A beautiful Christmas tree doesn’t just happen – it’s crafted. One of the biggest differences between a tree that looks store-brought ad one that looks show-stopping is fluffing.

This simple step can completely transform the look of your artificial tree, making it appear fuller, more natural and far more magical.

In this post we’ll talk about what is fluffing, how you fluff your tree and why you need to fluff your artificial Christmas tree annually.

What is Fluffing?

Fluffing means separating and spreading out each branch and tip of your artificial tree to fill in gaps and create a natural, layered look It’s the key to making your tree look like a lush evergreen rather than a flat, boxy shape.

Note: Fluffing is important for all artificial trees whether they’re prelit or unlit.

Why Fluffing Matters

As more and more people switch to Artificial trees, it’s even more important to be aware of the importance of fluffing. One of the reasons that people are making the switch is because the tree remains looking as good when it’s time to take it down as it was when it went up.

• Creates fullness: Even the best artificial trees arrive slightly compressed from storage. Fluffing restores their shape.
• Hides gaps: Properly arranged branches minimize empty spaces and make lights and decorations shine.
• Makes decorating easier: Once fluffed, your ornaments will hang beautifully without getting lost in awkward gaps.

Step-by-Step Fluffing Guide

1. Assemble the tree section by section
   Start at the bottom and work your way up. If your tree is pre-lit, plug it in as you go so you can see how the lights fall
2. Separate each branch
   Gently pull the tips away from the center. Fan them out like a starburst – some upward, some outward and some downward – to create a natural shape.
3. Fill in the gaps
   Angle some tips diagonally to cover open spaces. Step back often to check your progress.
4. Work with gloves (optional)
   Even though artificial tree branches are softer than real trees, they can be scratchy. Wearing soft gloves can make the process more comfortable.
5. Shape the top last
   Give extra attention to the top of the tree, as this area tends to get flattened in storage.

Pro Tips

• Fluff early: Fluff your tree as soon as you set it up. It sets the stage for everything else.
• Fluff annually: Even if you store it carefully, fluffing is needed every year.
• Take your time: A good fluff can take 30-45 minutes – but the results are worth it.

Once fluffed, your tree will look fuller, more realistic and ready for its close-up in every holiday photo.

More Christmas Tree Tips & Inspiration

• Classic Red & White Christmas Tree Inspiration
• Themed Tree Ideas to Try This Season – Coffee Lovers Tree or Baltimore Ravens Tree
• Fun and Creative Tree Styles – Zombie Christmas Tree or London Inspired Christmas Tree

For decades, real Christmas trees have been a beloved holiday tradition. But in recent years artificial Christmas trees have surged in popularity and it’s easy to see why.

From convenience and cost savings to stunning realism, artificial trees have come a long way.

The main reason I, personally, have artificial Christmas trees is that they look as good when you take them down as they did when you put them up!

Here are the top 10 reasons more and more people have chosen to make the switch from real to artificial trees.

1. They’re Incredibly Realistic

Modern artificial trees look stunningly lifelike, often modeled after real pine, fir or spruce varieties. Many feature textured needles, layered branches and natural shapes that mimic the real thing.

2. Easy Setup

No more wrestling with tree stands, trimming trunks or hauling a heavy tree into the house. Artificial trees assemble quickly and pre-lit options make decorating even faster.

3. Low Maintenance

No watering. No dropping needles, which means no daily vacuuming. No worrying about keeping the tree fresh through a hot December. Artificial trees stay picture-perfect all season long.

4. Reusable Year After Year

A quality artificial tree can last for a decade or ore, saving you the cost (and hassle) of buying a new one every year.

5. Allergy-Friendly

For many households, real trees can trigger allergies or asthma. Artificial trees are a great alternative for sensitive noses.

6. Pet-Safe

The material used in artificial trees are often softer and less prickly than real pine needles which means they are less likely to irritate your pet’s skin should they rub against them.

7. Eco Considerations

While real trees are biodegradable, artificial trees can reduce annual waste if they’re reused over many years.

8. Perfect for Any Space

Artificial trees come in every shape and size – from slim pencil trees for small spaces to grand, full-bodied centerpieces for open-plan living rooms. As they’re not affected by the heat, cold or air conditioning they can be used in any climate (not everyone experiences the cold on Christmas Day!)

9. Cost Effective in the Long Run

Though the upfront cost is higher, an artificial tree pays for itself over time. Many families recoup the cost in just 2-3 years.

