Décor
75 Elegant Christmas Tree Ideas to Wow Your Guests This Year
Michael Sinclair
Out of all the Christmas accoutrements—stockings, wreaths, the works—none steal the show quite as much as the tree in all its pine-scented, glowing glory. A Christmas tree’s splendor not only lies in its capacity as a cherished holiday gathering place, but also as an expression of your household’s unique taste, whether you opt for a regal and traditional look or go wild with a maximalist themed tree. If you’re decorating as a first-timer this year, or are simply one to switch things up, fortunately there are ideas aplenty out there to help you achieve your dream living room scheme. You could take a page out of ELLE DECOR A-List designer Darryl Carter and festoon your tree in citrus-colored ribbon. Or, if it’s fantasy you seek, cover your Tannenbaum in whimsical animal- (or in the case of party planner Bronson van Wyck, crustacean-!) shaped ornaments. Below, we’ve selected 75 consummate Christmas tree ideas to keep your home merry and bright all season long.
Leave it to the Gothy-cool design duo behind House of Hackney, Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle, to create a tree look straight out of a Victorian tableau. Here in their London home, the pair decorated their Christmas tree with tiger-emblazoned ornaments—a reference to House of Hackney’s signature velvet pillows. And (our favorite part) they piled complementary cushions high beneath the tree in place of a traditional skirt.
Rebecca Gardner, the tastemaker behind Houses & Parties, always has a few fanciful decor tricks up her sleeve. In the case of her Christmas tree, that means going all out with old-timey ornaments collected over the years. “I love to hang the ornaments and unwrap each with the excitement of seeing an old friend,” she tells us. “One of my favorites is a giant blown-glass moon. He’s magic.” Follow suit by sourcing whimsical vintage ornaments and festooning your tree with tinsel and strands of beads.
Like our favorite Peanuts character, John Derian knows that a little love (and a chic design sensibility, of course!) can transform even the scrawniest of trees into something special. Here, the decoupage artist set a charming mini tree into an antique urn and packed it with tinsel and metallic vintage ornaments. Other treasures, like the shell, print, and sculpture, give the mantel tableau a cabinet of curiosities vibe.
Ayesha Curry—television personality, cookbook author, and wife to NBA All-Star Steph Curry—recently teamed up with Pottery Barn to showcase her top tips and tricks for holidays at home. Our favorite idea is her glorious tree, a prelit Fraser fir faux beauty, which she decked out with soft nature-inspired garlands, snow-white accents, and gold and bronze baubles. “I love to incorporate natural greenery and lights throughout the house during the holidays, so every room feels festive and smells amazing,” Curry says. “We always deck out our couches with faux fur throws and swap in new festive pillows to add a cozy touch.”
Nothing is quite as cozy—and festive—as a holiday sweater. So why not bring the theme to your Christmas tree this year? ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Viñas decorated her office’s tree (a long-standing tradition for her team) in adorable knit ornaments, pompom garlands, and whimsical mushrooms. We’d give this tree a hug if it weren’t so prickly.
Viñas has a knack for the theatrical (just see her Pennsylvania house, as featured in ELLE DECOR), and her trees are no exception. Here, she opted for a trio of trees in varying shades of azure, set against blue curtains. Even if you aren’t ready to go quite as bold, you can still mimic the setup and match your tree to the color scheme of your drapes.
Bling not your thing? Channel interior designer Devon Liedtke’s elegant look, which features delicate brown paper baubles, white candle-shaped ornaments, and a Scandinavian-inspired paper star. Bonus points for the adorable pooch!
Instead of traditional tinsel, consider fluffing your tree up with feathers, just like Jeweled Interiors’ Jewel Marlowe. For a touch of the tropics, the designer incorporated folded palm branches to live among the opulent ostrich plumes.
Jonathan Adler is never one to be a shrinking violet—especially when that most wonderful time of year rolls around. “The holidays are not a time for ascetic minimalism,” Adler declares. “Instead, embrace your inner Kardashian and don’t hold back: the more twinkle, the better!” In this vignette, Adler went all-out glam with silver-and-gold baubles, and his signature cheeky ornaments, which include a set of glazed porcelain pills (because let’s face it, you’re gonna need one after the in-laws arrive!).
Event planner extraordinaire Bronson van Wyck has a knack for the unexpected (look no further than his Manhattan home) and, obviously, the same applies to his holiday decor. “It’s fun to display trees in a nontraditional way,” he tells us. “Mount your tree on the wall, or hang it upside down to free up space and surprise your guests. Or try your hand at a unique theme.” In this case, the designer leaned into a Salvador Dalí look, decking the blood-red tree out in oodles of lobsters and topping it with a surrealist Joan of Arc–esque topper. Hero indeed!
