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.
Want to make a bold statement this year? Neon Christmas ornaments are vibrant, playful and guaranteed to stand out.
These really are perfect for anyone who loves a fun, modern twist on holiday decor. You can choose to use just one neon color such as neon pink or lime green or you can use a mix of neon colors.
Neon ornaments work at Christmas because the colors bring energy and excitement. They are unexpected, cheerful and ideal for families who want a bright fun tree.
Best Pairings for Neon Ornaments
Mix neon colors together for a playful rainbow tree.
Pair neon pink or green with silver for a futuristic look.
Combine with silver and white for a poppy. winter wonderland feel.
Alternatively, add neon accents to a traditional tree for a surprising pop of fun.
Choose a single neon color such as orange and create a monochromatic look.
Styling Tips for Neon Christmas Ornaments
Neon ornaments look amazing with colorful fairy lights or even LED lights that change color.
Pair with bold ribbon and oversized baubles to balance the brightness.
This style also works well for themed trees such as retro or candy themed.
For a modern, glamorous look you could use a white tree and pair neon ornaments with silver and white decorations, including white lights and other metallic accents. This creates a sophisticated, winter wonderland feel with a difference.
For a slightly futuristic theme combine neon ornaments with other shiny , metallic accents such as tinsel, gold and glass decorations for a really eye catching tree.
For an unconventional, playful Christmas tree mix your neon ornaments with other bold, trending colors like pink, red and blue.
This is also a style that works well for a kids tree if you want to give them their own tree – use a white one to really make the colors pop for them.
Add neon light shapes like small neon light wire shaped as stars, hears or snowflakes.
Add a neon Merry Christmas sign to the tree as a focal point or as a topper.
Neon ornaments create a Christmas tree that’s anything but ordinary.
Orange ornaments add warmth and vibrancy to your Christmas tree. They bring a cheerful, glowig feel that makes your decor stand out.
Orange ornaments work at Christmas because as a color orange is warm, uplifting and festive. It’s reminiscent of cozy fires, spiced oranges and holiday treats.
When you look at the range of orange ornaments around you may start asking yourself – why haven’t I tried this color scheme before!
Best Pairings for Orange Ornaments
Pair with copper and gold ornaments for a warm metallic glow.
Mix with green and red or neon colors for a fun, retro palette.
Alternatively, you could combine with different shades of brown (chocolate and coffee are my favourite to pair with orange) and cream ornaments for a rustic woodland style.
Pairing it with black is a great look that could go from Halloween tree to Christmas tree!
Mix orange and lime green together for a fun, zesting looking tree that is sure to pop.
Styling Tips for Orange Christmas Ornaments
Use orange baubles with glitter or glass finishes to catch the light.
Add cinnamon sticks, dried oranges and pinecones for a rustic feel and add burlap to round it out.
For a bold look, mix orange with turquoise or purple.
If you love the look of black and orange together, there are two ways of doing it – the first is to use a black tree with orange ornaments; the second is to have a few black ornaments to break up the orange ornaments.
Flickering fairy lights work really well to add to the cozy feel that orange ornaments bring to your tree.
Orange ornaments are perfect if you want a Christmas tree that feels cheerful and welcoming.
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.
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.