10. You Don’t Need to Have a Green Tree

When it comes to artificial trees you can choose to have colors other than green, the most common artificial trees are green, white or flocked. However, there are lots of different colors to choose from like black, pink, red, silver and even multi-colored ones.

Bonus: You can set up your tree as early as you want without worrying about it drying out. That means more time to enjoy the magic of the season.

More Than Ornaments

Ornaments may be the stars of the show, but the supporting decorations – lights, ribbons, garlands, tinsel and toppers – create the structure, sparkle and magic that bring a Christmas tree to life.

This guide explores how to decorate a Christmas tree beautifully without relying solely on ornaments.

For some these pieces of Christmas decor are all they use on their trees, for others these mix in nicely with their curated Christmas ornaments.

We’ll start with lights and work our way up to the Christmas tree topper – let’s begin!

Christmas Tree Lights: The Foundation

Lighting is the base layer of every tree.

A Short History

From dangerous candle-lit branches to Edison’s first electric bulbs in the 1880s, tree lighting has come a long way.

Prior to 1882 people used candles to lit up their Christmas trees which were quite the fire hazard. In 1882 the first strand of electric holiday lights were produced and while they were a safer option they weren’t affordable for most people. Within 50 years these lights were being mass-produced and had started to become established holiday decor.

Today there are many different types of Christmas lights available as we’ll discuss below. There are also a huge selection of pre-lit artificial Christmas trees on the market.

Types of Lights

• Incandescent: These provide the classic Christmas tree glow, but they are less energy-efficient.
• LED: These come in a variety of colors and are both long-lasting and cool to the touch.
• Fairy Lights: I personally love these on a Christmas tree – they provide a tiny, delicate sparkle which I personally think is magical.
• Globe/Bulb Lights: These give you a modern, oversized look which can really add an impact on your tree.
• Smart Lights: These lights are App-controlled and provide customizable patterns which are pretty awesome.

Lighting Tips

• Test before hanging!
• Use 100 lights per foot of the tree as a rule of thumb.
• Test before hanging – yes I’m repeating this as it’s very important.

How to arrange your Lights

• Start at the bottom and work your way up – weave lights in a zig-zag patten (this will make it easier to remove after the holidays than if you do a spiral pattern.
• String lights vertically for even coverage and to add height to a shorter tree.
• If you want to spotlight areas on the tree and don’t have any oversized Christmas lights you could create your own cluster lights where you gather several strands of lights together at the base of a branch or in a specific section of the tree .

Tinsel & Garland: Adding Sparkle and Depth

Tinsel

Tinsel originated in 17th century Germany and was once made of real silver. It is now available in multiple colors and adds shimmer to a tree. Although in the past lots of tinsel was added to Christmas trees (think of the retro Christmas trees from your youth or your parents youth) if you’re after a modern look you should use it sparingly.

If you want a vintage look you can use twisted tin tinsel, this can also be used for a dramatic monochromic look or a modern, sophisticated look.

Garland

Bead garlands, popcorn strands, ribbon garlands or natural greenery – garlands are another great way to decorate your tree. If you layer your garland horizontally you can add depth to the tree; if you drape the garland vertically you add more texture to the tree.

Ribbon, Bows & Fabric Wraps

Ribbon has become a trendy alternative to garland.

• Wide Cascading Ribbon: Dramatic and luxurious these can add a sumptuous look to a tree.
• Spiral Wraps: Adds movement, this is good as it helps to add texture and depth to a tree without being bulky.
• Rustic Burlap: Farmhouse aesthetic is what most people think when adding burlap, but it also works for a woodland themed tree or a coffee themed tree.
• Oversized Bows: Use at branch tips for accent.

Tree Picks, Sprays & Florals

Tree picks are decorative stems you insert into the branches.

• Berry Sprays: Add pops of red.
• Glittered Branches: Sparke and dimension.
• Florals: Poinsettias, roses, magnolias.
• Feathers: Luxe, modern statement.

Tree Toppers: The Crown of the Tree

• Traditional: If you were growing up in the 70s/80s or earlier then the only toppers on the tree were a star or an angel. I do think that when we’re talking traditional now, however, we can add Father Christmas to the Stars and Angels Toppers.
• Modern: Oversized bows, snowflakes, geometric designs and themed tree toppers. There are so many themed tree toppers available today you can have a lot of fun choosing from Mickey Mouse to Yoda and lots of things in between.
• DIY: Paper stars (or I remember one year our star topper got broken so I used a cardboard Weetabix box to make the star and covered it in foil – my daughter thought it looked great!). Floral arrangements or even handmade crafts can also be used.

