Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas and Themes

Outfit a standard Christmas tree with a thick snow blanket to remind you of the winters of your childhood or the winter trips to the mountains.

To create a convincing effect, lay lengths of rolled cotton along the branches of your tree. Then sprinkle crystal snow over the cotton.

White Christmas trees are definitely not traditional but are becoming more and more popular. They bring a dreamy, white, winter feel to the home and are perfect for displaying special ornaments or just enhancing a favorite color. Besides being beautiful, they are also very easy to decorate. These trees go well with almost any color.

A simple white Christmas tree adorned with bright blue ornaments makes a big statement. Blue is a natural winter color complement for white but why not decorate in the color you love the most, or that best suits your current décor?

White Christmas trees decorated in monochromatic color schemes give a home a fancier look that can't be achieved in the same way with a traditional green tree. On the other hand, when decorated with ball ornaments and garlands in different colors, white trees add a playful and fun feel to the room.

One might think that black Christmas trees are a little too sad or depressing, but if decorated in the right way, they can be really chic and fun. Rich purple shades, which are one of the most fashionable palettes for interiors, are perfect for creating a dramatic and theatrical look. Black trees look very sleek and modern with jewel-colored baubles and contemporary ornaments.

Black Christmas trees are certainly not for everyone but are ideal for people who want to decorate their houses uniquely for the Christmas day.

Star Christmas tree theme is very easy to do and is also pretty inexpensive. Cut stars from gold, silver and red card stock in two different sizes. Hang the star ornaments on the tree with loops of red thread or ribbon, and finish off the decoration with traditional small candles.

Legend has it that candles were first placed upon the branches of a Christmas tree in order to replicate twinkling stars in the night sky, which fits perfectly with the starry theme.

Vintage aluminum trees are a nostalgic alternative to the usual Christmas tree. They are, however, something that people either really like or hate. When decorated with taste, aluminum trees can be the very sophisticated-looking and stylish. Ornaments that together create a monochromatic palette (even silver) will look best on them. The nice thing about aluminum trees is that they sparkle on their own and there is no need to put lights on them.

For a decoration that's both rustic and festive, liven up your tree with garlands made entirely of pine cones. For a more natural look, leave the pine cones unadorned and combine them with red cardinal birds or winterberries.

You can also make ornaments and even a tree toper of pine cones. The best thing is that such decorations are easy and cheap to make.

Similar to black Christmas trees, pink trees can be glamorous and chic when done in the right way. You have to be very careful choosing the colors of the ornaments, because a very colorful and busy palette can make the tree look kitschy. Some of the most appropriate colors for a pink tree are white, silver and gold. They just highlight its beauty and do not take the visual interest away from the tree itself. Pink-colored lights, as well as silver and white are also appropriate and look elegant.

The modern look is hot right now, meaning clean and simple designs. To get this look you don’t need many ornaments. Pick several Christmas balls in bold colors such as neon yellow, blue and pink to create an eye-catching, yet clean design.

Christmas and snowflakes go hand in hand and decorating your tree with delicate, crocheted snowflakes will create a magical snowfall effect. These beautiful handmade ornaments will pop against the dark green branches of the Christmas tree and make it look unique. Complete the snowy effect by adding other crocheted ornaments, such as bells and angels, small glittery balls or felt ornaments.

Oversized Christmas ornaments are ideal for large living rooms and make huge impact. To make them work, you need a coordinated color scheme, large topper and some small ornaments. Oversized Christmas ornaments and decorations may cost a bit more but there are cheaper homemade alternatives such as 3D paper stars that will look equally elegant and stunning.

Garlands are used to create different forms, effects and drape the Christmas tree with holiday cheer. Give your tree an interesting, designer look, with slim ribbon or tinsel garlands that criss-cross horizontally across the branches and dozens of glass icicles to add a vertical element. A tree covered with a net of sparkling lines, and monochromatic ornaments in shiny and matte finishes, will work its magic with shape and texture.

Decorate your Christmas tree with edible ornaments that are both delicious and inexpensive. Dough ornaments are fun to make, not to mention a great project to do with the kids. Adorn your Christmas tree with decorated cookies in the shapes of snowflakes, animals or gingerbread men. Add ribbon candy, gumdrops, and other old-fashioned candies that people can eat right off the tree. An edible tree theme is something that can become a tradition in a family.

The first Christmas trees were decorated with fruits, nuts and candies that were eaten when the tree was taken down. These old fashioned decorations can be used even today. Create an exotic tree by adding dry fruits, clove oranges, lemons and winter berries. The fruit ornaments, especially the clove oranges, are simple to make and their citrus aroma will make your whole house smell of Christmas!

Christmas tree wall decals or stickers are especially great when space is limited. They can add a dash of festive fun to the holiday décor of any small apartment. Christmas tree decals take up no space and are easy to assemble. Depending on their design, they can even be decorated with pretty ornaments, hung on tiny wall hooks.