How to Decorate a Christmas Tree | A Complete Guide to Ornaments and Materials
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree | A Complete Guide to Ornaments and Materials
The Christmas season is fast approaching, and soon the streets will be adorned with dazzling illuminations.
Of all the preparations for Christmas, perhaps the most exciting is undoubtedly decorating the Christmas tree.
Simply hanging ornaments would be a waste! By learning professional techniques, your tree can be elevated to a whole new level.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know to create a beautiful Christmas tree, including the order of decoration, types and meanings of ornaments, and foolproof color schemes.
This Christmas, use this article as your guide to create the perfect tree!
About Christmas Trees
What exactly is a Christmas tree?
The origin of the Christmas tree lies in the ancient European belief in the "Tree of Life."
Evergreen trees, which remain green even in the cold winter, have been considered symbols of "eternal life" and "hope."
Decorating these evergreen trees with food like apples and nuts, and candles, is said to be the prototype of today's Christmas tree.
Firs and spruces are traditionally used
Fir and spruce trees are traditionally used as Christmas trees.
These trees retain their needles well and have sturdy branches, allowing them to support heavy decorations.
While artificial trees, which are easier to maintain, are common today, the rich scent and warmth that only a real fir tree possesses make the Christmas atmosphere truly special.
Three Parts of a Christmas Tree (Zoning)
Before you begin decorating, a professional technique is to think of the tree as being divided into three zones.
By being aware of these zones, you can achieve a balanced and beautifully voluminous finish.
Top (Uppermost part)
This is the very top of the tree. The most important symbol that determines the overall look is placed here. It is decorated first and leads the entire decoration process.
Middle (Middle part)
This is the main area, from the middle of the tree to eye level. Most of the ornaments and lights are placed here to create the tree's splendor and volume.
Bottom (Lower part)
This is the base of the tree. It serves to hide the everyday elements like the base or stand, and enhances the overall perfection of the tree.
Ornaments for the Top?
The ornament placed at the very top of the tree is the most sacred decoration, symbolizing the tree's theme and stature.
Star
The most popular decoration, symbolizing the "Star of Bethlehem."
It is said to be the star that announced the birth of Jesus Christ and guided the wise men, and is considered a symbol of hope. It is the centerpiece of the tree.
Angel
Symbolizes "the angel Gabriel who announced the birth of Christ." It holds a sacred meaning as a messenger of God.
It creates a softer, more elegant impression than a star. It was popular in Victorian England.
How to Decorate the Middle Section with Ornaments?
The golden rule for decorating the middle section with main ornaments is to start with lights, followed by garlands, and then ornaments.
Following this order makes it easier to hide light wires later and adjust decorations.
Lights (LED lights)
Decorate with lights first. The glow of the lights will highlight the colors and shapes of the ornaments.
By arranging them evenly from the back to the front of the branches, and both inside and outside the tree, you create depth and three-dimensionality.
Garlands
These are ribbon-like or tinsel-like decorations. They symbolize connection, bonds, and eternity.
They are placed after the lights and before the ornaments. Winding them spirally or in an S-shape along the tree adds movement and looks beautiful.
Colorful Balls
These are the most common ornaments, said to be modeled after apples. They signify abundance and life.
Mixing large and small sizes prevents monotony and adds volume.
They are also effective when used as accent colors alongside the main colors.
Apples, Oranges, Nuts, Candies
These are traditional ornaments from ancient times. Originally, real ones were used, but now glass or plastic imitations are common.
They are imbued with the meaning of wishing for abundance.
Decorating with candy canes (red and white staffs) adds a professional touch. They mimic a shepherd's staff, symbolizing salvation and guidance.
Ribbons
These decorations became popular from Victorian decorative culture. They signify "bonds" of love and friendship.
Tying them to the tips of the tree branches fills gaps and gives an elegant impression. The fabric's luster and color can adjust the overall ambiance.
Bells
They symbolize celebration and joy. They represent the joy of Christ's birth and the sound that drives away evil spirits.
While the bell ornaments on a Christmas tree don't ring, their visual presence adds a touch of splendor.
Snowflakes, Stars, Heart-shaped Ornaments, etc.
Choose these to match the tree's theme.
Snowflakes and stars evoke winter, while hearts express love and warmth.
What to Decorate the Bottom with?
The treatment of the tree's base and bottom is a crucial point that determines a professional-looking finish.
A tree skirt is good
A fabric skirt that covers the base of the tree. It hides the utilitarian look of the stand and creates a sense of luxury and unity.
Choosing a color that matches the tree's main colors will create a cohesive look.
Felt or velvet are common materials. Red, green, and gold are classic choices.
