The different shades of green from emerald to sage, adds depth and richness to your holiday decor.
Green ornaments can be used with so many different options as we discuss below and are sometimes overlooked as so many of us use green trees and subconsciously lean towards other colors for the ornaments.
Why Green Ornaments Work at Christmas
Green is one of the most traditional Christmas colors, symbolizing life, renewal and nature. It blends seamlessly with your tree’s natural tones while still adding visual interest.
Best Pairings for Green Christmas Ornaments
Pair with red ornaments and a touch of gold for a traditional Christmas palette.
Mix with silver or gold ornaments for a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.
Lime green also pairs well with purple on a green tree or hot pink on a white tree.
Styling Tips for Green Ornaments
Use different shades of green in the ornaments and also use different textures including matte, shiny and glitter finishes to create dimension and interest.
For a Rustic Charm theme mix your green ornaments with natural textures such as burlap, plaid fabrics and pinecones – this will create a cozy farmhouse feel. Adding wooden ornaments will also help create a rustic feel to a tree along with brown and cream ornaments.
Try adding green ornaments paired with silver or gold to a white tree for a more modern aesthetic.
If you have soft green hues pair these with velvet accents, crystal decorations and antique style ornaments for an elegant look with a nod to vintage.
Green ornaments are timeless and essential for a festive, joyful Christmas tree.
Gray Christmas ornaments bring a chic, modern feel to your Christmas tree. This understated shade is versatile and pairs beautifully with bold or soft colours.
Gray works at Christmas because it’s calming and contemporary. Gray ornaments help to give your tree a sophisticated edge while still keeping it cozy.
Not only does Gray work well in sophisticated and elegant styles it also is a neutral tone which means it can be very versatile and complement a number of styles as we’ll discuss below.
Use metallic accents like gold, rose gold or silver ornaments with gray to create a luxurious and glamorous display.
Add navy or burgundy ornaments for depth.
Pair with white and black Christmas ornaments with perhaps a touch of silver for a chic, contemporary theme.
If you’re after a soft, modern look mix gray with blush pink or cream.
Styling Tips for Gray Christmas Ornaments
Choose ornaments in different gray finishes – matte, glossy or metallic – to add interest.
Pair with twinkling white lights for a wintery glow.
Gray ribbon or velvet bows will elevate the look even further.
If you want to have a Rustic Charm themed tree then pair gray ornaments with wooden ornaments and pinecones for a rustic or even Scandi-inspired theme.
Gray ornaments are perfect if you want a Christmas tree that feels modern, elegant and unique.
Gold Christmas ornaments are the ultimate in Christmas luxury. They shimmer, sparkle and instantly make your tree feel festive and glamorous.
Gold ornaments work well at Christmas because the color is timeless and traditional. Gold represents warmth, light and celebration which is everything Christmas is about.
From a religious perspective the Star of Bethlehem is often depicted as a gold star which makes using gold on a tree seem perfect.
From a decorating perspective gold pairs so well with a number of traditional, classic and modern theme while bringing some elegance and warmth to the tree.
Best Pairings for Gold Ornaments
Pair gold with green and red ornaments for a classic Christmas palette.
Combine gold with white and silver for an elegant tree.
Christmas ornaments are more than just pretty decorations for the holiday season – they carry tradition, tell stories and set the entire mood for your tree. Whether you’re building your first collection, curating a theme or carrying on family traditions, ornaments are the finishing touches that make your Christmas tree truly personal.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Christmas tree ornaments: their history, the different types available, styling and decorating tips and even how to care for them so they last for generations.
A Brief History of Christmas Tree Ornaments
Ornaments have a surprisingly rich history, let’s look at their timeline throughout the ages:
Early Germany Traditions
The tradition of decorating evergreen trees began in Germany during the 16th century. Instead of ornaments, families often used apples, nuts, and paper flowers to symbolize the Garden of Eden.
Between 1600s-1700s glassblowers in Lauscha, Germany, began creating hand-blown glass ornaments (baubles) to hang on Christmas trees. .
Queen Victoria and the Rise of the Christmas Tree
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree in England. Prince Albert brought the Christmas tree to Buckingham Palace from his native Germany.
An engraving of the royal family’s Christmas tree was published in 1848. The image of the Queen and her family around a tree that was decorated with candles, fruits, and ornaments was spread across Europe and the U.S.
This is really seen as the start of the popularity of the Christmas tree in the UK, although initially only the upper classes could afford to embrace what is now a beloved component of the holiday celebrations.
Mass Production and Modern Popularity
German immigrants brought the tradition to America, where companies like Woolworth’s began mass-producing glass ornaments.
