How To Decorate a Christmas Tree To Look Full
Christmas is creeping closer and that means it’s time to lift out your tree decorations and turn your home into a magical place. But if the thought of putting up that same Christmas tree is giving you jitters because of how bare it looks, then it might be time to pick up some new decorating tips.
It can be challenging to make a beautiful Christmas tree appear lush and professionally decorated, and nothing dampens the holiday spirit quite like a limp, sparse, and unbalanced tree.
With our easy tips and tricks, you can transform your Christmas tree into an eye-catching centrepiece that looks straight out of a magazine.
With strategic ornament placement to layering picks, garlands and lights, we’ve got a guide on how to decorate a Christmas tree to look full.
Fluff and shape the tree
First up, the boring job. It’s tedious and time-consuming, but by spreading out the branches and needles on an artificial tree, you can instantly make it appear fuller.
This is a foundational step that sets the stage for creating a full, lush look.
Step back and take the tree in from full view so you can see where it might need some extra adjustments.
Use a garland strategically
Adding a garland will give your tree some extra greenery and work beautifully to fill in any gaps. There are two options you could use:
- Greenery garland: A faux green garland will add depth to the tree and bring in another element of nature.
- Decorative garland: To add a whimsical touch to the tree, use a garland with beads, berries, or pom poms. Drape it artfully to maintain the tree's balance.
Make use of picks and sprays
Another great way to know how to decorate your Christmas tree to look full, is by adding decorative picks and sprays.
Picks like pinecones, berries or floral sprays will add volume and texture to a tree.
Not only will they fill gaps, but they will also add interest to your tree’s design.
Layer lighting
You can use lighting on your beautiful Christmas tree to make it look more dimensional.
- Inner lighting: Place lights closer to the trunk. This will illuminate the tree’s core, creating a sense of depth.
- Outer lighting: Add lights to the outer branches to highlight ornaments and decorations on the tree.
Using a combination of both inner and outer lighting helps to decorate a tree to look full and vibrant.
Vary ornament sizes
Vary the size of the ornaments on your Christmas tree to create a dynamic look. Place them at different depths to add fullness to the overall look.
- Hang large ornaments closer to the trunk to fill in spaces on the tree.
- Medium and small ornaments should be placed towards the tips of the branches.
Consider using different methods to hang your decorations, too. Some might work better with fishing wire or ornament hooks than the string they typically come with.
Use deco mesh
Deco mesh is a great material to have on hand when decorating your tree to make it look fuller. It comes in a wide variety of colours, so you’ll undoubtedly find one to match your theme.
Take your time shaping it and weaving it through the tree's branches. This really adds a fullness to the look.
Once you’ve added it to your tree, if there’s any left you can use it on stair garlands and wreaths to add fullness to them too.
Group baubles together
Cluster your baubles together in groups of three and space them around the tree. This method is great for filling out bigger gaps and creating a focal point within the tree decorations.
Add ribbons or bows
Another way to fill gaps on your beautiful Christmas tree is to use ribbon or bows. For a cohesive effect, use bows of different sizes but in the same colour.
If you’re adding ribbon, look for one with wire edging so that it retains its shape when woven through your tree’s branches.
Don’t forget the bottom of the tree
Add a tree skirt or collar to the bottom of the tree to conceal the stand and add fullness to the tree’s presentation.
There are so many options available now, so choose a material and colour that complements the tree's theme.
Add a statement topper
Draw the eye upwards and complete the look of your tree with a statement topper.
There are so many options available on the market, not just a simple star or angel, that allow you to truly make a statement with your tree.
Group together floral sprays, buy a finial or starburst topper, or top with a pretty bow to create a truly standout Christmas tree design.
Stand back and take a photo
Once you think you’ve completed your tree, stand back and take a photo. Look at the photo and see if there are any visible gaps that you’ve missed to ensure that your overall look is full.
Designing a beautiful Christmas tree to look full and professional certainly takes time and involves many different aspects, but the effect is truly worth it, and it ensures that your tree is the centrepiece of your home’s festive decor.
- James Beesley
