Decorating Your First Christmas Tree: 6 Beginner-Friendly Steps to a Beautiful Holiday Tree

Putting up holiday decorations is one of the most joyful home projects of the year, especially decorating your first Christmas tree! Whether you’re working with a fresh-cut fir, a pre-lit artificial tree, or something petite for a small space, the key is a simple, layered process done in the proper order. With just a few beginner-friendly steps, you can create a Christmas tree that looks festive and uniquely yours, without spending a fortune.

First-Timer Fun Fact: Did you know the U.S. produces over 14.5 million Christmas trees for sale each year? More trees are sold the day after Thanksgiving than on any other single day.

What You’ll Need

• Lights
• Garland, ribbons or beads
• Ornaments
• Pruning shears (optional)
• Christmas tree stand
• Tree skirt or stand cover
• Tree topper

Step 1: Pick a Theme or Color Palette

A theme gives you direction, keeps you from overbuying decorations, and makes the finished tree look intentional. Beginners often think a theme has to be complicated — it doesn’t!

Try one of these easy ideas for decorating your first Christmas tree:

• Classic Christmas: Red, green and gold.
• Winter White: Whites, creams and metallics.
• Nordic Minimalist: Wood ornaments, natural fibers and matte neutrals.
• Candy Colors: Pastel colors and playful, oversized ornaments.

Choose two or three main colors across lights, garland and ornaments to keep the overall look stylish and appealing.

Step 2: Acquire Your Decorations

Once you’ve decided on your theme, it’s time to assemble your decorations. Before heading to the store, check in with relatives and friends who might have more than they need right in their own attics. For everything else, you can find great deals at dollar stores and thrift stores. Since you’re decorating your first Christmas tree, why not start a tradition of buying one special ornament that represents a fond memory from the year?

Step 3: Prep Your Tree for Decorating

Before adding anything, take a moment to shape your tree. For artificial trees, fluff every branch so the tree looks full and natural. If you’re using a real tree, rotate it to find the most attractive side and feel free to trim any errant branches. Choose a spot in your home that’s close to an electrical outlet. Place your real tree in its stand and add water. Arrange your tree skirt or basket now so you’re not wrestling with it under precariously dangling ornaments later. If your tree isn’t pre-lit, test the lights and check for any bulbs that need replacing.

First-Timer Tip: Consider pets and children when placing your tree. Stick to corners away from furniture jumping off points. Make sure cords are tucked away to prevent tripping. You can also anchor your tree to the nearest wall with clear fishing line for extra peace of mind.

Step 4: Add Lights the Right Way

Lights set a merry mood and add dimension to your tree, making them one of the most essential elements of decorating your first Christmas tree. As far as how many lights you’ll need, a good rule of thumb is 100 lights per foot of tree height if you like a bright, glowing look. Warm white lights create a classic glow. Multicolor lights bring a nostalgic feel. Fairy lights add sparkle without overwhelming the ornaments.

There are two beginner-friendly lighting methods for adding the lights:

• The Weave: Start at the base, weave lights in and out of branches as you work around and upward from the bottom.
• The Vertical Method: Run lights up and down the tree in long vertical sections. This is often faster and makes removing the lights later a bit easier.

Step 5: Add Garland, Ribbon or Beads

This is your first decorative layer. Wide wire ribbon is a beginner-friendly way to decorate your first Christmas tree because it’s easy to tuck into branches. You can tie big bows near the top with long cascades flowing down, or you can make soft waves of ribbon tucked around the tree. Strings of wooden beads, faux cranberry strands and metallic garlands also work well. Even strings of popped popcorn can add a nostalgic touch for practically no money. Choose whichever material matches your theme, but remember to add this element before ornaments.

Step 6: Hang Ornaments in Three Layers

Approaching your ornament hanging in categories makes decorating easier and more balanced.

First-Timer Tip: Step back every so often to check the overall balance of your ornaments and adjust as needed. There’s no wrong way, only what looks good to you.

Step 7: Finish with a Topper

A topper is the finishing touch for your Christmas tree masterpiece. You can go traditional with a star, angel, or Father Christmas, or add something more unusual, like a bow, wreath, or monogram letter. The only limit is your imagination (and the physics of what’s safe to add to the top of your tree).

Congrats! You Did It, First-Timer! — You’ve Decorated Your First Christmas Tree

Decorating your first Christmas tree is a memory that will last forever, so make the occasion special: Serve festive food and drinks, turn on the holiday tunes and celebrate the joy of the season. And, when you’re ready to add a little something beneath the tree, check out our easy guide to wrapping the perfect present.

Merry Christmas, First-Timer!