How to decorate your Christmas tree step by step

Decorating your Christmas tree is a magical moment that we look forward to every year with the family. But between the garlands, the lights, the baubles, the figurines, and the children who want to hang everything in the same place… it's easy to wonder how to decorate your Christmas tree properly so that it's truly beautiful and harmonious.

The good news: you don't need to be an interior decorator. With a simple method, a few basic rules, and easy ideas , you can transform your Christmas tree into a true center of Christmas magic.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to decorate your Christmas tree step by step , from choosing the colours to the small details around the base of the tree.

Before you begin: choose the style of your Christmas tree

To decorate your Christmas tree properly, the first step is to know what atmosphere you want to create. This avoids a "mixed-up" effect and helps you choose your decorations more easily.

Choose 1 to 3 main colors

For a harmonious Christmas tree, it's best to limit yourself to 1 to 3 dominant colors :

🎅 Red & gold : the classic, warm, and family-friendly
❄️ White & silver : a snowy, chic and luminous atmosphere
🌲 Green, wood & white : nature/Scandinavian style, very trendy
🎨 Multicolored : perfect for a family Christmas tree, filled with memories

Keep these colours in mind for all the elements of your tree : garlands, balls, ribbons, figurines, top, etc. It's the basis of a successful decoration.

Adapt the decorations to the type of Christmas tree

The way you decorate your Christmas tree also depends on the tree itself:

Natural Christmas tree : more authentic, sometimes a little irregular, branches more or less dense.
Artificial Christmas tree (classic, snowy, with or without integrated lights): very regular silhouette, often simpler to decorate.

Set up the Christmas tree and prepare the base

Before you ask yourself how to decorate your Christmas tree, make sure it is properly installed .

Place the tree in a stable stand , adapted to its size (with a water reservoir for a natural tree, that's even better) or let it stand with the cross provided for this purpose.
Install it away from heat sources : radiator, fireplace, stove…
Check that it is straight by taking a step back.

This is also when you can:

install a Christmas tree skirt to hide the base,
Leave space for gifts and decorations at the foot of the Christmas tree.
You might want to put down a mat or a Christmas tree bag to make cleaning up easier after the holidays.

Step 1: Put up the string lights

When you ask yourself “where to start to decorate your Christmas tree?” , the answer is simple: You always start with the fairy lights .

It's much easier to install them on a bare fir tree.

How to properly install string lights?

Plug in the string lights once to check the color (warm white, cool white, multicoloured…).
Turn off the light, then start at the top of the tree and work your way down to the bottom.
Wrap the garland in a regular spiral all around the tree.
Slide it slightly inside the branches in certain places to give depth, not just on the outside.

💡 A helpful guideline to help you decide how many garlands to put on your Christmas tree:

1.50 m Christmas tree: approximately 8 to 10 meters of garland
Fir tree 1.80 m tall: approximately 12 to 15 meters
Christmas tree 2.10 m tall: 18 to 20 meters or two garlands

Opt for LED string lights : they consume less energy and generate much less heat, which is safer for the whole family.

Step 2: Add the decorative garlands and ribbons

The second step to properly decorating your Christmas tree is to add non-lighted garlands and ribbons . These will give your tree volume and style.

Ideas for garlands and ribbons

"Fur" or "snowflake" garlands for a snowy Christmas tree
Pearl garlands for a chic and elegant look
Wide ribbons to hang from the top of the tree downwards

You can :

Arrange them in a spiral all around the Christmas tree.
or in vertical stripes from top to bottom for a more modern effect.

👉 If your tree is very full, limit the number of garlands. A few pretty, well-placed ribbons are better than a completely overcrowded tree.

Step 3: Hang the Christmas baubles

This is often children's favorite time 😊
But for a harmonious result, there is a little method.

In what order should I put the baubles on my Christmas tree?

Start with the largest baubles : place them in the middle and at the bottom of the tree, where there is the most volume.
Next, add the medium-sized balls : ideal for intermediate areas.
Finish with the small balls : perfect for the top of the tree and the ends of the branches.

How many baubles for a Christmas tree?

