose your preferred size, shape and type, from slim to full and even very realistic looking artificial trees.

One way to get a professional looking tree is to start with a theme. Whether it’s traditional, rustic or modern, a theme ensures that all the elements work with one another. The lights and the baubles make sense together. Just as important, a theme determines which decorations will not be included.

Finally, professionally decorated trees have an element of simplicity and restraint. They never look busy or cluttered. Very often they are quite straightforward, with few different types of ornaments and a limited number of colors. However, within that restraint their design is flawlessly executed.

What are some Christmas tree theme ideas?

Before you string the first lights or hang the first ornament, pick your theme. Choose one of these Christmas tree theme ideas or invent your own.

Traditional trees may emphasize the color red along with wooden decorations and include Christmas standards such as candy canes and gingerbread men.

A homespun or rustic theme strives for a homey look and might feature handcrafted ornaments, pine cones and plaid ribbons.

Silver and gold is one of the possible metallic themes. Geometric and creatively faceted baubles work well with this. The tree decor can be all metallic or can include an accent color such as red or blue.

How about bells? Metal bells, colored bells, bells of all shapes and sizes, ribbons with bells.

Consider a tree loaded with sweets. Candy canes, lollipops, gingerbread, foil-wrapped kisses and anything else that makes Christmas mouths water.

Presents don’t have to limited to under the tree. Small ribboned boxes interspersed with larger ribbons create a Christmas gift theme.

A cold or frozen look comes from a silver or white tree with tinsel, gold or clear lights and blue or silver hanging bulbs. Start with a tree that has flocked or frosted pine tips on the branches.

Color themes are easy to choose and produce stunning results. Single colors such as white on a green tree or red on a white tree make an appealing statement. Red, white and blue bring summertime patriotism to your winter festival. The best color-themed trees include only one, two or maybe three colors. Another option: pick an accent color from your room and repeat it on your tree. Or, for a modern and “edgy” tree, pick a non-Christmas-y color such as purple or orange.

How to trim the tree step by step

_Wondering, "in what order should I decorate a Christmas tree?". _

Once your tree is on its stand and properly shaped, it’s time to go to work. Unless you have an artificial tree with lights already in place, the first step is to string them. Be sure to position some near the trunk; it produces a better perspective. Hang the lights bottom to top, going back and forth between trunk and branch tip. Lighting the inside of the tree creates dimension and illuminates ornaments displayed in the branches. Remember your theme when you choose the color and style of your lights. Multicolored flashers assert themselves while whites and clears let other ornaments take the spotlight.

Turn the Christmas lights on and the room lights off and make any adjustments that are needed to fill gaps.

Begin trimming, layering the tree with strings of popcorn, ribbons, beads and/or garlands. Then, the fun part: bulbs and other baubles. You may have boxfuls of them accumulated from over the years, or perhaps you bought some new ones to emphasize your theme. Hang the heaviest and your favorites first; the heaviest on the strongest branches. Next: layer in your favorite ornaments in the prime locations, the focal points. If you have a color-based theme, place the primary color first. Take a step back and see that this initial batch is balanced high and low and around the perimeter. Then fill in the blanks with your smaller ornaments. As with the lights, place some trim close to the trunk for perspective. Some professionals will create ornament clusters of three together, a couple smaller baubles near a large one.

Top it off

Angels and stars are traditional tree-toppers, but they’re not the only things you’re allowed to use. If something different enhances your theme – a present, a ribbon/bow, floral/berry stems or a gingerbread house – use it! Don’t forget about the skirt. Though it’s not strictly necessary for an artificial tree, it reinforces your colors and adds emphasis to your thematic statement.

A few of these elegant Christmas tree decorating ideas will make the season come alive in your home this year.