The best Christmas tree decorating ideas all start with the same thing: a plan. Trees that look professionally styled are rarely about expensive decorations. They come down to the order you work in, how many pieces you use and where you place them. Follow the steps below and your tree will look full, balanced and finished from every angle.
Australians start planning early. In Australian Google search data for November 2025, “christmas tree decorating ideas” was searched 9,900 times, more than double December’s figure. If you are reading this in October or November, you are right on time.
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: The 7-Step Order
Decorate a Christmas tree in this order: shape the branches, add lights, add garland or ribbon, hang large baubles, fill with medium and small baubles, add picks and fillers, then finish with the topper and tree skirt or collar. Working from the inside out stops you re-doing earlier steps.
- Fluff and shape every branch. Start at the bottom and work up, separating each tip so no gaps show.
- Add the lights. Weave them deep into the tree, not just around the outside.
- Add garland or ribbon. Drape it loosely, either in swags or in vertical cascades from top to bottom.
- Hang your largest baubles. Place them deep inside the branches first to add depth.
- Fill with medium and small baubles. Work in triangles so colours spread evenly.
- Add fillers. Picks, berries, bows and hanging ornaments fill the last gaps.
- Finish with the topper and base. Add a tree topper, then a skirt or collar to hide the stand.
How Many Baubles and Lights Does Your Tree Need?
Most trees look sparse because they are under-decorated. Use this rule-of-thumb table as a starting point, then adjust to suit your style.
| Tree height | Lights (bulbs) | Baubles | Ribbon or garland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2m | 300 to 400 | 40 to 50 | 5 to 7m |
| 1.5m | 400 to 500 | 50 to 70 | 7 to 9m |
| 1.8m | 500 to 700 | 70 to 100 | 9 to 12m |
| 2.1m | 700 to 900 | 100 to 130 | 12 to 15m |
| 2.4m | 900 to 1,200 | 130 to 160 | 15 to 18m |
A common rule of thumb is about 100 bulbs for every 30cm of tree height. Prefer a glowing, full look? Go higher.
Christmas Tree Lights: Get This Step Right
Lights do more for a tree than any single decoration, so give them time. Start at the base near the power point and wrap each branch from the trunk out to the tip and back again. This creates a glow from within rather than a ring of bulbs on the surface.
Choose LED lights
LED lights run cooler, last longer and use far less power than older incandescent sets. The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au lighting guide explains why LEDs are the most efficient choice for the home. Warm white suits timber, gold and natural themes. Cool white or multicoloured lights suit silver, blue and playful kids’ trees.
Stay safe
Fire and Rescue NSW recommends using lights with an Australian Standards label, checking cords for damage and switching decorative lights off before bed. Read their festive season fire safety advice before plugging in. Browse our range of Christmas lights to find sets for trees, mantels and windows.
Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas for Baubles
Baubles carry your colour scheme, so pick two or three main colours and one metallic. Then vary the size and finish.
- Mix finishes. Combine matte, gloss, glitter and glass for depth.
- Mix sizes. Large baubles at the base and inside, smaller ones near the top and tips.
- Cluster them. Group three baubles of different sizes together for a styled, high-end look.
- Add shapes. Stars, drops, bells and novelty ornaments break up the circles.
- Hang a few deep inside. Baubles tucked near the trunk reflect light and hide gaps.
Furniture Haven’s Baubles & Ornaments range has 488 options, from classic glass to coastal and novelty styles, so you can build a full scheme in one place. Need a colour direction first? Our guide to Christmas tree themes has twelve palettes to start from.
Ribbon, Garland and Fillers
Ribbon is the fastest way to make a tree look styled. Use wired ribbon so it holds its shape.
Two ways to use ribbon
- Cascades: cut 1 to 1.5m lengths and tuck them in vertically from top to bottom.
- Swags: drape ribbon loosely from branch to branch around the tree.
Fillers that finish the look
Picks (stems of berries, pine cones or glitter sprays), bows and clip-on florals fill any gaps between baubles. Push them in at angles so they look natural rather than placed.
Finish With a Topper and Tree Skirt
The topper is the focal point, so choose one that matches the scale of your tree. A tall 2.1m tree can carry a large star or a burst of picks. A small tree suits a simple star or bow. Explore our Tree Toppers to find the right size.
At the base, a skirt or collar hides the stand and power cords and gives presents a clean backdrop. Collars suit modern and Scandi trees. Skirts suit traditional and cosy schemes. See our Tree Skirts & Collars.
Quick Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas by Style
- Classic: red, gold and green with glass baubles and tartan ribbon.
- Coastal: white, blue and natural rope, with shells and timber stars.
- Scandi: timber beads, white baubles, felt ornaments and a timber collar.
- Glam: gold, champagne and black with oversized bows.
- Kids’ tree: bright colours, candy shapes and soft, shatterproof baubles.
Still choosing a tree? Read our artificial Christmas tree buying guide first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you put lights or ribbon on a Christmas tree first?
Lights always go first. They need to sit deep in the branches, and ribbon or baubles would get in the way.
How do you make a Christmas tree look fuller?
Fluff every tip, add more lights than you think you need, and hang baubles deep inside the tree as well as on the tips.
How many colours should a Christmas tree have?
Two or three colours plus one metallic is easiest to get right. More can work for kids’ or vintage trees.
Start Decorating
The best Christmas tree decorating ideas come down to order and quantity: shape, light, ribbon, baubles, fillers, topper and base. Plan your colours, use the table above to buy enough, and work from the inside out. Ready to start? Shop the Furniture Haven Christmas range and build your tree today.