A few years ago, we paid a holiday visit to Josh Yöung’s elegant Washington, D.C., townhouse. Rather than park the tree in a corner, the artist and designer placed his tree, which is bedazzled in red, silver, and white baubles, in the window for the neighborhood to enjoy. As for the rest of the home? “I decided to use primarily fresh greenery and allow our Christmas tree to be the main showcase,” he told us. Bonus: The behind-the-sofa positioning saves space in petite living rooms, not to mention provides the perfect Christmas selfie backdrop.
Perhaps you love a maximalist scheme, but your neutral living room isn’t prepared to host a full-blown Elsa Schiaparelli look, à la Bronson van Wyck (see above). Enter this gorgeously muted yet richly-layered scheme dreamed up by Just Destiny’s Destiny Alfonso. Though she went wild with the clusters of ornaments and pine cones (all united with a beautiful champagne ribbon), it all feels cohesive and elegant thanks to its muted palette.
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Orange is the New Green
Interior designer Michel Smith Boyd worked with the room’s existing decor to create this bold scheme. Here, he strayed away from using the usual green tree and went with an eye-catching orange one from Treetopia. Although his tree is on the maximalist side, it feels cohesive within its context. “You only get to decorate a tree once a year, so why not go all out?” Boyd insists. “I prefer a maximalist tree, packed with color and whimsy. I suggest adding layers with unexpected elements like florals, which make natural bald spots look full and luxurious.”
“While I generally tend toward a neutral palette, I went with the bright orange because in my mind’s eye it is a happy color,” interior designer Darryl Carter says. “Once a year I like to gather friends—if only to say hello to those I’ve lost touch with because of our busy schedules.” Carter shared the festive holiday look of his Washington, D.C., home with Veranda.
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Complementary Color Palette
Designer Rayman Boozer also decided to go with an orange Treetopia tree this year, but unlike Michel Smith Boyd’s scheme above, he chose the hue to complement his steely-blue apartment. “Blue and orange are complementary colors, meaning they are opposite on the color wheel and work well together,” says Boozer. When it comes to ornaments he prefers sticking to three types for a more consistent look. Here, he uses white spheres, purple glitter pinecones, and tassels.
Working closely with Sag Harbor Florist for his house in the Hamptons, designer Alex Papachristidis likes to stray away from color when it comes to his Christmas decor. While the ornaments—chosen carefully from his large collection—may vary each year, the real pine cones and neutral color scheme in golds, taupes, and creams stay consistent.
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A Fab Tree Topper and a Clever Base
While the ornaments are crucial to tree decorating, designer Thom Filicia swears by a fabulous tree topper and a non-traditional tree skirt. Here, he puts his tree on a platform and surrounded it with split firewood for a sophisticated, rustic look.
Interior designer Stephen Sills prefers to use nontraditional colors on his tree, such as off-white, blue, yellow, and olive green—with absolutely no red in sight! For ornaments he frequently deploys his collection of straw stars, angels, and balls from Mexico while also incorporating natural elements like pine cones.
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Classic, with Lots of Light
For designer Sig Bergamin, a natural tree with lots and lots of lights is the way to go, “precisely to attract positive energy,” he says. He likes ornaments shaped like Christmas boots and mini gifts in addition to the classic balls.
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Northern European-Inspired
Designer Nathan Turner was inspired by his German heritage when decorating his tree. For one, he uses real candles (yes, we said real), held up by his grandmother’s metal clip-on candleholders to light up his Christmas tree each year. But don’t worry—he lights the tree only when he’s in the room! With a collection of bird ornaments, a wood garland, straw, and pops of red, the result is a very woodsy, rustic look.
Interior designer Mark D. Sikes bought this simple tree with attached lights and decorated it by spreading red and gold spherical ornaments throughout. He also put the Christmas presents in the fireplace—rather than around the tree—to add a different flair for the holiday: “We were able to contain the mess of wrapping paper (all in a cohesive color story, of course) in the fireplace, which made for a festive photo op!”
Design maven Kelly Wearstler is always looking for nontraditional ways to display her holiday flora. This sculptural wreath that hangs as a centerpiece in an entryway, for example, is quite the conversation starter.
“There are no rules when decorating the tree; it is its own country and can live anywhere,” says designer John Derian. “The pickle tree is one of my favorites—it’s a German tradition.”
Designer Juan Montoya recommends searching far and wide for your holiday decorations and ornaments, so that each piece is unique and will ideally evoke a familiar “moment or place in time” from your past travels.
