The key to a professional looking Christmas tree is simplicity and layering. Choose a specific color scheme and stick to it. For example, traditional red and green, bright and cheerful metallics, or unique color combinations like turquoise and purple all make good options. Alternatively, you can create your own “winter wonderland” by choosing ornaments in white, silver and gold, or go ultra-modern with a black and white arrangement. Whatever holiday look you want to capture with your tree, planning out your vision is the first step to realizing your Christmas masterpiece. 

The tree skirt is the understated foundation of your Christmas tree. It establishes a base of colors and textures you’ll use throughout your decorating process. Place the tree skirt around the tree stand and straighten out the fabric so it lays evenly. If you’re decorating a live tree, your tree skirt will catch falling pine needles and sap, protecting your floor or carpet.   

Tree skirts come in a variety of materials, patterns, and colors and are an easy way to take your tree décor to the next level. For a professional look, choose a skirt that works with your overall theme and the room’s decor. For example, flannel or jute tree skirts are great options to complement a rustic or farmhouse Christmas style. 

Available in a variety of colors and styles, string lights are an absolute must for the professional-looking Christmas tree. If you’re using a traditional green tree, opt for lights with green wiring to blend into the branches. When hanging twinkling lights on your Christmas tree, start from the top and work your way down, winding around branches as you go. Classic white lights match almost any type of tree, making them perfect if you change colors or themes each year. Colored or multicolored lights are always fun but can clash with your theme or palette if you aren’t careful. For a more versatile look, try LED lights that switch between white and colored lights. Be sure to add string lights to your tree before you placing any ornaments.

Use a garland to complement your chosen style. A garland is more than just the plastic, tinsel-like material that attracts cats and toddlers; It’s a way to define your chosen style. Garlands come in many different colors and materials. From imitation evergreen to quirky strands of pompoms, feathers, and flowers, you can find a garland that matches your theme and color scheme for a professionally decorated look. Secure your garland at the top of the tree and spiral downwards, leaving four to six inches of space between the garland.

Like a garland, a well-chosen ribbon can add character and structure to your tree. Choose a ribbon color and fabric that matches your color scheme and style. Not only does a ribbon add extra texture and visual appeal to your tree, it also allows for extra expression. Ribbons can be placed on your tree in bows, curls, waterfalls, or like a garland. Use both ribbons and garlands strategically for a uniform look. Broad ribbons and thick garlands fill out thin foliage and balance the appearance of denser trees. 

Embrace ornaments of varying sizes, shapes, and tones. Though you should stick with your color palette, don’t be afraid to mix shades of one color or use ornaments with different finishes like matte, glitter, or plastic.

When placing your ornaments on the tree, start with your largest ornaments first, placing them on the strongest branches. If you have large, extra-large, and super large ornaments, place the biggest ones near the bottom and decrease in size as you near the top. Don’t hang all of the ornaments directly on the branches of the tree. Instead, push some of them, especially the largest ornaments, deeper into the foliage to add extra visual depth and to prevent the ornaments from overwhelming the tree. Next, interspace other large decorations like flowers, lanterns, and other extra-large decorative pieces.

Place average-sized baubles and small ornaments into the empty spaces, or even cluster them together with larger ornaments. Fill in the empty spaces with tree pics. Just make sure to leave space for any sentimental ornaments. Many families own ornaments that have been passed through generations or were made by kids long ago. These special ornaments fit anywhere on the tree, so let your creativity run wild. Just be sure to spread the ornaments evenly throughout the tree.

Now that you’ve learned how to decorate your tree like a professional, finish the job with a tree topper that matches your theme. Though stars and angels are traditional, nativities, feathers, and even top hats can add to the unique look of your Christmas tree. Place fun stuffed animals or figures around the base of the tree to create a Christmas tableau (just make sure to leave room for presents), then stand back and admire your work!