The Best Order for Decorating a Christmas Tree

My creamy white, vintage style Christmas tree is all decorated and I wanted to share my decorating process with you. I have decorated a lot of Christmas trees and have picked up a few tips along the way. However, I started wondering what really is the best order for decorating a Christmas tree? I did a little research, and this seemed to be the most recommended order.

In What Order Should You Decorate A Christmas Tree?

1. Fluff the tree
2. Wrap the lights
3. Put on the topper
4. Drape the garland
5. Place filler ornaments on the interior of the tree
6. Space out large statement ornaments
7. Fill in with regular ornaments
8. Add Ribbon Accents
9. Add Picks
10. Place a tree skirt around the bottom

How To Decorate A Winter White Vintage Christmas Tree

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Before I do any of those steps above, I choose a theme. My theme is often the same or a variation of what I have done in past years. This beautiful vintage looking Christmas tree is a creamy white, so that’s the primary color of my theme.

The secondary colors I chose are antique silver and gold, which may actually be the theme of the room. I then accented with shades of beige.

Create A Christmas Tree Topper

After the tree is fluffed and the lights are on, it’s time to put on the topper.

The Christmas tree topper can really make a statement. I added a bit of whimsy by using a vintage silver teapot filled with flowers and “pouring” out bells.

Drape Garland

This simple pearl garland adds a little movement to the tree without distracting from the ornaments. I always try to make mine look carefree and casual, like it doesn’t care.

Tip: Start at the bottom of the tree when adding the garland, and let it drape rather than bend on the branches

Place Filler Ornaments On the Interior Of The Tree

These snow flake ornaments are perfect fillers. They are very inexpensive and look beautiful when the lights are on. The fillers are placed deep inside the tree branches.

Evenly Space Statement Ornaments On The Tree

I consider these sheet music banner and glittered word ornaments, and these large silver drops as my my statement ornaments. There are only a few of the banners, and I space them out as evenly as possible on the tree.

Cluster Tree Ornaments For A Professional Look

Tip: Remove any strings on hanging ornaments and use metal hangers It is so much easier to place the ornaments this way.

I like to do clusters of three different sizes and shapes. In this cluster I used a cream ball, gold snowflake, and a silver drop ornament.

After I do the clusters, I continue to fill in the gaps with the rest of my ornaments.

Add Ribbon

I chose a rustic burlap like ribbon this year. It creates a nice contrast with all the shiny silver.

Tip: Cut ribbon into pieces 12-18 inches long and tuck into the tree. Start at eye level.

Place the ribbon pieces as if they were winding in and out, down the tree.

When I got done positioning the ribbon pieces, it just felt off. I went back and gave the ribbon some crinkles and waves, and pinched the ends together.

It just looks so much more natural now, not so perfect.

After the ribbon, I added in a few picks, mostly toward the top. (this is before I crinkled the ribbon)

Finally, I wrapped cream fleece fabric around the base for a skirt.

Was This the Best Order For Decorating a Christmas Tree?

I followed the recommended best order for decorating a Christmas tree for the first time, applied the tips given, and I really think it was the easiest way I have done it!

You can see how I decorated this tree two years ago in my vintage dining room tour.

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Thanks for stopping by,

Janet