In this post I’ll be sharing the details about my boho neutral Christmas tree, and some tips for decorating a full and themed tree.
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We’ve landed in December! And although my tree has been up and ready since before Thanksgiving, I figured now would be a good time to share some photos and details on my final 2020 tree decor.
Plus a few of my tips & tricks for decorating a FULL tree from scratch.
For the past 3 years, my Christmas tree has had the same theme and decor. (See photos: here and here!)
But this year I wanted to switch things up a bit and took my theme over to a more “cozy boho chic” vibe. I prefer decorating for most holidays with neutral colors and natural textures. But for Christmas, I also love to add pops of sparkle and glitter.
Before we dive in, here are my go-to staples for Christmas tree decor:
These are all the elements that I reuse every single year and act as the “base” of my tree decor. I then add-on extra items and special ornaments to create the theme and color palette.
- a faux tree
- LED string lights in a warm white color
- a set of simple ball ornaments in champagne, gold, and white.
- white pom pom garland (mine is a DIY but here is a similar one)
- neutral rope
- gold pine cones
- greenery garland (similar options here and here)
- white and champagne snowflakes
- gold star tree topper
- spools of ribbon with wired edges
- glittery picks/branches
This year I added some new pieces to create a more cozy boho neutral theme:
- wooden bead ornaments, macrame wreath ornaments, and embroidered felt star ornaments. (Click here to check out my DIY post for all three!)
- large flower stems (similar ones here)
- dried grass picks (similar ones here)
- ivory and greenery picks/branches
- decorative bowl filler balls
- woven basket tree collar – to be honest I don’t LOVE the quality of the one I picked up from Amazon. Here is a similar one from Potterybarn that I already have my eye on for next year. Also, this one from Target is a nice alternative!
My Tree Decorating Process | Layering ornaments to create a really FULL and interesting tree
Step 1
Set up tree, add string lights, and fluff each individual branch. I usually do this on day 1, then let the tree “settle” overnight and continue fluffing branches the next morning before moving on to the next steps.
Step 2
Add greenery garlands in a zig zag pattern. These add a ton of texture and visual interest to the tree.
Step 3
Add rope and/or other garlands (pom pom garlands, tinsel garlands, etc.) The key to hanging garland is to make sure they drape nicely and aren’t snagged on any branches.
Step 4
Add ribbon. I like to cut my ribbon into 10, 12, and 14 inch pieces, tuck in and tie the ends to a tree branch to secure them in place. I highly recommend ribbon with wired edges so you can shape them nicely. You can also layered 2 types of ribbon together to create an even more dynamic look.
Step 5
Place simple/basic ornaments (like solid shiny balls) in the deeper branches of the tree to reflect lights and brighten up darker areas inside. I call this the “boring” step but don’t skip this because every little reflection counts 🙂
Step 6
Add your picks – flowers, branches, etc. These are my little secret weapons for adding a TON of texture and visual interest to the tree. In my opinion, picks and branches really give your tree a full and professionally done feel. I like to keep some picks sticking out a bit to break up the super triangular shape that fake trees typically have.
Step 7
Place your more special and statement ornaments. Make sure these are in odd numbers. Trust me, it just looks better. Space them out evenly in a zig zag pattern around the tree. My trick is to step back and look at the tree as a whole, then place special ornaments in spots that will stand out the most – center front, near the top, and at least 2 on either sides near the bottom of the tree.
Step 8
Add more simple/basic ornaments to fill in any gaps. I like to use the simple ball ornaments for this, but keep it interesting by mixing and matching textures – some glitter, some solid, some disco balls, etc. What keeps them cohesive is the size and color palette.
Step 9
Add in smaller filler ornaments or embellishments like pinecones or snowflakes. These can usually just be tucked into branches without needing to be hung. Again, use these to fill any gaps.
Step 10
Place your tree topper. I like to add some large statement picks or branches on either side of the topper. It makes for a more dramatic/statement piece.
Step 11
Add your tree skirt or collar. In the past I have used pillows to prop up my tree skirt and make it look fuller, and also placed a few faux gifts (empty Amazon boxes) wrapped in paper and ribbon that coordinates with my tree’s theme and color.
This year I opted for a more minimal wicker basket collar, a basket with pillows and throw blankets on the side, and a simple vase with faux branches and pinecones.
If your tree is next to a wall, I think adding a matching wreath really pulls together an entirely cohesive “zone” – click here for my DIY pom pom wreath post.
Extra Tips
- Save time and $$ by placing your tree in a corner (or against a wall) and only decorate the front half.
- While decorating, constantly step back to look at the overall composition so you’re keeping things balanced.
- Don’t be afraid to mix textures and metals (ie, silver and gold, or glitter and yarn)
- Pull items from around the house. You may have some faux flowers in a vase somewhere that would add a finishing touch to the tree.
- Purchase “basic” ornaments in a neutral color and each year add in small groups of themed ornaments and matching ribbon to change up the theme.
- Keep larger or more “special” ornaments in groups of odd numbers and stagger them on the tree in zig zag placement.
- Don’t rush. Decorate when you’re in a good mood with plenty of time to spare. Also, sleep on it. In the morning you’ll see the tree with a fresh set of eyes that’ll help tweak things and add final touches.
And that’s it for my 2020 boho neutral Christmas tree post. I hope you gained something from my decorating and layering process for a fully loaded, themed tree.
If you’re looking for more crafty holiday content: Check out my post on 3 easy DIY Christmas tree ornaments!
Happy Holidays!
Xx Laura
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