Decorating with gift boxes gives a professional finish
Even if they aren't real presents, simply placing wrapped empty gift boxes at the base of the tree instantly elevates the special Christmas mood.
This technique is often used for Christmas trees in hotels and public spaces in Tokyo.
It gives a professional finish, so please try it.
Focusing on Ornament Materials Makes It More Professional
To give your Christmas tree a specific theme or atmosphere, rather than just decorating it, the choice of ornament materials is extremely important.
Simply having a sense of unity in the materials will instantly refine the tree's impression, making it look as if a professional designed it.
Glass for a classical and elegant finish
The greatest appeal of glass ornaments lies in their translucent texture and elegant sheen.
They beautifully reflect and transmit the lights on the tree, creating a unique depth of sparkle.
Especially those with delicate designs or hand-painted motifs bring history and dignity to the tree.
Decorating Tips
・Coordination with lights: Glass balls reflect light well, so if you also place lights inside the tree (deep within the branches) to create layers of light, the brilliance of the glass will be maximized.
・Placement balance: Consider the balance with other materials and place them at eye level or in prominent positions to create a sense of luxury.
・Caution: Since they are fragile, if you have small children or pets, it is necessary to consider placing them higher up, out of reach.
Wood for a rustic, Nordic style
The charm of wooden ornaments is undoubtedly their natural warmth and rustic simplicity.
Solid wood or simple designs with subdued colors bring a comforting calm and natural ambiance to the tree.
This is ideal for those who prefer understated decorations and a serene space.
Decorating Tips
・Nordic theme: Choosing red or white wooden ornaments (Dala horses, snowflakes, reindeer, etc.) can express the Nordic "hygge" (cozy) atmosphere.
・Accent: Combining them with natural materials like pinecones and dried fruits creates a more cohesive and organic tree.
・Garland: Using garlands made of strung wooden beads gives an even warmer impression.
Fabric or felt for an American country feel
Fabric and felt ornaments are characterized by their soft, rounded appearance.
They have a handmade warmth and are suitable for creating an American country or shabby chic atmosphere.
Also, since there's no risk of breakage, they are perfect for decorating with children.
Decorating Tips
・Patchwork: Incorporating checkered patterns or patchwork designs will greatly enhance the country aesthetic.
・Cookie cutter shapes: Decorating with felt ornaments shaped like traditional cookies such as gingerbread men, stars, or hearts creates a friendly impression.
・Volume: Being lightweight, they can be hung not only from branch tips but also tucked into gaps deeper within the tree to add volume.
Color Scheme is Important for Ornament Combinations
Color choice is the most crucial element in determining the tree's atmosphere. To avoid mistakes, the key is to narrow down your main colors to 2-3.
Traditional Christmas trees use "red, green, and gold"
・Red: Christ's blood, love.
・Green: Eternal life, hope (color of the fir tree).
・Gold: God's grace, wealth.
This combination creates the most popular, splendid, and traditional Christmas image.
If you want an image of serenity, use "blue and silver"
・Blue: Stillness, night sky.
・Silver: Snow, purity.
This can create a calm, cool atmosphere, suitable for an adult Christmas or a snowy landscape.
If you want a sacred image, use "white and gold"
・White: Purity, snow.
・Gold: Light, sanctity.
This creates an elegant, refined, and sacred image. It's a color scheme that blends well with modern interiors.
&YOUKAEN is Selling Japanese Fir Christmas Trees!
The success of tree decoration is determined by the quality of the tree itself, which serves as the foundation.
&YOUKAEN offers potted Christmas trees made from vibrant, domestically grown fir trees.
These high-quality fir trees are cultivated at "Takahashi Botanical Garden" in Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, which boasts volcanic ash soil from Mt. Asama and well-drained pumice-rich soil.
&YOUKAEN's director personally selects each tree, considering its shape and balance.
When displayed in your home, the gentle scent of the forest will fill the air, bringing an authentic Nordic Christmas ambiance to your daily life.
You can also care for it long after Christmas. Please visit the product page from the link below.
Forest-Scented! Japanese Root-Wrapped Fir Christmas Tree, Height 80~100cm
Japanese Fir Christmas Tree
¥13,000-
Summary
This article explained how to decorate a Christmas tree beautifully like a professional, from the concept of "three zones" to the order of placing ornaments and foolproof color choices.
Review of Decorating Tips
1. Divide the tree into three zones (top, middle, bottom).
2. Decorate in the order of lights → garlands → ornaments.
3. Limit main colors to 2-3 to create a cohesive look.
4. Enhance completeness by addressing the base (bottom) with a tree skirt or gift boxes.
Using these tips, please try decorating the best Christmas tree this year. We wish you a wonderful Christmas!
Oct 09, 2025