Themed Decorating Without Ornaments

Some stunning trees skip ornaments entirely.

• Minimalist Trees: Just lights and ribbon.
• Rustic Charm: Burlap, pinecones, wooden beads.
• Elegant Luxe: Metallic sprays, velvet ribbon and fairy lights.
• Whimsical Fun: Colorful lights, oversized bows

DIY & Budget-Friendly Decor Ideas

• Handmade paper chains or garlands.
• Dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks for natural decor.
• Fabric scraps tied into bows.
• Painted pinecones collected from outside.

Final Thoughts

Ornaments are only part of the magic. Lights, ribbon, tinsel, sprays and toppers transform your tree into a masterpiece. Whether you love minimalist Scandinavian style, rustic farmhouse charm, or bold luxe sparkle, the right supporting decorations will make your Christmas tree unforgettable.

The holiday season is all about traditions, but each year brings fresh trends that inspire new ways to decorate. In 2025, Christmas ornaments are bigger, bolder and more personal than ever before. From oversized statement baubles to natural, handmade touches, this year’s ornament trends prove that your Christmas tree can be both stylish and meaningful.

Here’s a closer look at the top Christmas ornament trends for 2025 and how you can bring them into your holiday home.

Oversized Statement Ornaments

Go big this year! Large ornaments, whether round baubles, oversized stars or giant snowflakes, are one of the biggest trends for Christmas 2025. They create instant drama and help fill out a tree beautifully.

• Style tip: Use oversized ornaments as focal points, placing them evenly around the tree for balance.
• Pairing colors: Jewel tones, metallics or bold monochrome.
• Perfect for: Tall trees or anyone who wants a show-stopping look.

Pair oversized ornaments with rich Blue Christmas Ornaments or glamorous Gold Christmas ornaments for impact.

Natural & Handmade Touches

Sustainability continues to influence Christmas decorating. Handmade, rustic and natural ornaments are huge this year, from wooden stars to felt animals, ceramic baubles and paper honeycombs.

• Style tip: Mix natural ornaments with earthy color palettes like terracotta, beige and muted greens.
• Pairing colors: Copper, cream and soft neutrals.
• Perfect for: Rustic, farmhouse or eco-friendly Christmas trees.

Combine with Brown Christmas Ornaments and Green Christmas Ornaments for a cozy feel.

Mixed Metallics

Gone are the days of sticking to just gold or silver. In 2025, decorators are mixing gold, silver , bronze and copper for a layered, luxe look. Different finishes (matte, shiny and glitter) add depth and sparkle.

• Style tip: Cluster metallic ornaments together for maximum shine.
• Pairing colors: Deep jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire.
• Perfect for: Glamorous or formal Christmas decor.

Browse Gold Christmas Ornaments, Bronze Christmas Ornaments and Copper Christmas Ornaments to shop the trend.

Whimsical & Nostalgic Ornaments

Think nutcrackers, ballerinas, gingerbread houses or woodland animals – ornaments that feel playful and nostalgic are back in style. These designs bring warmth and personality to your tree, especially for family settings.

• Style tip: Mix a few novelty ornaments with classic round baubles for balance.
• Pairing colors: Pastels, candy-brights or traditional red and green.
• Perfect for: Family-friendly, memory-filled trees.

Try pairing with Pink Christmas Ornaments or Red Christmas Ornaments for a whimsical touch.

Glass & Transparent Ornaments

Delicate glass baubles and see-through ornaments filled with glitter, snow or tiny trinkets are trending in 2025. They reflect light beautifully and add an elegant touch to any tree.

• Style tip: Place glass ornaments near fairy lights to enhance the glow.
• Pairing colors: White, silver or soft pastels.
• Perfect for: Elegant or minimalist Christmas trees.

See White Christmas Ornaments and Silver Christmas Ornaments for inspiration.

Color-Blocked Trees

Instead of a full rainbow of colors, many decorators in 2025 are choosing a strong two-toe or monochrome palette. A black and gold tree, a white and aqua tree, a blue and silver tree or a blush and silver theme creates a striking, modern look.

• Style tip: Stick to no more than two dominant colors for a cohesive finish.
• Pairing colors: Black & gold, pink & silver, red & white are popular combos.
• Perfect for: Modern, chic homes.

