Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

A Wisconsin family expresses its Dutch-Scandinavian heritage by hanging traditional straw ornaments. See next slide for a closeup of the tree.

Straw ornaments like this snowflake are traditional Scandinavian favorites.

Pinecones and magnolia sprigs tucked into branches complement the knotty pine walls and other natural decor in this Minneapolis area home. See the next slide for a closeup of this tree.

Bird's nests, fresh bay leaves, loose pinecones, acorns and glass fruits grace the nature-theme tree.

A stash of ribbons won during dog competitions comes out of the box to adorn a dog-lover’s tree in this Zionsville, Indiana, home.

Air plants function as living ornaments. For a garland-like effect, spray-paint tree lights’ cords a bright hue (remove bulbs and stuff sockets with cotton).

In an Eau Claire, Wisconsin home, blackboard gift tags inspire the holiday scheme, which includes a small slate atop the living room's tree. The family cuts the tree at a local farm, trims it with kid-made and store-bought ornaments, then tosses a blanket underneath. 

With two pheasant hunters in the family, it is fitting this tree gets a wispy look from feathers. The tree harmonizes with the sage green walls, wood beams and natural flooring in this Missouri home. See next slide for a closeup.

Crackle-glass orbs continue the textural theme of the pheasant feathers and burlap.

A flocked Fraser fir decked with glass and silver ornaments provides continuity with the white cottage interior of this Kansas home. See next slide for closeup.

Glass icicles shimmer in a snow-white scene.

Homemade ornaments suit a tree in a Craftsman-style home. See the next slide for a closeup of this tree.

Gingerbread cookies, strands of popcorn and berries, and sticks of rock candy are some of the homemade elements on this tree.

This tree at Des Moines' Festival of Trees & Lights features a fun '50s theme with ornaments that include a poodle skirt, Route 66 sign, juke box and records. Note the retro-style gas pump used as a tree topper! 

No room for a full-size tree, or no time to decorate one? Create an eye-catching miniature version with something as simple as this pot of rosemary. 

More ideas for tiny trees

Beside a grand staircase and in view of a formal dining room, this tree has to wear finery. Even the tree topper makes an elegant statement. See the next slide for a closeup.

Such a grand tree requires a suitable topper. A bouquet of ribbons works without making it top-heavy.

Extending the spirit outside seems to call for some extra warmth. So this tree skirt is a blanket. Snowflakes and pinecones continue the mood.

Tans and blues extend from the room decor right onto the tree for a serene effect. See next slide for a closeup.

Touches of barely there blue pop against a serene scene of glass and silver.

Legos are the star of this kid-friendly tree, featured at Des Moines' Festival of Trees & Lights. A Lego Santa tops the tree, while other holiday-theme Lego constructions dangle from the branches. Clear plastic ornaments filled with Legos also hang from the tree, and the garland includes Lego bricks. 

This tree at Des Moines' Festival of Trees & Lights features giant balls of yarn in varying sizes and a yarn-wrapped tree topper.

Burlap ribbons reflect the other natural elements in this room. Brown paper wrapping on presents anchors the look in nature. Words on the tree skirt pick up the writing above the mantel. 

Burlap ribbons and bows complement the brown, bronze, gold and silver ornaments on this tree.

Peaceful doves pop against holly sprigs and glittering acorns on a tree that wishes viewers peace and bounty. 

The decorators of this tree at Des Moines' Festival of Trees & Lights went all-out with a Feliz Navidad theme, from pinatas at the base of the tree to a sombrero at the top.

Bejeweled with twinkle lights, this tree can’t help but sparkle. See the next slide for a closeup.

Sticks of faux berries jut out from a tree that dazzles with lights. 

White lights and silver ornaments make this tinsel tree shine brighter. 

Paper chains and photocopied family pictures lend personal touches to this tree. An urn brimming with oranges dresses up the bottom of the tree, while sand and gravel inside the urn stabilize the trunk.

Copies of vintage photos and handmade garland accent this pretty tree.

Sticks gathered from the yard add a woodsy touch to this tree; ornaments in green, brown and other natural colors add to the look. See the next slide for a closeup.

Flowers, owls and more traditional Christmas ornaments all complement the woodsy theme of this tree.

This homeowner printed words from the song "Silent Night" on parchment paper and cut them into tags to use as ornaments. Cardstock drummer boys add another craft touch.

Printouts of the words of "Silent Night" hang on this tree along with a garland of buttons, framed silhouettes and other color-theme decorations.

Though the tree continues the gold of the living room decor, its shimmer and shine keeps it the centerpiece. See the next slide for a closeup.

Gold and green ball ornaments shine among tufts of neutral raffia. 

Pompoms, polka dots and primary colors stand out against the brightness of silver cookie cutters hanging on the tinsel tree.