Decorating the Christmas tree – how to make it truly festive
Is the tree up? Then it's time to decorate. Those who consciously take their time will be rewarded with atmosphere, peace, and a good dose of anticipation.
A carefully decorated Christmas tree thrives on proportion, a sense of color, and harmonious lighting. Starting with the lights early, paying attention to ornament placement, and focusing on a few colors and materials creates a calm yet festive atmosphere. Whether traditional, Scandinavian, or modern – what matters is not the style, but the approach: less is often more, and deliberate gaps allow the eye to appreciate beautiful details.
The tree is the focal point.
Before the first ornament is hung, a decision needs to be made: What kind of Christmas tree will it be this year? A compact noble fir with dense needles? A classic Nordmann fir, which appears soft but expansive? Or the slender, slightly asymmetrical blue spruce, which brings fragrance and a distinctive character? Important: Not only size, but also branches, trunk shape, and growth direction influence the final appearance. A tree that is too dense leaves little room for decoration, while one that is too sparse can sometimes look empty.
Fairy lights or candles.
String lights form the foundation – both visually and practically. They should be hung first so that the Christmas tree decorations don't get in the way. If you're using real candles, keep them away from branches and from flammable ornaments. Electric lights, on the other hand, allow for proximity, repetition, and depth. Ideally, the string lights should follow the spiral shape of the tree: from the inside out, from top to bottom, and with pauses between each. If you're unsure, a good rule of thumb is 100 lights per meter of tree height as a starting point.
Christmas tree decorations with a system
Baubles, ornaments, garlands, tinsel – where they go is less a question of tradition than of balance. Heavy objects belong at the bottom, light and small items at the top. Large Christmas baubles create volume, smaller ones add accents. The proportion to the tree is crucial – nothing looks more cluttered than baubles that are too small on a large tree. Those who prefer a Scandinavian style opt for natural materials, transparent colors, fabric ornaments, or handmade items. Traditional decorations like angel hair, small gifts, or felt figures work well when used thoughtfully.
Deliberately setting color accents.
Specific color accents can make a tree appear calmer than a wildly combined color palette. Three tones, one dominant and two supporting, are often sufficient. Those with a tranquil room can add a touch of shine with gold or silver, while those with a richly colored room are better off with white, Earth tones, or muted greens. Red still works, too —but preferably in rich, matte shades rather than high-gloss. Important: A tree is not a shop window. Its impact comes from a certain depth, not from excessive opulence.
Christmas scent
Cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, pine cones with a bit of wax, and fragrant Christmas decorations make the tree feel even more inviting and alive. Room sprays enhance the festive scent – but please use them sparingly.
FAQ: Decorating the Christmas tree – frequently asked questions
What's the best way to start decorating the Christmas tree?
Always start with the string of lights – from the inside out, from top to bottom. This ensures a harmonious lighting scheme and allows the other tree decorations to stand out more.
What is the ideal color scheme for a Christmas tree?
Ideally, use no more than three colors: one primary color and two supporting accents. Calm, matte tones like dark red, brass, or muted green create a particularly atmospheric effect – especially in contrast to minimalist rooms.
Which materials are suitable for harmonious Christmas tree decorations?
Glass, wood, metal, and fabric can be easily combined. Two to three types of material are sufficient – too many different surfaces quickly create a cluttered look.
Is there a rule for the placement of Christmas tree ornaments?
Yes: Large balls at the bottom, small ones at the top. This creates visual balance and depth in the tree.
How do you get a Christmas scent on the tree?
With natural elements such as cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or pine cones, either arranged loosely or treated with wax. Subtle room sprays can further enhance the fragrance.
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