For designer Bunny Williams, the best souvenir is an ornament brought back from a trip abroad to adorn her bright, colorful tree. “The most exciting part of decorating my tree is bringing out all the ornaments I’ve collected over the decades—and the memories that go with them,” she says.
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Sentimental Memorabilia
Interior designer Alfredo Paredes’s process for setting up a Christmas tree is just as special as the finished product. His tradition? He chops down his own tree, then shears it down (inspired by that sparse Charlie Brown Christmas tree) and decorates it with his family. His tree, filled with an assortment of ornaments collected over the years, reminds us that you don’t necessarily need a specific theme, as long as your decorations and ornaments bring you joy and fun memories.
For the Bay Area–based designer Nicole Salceda, minimalism isn’t just a theme for your home decor, it can apply to your holiday tree as well. “Luxe ribbons in neutral tones, wood garland, and a few pretty ornaments are all you need to create a beautiful tree this season,” she says.
HomeGoods style expert Jenny Reimold shared her tree, dressed in gold and silver metallic ornaments. But she didn’t stop there—check out the oversize matching garland draped over her mantel.
Here’s another idea from artist and designer Josh Yöung, who uses saffron hues to brighten up traditional metallic tones.
Sticking with neutral colors and natural textures will allow the greenery of the tree itself to become the true focal point of the room.
Looking for something a little less traditional this year? How about a monochromatic pink Christmas tree? As far as the decorations go, the gold offers a dramatic flair, while the darker pink hues give the tree some depth.
It may be cold outside, but your holiday decor doesn’t have to be. A Christmas tree like this that uses only warm colors makes a bright, vibrant statement in any kind of weather.
Coordinating all of your decor around a single color makes for a cohesive look—not to mention an easier decorating process. And it’s sure to complement any design style.
Alternatively, pair an all-white tree with vibrant, neon-colored ornaments for a striking, modern focal point.
Pair your white Christmas tree with all-metallic ornaments for a tree that will truly glitter with every reflection of light.
A silver—and only silver—color scheme would make the most elegant statement of all.
Silver and gold remain the stars of this festive setup—an appropriate palette to match the home’s modern feel.
Going pretty in pink works wonders on this Janie Molster–designed tree, which adds a feminine twist to a traditional color scheme.
Switch things up without adding more work to your decorating agenda by exchanging ornaments for ribbons, like in this setup styled by Alyssa Rosenheck.
Ashley Luengo of Modern Glam chose heavy flocking, pale pinks, and a sophisticated black-and-white ribbon to conjure modern Christmas vibes grounded in a classic decorative feel.
Jen Woodhouse stuck to two simple and seasonal shades for a fail-safe Christmas setup that feels festive yet refined.
If you want a classic pine to feel slightly nonconformist, opt for a slightly more saturated shade and scatter bright white lights all around.
Jen Woodhouse chose pretty poinsettias as the focal point for her Christmas tree, while delicate white details tie the look together.
A generous dose of flocking—plus color-coordinated ornaments—make this silver tree all the more luminous and, thus, more festive.
Kelly Smith makes the case for a pink Christmas tree, which features black, white, and gold ornaments and a matching tree stand worth showing off.
A black tree doesn’t have to be rebellious and dark. It can also be festive, charming, and unique—this tree by Copy Cat Chic is proof.
A holiday vignette by Craftberry Bush is dressed with frosted pine cones, snow-dusted branches, and dazzling pops of red for a winter wonderland–inspired look.
If you prefer a petite tree, a longer trunk is both unique and space-saving.
The natural green of this beautiful fir is paired with reds for a traditional holiday palette. From ornaments and stockings to presents and lights, this gorgeous tree boasts a beautiful Christmas color scheme.
Embrace your tree’s arboreal beauty with ultra-minimalist decor that lets the pine speak for itself. This sky-high tree, courtesy Ken Fulk, is decorated with simple twinkling lights for a subdued spirit without all the glam.
This bright and airy living room features a traditional forest-green pine decorated in a variety of muted and glittery ornaments. The thoughtfully curated decor complements the room’s existing design.
Make a playful statement this year with a vibrant pink tree. The eye-catching color complements nearly all holiday palettes, lending a funky feel that will enliven the festivities.
When you’re big on holidays but short on space, a tiny tree is the perfect solution. The quirky shape of this miniature pine is accented with spaced-out ornaments, including simple white candles, heart-shaped cookies, and grassy green balls.
Give your home a welcoming glow with this warm golden tree, boasting glitz and glam.
For a cheerful, coastal Christmas tree, like this one designed by Seahorse & Stripes, swags of ribbon in shades of cream and straw pair with distinctive sea stars and an airy waterfront color scheme.
