Looking back on our family’s Christmas tree last year, I can’t help but notice that the top of the tree is lacking light. Knowing me, I probably spent too much time getting the bottom half lit with that warm glow I love, only to run out of white lights as I reached the top of the tree. Did I hurry out to the store to buy more string lights? Probably. Were the stores sold out by the time I got there? I’m sure of it. Though the look isn’t as cohesive as I’d like it to be, the tree is still beautiful because it tells the story of our family. You likely feel the same way about your decorating endeavors, no matter how the tree may turn out, but we can all be inspired to learn something new. (Note to self: Taking a picture of the tree is a great way to see where you need to either add or subtract lights and ornaments.)
To help get your tree decorating off to a good start, we talked to local creatives, from fashion and floral designers, to graphic artists and interior designers, to find out how they approach Christmas tree decor. In her research, writer Cara Downs discovered that if there’s one thing our experts agree on, it’s that the holidays are a time to bask in tradition and indulge your inner maximalist.
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Jill Perez, creative director, Jill Perez Events
“Wrap each branch of the Christmas tree with lights to create a warm and even glow. In lieu of a tree skirt, consider something impactful, such as an antique planter or a beautiful basket. Have fun incorporating old traditions with the new.”
Stephanie and David Stine, owners, David Stine Woodworking
“Make the kids do it! Our family tradition holds that Dave Stine cuts down the tree and then he and I enjoy nice glasses of eggnog while Willa (our daughter) and Oskar (our son) decorate it with our beloved ornaments, tripping down memory lane over where each one came from, reminiscing about holidays’ past, fighting over who gets to hang the star or hide the pickle.”
Abbey Eilerman, founder, Daily Disco
“I get an ornament as a souvenir everywhere I travel and it makes putting up the tree so special every year. My ornament collection is huge and they are my precious heirlooms. Also, more is more when it comes to a tree. I add bows and tinsel. Christmas is not the time to be a minimalist.”
Marcie Sherman, owner, Revel & Hearten
“My Christmas tree is always festive, but still classic. I prefer heirloom ornaments and lights with a warm glow, and I drape beads to give it a more composed aesthetic. And the finishing touch: a ribbon. Always add ribbons for drama.”
Cheree Berry, CEO, Cheree Berry Paper
“I want a Christmas tree with character, trimmed to the nines in nostalgia and meaning. I love stringing handmade touches–colorful paper-chain garland or popsicle-stick framed photos of my kiddos–together with the eclectic assortment of baubles we’ve collected over the years from our travels and ‘from Santa.’ Whether it holds a bottle of ranch or a Messi soccer jersey, every branch tells a story.”
Retta Tussey, designer, Retta Jane
“When decorating a Christmas tree, I love to mix heirloom ornaments with fresh, natural elements, like pinecones and sprigs of eucalyptus. Layering in textures— velvet ribbon or cozy knit garlands—adds warmth and dimension. Most importantly, make it personal and meaningful, so the tree tells your family’s story year after year.”
Gabe Batson, co-owner, Tufts & Batson
“It’s always so much fun to craft with friends and make things for the tree. One illuminating thing I learned about decorating a Christmas tree came when a friend decorated his with toys, curios, and meaningful objects from around the house. This made for a unique and personal statement for the Christmas season.”
CJ Knapp, owner, Yours by Design
“If decorating with a group, have each person take one element and do the whole tree with it—bow, ornament, lights, etc. Everyone has a slightly different hand with decorating, some hang tight, some loosely, and it will be very apparent that each section looks different. Similarly, if you have multiples of an ornament, say a lot of red bulbs, hang all of those on the tree at the same time, it makes the decorating look more sporadic.”
Adam Foster, owner, Adam Foster Fine Jewelry
“In order to achieve the best visual harmony and balance, place larger ornaments at the bottom of the tree, where there is more space to fill. Smaller ornaments can fill the space closer to the top of the tree. Above all else though, Christmas trees should ultimately reflect each family’s individual style and taste, which leaves a lot of room for interpretation!”
Tony Montano, owner, Buds Floral Design & Event Decor
“The more, the better. Classic ornaments are a favorite—bulbs and ribbons—and it’s always good to have a color theme. I also like to add a floral element to create different textures and some glitter so your tree sparkles.”
