Adam Albright
Want a designer look for yourholiday treewithout breaking your budget?
Browse our best tips for decorating a Christmas tree.
Then layer on tinsel or ribbons to fill in any empty gaps.
Credit:Adam Albright
Changing the base of your tree can make a big difference in its overall look.
Try switching out your tree skirt for ahassle-free collarin an unexpected texture like wicker or metal.
Or use a knitted skirt or collar to add extra warmth and coziness to the tree.
Credit:Nathan Kirkman
Over-the-Top Toppers
An easy way to elevate your Christmas tree is with anew and improved topper.
Go Monochrome
For an elegant Christmas tree, try amonochromatic look.
Create a one-of-a-kind star tree topper by covering inexpensive kraft paper with gold leaf.
Credit:Alea Moore
Match handmade holly ornaments with metallic baubles.
For acostal-inspired space, hang embellished monograms, starfish, and seashell ornaments on the branches.
Using a mix of blue and coral wrapping papers reinforces the seaside feel.
Credit:Adam Albright
Adding light layers of faux snow boosts the room’s forest-inspired feel.
Compared to a traditional star or angel, an over-the-top bow complements the tree’s teal-and-pink color palette flawlessly.
To make the photos cohesive, use pins with a black-and-white finish.
Credit:Helen Norman
Small black paper tags with handwritten messages and sayings add even more memories.
Watch the video for more tips on how to personalize your tree.
Unconventional Trees
Carson Downing
For an interesting twist on the classic Christmas tree, consider wall art.
Credit:David Land
Or purchase a metal or wooden tree frame for an unexpected, minimal look.
Take Risks
David A Land
Ornaments don’t have to match perfectly to look flawless.
A simpler garland and topper keep the tree from looking busy.
Credit:David Tsay
The bold black color pairs well with metallic golds and sparkling whites to give your tree a designer look.
Factor in Flowers
Silk flowers are a lovely way to add a softer texture to a tree.
Choose large blooms, or add sprays of smaller blooms nestled into branches.
Credit:David Tsay
Enhance the look withclear string lightsand presents wrapped in classic kraft paper with crisp red ribbons.
Think Overscale
Steve Gray
Try this technique that most home decorators miss: Use overscale ornaments.
And the bonus is, the overall effect is stunning.
Credit:Werner Straube
Plan to make at least 24 of these fillers for an 8-foot tree.
These red decorations help unite the other one-of-a-kind ornaments.
We recommend buying two to four dozen ornaments in a main theme (like these red balls).
Credit:Anthony Masterson Photography
Varying the sizes, shapes, or finishes of this kind of element will add even more flair.
Go Metallic
Greg Scheidemann
Do you love one color?
Go for it with a monochromatic tree.
Credit:Carson Downing
One-color Christmas tree designs work their magic with shape and texture.
Credit:David A Land
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Credit:Anthony Masterson
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Credit:Greg Scheidemann
