How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Simple Steps for a Stunning Result

You've just dragged your Christmas tree into the living room, and now you're staring at a bare tree and a pile of decorations, wondering where on earth to start. Decorating a Christmas tree can feel like a big task, especially when you want it to look magical but you're not quite sure how.

The good news is you don't need a degree in interior design or a massive budget to create a stunning tree. With a few simple steps and some clever tricks, you can transform your tree from plain to picture-perfect. And Lidl has everything you need to make it happen without breaking the bank.

Let's dive in and discover how to decorate a Christmas tree that'll be the centrepiece of your festive celebrations.

When to Put Up Your Christmas Tree

Before we get into the how, let's tackle when to put up your tree. There's no hard-and-fast rule, but many families put up their tree at the start of December or even late November if they can't wait to get into the festive spirit. Some people prefer to wait until closer to Christmas for a fresher look if they're using a real tree.

Our advice is to put your tree up whenever it feels right for you. If twinkling lights and festive cheer help brighten those darker winter evenings, there's no reason to wait. Life's too short not to enjoy the magic of Christmas for as long as possible.

How Did Christmas Trees Start?

Ever wondered why we bring a tree indoors and cover it in sparkly things? The tradition has roots in 16th-century Germany, where devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. The practice spread across Europe and eventually the world. What started as simple candles and fruit has turned into the dazzling displays we love today.

Think of the Christmas tree as a symbol of life and hope during the darkest time of year. It's a tradition that's stood the test of time because it brings genuine joy. Whether you go for a towering fir or a compact tabletop tree, you're part of a centuries-old tradition of making your home feel magical.

8 Steps to Decorate a Christmas Tree Beautifully

Let's get practical. Here's your no-fuss guide to creating a tree you'll be proud to show off.

Step 1: Choose the Right Tree for Your Space

First things first: pick a tree that fits your space. A tree that's too big will dominate the room and be awkward to decorate, whilst one that's too small might look a bit lost.

Real or artificial? Both have their perks. Real trees bring that wonderful pine scent and traditional feel, but they need regular watering. Artificial trees are hassle-free, reusable year after year, and often come pre-lit, which can save a massive amount of time.

Measure your ceiling height before shopping—don't forget to account for the tree topper, and consider the width as well. You'll want enough space to walk around it comfortably. What type of tree is a Christmas tree? Popular real tree varieties include Norway Spruce, Nordmann Fir, and Fraser Fir. For artificial options, you'll find everything from traditional green to frosted and flocked varieties at Lidl.

Step 2: Fluff and Shape Your Tree

Here's the step that many people skip – but it's absolutely crucial for a gorgeous-looking tree. If you've got an artificial Christmas tree, it'll arrive quite compressed, with branches pointing downward or inward. Think of it like a flower opening up: you need to coax each branch into its proper position.

How to fluff your tree:

● Start at the bottom and work your way up, section by section

● Gently pull each branch outward and slightly upward

● Separate the individual branch tips, fanning them out to create fullness

● Step back regularly to check your progress and spot any flat areas

This can take 30 minutes or more for a larger tree, but it's the difference between a sad, sparse-looking tree and one that looks lush and full. Put on a Christmas film and make it part of the fun.

For real trees, you might need to do some gentle adjustments too, rotating the tree to find its best side and bending any wayward branches into better positions.

Step 3: Pick a Theme or Colour Scheme

Here's where you can get creative. A cohesive theme makes your tree look polished and intentional, even if you're working with Christmas tree decorations you've collected over the years.

Popular themes include:

● Classic red and gold for timeless elegance

● Winter whites and silvers for a frosty, sophisticated look

● Rustic woodland with natural elements like pinecones and burlap

● Fun and playful with bright, bold colours for families with young children

You don't need to buy everything new. Work with what you've got, and fill in gaps with a few key pieces. Think of it like building an outfit: choose one or two main colours and let everything else complement them.

Step 4: Start with the Lights

This is your foundation, so it's worth getting right. Always add lights first, before anything else goes on the tree.

