Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
There are so many ways to get into the holiday spirit. For some, it's all about listening to Christmas songs on repeat. Others might prefer to curl up with a Hallmark movie (in matching family pajamas, of course) or take a drive around the neighborhood to marvel at the Christmas lights. No matter what your tradition, there's nothing like festive holiday decor to really get you into the mood—and for most that starts with a special family Christmas tradition: tree decorating.
Whether you gravitate toward over-the-top opulence—like something a professional might design for a restaurant—or prefer a more rustic farmhouse vibe that transforms your own home into a winter wonderland (think: flocked trees), creating a statement-making tree is key to jumpstarting the cheer and spreading it all season long.
But before you pick your fir, browse through these elegant Christmas tree decorating ideas for inspiration. From the trendy blue and silver ornaments that are popular for 2022, to traditional red and green multicolor lights, and modern, glitzy rose gold ribbons, there's a unique Pinterest-worthy idea (and photo) here for everyone—even your unicorn-loving toddler.
Farmhouse-Style
For a sophisticated Farmhouse-style tree Chip and Jo would be proud of, pair natural elements like pinecones and flocked branches with burlap and oversized white ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Love Grows Wild.
Family Silhouettes
For a truly personal and unique touch, DIY silhouettes of your family members—pets included!—and place them into framed ornaments.
Get the tutorial at Home Made Lovely.
Unexpected Greenery
Trim a flocked tree with colorful ornaments, then tuck unexpected greenery—like eucalyptus leaves—into branches for a whimsical, yet elegant look.
Get the tutorial at Keys to Inspiration.
Plaid and Natural Wood
Navy and green plaid ribbon combined with natural wood ornaments looks sophisticated atop a fully flocked tree.
Get the tutorial at The Turquoise Home.
Silver and Gold
For a stunning tree that looks professionally decorated, stick to elegant elements like glass ornaments, mercury glass, and glitter berries in silver and gold.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Red, Blue, and Gold
Rich, classic tones like red, blue, and gold make any evergreen look supremely sophisticated.
Get the tutorial at Craftberrybush.
Minimalist
Embrace the saying "less is more"—pick up a fluffy evergreen, then wrap it in a soft, white tree skirt and decorate the branches with a simple wooden garland and white polymer clay ornaments.
Get the tutorial at The Merry Thought.
Sweet Treats
For a sweet treat, decorate this year's tree with an array of food-inspired ornaments. Bonus points for DIYing a doughnut-inspired tree skirt.
Get the tutorial at The Paper Mama.
Black and White
Create a unique textured tree with gold ornaments, faux magnolia, whimsical bird cage ornaments, and a black and white garland.
Get the tutorial at Craftberrybush.
"Snow"-Covered
To fill out a sparse-looking artificial tree, consider a small DIY project: flocking, or covering it in an artificial powder made to look like snow.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Pom-Poms
This unique Christmas tree decorating idea looks surprisingly elegant—especially if you stick to a neutral color palette.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Winter Wonderland Glam
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Fill your fir with snow branches, gold and cream ribbon, gold and white flowers, and plenty of seasonal bling.
Get the tutorial at Design Dazzle.
Rustic Chic
For a look that's straight out of your favorite ski town, opt for neutral white ornaments, natural elements like pinecones, and a bold red buffalo check ribbon garland.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Floral
Buck tradition with a snow white tree wrapped in an array of beautiful blooms more reminiscent of spring than winter.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Tree Branches
Who ever said your tree has to look like everyone else's? For a low-effort decorating idea, bring a nice big tree branch to life with a few festive ornaments.
Get the tutorial at The Merry Thought.
Green and White
For something a little more muted than the traditional red and green holiday palette, skip the red. Instead, pair plenty of white baubles with additional decor in soft shades of green.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Pink Florals and Gold Metallics
For a tree with plenty of shimmer and shine, fill branches with gold metallic accents, like ornaments and ribbon. Then, for the finishing touch, tuck in a few fresh flowers.
Get the tutorial at Design Dazzle.
Potted Tree
Don't cramp a small space with a monstrous fir—you can pull off a similarly festive vibe with a simple potted tree wrapped in craft paper, trimmed with wooden accents, and assembled in a sweet vignette.
Get the tutorial at The Merry Thought.
Unicorn
Here's a fun Christmas tradition to start this year: Craft mini trees for each of your children's bedrooms to infuse their space with holiday spirit filled with personality.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
White, Pink, and Gold
Though not your typical holiday color scheme, this muted tree fits right in amongst all of your favorite trimmings.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
Laurren Welch is a freelance editor, writer, and creative who covers lifestyle, interiors, entertaining, fashion, and more. When she’s not under deadline, you can find her styling blooms over at Garden Party L.A., scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden gems, and reminding her boxer pup, Monster, that he’s a very good boy.
Watch Next
81 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Mom
The Most Meaningful Mother-Daughter Gifts
50 Unique Gifts for Book Lovers
The Best Gifts for New Moms
