No matter what your holiday decorating style is, there are plenty of cherished ways to make your Christmas tree come to life this holiday season—and create a look your family will love.
From DIY tree lights to homemade ornament crafts and tree toppers galore, these are the absolute best Christmas tree decorations that your holiday home deserves.
Truthfully, you don’t need to go overboard to impress your guests this year. Many of the beautiful Christmas tree decorating ideas we’re presenting here are inexpensive, easy to pull off, and even easy enough for your kids to help out with—and they work on both indoor and outdoor trees.
(Honestly, your biggest priority should be making sure you keep your Christmas tree alive!) And while red and green hues can certainly help set the stage for a merry Christmas celebration, you can still have a gorgeous display without being completely color-coordinated.
Consider trying to deck your tree with rose gold colors this year, or even walk on a bolder side by opting for blue Christmas decor. You can also deck your tree with ribbon or for a lower-lift look or try one of these glitter ornaments if you want to add some sparkle to your spruce.
Whatever Christmas tree look you choose (even if it’s alternative!), the purpose of all of our best ideas is to encourage you to think outside the box, have fun, and bring your family closer together during December.
After all, that’s what this holiday—and it’s the green centerpiece—is really about.
DIY Christmas tree decorations citrus garland
When it comes time to trim a Douglas Fir tree, opt for homemade ornaments over store-bought. Craft homemade citrus ornaments and pair them with twinkling lights for an understated yet cozy tree.
Christmas trees winter whites decorations
The Christmas tree and collection of vintage ornaments in this living room are at home among natural elements. The tree is perfected by a vintage tree topper.
Christmas trees decorations ribbon
Jazz up an entryway table with a mini balsam fir decorated with a plaid bow, cranberry garland, tartan ornaments, and clip-on candlesticks. A stoneware crock serves as a tree stand.
Pinecone Christmas tree decorations
Create a pinecone tree on a cone-shaped foam base. Anchor the base in a container with a heavy object, then wire the cones onto 2″ wooden floral picks.
Insert picks downward into the foam, starting at the bottom with the largest cones and working to the top with the smaller ones. Conceal the foam by tucking sheet moss among the pinecones.
White Christmas tree glittery gold and green
Shades of green and gold shine bright against a white tree. The look strikes a lovely balance between modern and traditional holiday decor.
Get the tutorial at Inspired By Charm.
Felt Christmas tree decorations ideas
Such a fun holiday idea for a little one’s room. (The ornaments are attached with Velcro so you can move them around!)
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Christmas tree with tag decorations ideas
Make eye-catching ornaments by creating custom tags with written messages or photos.
Super fancy Christmas tree decorations ideas
This fir tree is decked out with craft-store birds and painted pinecones.
Marquee letters tree decorations ideas
Make your Christmas extra bright this year by adding light-up marquee letters to your tree. You can spell out something simple like “joy” or “cheer” or decorate with the first letter of your last name—just choose letters in varying sizes.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
Vintage ornaments tree for Christmas
How can you not feel happy looking at this tree? A mix of vintage ornaments feels especially right when paired with a metallic tinsel tree.
Get the tutorial at Inspired By Charm.
Folk-art ornament Christmas tree decorations ideas
Frame fabric in embroidery hoops to create homespun ornaments with graphic good looks.
Spreading the cheer Christmas trees
In the Beekman Boys’ house, poinsettias were turned into living ornaments, in a flash, with floral water tubes.
Disco ball Christmas tree
No string lights are needed when your tree is made of disco balls. (Talk about a bright idea!)
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Festive feather tree decorations
Fluffy white feathers lend softness and visual interest to an otherwise classically decorated tree. (We also love that they sort of mimic snow!)
Get the tutorial at Jeweled Interiors.
The new tree skirt decorations ideas
So long, standard base-hiding apron: This kicky wicker mini provides contemporary cover with natural style.
A colonial Christmas trees decorations
In re-creating early American holiday tradition, consider decorating with little gifts, paper chains, cookies for children, and dried quince slices. Candles add a special, warm glow, but to ensure safety at home, opt for faux candles that are lit with bulbs.
Rose gold accents Christmas tree ideas
Swap out traditional yellow gold in favor of rosy metallic accents for a sweet and modern vibe. (And don’t forget to coordinate your gift wrap to match!)
Get the tutorial at Parties for Pennies.