Mass production also helped decorated Christmas trees to be more affordable for the working classes who also used paper-chains, pinecones and other diy ornaments for their decor.
Ornaments have evolved into endless varieties—plastic, wood, fabric, ceramic, and even high-tech light-up designs. Collectors now see them as keepsakes, heirlooms, and even investments.
Christmas ornaments aren’t just seasonal decor – they’re part of a global tradition.
Types of Christmas Tree Ornaments
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it omes to ornaments. Today’s choices allow you to create a tree that fits your personality, theme and budget. Here are the most popular categories:
Glass Ornaments
Traditional, shiny baubles made from blown glass.
Can be clear, colored, frosted, or hand-painted.
Often considered collector’s items (e.g., Old World Christmas, Radko ornaments).
Best for: Classic, elegant trees.
Shatterproof Ornaments
Made of plastic or acrylic but designed to look like glass.
Family- and pet-friendly.
Great for outdoor trees too.
Best for: Busy households or trees in high-traffic areas.
Wooden Ornaments
Rustic, natural, and timeless.
Can be laser-cut designs, hand-carved figures, or simple painted wood slices.
Best for: Farmhouse, Scandi, or minimalist themes.
Fabric & Felt Ornaments
Soft, cozy textures.
Include plush figures, knitted shapes, or felt cutouts.
Handmade versions are popular on Etsy.
Best for: Whimsical or children’s trees.
Ceramic & Porcelain Ornaments
Sturdy and beautifully painted.
Often used for keepsakes (e.g., “Baby’s First Christmas” ornaments).
Best for: Collectors and special milestones.
Handmade & DIY Ornaments
Salt dough, popsicle sticks, crochet, or paper crafts.
Hallmark’s Keepsake series is especially collectible. Some of the Disney ornaments can fall into both the pop culture and the Keepsake series.
Best for: Personal expression and fun, themed trees.
Natural Ornaments
Pinecones, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or straw stars.
Eco-friendly and aromatic.
Best for: Traditional, rustic, or natural-themed trees. Also budget friendly.
The Symbolism of Ornaments
Many ornaments traditionally carry deeper meanings such as the following:
Stars and Angels
Stars represent the Star of Bethlehem, that helped guide the Magi to Jesus’ birthplace.
Angels symbolize protection and guidance, often put on the top of a tree to look over the household during the holiday season. Sometimes people will add angel ornaments to symbolize lost family or friends who can’t be their in person, but are still present in their hearts over the Christmas period.
Hearts, Bells and Birds
Hearts are a sign of love and togetherness. They can be incorporated in personalized ornaments for each family member or a first Christmas together, or a baby’s first Christmas type of ornament.
Bells traditionally symbolize celebration and joy.
Birds represent peace, happiness and prosperity.
I regularly see bird ornaments on trees from owl Christmas ornaments to birds traditionally seen at Christmas time such as robin redbreasts in the UK and cardinals in the US. Doves are another bird that I often see represented on trees and is probably the bird I most associate with peace, but also hope.
Family Traditions and Personal Significance
Families often have different ornaments that means different things from personalized ornaments to ones that represent something personal for example when my daughter was younger she was a One Directioner and we made some One Direction Christmas ornaments so they are always put on the tree. My husband is a rugby playing Kiwi so we have a Santa ornament where the Santa is wearing a black footy uniform and carrying a rugby ball.
When you choose ornaments, you’re not just decorating – you’re weaving symbolism and memory into your holiday traditions.
How to Use Ornaments on Your Christmas Tree
Decorating isn’t just about hanging ornaments randomly. Here are some tips for creating a balanced, beautiful tree:
Choosing a Theme for Your Tree
Your ornaments will shine more when they follow a theme. The theme could be colour based such as classic red and gold; red and white; or a winter wonderland theme of frosty blue and silver.
Alternatively you could go with a style like rustic farmhouse, Scandinavian or playful animal print.
Place large ornaments deep inside branches for depth.
Use medium ornaments to fill gaps.
Hang small ornaments toward the tips for detail.
Balancing Colors, Shapes & Textures
Don’t cluster all of one color or shape in the same spot. Step back occasionally to check balance.
Combine shiny, matte, glittery, and natural ornaments to avoid a flat look.
Use odd numbers. Decorators often recommend grouping in 3s or 5s for a more natural arrangement.
Highlight sentimental ornaments by placing keepsakes or family favorites at eye level.
Ornament Placement: Pro Tips
Ornament Hooks vs. Ribbons – Hooks are quick and invisible; ribbons add extra charm.
Secure Heavy Ornaments – Use sturdy branches or wired hooks.
360° Decorating – If your tree is visible from all sides, decorate the back too.
