Simple, Inexpensive & Easy Christmas Tree Decorations

Throughout the years of decorating our Christmas tree, I have gathered a small but sufficient set of decorations that I always use. Not only is the decor festive and cozy, but also inexpensive and easy to put together. As a bonus, it also takes up very little space when stored.

The decorating process is straightforward and takes up only around 15 minutes (it may vary depending on the size of the tree and your speed 🙂). Thanks to that you can spend the rest of your evening enjoying free time in the cozy Christmas atmosphere.

The Decorations

Here is the set of decorations that I use for a 6 ft real Christmas tree. Since our tree stands in the corner, I decorate only the visible part, which is approx. 70 % of the whole tree. If you are going to decorate the entire tree, you will have to increase the number of decorations by at least one third.

– 3 sets of fairy Christmas lights (1 set approx. 21 ft long)
– Around 25 ball ornaments (two colors, multiple finishes)
– 9 (Pine) Cones
– 16 Small bows
– 1 Large bow
– 25 Hooks for ball ornaments

 

What Goes on First?

Now let’s look at what goes on first when decorating a Christmas tree.

1) Lights

First, put the lights on the tree. Here is the reasoning. The Christmas tree decorating process should start near the trunk and finish at the end of the branches. It is a practical workflow to create layers of decorations. Since the branches closest to the trunk are the strongest, you should always start with the heaviest decorations, such as lights. Otherwise, you could end up with branches bent under the load of the decorations.

Start placing the lights at the top of the tree and work your way down. To fasten the lights on the top, create a little loop at the end of the lights cord and hang it on the top of the tree. Don’t worry, if it is visible and ugly :D, you will cover it with a ribbon at the end. You can put the lights around the whole tree, however, if your tree is standing in the corner, same as ours, you can spare some lights and arranged them only on the visible side of the tree in an “S” shape.

 

(Optional) Garland

If you will add a Garland to your design, remember that a Garland goes on the tree after the lights, and before the ornaments. Don’t put the garland on last, since it could cover other decorations.

 

2) Ornaments

The second step is to put on the ornaments. Since they are usually also a bit heavy, don’t hang them too close to the end of the branches since this could cause them to bend. You can spread the ornaments all over the tree or, if the tree is placed in the corner, decorate only the visible side.

Color & Finishes

I am using two sets of ball ornaments (red and gold) with multiple finishes (glossy, matt, etc.). I find it a great option to keep the color scheme simple but still have a lot to look at.

Spread Them Out

When hanging the ornaments, I try to change the colors and finishes. This helps me to spread them evenly on the tree so that the same colors and finishes are not close to each other.

Use the Hooks

To hang the ornaments on the branches, I use the hooks. Not only it makes it much easier to place the ornaments on the branch, but it also adds some space between the ornament and the branch, which allows you to fill empty spaces on the tree.

 

3) Cones

The third step is to hang the cones. I love the look of them since they add a natural look to the decor. I am using cones on a golden string that I have bought in a local store. I place them at the end of the branches to make them pop since they are quite tiny. Their low weight makes them the perfect ornament for the ends of the branches.

TIP: If you don’t want to buy cones, you can do an easy DIY project. Just collect some cones, choose a string, twine or a clear cord, and attache it to the cone with a hot glue gun or just tie it around the cone.

4) Ribbons

Small Bows

The last step is to put the bows on the tree. I have created them from a red ribbon, that I happened to have at home.

TIPS:
– Look for a ribbon with wires on the sides. This will help you to arrange the bows to the desired shape.
– Choose a see-through material. It defuses the light, creating a beautiful, cozy effect.

The Large Bow

The last piece of decoration that I put on the top of the tree is a large bow made from a silky, wide red ribbon. It is a piece that is both beautiful and practical. It hides the end of the lights cord and fills the usually thin top area of a real Christmas tree.

 

Fun Tradition

Every year during the decorating process, we watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. And it didn’t stop to crack me up till today 😁. Do you also have a movie that you watch during Christmas tree decoration? Tell me in the comments below, I am very curious if there are more people with the same tradition 🙂.