Is your tree all decorated and ready for Christmas? Mine has been up since the beginning of November. I have to say, there’s something truly magical about the timeless elegance of a traditional Christmas tree. Adorned in classic colors, shimmering gold and silver, and cherished family ornaments, it becomes the warm, welcoming heart of the home during the holiday season. While trends come and go, this style never goes out of fashion.
If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve a traditional look in your own living room, you’re in the right place! I’m sharing my tips for decorating a stunning traditional tree!
If this is your first time to my Cottage in the Mitten, I want to welcome you and say I am so glad you’re here! It’s always fun meeting new readers!
My name is Kim and I have lived in the state of Michigan my entire life. I’m passionate about my faith, family, a good cup of tea, and I love home decor! Another tidbit about me, I make blankets for a cause and I would love for you to read all about that, in my post The Journey.
Affiliate links are used in this post. I earn a small fee by linking to their sites. Read my full disclosure here.
I love joining my friends to bring you beautiful content. Today, my friend Wendy at WM Design House is hosting a fun tree hop along with some of my blogging friends. If you are coming to my cottage from Missy at Sonata Home Design, wasn’t her tips on decorating an upside down Christmas tree so fun?! I just love Missy’s colorful style!
Defining the Traditional Christmas Tree Aesthetic
The definition of “traditional” is existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established.
Long established.
I’ve been decorating my own tree now for over 35 years. I’d call that long established! I have plenty of ornaments that have been passed downed, handmade, given as gifts, and gathered from various vacation spots.
Is there anything better than a quiet evening at home, looking at all those memories on the tree?
When my kids were growing up, we always had two large trees. A themed tree and a traditional tree. However, since we moved into the cottage, we only have room for one.
This year, I got this new amazing flock tree from King of Christmas. I was struggling with feeling like it would be so pretty as a themed tree, but deep down in my heart I wanted a traditional tree. All the goodness of years past!
So that’s what I decided to do and I couldn’t be happier with how it came out.
The Essential First Step: Fluffing and Shaping Your Tree
Before you start decorating your tree, there’s one important task to complete first! This first step is all about patience and preparation, and the process differs slightly depending on whether your tree is fresh or faux.
For a Real Christmas Tree
If you’ve brought home a fresh-cut tree, it’s important to put it in the stand with plenty of water and let it rest. I always let mine sit for about 24 hours before I begin to decorate it. It’s important to remember to keep the tree away from direct heat sources. You can get all my tips and tricks in my post Fresh Cut Christmas Tree: Secret Hacks to Keep It Thriving.
For a Faux Christmas Tree
An artificial Christmas tree needs a little TLC after spending the year in a box! Not my favorite task, but each branch needs to be “fluffed” to erase any signs that it has been smashed into it’s container. Let’s face it, some of us do smash it into the box and tape it shut! Make sure to really get in there and bend the branches outwards and upwards to create a full, natural shape.
My Pro Tip for Both Trees
Before you begin fluffing, position your tree in it’s stand and rotate it so that the prettiest side or fullest side faces the primary viewing area in your room.
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Tips for a Traditional Tree
There are many different items you might find on a traditional Christmas tree. I’ve shared a list below.
- baubles
- homemade ornaments
- vintage ornaments
- lights
- tinsel
- candy canes
- ribbon or garland
- a tree topper
- a traditional skirt
Even though I used the pretty ornaments I’ve gathered over the years, I like my tree to look a little dressed up. Below are a few tips I use to make it look just that!
Add Ribbon
Adding a pretty ribbon to your tree makes a big statement.
Find a wired edged ribbon you love and depending on how big your tree is, buy two or four rolls. When adding ribbon to my tree, I cut it into 9 inch strips. Folding the strips in half and pinching them at the base. I insert each piece in between the branches.
I used traditional plaid for my home decor this Christmas, so it was fitting to choose this fun plaid for my tree.
The Tree Topper
If you’ve been around here awhile, you know I always like to put some fun facts or trivia into my posts. So here goes…Do you know what the original tree topper was?
If you guessed the baby Jesus, you are correct. However, the trend evolved to an angel or a star, which are still both significant Christian symbols.
Growing up we always had a star on the top of the tree. When I decorated two trees I used and angel on one and a large bow on the other. I use ribbon on my Christmas tree, I then make sure I buy enough to make a large bow to match.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
The Art of Ornament Placement: Creating Depth and Interest
When it comes to ornaments I hang as many as possible. It’s just my personal opinion, but I believe the tree takes on a totally different feel when you have a ton of ornaments.