Pet & Child Safety – Shatterproof ornaments are your friend! If you do have some fragile or special ornaments then place them higher up.
Trends in Christmas Ornaments
Every year brings new ornament trends. Some of the biggest in recent years include:
Personalized Ornaments
Names, dates, or milestones (weddings, births).
Sustainable Ornaments
Eco-friendly, natural, or recycled materials.
Neutral Palettes
White, beige, and metallics for minimalist trees.
Oversized Ornaments
Oversized Christmas tree ornaments can become statement pieces in your Christmas decor. I have seen them be placed in pairs or groups of three next to the Christmas tree.
They are also great when incorporated into the tree – a mix of oversized Christmas baubles and ‘normal’ sized decorations can add depth to your tree and look really good as you can see below.
Themed Trees
Coastal, woodland, vintage, or even color-only schemes seem to be recurring favourites.
Collecting Ornaments: A Hobby & Heirloom
Many people collect ornaments year after year, building a tree filled with memories. Collectors often:
Buy one special ornament each year to mark an occasion.
Collect ornaments from travel destinations.
Focus on brands (Hallmark, Old World Christmas, Christopher Radko).
Tip: Keep original boxes for collector’s value.
How to Store & Care for Ornaments
Proper care helps ornaments last generations. Before packing them away, however, you should make sure to clean them to remove dust – a soft cloth is my preference for this.
If your ornaments light up or play music and are powered by batteries, remove these before storing. I also like to remove any hooks and I keep them in a separate bag – you don’t want to let them scratch any of the ornaments.
StoringGlass & Ceramic Ornaments
Wrap individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent scuffs, scratches or breakages. If you have a special storage box that gives each ornament it’s own individual space this isn’t always needed.
Shatterproof and Fabric OrnamentStorage
Store shatterproof ornament bins with dividers.
Alternatively, I use the heavy duty plastic roller bins to store my shatterproof ornaments – they are in individual boxes within this storage bin as opposed to using dividers.
Fabric ornaments should be placed in breathable bags to avoid mustiness. You also need to make sure that fabric ornaments in particular should be kept in a location with consistent temperatures.
DIY and Store-Brought Storage Solutions
Label Storage Boxes – Makes decorating easier next year. The more Christmas decorations you have the more important it is to label the storage boxes so that you can easily and quickly find the ornaments you need.
Climate Control – Avoid extreme heat/cold that can damage delicate pieces. Whereas a lot of people keep their Christmas ornaments in the attic or the garage they do much better if stored inside the house in a cupboard or in the spare room wardrobe.
Ornaments don’t have to stay on the tree! Try these ideas:
Table Centerpieces
Fill glass bowls or vases with ornaments. I have a large, round bowl like glass vase that I fill with ornaments and place on the dining room table every year – I even pop a Father Christmas Tree Topper on top some years.
Gift Toppers
Add small ornaments to wrapped presents. This is a great way of both wrapping the gift, but also giving another gift (the ornament) to someone.
Mantel and Garland Décor
Hang from stocking hooks or string across the fireplace.
Ornament Chandeliers & Wreaths
Hang a cluster of Christmas ornaments from light fixtures to create an ornament chandelier.
Attaching ornaments to wreaths or garlands for your door and tables are a lovely touch.
Final Thoughts
Christmas tree ornaments are the heart of holiday decorating. From their centuries-old traditions to modern designs, they bring beauty, meaning and memories to every tree. Whether you’re starting fresh or adding to a lifelong collection, ornaments are an investment in joy that only grows brighter each holiday season.
So next time you unwrap that box of ornaments, remember – you’re not just decorating a tree, you’re telling your story.
Cream Christmas ornaments are soft, elegant, and endlessly versatile. They give your Christmas tree a cozy yet luxurious feel and work with almost any theme.
Cream works at Christmas time because like Christmas it feels timeless as it blends warmth with sophsticaltion.
This color ornament creates a calming palette that pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern decor.
Best Pairings for Cream Christmas Ornaments
Pair cream with gold ornaments for an elegant, classic look.
Mix with brown, green and beige ornaments for a rustic woodland theme.
Add silver and white Christmas ornaments into the mix for a chic twist on the winter wonderland theme.
Pair with blue or red instead of white to offer a contrast that’s not quite as sharp and is also warmer.
Styling Tips for Cream Christmas Ornaments
Use a mix of glossy cream baubles, matte ornaments and pearl finishes for depth. Add cream or champagne ribbon to tie the look together.
Cream also works beautifully as a base colour – then add metallic accents for sparkle.
Cream ornaments are a must-have if you want your tree to feel soft, stylish and timeless.