How to put lights on a Christmas tree:

● Test your lights before you start (there's nothing worse than finishing only to find half don't work!)

● Use approximately 100 lights per foot of tree height as a rough guide

● Start at the base of the tree and work your way up in a spiral, weaving the lights back and forth through the branches rather than just wrapping them around the outside

● Push the lights slightly into the tree for depth—this creates that magical glow from within

Warm white lights create a cosy, traditional feel, whilst cool white looks crisp and modern. Coloured lights bring fun, nostalgic vibes. Pick what makes you happy.

Step 5: Add Garland or Ribbon to Make the Christmas Tree Fuller

Once your lights are sorted, consider adding garland, ribbon, or beads. This is optional, but it adds lovely texture and helps fill out your tree. If you're short on ornaments, it can also make the tree look fuller.

Drape garland in loose, swooping curves rather than tight spirals. Think of it like icing a cake in graceful waves. This creates movement and visual interest. Wired ribbon is particularly easy to work with because it holds its shape.

Step 6: Hang Ornaments and Decorations That Tell a Story

Now for the fun bit! Start with your largest ornaments, spacing them evenly around the tree. Then fill in with medium and smaller baubles, creating balance without making it look too uniform. A bit of happy chaos is perfectly fine.

Top tips for hanging ornaments:

● Hang some ornaments deeper within the branches for dimension

● Vary the heights and depths to create visual interest

● Don't be afraid to cluster ornaments in small groups

● Include personal touches like homemade decorations or special keepsakes

Remember, your tree should reflect your family and your style. If little hands have made slightly wonky paper stars, they deserve a place of pride. These are the Christmas decorations you'll treasure most in years to come.

Step 7: Crown Your Tree with a Topper

Your tree topper is the finishing flourish, so choose something that complements your theme. Traditional stars and angels are always lovely, but you could also go for a large bow, a decorative finial, or even a fun character if that's more your style.

Make sure it's securely attached. You don't want it toppling over halfway through the festivities!

Step 8: Add a Tree Skirt and Presents

Now it's time to dress the base of your tree. A tree skirt or tree collar wraps around the stand, hiding the practical bits and adding a polished, finished look. It's like the frame around a beautiful painting. It pulls everything together.

Choose a tree skirt that complements your theme. Classic fabrics like velvet or faux fur add luxury, whilst rustic hessian or tartan bring cosy charm.

Once your skirt is in place, pop some beautifully wrapped presents underneath. Even if you haven't wrapped all your gifts yet, a few boxes create that final touch of Christmas magic. The presents make your tree look complete and give everyone something to look forward to.

If you're light on presents early in the season, use empty boxes wrapped in festive paper to fill the space. Nobody needs to know they're empty!

Common Christmas Tree Decorating Mistakes to Avoid

Let's quickly cover what not to do, so you can sidestep the pitfalls:

Using lights that are too short: Running out of lights halfway up your tree is frustrating. Always buy more than you think you'll need. You can return unopened boxes if you overestimate.

Hanging all the decorations on the ends of branches: This makes your tree look flat. Push some ornaments deeper into the tree for a fuller, more professional look.

Going too matchy-matchy: A bit of variety keeps things interesting. Mix finishes (matte, gloss, glitter) and sizes for visual texture.

Forgetting the back: If your tree is visible from multiple angles, don't neglect the back. It doesn't need to be as heavily decorated as the front, but bare patches are noticeable.

Overloading your tree: More isn't always more. Give your decorations room to breathe and let the tree's natural shape show through.

Lidl Picks for Your Christmas Tree

Everyone deserves a beautiful Christmas without the hefty price tag. At Lidl, our Christmas range is packed with quality decorations, lights, and accessories that won't empty your wallet.

From pre-lit trees that save you time to coordinated bauble sets that take the guesswork out of styling, you'll find everything you need in one place. Pop in-store or check online to discover festive treasures that'll make your tree shine.

Cheers to creating Christmas memories that sparkle!