90 Festive Christmas Tree Ideas to Try This Year
Don't get your tinsel in a tangle! We have all the tips for trimming your tree.
Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
There are so many wonderful ways to make your Christmas tree come to life this holiday season—and create a look your whole family will love. From DIY Christmas tree lights to homemade Christmas ornaments and Christmas tree toppers galore, we've rounded up beautiful Christmas tree decorating ideas that are inexpensive, easy to pull off, and even simple enough for your kids to help out with. Plus, they look fantastic on both real and artificial Christmas trees.
And while red and green hues can certainly help set the stage for a merry Christmas celebration, you can still have a gorgeous display without being completely color-coordinated. Consider trying to deck your tree with rose gold colors this year, or even walk on a bolder side by opting for blue Christmas decor. You can also deck your tree with ribbon, or try one of these glitter Christmas ornaments if you want to add some sparkle to your spruce. Whatever Christmas tree look you choose, the purpose of all of our best ideas is to encourage you to think outside the box, have fun, and bring your family closer together during December. After all, that's what this holiday—and its green centerpiece—is really about.
Citrus and Tin
Painted pine cones and dried orange slices pair perfectly with the rustic charm of galvanized tin bells and stars. The overall look is cheerfully chippy, and will weather the elements an outdoor Christmas tree may face.
Skinny Tree
Skinnier branches can be just as pretty as a full-blown fir, and don't feel overwhelming in cozy corners. Add woodland creature and felt mushroom ornaments to bring the outdoors in.
Copper & Cones
This dapper tree mixes metallic ornaments with pinecones and burlap bows.
Bright Balls + Paper Ephemera
This 200-year-old farmhouse's Christmas decor includes a tree decorated with festive balls and paper ephemera—like sentimental numbers—found at flea markets and antique shops.
Vintage Ribbons
This tree—a fit for those who love creating new ideas from vintage finds—repurposes prize ribbons as a garland. A velvet star topper and Shiny-Brite ornaments round out the nostalgic look.
Classic Touches
This timeless tree—displayed at this charming farmhouse in the Catskills—incorporates classic touches like red balls and plaid accents, as well as natural elements like a dried citrus garland and a stunning rattan star topper.
Grandmillenial Glamour
A flocked Christmas tree gets dressed up with vintage glass bead garlands, cross-stitched ornaments, and velvet bows both as a topper and on pastel-wrapped presents.
Traditional Touches
This tree features details that harken back to earlier times, like a gingerbread garland, electric candles (a nod to the early way trees were illuminated), and a straw star on top. A quilted tree skirt rounds out the homespun vibe.
White + Red + Natural
The Christmas tree and collection of vintage ornaments in this living room are at home among natural elements. The tree is perfected by a vintage tree topper.
Country Charm
Jazz up an entryway table with a mini balsam fir decorated with a plaid bow, cranberry garland, tartan ornaments, and clip-on candlesticks. A stoneware crock serves as a tree stand.
Citrus Ornaments
When it comes time to trim a Douglas Fir tree, opt for homemade ornaments over store-bought. Craft homemade citrus ornaments and pair them with twinkling lights for an understated yet cozy tree.
Calm and White
An all-white spruce serves as an eye-catching foundation for sparking snowflakes, pastel baubles, putz house accents, and a sweet ice-skate topper. A hatbox evokes a bit of jet-set glamour.
Pretty & Plaid
Red plaid is such a fun theme for any family room around Christmastime, since almost everything can be coordinated to match. This room features the pattern in a garland, on the presents themselves, and even on the kids' pajamas.
Navy & Gold
There are few things more beautiful than vibrant red poinsettias. Still, these navy ones might just give them a run for their money.
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
Hay Bale Christmas Tree
Stacked hay bales make for a stunning—and incredibly original—"Christmas tree." This cowboy-approved idea features a Lone Star topper and a few simple string lights.
Mini Christmas Tree Stand
How cute is this? We're into the idea of using a vintage candy box or antique cookie tin as a tree stand for one of these small Christmas trees.
Reds and Whites
There's barely any green to be seen here—even on the tree itself! Blogger Jen Woodhouse matches her living room decor to her tree decorations beautifully.
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
Gold Bows
Giant bows make for an extravagant statement—even on smaller trees. Here, their gold colors add shimmer and shine too.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Vintage-Inspired Trains
These antique toys have been used as under-the-tree decorations for decades now—and it's easy to see why. They're adorable! Let them chug around your tree skirt for a vintage look.
Sweet and Sugary
Sweeten up your Christmas decor with candy galore! Lollipop ornaments, peppermint baubles, and gingerbread house decorations garnish this colorful tree.
A writer and editor with 20 years of experience in the lifestyle and travel realms, Leigh Crandall has been a contributing editor to Country Living since 2020. She regularly writes about small businesses with big ideas, U.S. destinations worth a road trip, holidays, hobbies, and more rural pursuits. She is also a children's book author and co-founder of Cowbell, a creative studio inspired by farming and heritage. When she’s not working, you’ll find her curled up with a cozy mystery on her front porch or exploring the outdoors with her family.
51 On-Trend Gifts for Even the Pickiest Teens
How to Get Your Amaryllis to Bloom Again Next Year
The Meaning of a Bird's Nest Christmas Ornament
Vintage Christmas Eve Pics to Make You Nostalgic
