Your Christmas tree is the festive centerpiece in your home, and the opportunity to decorate it (and your entire house) only comes once a year.
However, putting up a spectacular tree is more complicated than it looks if you’re unsure where to start. So, how do interior designers get such a professional look?
If you want to spread some holiday cheer with an Insta-worthy tree this year, we’ve got you covered with these expert tips.
Choose a Theme
First of all, you’ll need to choose a theme for your Christmas tree. A theme will tie all the separate elements together to create a more professional look.
Choosing a theme before you begin decorating your tree will give you a clearer idea of what it should look like at the end – just try to stick to one color scheme.
You can choose any theme you like! It could be patriotic with a white, red, and blue color scheme and military Christmas ornaments or a showcase of your favorite decorations that you’ve collected over the years. Don’t be afraid to make it yours.
You can also look at Pinterest and home décor sites for some more inspiration.
Shape the Tree
Although you may not realize it, fluffing up and arranging your tree’s branches is one of the most important steps in achieving a professional look. And, while the task is extremely time-consuming, the result of a full, natural-looking tree makes it completely worth it.
Carefully separate each branch and fluff out the side branches so that they cover as much space as possible – don’t worry about having to bend any of the smaller branches to cover any gaps.
Install the Lights
Before you hang your ornaments, you should string up your lights first. Trying to add your Christmas tree lights after you’ve placed all your baubles and garlands will be extremely difficult!
Lighting experts recommend using 100 bulbs (or 5 meters of lights) for every 2 ft of your Christmas tree. So, for a 6-foot tree, you’ll need 300 bulbs (that’s 15 meters of lights.)
Another pro tip is to decorate your tree with the lights off – now, I know, you’re excited to see what it will look like lit up, but working with the lights off will help you spot gaps in your décor.
Create Sections and Place Ornaments Strategically
While there are no hard rules for what ornaments you can use, starting with the largest decorations and tucking them in between the branches is a great way to add some depth.
You can also add some professional flair by grouping ornaments of the same design or color together in clusters. Alternatively, different styles clustered together will add points of interest and texture.
Fill in the Gaps and Add a Personal Touch
Christmas tree sprays and picks are a great way to add even more texture to your tree and fill in any annoying gaps.
You can choose natural-looking picks featuring flowers or berries for a realistic look, or you can go for fancier picks with pearl or crystal embellishments to add a touch of sophistication.
If you have any unique or heirloom pieces, don’t be afraid to let them shine. Vintage pieces add a personal touch to your tree and create interest.
Add a Special Topper
Finally, it’s time to add your Christmas tree topper. A traditional tree topper is usually a star, a fancy bow, Santa, or an angel.
Choose one that compliments your theme, or you can make a professional-looking one yourself. If you don’t have a topper, you can gather up picks into a bouquet or tie ornaments together with floral wire.
Now, all that’s left for you to do is turn on your lights, stand back, and admire your work!