Cool ideas for decorating your Christmas tree from the traditional to the unusual and everything in between.
Category Archives: Ornaments and Decorations
From classic red and white to bold themed designs, explore endless ornament ideas to make your Christmas tree truly sparkle.
Ornaments are the heart of Christmas tree decorating — and here, you’ll find endless inspiration for curating the perfect collection. From classic red and white color schemes to themed ideas inspired by favorite cities, sports teams, and pastimes, this category helps you design an ornament style that feels personal and festive.
While ornaments are the heart, you also need complimentary decorations to help pull your tree together. Explore expert tips on choosing colors, mixing textures, and layering ornaments with ribbons, lights, and other accents.
How to Hang Garland to Look Great With No Tangles!
Beaded garlands can instantly elevate a Christmas tree – they add shimmer, movement and a classic elegance, but only when hung correctly. What’s the trick to hanging beaded garlands so that they don’t turn into a tangled, uneven mess? Scroll down and you’ll find that we offer you a step by step guide to hanging garland that encompass all of our simple tricks to help your garlands look gorgeous and drape beautifully.
Why Beaded Garlands Work So Well
Beads catch the light in a way ribbon or tinsel can’t. Whether it’s traditional gold beads, rustic wooded strands or clear crystal garlands, they:
Reflect light beautifully
Add texture and depth
Pair well with both modern and vintage decorations
Step 1: Prep and Untangle
Before you even approach the tree, lay out your garlands on a flat surface. Untangle carefully and wind them into large, loose loops. A litle prep here saves frustration later.
Step 2: Start at the Top
Attach one end near the top of the tree and work your way down in gentle swoops. Gravity is your friend here – short, even drapes look more intentional than long, sagging looks.
Step 3: Use the “Tuck and Anchor” Method
Instead of just looking around the branches, tuck the garland slightly into the tree and anchor it on branch tips every few inches. This gives a polished, balanced look and keeps strands from slipping.
Step 4: Work in Sections
Trying to wrap the garland in one continuous loop can lead to uneven spacing. Instead, use several shorter strands and overlap the ends slightly for a seamless finish.
Step 5: Layering for Extra Dimension
For a lush look, layer garlands at different depths – one closer to the trunk and one nearer the outer branches. This adds depth and texture.
Extra Tips to Prevent Tangles
Store garlands wrapped around cardboard or on spools.
Untangle before packing away.
Use twist ties or clips for easy storage.
Beaded garlands may seem tricky, but with the right technique, they can turn your tree into a sparkling centerpiece.
Shop Some of Our Favorite Beaded Garland for Christmas 2025
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 ofChristmas 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Silver ornaments bring frosty sparkle and elegance to your Christmas tree. Their cool shimmer makes them perfect for a Winter Wonderland theme or for adding shine to any palette.
Pair silver with white and blue Christmas ornaments for a magical icy effect, or with black for a modern striking contrast. Any shade of blue works well from dark navy right through to pastel baby blue. A more modern look is combining silver with aqua – just the color combination is great, but you can also use this as a base for a coastal charm theme.
Silver also layers beautifully with gold or copper for a mixed-metal luxury look. Mixed metallics are very in at the moment and people often stick with gold, bronze and copper forgetting that silver works well as well – adding a cool tone to the other warmer metals.
Combining silver with jewel tones works well as it balances the warm of emerald greens, burgundy, royal blues & regal purple with a little coolness that just pulls things together really well.
An amazing idea for incorporating silver ornaments is if you’re going for a Hollywood glam tree – combine your silver ornaments with black and white ornaments and add in either camera ornaments, celebrity ornaments or microphone ornaments. This is a striking theme.
Use silver mirrored disco ball ornaments with neon colors for a fun retro disco theme.
I absolutely love silver ornaments on a tree because of how versatile they can be – I often think of silver ornaments being to a Christmas tree what a little black dress is to a ladies wardrobe!
Different Styles of Silver Ornaments
As well as the plain silver baubles which I love, silver ornaments are great in other shapes and styles.
Mirrored Disco Balls: These also help to reflect light from your Christmas lights so are great especially if you’re using a black Christmas tree or darker decor on your tree.
Filigree: Silver filigree ornaments add a touch of elegant sophistication to a tree and can also add some vintage charm.
Snowflake: As silver is often used in Winter Wonderland themed trees snowflakes are a great shape ornament to add to the tree.
Icicle: I think silver and white both look so good in this style of ornament. If you have a shorter tree it also gives the illusion of height if you place them near the tips of the branches. If you place them deeper it adds more depth.
Pine Cones: I love this style of ornament as it brings back memories of my childhood where we would gather actual pine cones and my mother would let us spray paint them gold or silver to decorate the tree.
Teardrops: Silver teardrop ornaments add elegance to a tree, especially the really long elongated teardrop ornaments. Perfect for an elegant frosty theme or a black and silver dramatic theme.
Themed: There are a number of themed silver ornaments available including birds, words and angels.
Styling Tips
Use clear glass ornaments alongside silver for an ethereal effect.
Add snowflake, icicle or star ornaments to play into the frosty vibe.
Wrap your tree in silver ribbon or tinsel for extra sparkle.