Simple macrame wood tree for Christmas decoration
The best part of this cute macrame DIY from the talented Lia Griffith? The shelves make it easy to change up the look. Keep it simple with candles and greenery as she did here or pepper in glittery accents for added drama.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
A Cook’s Christmas trees ideas
Holiday time usually means more time—and more people—in the kitchen cooking and baking. A small tree introduces the Christmas spirit without getting in the way. Green hobnail glass and kitchen utensils from the ’40s and ’50s inspired the mint green and cherry red palette of this tree. Hang utensils amid homespun touches such as popcorn garlands and crisp gingham ribbon.
Letter perfect Christmas tree decor ideas
A tree trimmed in traditional red and green emphatically says “Christmas” with top-to-bottom vintage letters. These letters culled from old signs, printers’ type, and alphabet teaching aids punctuate this tree. Arrange them to make a statement, and spell out holiday words such as “Ho Ho Ho” and “Holly.” Throw in silver starbursts, baubles, and tinsel garland for a stylish ’50s aura.
Green and gold tree Christmas piled-on prettiness decor
Sometimes, more is more—and this stunning tree proves it. You can hardly even see the tree’s branches thanks to a generous mix of silver, bronze, and green ornaments and wooden accents.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Paper candle tree Christmas decor
Love the look of a tree decorated in candles but not the risk? This DIY featuring paper candles is for you.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Moon and stars Christmas tree decor ideas
This tree celebrates the heavens with cookie decorations, baked with ready-made dough bought at your local grocery store. Plaid ribbon doubles as garland and packages are wrapped to match.
Buy ready-made dough—it’s sturdier than homemade. Knead in 2/3 cup flour until smooth to increase dough’s density, making it suitable for ornaments. Roll dough. Cut shapes. Make holes for hanging. Chill and bake per manufacturer’s instructions. Decorate to suit your style!
Blue and gold Christmas tree decor ideas
Vivid robin’s-egg blue ornaments lend this conifer top (often sold by tree farms and vendors) a touch of whimsy. Handmade taffeta birds alight in the branches, making their home among faux nests and glass- and foil-covered eggs. A champagne bucket makes a one-of-a-kind tree stand.
Flocked slim Christmas tree in a woodsy winter wonderland
Channel winter wonderland vibes wherever you are with a flocked pencil tree adorned with cute wooden ornaments and rustic accents. (And glitter. Don’t forget the glitter.)
Get the tutorial at Inspired By Charm.
Snowflake themed Christmas tree decorations
Decorate your tree in snowflakes of varying sizes for a simple—yet high-impact—look.
Get the tutorial at The Yellow Cape Cod.
Santas, stockings, snowflakes Christmas trees decor ideas
No need to go out-of-the-ordinary for something extraordinary. Use your staple holiday ornaments like Santa, snowflakes, and stockings to create a super festive and fun tree. Choose ornaments in the same red-and-white palette to pull it all together.
Golden touches Christmas trees decor ideas
In this Connecticut home, multiple mini-trees are placed throughout the house. This one, on the library’s demilune table, jibes with the room’s palette. The table is also flanked by English club chairs, 1960s Ethan Allen sconces, and midcentury intaglios.
Chalkboard Christmas tree decor ideas
How fun is this chalkboard-inspired tree from The Crafted Sparrow? We love the pops of turquoise and how the overall look pairs with her light grey walls.
Get the tutorial at Crafted Sparrow.
A candy-striped tree for memorizing Christmas
When it comes to Christmas decorating, you can never go wrong with a candy cane-inspired color palette.
Get the tutorial at A Thoughtful Place.
Blue, green, and gold Christmas tree ideas
For the living room’s tree, the homeowners of this Connecticut home limited themselves to basic glass ornaments in a handful of shades: blue, green, and gold. The presents beneath it benefit from a similar restraint.
Cozy corner Christmas tree ideas
Carved-wood cookie molds and burlap ribbon decorate the living room tree in this Tennessee home.
Greatest Christmas tree decoration in the galaxy
Christmas trees don’t have to be all glitter and gold. The Star Wars mega-fan in your life will be delighted by this DIY tree inspired by the beloved film franchise.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Perkins.
Pretty in Pink Flower
Large pink blooms beautifully complement the rose gold trimmings and soft creamy accents on this unapologetically feminine tree.
Get the tutorial at Craftaholics Anonymous.
Outdoor decor x-mas tree
A stone fireplace keeps an elegant Christmas tree toasty on the covered patio of this Arizona home, furnished like a full-fledged living room.
A new use for an old thing
A tractor grill takes the place of a tree skirt in Serena Thompson’s home.
