How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Avoid These Mistakes
Let’s be real—there aren’t any actual “mistakes” when it comes to how to decorate your Christmas tree. If it makes you happy, then it’s the right way to decorate. Full stop. For example, Kate, our amazing project coordinator, adds old-fashioned Christmas tins, wrapped gift boxes (with the gifts inside!), and her childhood stocking to her tree every year and guess what? It looks fabulous.
That said, if you’re dreaming of a tree that has that polished, shelter-magazine vibe, we’ve got a few tips to help you nail the look without losing any of the magic.
Christmas Tree Decorating Mistake #1:
Thinking You Have to Choose Between “Pretty” and Sentimental
Let’s be honest—we all have those Christmas tree ornaments. You know the ones: the seashell Santa from that beach trip years ago, or the popsicle stick Rudolph your now-grumpy teenager made back when they were still little and squishy (and cute enough to forgive the glitter explosion). In our house, one of our favorite holiday traditions is letting the kids pick a new ornament every year, and my 17-year-old son has turned it into a personal challenge to find the most hilariously hideous ornament possible. This year’s winner? Adam and Eve—complete with fig leaves and some truly tragic seventies hairdos.
The Adam & Eve ornaments my son picked last year
And yet, every holiday season, I hear the same lament: “I want a beautiful tree, but my kids love their ornaments!” Well, here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose. The secret is out—your tree can be both stunning and deeply sentimental. It’s not an either/or.
In fact, in my own home, I’ve made peace with combining the hilarious, the hideous, and the heartfelt on a single, gorgeously decorated tree. Sure, some years when I have a lot of energy (or, cough, a Christmas photoshoot) I do separate “mom trees” and “kid trees,” but more often than not, I pile it all on one and let the magic happen. The result? A beautiful tree that’s as full of personality as it is of style.
Here’s how to nail this look in two easy steps:
Step 1: Start with Colorful Globe Ornaments
Kick things off with a base of multi-colored globe ornaments. The brighter, the better—think reds, greens, navy, aqua, pink, and purple. By starting with colorful globes, you are creating a broad color palette that instantly ties everything together. Bonus points: shatterproof options are perfect for family-friendly decorating. I love grabbing mine from Target—affordable, colorful, and kid-proof.
Step 2: Pile on the Sentimental Ornaments
Once your base is in place, bring on the memories. With your colorful palette as the backdrop, anything goes. That seashell Santa? Front and center. Popsicle stick Rudolph? Absolutely. Because your tree already has a cohesive foundation, every quirky, sentimental piece will feel right at home.
Here’s a peek at how my tree comes together—vivid, cheerful, and unapologetically us. And yes, here’s a close-up of some of the “masterpieces” we proudly include each year. Because, in the end, it’s these little touches that make your tree not just pretty, but perfectly yours.
Christmas Tree Mistake #2:
Decorating Only the Tips of the Branches
One common mistake I see is hanging all your ornaments right on the tips of the tree branches. Sure, it’s easy, but you’re missing out on the depth and dimension that makes a tree truly shine. Layering ornaments at different depths—tucking some deeper into the branches—gives your tree that three-dimensional, shelter-magazine sparkle we all love.
Pro tip: Use extra large, light-reflecting globe ornaments (the ones the size of a big grapefruit) close to the trunk. They catch the lights beautifully, creating a glowing effect that makes it look like you have more ornaments than you actually do. It’s an easy trick that adds instant magic to your tree!
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree Mistake #3:
Not Buying Enough Ornaments
Here’s the thing—you need more ornaments. And then… you need even more. I can’t stress this enough. When decorating your Christmas tree, the secret to that lush, full look is having plenty of ornaments to work with.
My rule of thumb? However many ornaments you think you’ll need, double it. Trust me—more is always better when it comes to creating a tree that feels rich, layered, and festive.
Bonus: This tip applies to pretty much anything Christmas. You think you have enough garland for your stairs? Buy more. You got tons of ribbon? You need more. When it comes to decorating for Christmas, more truly is more.
Your Tree, Your Style
At the end of the day, the best Christmas tree is the one that brings you joy. Whether it’s a perfectly polished masterpiece, a sentimental treasure trove of family memories, or a mix of both, your tree should reflect you. It’s all about embracing what makes your holiday special and letting your personality shine through.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, decorating tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks at how we create our own holiday magic, come hang out with us on Instagram @Lark.Interiors. We’d love to see how you style your tree this year—share your pics and tag us!
Here’s to a beautiful, memory-filled holiday season! 🎄✨
LARK INTERIORS
An interior design and residential architecture firm based in Dallas, Texas and focused on liveable luxury. We believe in comfy sofas, performance fabrics, and coffee tables you can put your feet on.