Red and green might be the de facto colors of the season, but simple black and white, with neutral sleigh ornaments, make a chic statement on this boldly bedecked tree by Just Destiny Mag.
Stephanie Jean of Stephanie Jean Design took this sparse Christmas tree and adorned it with neutral-colored ornaments that fit the simple yet chic decor of the home of Danielle Hardy of Urban Walls.
Whether you are looking for the perfect tree to match your coastal decor or just prefer an unexpected holiday color scheme, a blue Christmas tree is always a beautiful choice. Kelly Page of bluegraygal used blue and silver glass ornaments and gold garland to tie this tree into her existing decor.
For a rustic-chic Christmas tree, Destiny of Just Destiny Mag decorated her spruce with an eclectic mix of ornaments. The buffalo-check garland and the wood ribbon take care of the country-inspired elements, while the black-velvet accents and glossy white bulbs give it a glamorous flair.
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Blue-and-Gold Christmas Tree
Featured on Old Brand New, this Christmas tree warms the space with its rich blue and gold ornaments. The mix of matte, shiny, and shimmering decorations create a beautiful effect especially when lit.
If you want your living room to look like a cozy, snowy wonderland, this tree is for you. Styled by Shauna Dean of Quentin & Co and featured on Style Me Pretty, this holiday tree is pure sophistication with its sparkly silver ornaments and luxurious ribbon, topped with burlap, yarn balls, and nonbreakable, childproof ornaments.
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Geometric Christmas Tree
This is a tree with geometric flair that you can enjoy from every angle. Lia Griffith used a palette of glitter gold and crisp white, plus Scandinavian inspiration, to design a charming tree covered with paper house ornaments, wooden stars made of natural willow, and felt garland.
A pastel color palette doesn’t typically come to mind when you think about the holiday season, but this Christmas tree makes a great case for one. For a charity event, Jillian Harris of Love It or List It Vancouver uses pale pinks, dusty blues, and white, creating a playful but sophisticated backdrop for holiday entertaining.
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Unadorned Christmas Tree
A skinny, unadorned tree in a creamy white room is perhaps a minimalist’s dream. This design by Dreamy Whites improvises a tree skirt from a blanket and adds a white-and-plaid stocking nearby for good measure.
A personal tree will get your little one more excited than a kid on, well, Christmas morning. This minimally adorned Christmas tree by Julie Blanner adds a little touch of charm to a daughter’s room but is likely to bring a big smile to anyone awaiting Santa this season.
We can’t get enough of the flowers-on-Christmas-tree trend: It is stylish and feminine and adds a perfectly soft touch to the world’s favorite winter tree. Here, Delia Creates arranged a tree with giant faux magnolias, glass bulbs, and gold wire bent into words that reflect the holiday spirit.
If Christmas is your favorite holiday, you may find yourself erring toward an exaggerated tree that truly reflects your love of the season. The formula, as proven by Sugar Bee Crafts: giant ornaments, giant snowflakes, and a tree color that breaks the norm, like wintry turquoise.
Bring a bit of the forest home with your Christmas tree by decorating it with ornaments that evoke the woodlands, such as the dainty owls and deer showcased in this tree by Style Me Pretty.
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Frosted Red Christmas Tree
Red is the perfect hue to contrast with a snowy tree, as proven by this winter wonderland Christmas tree from Style Me Pretty that is dotted with red berries, bows, and ornaments.
There is unmistakable charm in a scroungy tree, as our favorite animated holiday movie once taught. Adorn a skinny Christmas tree with simple silver ornaments to give a little tree big spirit, as Twinkle Twinkle Little Party brilliantly did here.
Can’t stop buying monogrammed towels? This tree is for you. Personalize your fir by adorning it with your favorite ornaments and the letters of everyone in your family, as This Charming Life did here. Since your tree will be busy with ornaments, keep the color palette neutral to avoid a cluttered look.
If you really want your tree to say “Merry Christmas” from the moment a guest walks in, don’t be afraid to spell it out. A monochromatic tree from The Tomkat Studio features a garland casting the season’s greetings, which is paired with snowy white ornaments.
Care to make a tree come to life with just two elements? Follow The Merrythought’s lead and adorn your Christmas tree with a wood garland and clay ornaments—natural elements that lend holiday decor a soothing, relaxed aesthetic.
Black, white, and gold is a timeless color scheme. This tree from Kara’s Party Ideas is covered with gold-dipped feathers, photo frames, bows, and even presents wrapped to match.
Celebrating Christmas at a winter getaway cabin? Bring a tree with you! Sweeten it with ornaments made of gingerbread and cushion it with an earth-toned skirt, as with this tree from Style Me Pretty.
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