Village x-mas tree decor ideas
Trimmed in vintage bottle brush trees and Putz houses, this darling tree packs a nostalgic punch. A white tree is a must for pulling off the look (the decorations just wouldn’t pop as much against green.)
Get the tutorial at Lolly Jane.
Candyland themed x-mas tree decorations ideas
This tree couldn’t be more fun with its candy-colored- palette, treat-inspired trimmings, and gummy bear “star.”
Get the tutorial at Lines Across.
Cozy and colorful x-mas tree decorations ideas
Cose Nuove imports the Finnish birch and felt ornaments that trim the tree in this Wisconsin home.
Natural arrangement x-mas tree decor ideas
Fluffy ornaments that recall pheasants and feather boas, pinecones lit from within, white porcelain globes, and origami-like poinsettias: These babies do rustic in a very refined way.
Gold Christmas tree decoration ideas
Go for the gold this Christmas with a monochromatic metallic theme. It’ll work with any interior style, from minimal to traditional and everything in between.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Winter wonderland Christmas tree decorations ideas
Woodsy trimmings, like pine cones, acorns, and a snowy garland pair with pops of red to set a whimsical winter wonderland scene.
Get the tutorial at Maison de Pax.
Country charm mini Christmas tree decorations ideas
This mini Christmas tree brings major country charm thanks to its burlap banner, galvanized bucket, and lantern ornaments.
Desert Theme Christmas tree decoration
Move over, red and green! Southwestern finds—whimsical tepee ornaments, sunset-colored gift wrap—infuse this neutral living room with a uniquely festive style. Iconic tree trimmings, like cactus and dream catcher baubles, cheer up the room with holiday charm.
Blue and white x-mas tree decor ideas
Blue and white is always a good idea—even at Christmas! Anyone can pull off the look, but the non-traditional palette works especially well with the coastal-inspired decor.
Get the tutorial at Making Home Base.
Family photo Christmas tree decor ideas
Put memories of Christmas’ past to work by printing favorite photos in black and white and using them to trim your tree.
Get the tutorial at Bless ‘Er House.
DIY show-off Christmas tree enchanted evergreen succulents spruce
Aside from the grapevine orbs and burlap poinsettias, what we love most about this tree are the potted succulents that circle the tree skirt.
Get the tutorial at The DIY Showoff.
Merry and bright Christmas tree decorations ideas
Beaded garland strands, spray-painted metal stars, and pinecone clusters cover this dazzling tree, but the main attraction is the bright, glittered letters hanging from jute string.
Get the tutorial at Make It and Love It.
DIY floral x-mas tree decor ideas
Wire faux blooms in your favorite color palette onto tree branches to create this happy garland look.
Get the tutorial at Design Love Fest.
Black buffalo plaid ribbon Christmas tree decor ideas
Black isn’t a hue you see often in holiday decorating, but we love the way this buffalo check garland ups the cozy factor of this otherwise traditionally decorated tree.
Get the tutorial at Wood Grain Cottage.
Scandinavian style Christmas tree decorations ideas
This Scandinavian Christmas tree is filled with Dala horses, rustic ornaments, and beautiful red details.
Get the tutorial at Lil’ Blue Boo.
Rustic Reindeer Christmas tree decor ideas
Use a DIY garland, flashes of red, and wood slice ornament to pull off an effortlessly rustic look.
Get the tutorial at Giggles Galore.
Royally red Christmas tree decor ideas
Attach three large reindeer on tree branches to make it look as if they are running through the forest. Top with a kraft paper reindeer trophy.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
French-inspired x-mas tree decorations ideas
If you love all things French, check out this DIY “Joyeux Noel” sign from Jamie of the blog So Much Better With Age.
Get the tutorial at So Much Better With Age.
Woodland creature x-mas tree decor ideas
A moose-printed garland, tree stump tree stand, and cute forest critters make for a woodsy display perfect for the nature lover.
Get the tutorial at Decor Asylum.
Black and white Christmas tree decorations ideas
Black-and-white striped ribbon wraps around a Christmas tree that’s adorned with flocked branches and faux marble ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Just Destiny.
Bring the outdoors in Christmas tree decorations ideas
For a “bring the outdoors in” theme, use shades of brown and cream to help achieve a rustic look.
Get the tutorial at The Charming Life.
Winter woodland Christmas tree giggles galore
Topped with a snowy owl, this wintry tree is covered in rustic, woodland decor.
Get the tutorial at Giggles Galore.