Adapt this to your style, but it's just a guideline:

1.50m Christmas tree: approximately 30 to 40 baubles
Christmas tree 1.80 m tall: 40 to 60 baubles
Christmas tree, 2.10 m tall: 60 to 80 baubles

The important thing is to distribute them properly :

alternate the colours and sizes,
Decorate all around the tree (not just the visible side),
Step back regularly to check your balance.

💡 Family tip:
With children or pets, put fragile baubles up high and keep the bottom of the tree for unbreakable baubles.

Step 4: Add the special decorations to the tree

To make your Christmas tree unique, then add the special decorations :

Figurines of Santa Claus , nutcrackers , angels, gnomes , animals…
Decorations in wood, metal, and fabric for a natural or chic style
Personalized decorations: names, travel souvenirs, photos, children's creations
Mini gifts, candy canes, snowflakes, small themed items

The idea is to create a few "eye-catching" areas in the tree, with decorations that attract attention without overloading everything.

👉 Feel free to place some decorations a little further inside the tree : this gives an effect of depth and a richer look.

Step 5: Decorating the top of the Christmas tree

The topper is the finishing touch to your Christmas tree.

The great classics:

Christmas Star : the essential symbol
Angel : perfect for a traditional Christmas tree
Large ribbon bow : very elegant for a chic decor

Make sure that: the last branch of the tree is strong enough and that there is still some space with the ceiling so that the decoration can breathe.

Also decorate around the Christmas tree

To enhance your Christmas tree decorations, also consider what's around them .

Some simple ideas:

A Christmas tree skirt or a pretty piece of fabric to hide the base and cables
A nativity scene or a luminous village at the foot of the Christmas tree
Wrapped gifts (real or fake) to complete the decor
A cozy little corner with an armchair, blanket, and cushions next to the Christmas tree

This is what transforms your decorated tree into a true Christmas corner in the house.

Some Christmas tree style ideas to recreate

If you're lacking inspiration, here are 3 easy Christmas tree ideas to reproduce.

1) Traditional red & gold Christmas tree

Colors: red, green, gold
Red and gold baubles, gold garlands , Santa Claus figurines and snowmen
Golden star at the top
Perfect for a warm and family atmosphere

2) White & silver snow-covered Christmas tree

Ideal with a flocked or white artificial Christmas tree
White , silver , and transparent balls
Thin garlands , snowflakes, stars
Warm white or cool white lights depending on the desired atmosphere

3) Natural/Scandinavian fir tree

Colors: wood, white, green
Decorations made of wood, linen, and fabric
A few touches of white (stars, snowflakes)
Warm white lights for a very cozy atmosphere

Most importantly: a Christmas tree that reflects your personality

Knowing how to decorate your Christmas tree is useful, but the most important thing is that it reflects your personality:

A Christmas tree decorated with the children, even if everything isn't perfectly aligned
A Christmas tree with decorations that have a story
A different Christmas tree every year… or always the same one, by tradition

With these simple steps – choosing colours, lights, garlands, balls, special decorations, top and staging around – you now have all the keys to properly decorate your Christmas tree and create a truly magical moment with your family.

FAQ – How to decorate your Christmas tree?

1. Where do I start to decorate my Christmas tree?
👉 We always start with the fairy lights , then the decorative garlands, then the Christmas balls, and finally the figurines and the decoration of the top.

2. How many baubles are needed for a Christmas tree?
👉 For a tree approximately 1.50 m tall, allow 30 to 40 baubles . For a tree 1.80 m tall, allow approximately 40 to 60 baubles . Adjust according to the desired look and the density of the branches.

3. How to choose the colours to decorate your Christmas tree?
👉 Ideally, choose 1 to 3 main colours and stick to them: for example red & gold, white & silver, or wood, green & white for a natural style.

4. Should the garlands be put on before or after the baubles?
👉 It is always simpler and more harmonious to put up the garlands first , then add the balls and other decorations.

5. How to avoid an “overly decorated” Christmas tree?
👉 Limit the number of colors, distribute the decorations evenly around the tree, and leave spaces between them. A tree with a bit of airiness is better than one where you can't see the branches anymore.