Start with Black Christmas Ornaments or Aqua Christmas Ornaments as your base color.

Travel & Hobby Ornaments

Ornaments that reflect your personality – whether it’s a suitcase, a camera, a favorite sport or even your beloved pet – are becoming a must-have. They make trees feel personal and tell your story.

• Style tip: Mix hobby ornaments with complementary baubles to keep your tree balanced.
• Pairing colors: Any palette that reflects your personal taste.
• Perfect for: Making memories and celebrating milestones.

Check out themed ornaments like Sports Ornaments or Pet Ornaments to add personality.

Layered Textures

Texture is playing a big role in 2025. Velvet ornaments, sequins, glitter, feathers and beaded details all add depth and richness. Layering multiple textures on the same tree keeps it dynamic and eye-catching.

• Style tip: Alternate textures so no two similar ornaments sit side by side.
• Pairing colors: Works beautifully with jewel tones and metallics.
• Perfect for: Luxe, glamorous or eclectic trees.

Shop the Look

Bring this year’s top ornament trends into your home with these curated picks:

 Bronze Copper and Gold Christmas Ornament Set Emerald Green Large Christmas Ornament Set Blue and Silver Christmas Ornament Set

Final Thoughts

From oversized ornaments and natural handmade designs to mixed metallics and nostalgic keepsakes, the top ornament trends of 2025 show that Christmas decorating is about both syle and personality. Whether you go bold with black and gold or keep it cozy with rustic neutrals, this year’s trends make it easy to create a tree that’s completely your own.

Don’t forget to explore our full Christmas Ornament Guide for color, style and theme inspiration.

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? On this post we are talking about white Christmas ornaments which are a classic color for haning onto Chismtas trees. Let’s face it white ornaments are timeless and versatile and looks good no matter what other colors you’re adding to your tree.

White ornaments look great on their own but they also pair really well with clear or silver ornaments for a frosty wintery look. When you add them to a black Christmas tree you can make a really dramatic statement, especially with a few pops of red added in.

Turquoise or aqua ornaments pair really well with white ornaments for either a Winter Wonderland theme or a Cozy Coastal theme.

Pairing white with gold Christmas ornaments leaves you with a tree that says quiet sophistication. If you want more of a glamorous metallic mix which is very on trend this year the add silver to the mix.

Combining white ornaments to the traditional red & green makes the classic Christmas look see fresher.

If you love rustic themed Christmas tree then mixing white with beige, cream and wood tones is amazing – the layering of these neutral colors adds an elegant air to the rustic feel.

What Style of White Ornaments Work Best?

There are lots of different styles of white ornaments available. Starting with baubles you can get matte, glossy or glittered and using a combination of these finishes will really help to add depth and texture to your tree.

Icicle style ornaments really suit the color white and you can hang them up and let your imagination believe that Jack Frost visited your Christmas tree and left you some white ornaments as a calling card!

Another classic white ornament are White Snowflake Christmas Ornaments. I mean, really, can you use any other color but white for snowflakes? Okay so you can get them in lots of colors, but for me they should be white or silver to really bring home a touch of snow to your tree.

White Dove Christmas ornaments are another great ornament to have on your tree. Doves being a symbol of peach and Christmas being the perfect time for peace on earth these are a classic. In more recent years I have seen another white bird appearing on a number of Christmas trees – the Snowy Owl.

White Angel Christmas Ornaments are another classic that are often seen on trees. Traditionally the angel would be on the top of the tree looking after everyone gathered around, but over the years we’ve seen more and more smaller angel ornaments adorning trees.

Oher White Christmas Ornaments – there are so many other Christmas ornaments that are white that it is far too many to list here, but I do love polar bear Christmas ornaments and I have seen a number of these over the past few years (I even adorned my office table top Christmas tree in just polar bears a few years ago). Ice skates, ballerinas and pine cones are other themed ornaments I have seen in recent years.

Styling Tips

• Use flocked garlands or snowy sprays to enhance the wintry effect.
• Add glass or pearlized ornaments for texture and shine.
• Incorporate natural wood ornaments to balance modern elegance with rustic charm.

Perfect themes: Snowy Woodland, Classic Christmas or Modern Glam.

Discover beautiful White Christmas Ornaments here!

If you’re looking for more Christmas inspiration check out our guide to the years Top Ornament Trends for Christmas.