DIY flocked x-mas tree decor ideas
Have a green artificial tree that’s seen better days? Give it the DIY flocked treatment like April from the blog House By Hoff did to create this coastal-inspired tree.
Get the tutorial at House By Hoff.
Plush ornaments Christmas tree decorations ideas
This snow-covered tree brings a bit of childhood whimsy thanks to a selection of plush trimmings, twinkle lights, and a chunky yarn garland.
Get the tutorial at Nesting With Grace.
Pom-pom Christmas tree decorations ideas
This colorful tree makes a strong statement but actually couldn’t be easier to put together. Simply buy or make pom-poms in a mix of sizes and attach them to your tree. Lights are optional.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
Vintage camping x-mas tree decor ideas
Any avid hiker will get a kick out of this camping-themed tree, decked with marshmallows, vintage backpacks, little lanterns, and more mini camping gear.
Get the tutorial at Lil’ Blue Boo.
Buffalo check ribbon Christmas tree decor ideas
The classic country pattern gets turned into the prettiest Christmas tree decor.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Plaid and preppy Christmas tree decorations ideas
Patterns of plaid and tartan cover this tree and are complemented by bright red and blue ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Craftberry Bush.
Birds and berries x-mas tree decor ideas
Just looking at this “birds and berries” tree puts a smile on our faces!
Get the tutorial at DIY Showoff.
Vintage shiny brites Christmas tree decorations ideas
Add midcentury appeal to your home this Christmas by decking out your tree in an assortment of vintage Shiny Brite ornaments. These happy-hued collectibles will never steer you wrong.
Get the tutorial at House By Hoff.
Navy and gold Christmas tree decorations ideas
A mix of navy blue ornaments pops against a metallic backdrop. Blogger Tamara Anka even goes so far as to match her living room decor to her tree decorations.
Get the tutorial at Citrine Living.
Rustic farmhouse Christmas tree decor ideas
A palette of neutrals makes for a stunning tree display. Cascading burlap ribbons drive home the casual-chic vibe.
Get the tutorial at Clean Living Clean Eating.
Minimalist Christmas tree decorations ideas
If you prefer more of a quiet, clean aesthetic, a Scandanavian-inspired tree might be the holiday look for you. To pull it off, opt for a sparse, natural-looking tree and outfit it minimally in lights and ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Danielle Witte.
Whimsical finds Christmas tree decor ideas
Toy soldiers, painted white, along with green globes from HiHo Antiques decorate the Norwegian spruce in this Connecticut farmhouse.
Vintage and rustic Christmas tree decorations ideas
Placed in front of her aunt’s vintage enamel wood stove, blogger Virginia Fynes’s rustic tree is decorated with birch sticks, glittered acorns and wreaths, hoop art, and feathers.
Get the tutorial at Fynes Designs.
Merry and white Christmas tree decorations ideas
Papier-mâché ornaments in red and blue feature a fresh twist on traditional red and green.
Quaint Christmas tree trimmings
For the tree in this cozy Wisconsin cabin, a simple popcorn garland, glass ball ornaments, and a wooden crate in lieu of a tree skirt reinforce the room’s stuck in time vibe.
Farmhouse Christmas tree decor ideas
Sleeping bags for “campouts” turn this pinecone-covered Christmas tree into a hot spot for an at-home holiday getaway.
Rainbow Christmas tree decor ideas
Creating this ombre tree is easier than it looks! Simply arrange your existing ornaments by color to create this rainbow effect.
Get the tutorial at Lines Across.
Red, white, and blue Christmas tree decor ideas
Showcase your patriotic spirit with a red, white, and blue holiday theme. This palette pairs especially well with coastal decor.
Get the tutorial at Pencil Shavings Studio.
Ice cream social Christmas tree decor
What’s sweeter than a tree decked out in all things ice cream? (We especially love this idea for a kid’s room!)
Get the tutorial at Melodrama.
12 days of Christmas advent tree decorations ideas
Put a spin on a traditional advent calendar by boldly displaying numbers around a tree on boxes, containers, and packages.
Get the tutorial at Tatertots and Jello.
Glowing Christmas tree decor ideas
This Christmas tree shines in shades of gold, white, and blue. If you don’t have a mantel, simply hang stockings from thick twine.
Christmas tree snow decor
Fuzzy felt mittens lend a hand to the cold-weather theme, as do snowmen, snowflakes, and ice skates, all in a crisp blue-and-white palette.
On the stairs, another sprinkling of snowflakes and a pair of vintage ice skates spruce up a simple, rambling garland.
