In the realm of Christmas decorating, it’s not just what decorations you choose for a space, but what you do with them.
So we came up with these 10 helpful, insightful and impactful Christmas decor tips that will help you take your decorating to the next level. Start here and see if you can put any of these into practice this season!
Start with a Theme
Starting with a theme ties the entire setting together, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Would you prefer a White Christmas or a Winter Woodland style theme? Or perhaps something Candyland-inspired, like Santa’s Sweet Shoppe? Or maybe you’d like something red-and-green, or blue-and-gold, or regal and majestic, or rustic and woodland inspired.
Our exclusive Christmas collections make it easy to create a beautifully coordinated holiday display. Each collection is thoughtfully curated by our designers, bringing together complementary colors, textures and decorative elements that work seamlessly together. Simply choose the collection that matches your style, then shop with confidence knowing every piece has been selected to create a cohesive, professionally designed look.
Make Sure the Christmas Tree Matches the Space
Christmas trees are made in all sorts of sizes and shapes to fit the setting. As a general rule, you want at least 6 inches to 1 foot of clearance between the top of the tree and the ceiling.
If you're decorating a smaller space, a slim Christmas tree is a beautiful solution. Its narrow profile fits perfectly in corners, entryways, stair landings, and other areas where a full-sized tree might feel too large.
For even more holiday charm, add a tabletop Christmas tree to kitchen counters, dining tables, home offices, bedrooms, or other cozy spaces. While it's not meant to replace your main tree, it's an easy way to spread Christmas cheer throughout your home.
Fluff the Tree
Once your tree is assembled, don't skip the fluffing. Taking the time to separate and shape each branch transforms the tree, making it look fuller, more natural, and ready for decorating.
A well-fluffed tree also helps eliminate empty or dark spots, giving you a better foundation for ribbon, ornaments, and picks. It may take a little extra time, but it's one of the biggest differences between a tree that looks good and one that looks professionally decorated.
Learn How to Layer
For a beautifully layered Christmas tree, decorate in stages. Start with the lights (unless you have a pre-lit tree), then add two or three coordinating ribbons to create movement and define your design.
Next, tuck in picks, sprays, berries, or florals to add texture and depth. For the most cohesive look, choose greenery and accents that coordinate with your ribbon and ornament collection. Finish by hanging your ornaments, layering larger pieces first and filling in with smaller accents to complete the design.
Start with the lights (unless, of course, you have a prelit Christmas tree), then add in Christmas ribbon (use two or three styles) then add in picks, sprays, berries, and flowers (choose them from the same collection you got your ribbon and ornaments from) and then add in the ornaments.
Use Shatterproof Ornaments
Here’s one solid tip for those of you that have pets or small children: shatterproof ornaments are effectively impossible to tell apart from glass ornaments, and they’re not likely to break if they get knocked off the tree.
Make Your Own Bows with Christmas Ribbon
Pre-made Christmas bows are a convenient option, but making your own allows you to tailor every detail to your decorating vision. By selecting your favorite ribbons, you can create custom bows that perfectly coordinate with your tree, wreaths, garlands, and other holiday décor.
It’s easy to do, too. For a step by step tutorial, check out our “How to Make a Bow” video on our YouTube channel.
Identify and Fill Out Dark Areas and Voids on the Christmas Tree
Once you’ve decked your tree with the essentials (lights, ribbon and bows, sprays and flowers, and ornaments) here’s a pro tip: take a step back.
Viewing your Christmas tree from afar will let you see the whole picture more clearly so you can see areas on the tree that will need a little more accenting. Then you can use spare ornaments, picks, sprays, and florals to fill these in.
Don’t Skip the Mantel and Shelves
Once your tree is complete, carry the look throughout the room. Style your mantel, shelves, console table, or nearby surfaces to create a space that feels thoughtfully designed from every angle.
Add a garland, some lights, sprays, flowers, ornaments and some ribbon to enhance the scene. You can also add some Christmas resin to the hearth around the fireplace, or other small Christmas accents to tabletops, shelves, and other space that needs a little help.
Use the Right Accessories with Your Christmas Lights
There are lots of impromptu ways to hang Christmas lights, including nails and hot glue, but we offer several specialized Christmas light accessories, including but not limited to stakes, ridge clips, gutter clips, and multi-purpose and all-application clips that are specialized for specific installation, making it easier to install lights and ensuring that you get a much more professional, polished look for your home.
Group Christmas Accents in Odd Numbers
When styling outdoor Christmas décor like resin figures, yard decorations, or festive accents, group pieces in odd numbers whenever possible. Arrangements of three or five naturally feel more balanced, interesting, and visually appealing than perfectly matched pairs.
For an even more designer-inspired look, vary the height and size of each piece. Mixing large, medium, and small accents creates depth, draws the eye through the display, and gives your Christmas décor a more collected, curated feel.
Explore Our Christmas Decor and Get Inspired
We hope these Christmas decorating tips help you create a holiday display you'll love for years to come. Bookmark our blog for more expert decorating advice, inspiration, and seasonal ideas. When your decorating is complete, share your Christmas creation on social media and tag #DWChristmas for a chance to be featured by Decorator's Warehouse!