How to decorate your Christmas tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is a great way to kick off the festive season and bring some joy into your home. It doesn't have to be difficult either. Below are some great tips from Rex London to consider when decorating your Christmas tree.

Choosing the tree

Your tree is a gorgeous, green, blank canvas to work from, and is often the cornerstone of your Christmas decor. Before you go shopping, you'll need to think about where in the home you're going to put it, to make sure you don't end up with a tree that's too tall or too wide. Find somewhere where it will get plenty of attention, but also consider other factors, such as a power source for any lights you may want to add, or if you need to place the tree on a table or raised surface, out of the reach of little fingers or paws. 

When selecting the tree, look for one that is fresh and will last the festive period. You'll want one that has strong branches to hold your ornaments and tinsel, a good fragrance and a deep green colour to it. The pine needles should not fall off easily in your hand.

Colour scheme

Once you've chosen your tree, the next thing to do is decide on a colour scheme. Classic colour combinations like red and gold are warm and visually striking, while silvers and blues offer a more cool, wintery effect. However, Christmas is all about fun, so feel free to go with an 'anything goes' theme!

You could choose a theme rather than a colour scheme. Snowflakes, reindeer or angels are just a few to base your tree and home decorations around. 

Red is a classic festive choice, and looks striking against the green of a Christmas tree. Red wooden bauble decoration, was £1.95, now 50p.

Traditional ornaments

We love all things vintage here at Rex London. Hanging traditional ornaments on your tree will give it a real vintage look. If you have any old Christmas heirlooms this is the perfect opportunity to show them off. For more retro inspiration, take a look at our blog on how to have a very vintage Christmas. 

Traditional wooden tree decorations, were £1.95 each, now 50p each

Lights

You want your lights to match the theme of your tree. Your lights should complement rather than compete with your ornaments and baubles, so small lights are perfect for giving a soft and twinkly glow. However, some lights can be ornaments in their own right, like these pretty flickering LED candle lights.

Flickering Christmas candle LED lights, was £14.95, now £4.95

How to style your tree

The best way to style your tree is to add your decorations in layers. Start off with your lights, as you'll want these to be behind any tinsel or ornaments that you can, for some pretty backlighting. Next add any tinsel or garlands you have. Finally, add your ornaments. Make sure there is a nice, even distribution of sizes and colours.

This garland would give off a gorgeous sparkle on any Christmas tree. Silver Stars Christmas garland, £2.95

For more great Christmas decorations and accessories, take a look at our vintage Christmas decorations and traditonal Christmas tree decorations.