Below the tree, a glittering Christmas village atop faux sheepskin rugs makes for a cool alternative to the standard gift display.
Frosted sugar and blue pine Christmas tree decor ideas
Icy blue Christmas decor with touches of silver, gray, and gold make this Christmas tree a dazzling one.
Get the tutorial at Refresh Restyle.
Christmas tree jingle bells decor ideas
Adorned with jingle bells, red jute webbing runs down the length of the tree. Burlap poinsettias add a decorative touch, and a seven-point star hand-crafted from vintage sheet music hits an especially high note.
Antique sleds are a practically sized sub-in for a one-horse open sleigh. Tip: Assign each family member a sled, and pile on gifts accordingly.
Christmas tree Santa Claus decorations
Perfect for a kids’ room, this retro tree is as jolly as Kris Kringle himself, thanks to a vintage tree stand and old-school ornaments.
Christmas tree woodsy decor ideas
Wintry woodland frills (owl and deer ornaments, a forest of flocked bottle-brush trees in lieu of a skirt) evoke the snow-laden trek to grandmother’s house while flickering clip-on, battery-operated candles are reminiscent of the tapers in her windows. Antique snowshoes and skis reinforce the frosty feel.
Jewel tones Christmas tree decorations ideas
Overflowing with good tidings, this “friends and family” tree features an assortment of holiday greeting cards (clipped to jute rope with mini clothespins) and a spirited mix of jewel-toned ornaments from the ’50s and ’60s.
Rustic marquee Christmas tree decorations
This tree couldn’t be more festive with springs of snow-dusted pinecones, twine ornaments, marquee letters, plaid ribbon, and woodland creatures.
Get the tutorial at Craftaholics Anonymous.
Camp x-mas tree decorations on a blue bookshelf
Use a vintage tin as a container for a tiny Christmas tree to place on a cabinet.
Spirit Christmas past rethink tree skirt decor
Featuring jolly red lettering, this former potato chip pail is the perfect vessel for a mini tree.
Simple farmhouse Christmas tree decor ideas
If your home is decorated with fresh whites and natural textures, you’ll love this simple tree featuring elements from the great outdoors, such as pine cones and pieces of cotton.
Get the tutorial at Love Grows Wild.
Pink and gold dream Christmas tree decorations ideas
Don’t be afraid to use non-traditional colors on your tree this year. Pair pink elements and flowers with a touch of metallic gold for a classy and modern look.
Get the tutorial at Classy Clutter.
Spirit Christmas past shiny trimmings
Though the tree is the centerpiece in this family room, holiday-appropriate plaid accents, like the red and green throw on the ladder and the scarf on the caribou, add timeless charm, while vintage wrapping paper ups the nostalgia factor.
Camp-style Christmas tree decor ideas
The Christmas tree in this camp-style California cabin is peppered with pennants from National Parks and roadside attractions.
Up-cycled Christmas tree decorations
The Junk Gypsies outfitted their tree with metallic accessories including a thrifted bass drum, which they fashioned as a Christmas tree stand, and a gold crown used as a tree topper.
Vintage ribbons Christmas tree decorations
The owner of this Michigan farmhouse uses her collection of 4-H Ribbons and retro ornaments to deck out her Christmas tree.
Christmas in Connecticut tree
Blogger Nora Murphy made the Christmas tree in her Connecticut home smell even more fragrant with the addition of dried fruit and gingerbread ornaments.
Christmas tree decorating ideas paper candle tassel
Though this Christmas tree might look simple, the handcrafted gold candles and tassels feel romantic and nostalgic, all while embodying the magic that makes the holiday season feel so special.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Christmas tree decorating ideas DIY village Christmas tree
Skip the expensive Christmas village sets and opt to make your own at home with paper-mâché versions and some bright paint.
Get the tutorial at Lolly Jane.
Coastal nautical beach-themed Christmas tree
Whether you’re spending your holiday by the seashore or want to bring some of that beach beauty inland, your Christmas tree is the perfect place to show off your collection of shells. Finish the look with turquoise ornaments and starfish tree topper.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Courtney.
Christmas tree decorating ideas Santa doll
Hit up your local thrift store, flea market, or antique shop for vintage Santa dolls and ornaments for your Christmas tree.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Perkins.
Traditional red and green Christmas tree decorating ideas
The Christmas-colored garland and ornaments are perhaps the most classic ways to decorate, but the tree topper—a gingerbread house!—is something adorably unexpected.