My suggestion is be sure to hang some of your ornaments closer to the trunk to create depth. The ornaments reflect the light and it makes your tree sparkle on the inside too. An easy way to do this is to add round bulbs and set them inside the tree, resting them on the inner branches.
Make sure to hang your small ornaments near the top. It doesn’t look proprotinate to have your small ornaments near the bottom of the tree. The most important part, make the tree your own using your speciality items, like those handmade ornaments and treasures you have gathered over the years.
Completing the Look: The Tree Skirt and Gift Wrap
There are so many options these days for the skirting under your tree. There are collars, baskets, and other vessels you can use, but there’s nothing more traditional than a tree skirt. I use a traditional red velvet tree skirt.
Speaking of under the tree, I always try to match my wrapping paper to the theme of my tree. It make everything look so cohesive. This year, I’ve used multiple colors just like all the ornaments on my tree.
You can see how easy I make my bows in my post Easy and Beautiful Christmas Gift Wrapping.
Traditional Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
I hope you enjoyed my post on how to decorate a traditional Christmas tree. I’m thrilled with how my traditional tree came out this year. There is something so special about adding those handmade ornaments and specialty items that hold so many memories.
Next up, on our tour is my friend Crystal at Sweet Valley Acres. Make sure you stop by and see how beautifully she decorated her tree!
However you decorate your tree this holiday season, I hope it brings you hours and hours of joy!
May your Christmas be bright!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
10 Days of Christmas
- Day 1 – Christmas DIY Ideas
- Day 2 – Front Porch Decorating Ideas
- Day 3 – Christmas Tree Ideas
- Day 4 – Christmas Table Decor Ideas
- Day 5 – Christmas Cookies and Sweet Treats
- Day 6 – Christmas Decorating Ideas
- Day 7 – Bloggers’ Favorite Christmas Idea
- Day 8 – Gift Wrapping Ideas
- Day 9 – Wreaths & Front Door Decor
- Day 10 – Winter Greenery
Shop My Favorites – Christmas
Kim, I love how all of the ornament pop on your new white flocked Christmas Tree. It looks so gorgeous! I know you have to love it. A beautiful decorated home for the holidays! Hugs to you my good friend.
Awe, thank you so much, Tammy! You are so kind. I am loving my new tree this year! xo
Kim, your flocked Christmas tree is absolutely beautiful! I love all of the colorful, charming details. It is traditional but feels very updated as well. And, the handmade ornaments have my heart! You did a beautiful job decorating this tree! Merry Christmas, Kim!
Thank you, Missy! It was fun to decorate with everything I’ve gathered over the years! Merriest Christmas to you!!
Kim, I absolutely love your traditional tree adorned with all of your special family ornaments! We have those Thomas the Tank ornaments on our family tree as well! They bring back such sweet memories of when our boys were young! I love all of the colors on your tree!! Merry Christmas, my friend!
Thank you, Kim! Don’t those train hold so many memories! It was fun going down memory lane with each ornament we hung. Merry Christmas!!
I love your tree! I decorate mine with all old world ornaments. Some from my Mom and some collected. I have a question about your flocked tree. Does the flocking come off a lot? And was it prelit or did you add lights and was that difficult? Thank you. I too am a born and raised Michigander.
Linda
Always great to meet Mitten friends! My tree is a King of Christms flock tree and it does not shed much at all! I would definitely recommend it. Thanks for visiting and Merry Christmas!
Kim your tree is gorgeous! I never thought of using ribbon for the topper but what a fantastic idea. I love all the little personal and handmade decorations – aren’t they just the sweetest to put on the tree year after year? I get all teary as I bring them out. Thank you for your traditions and all your creative skills!
Awe, thanks so much, Crystal! Yes, so many memories as we hang those treasured ornaments. Truly a special gift at Christmas. Merry Christmas to you!
Your tree is so beautiful Kim with all of the traditional ornaments.I enjoy looking at them with all of the memories they come with. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks so much Wendy! And thanks for gathering us together! Merry Christmas!
Kim, I absolutely love your beautiful Traditional Christmas tree! And love that you’ve used ornaments that are near and dear to your heart and hold special memories!
Thank you, Kristy! Merry Christmas!
Kim, I love your traditional tree. All the personal touches and the gorgeous plaid ribbon make it all so beautifully done! Merry Christmas to you and your family. It was great to share in this hop with you today! Susan
Thanks Susan! Nice hopping with you and Merry Christmas!
Kim, love that tree!!!! Seeing your tree each year, the white flock is such a beautiful addition, also adding to that traditional look! I too, put up a traditional tree, which is probably my most favorite part of the Christmas season!! I decorate similar to you with a mix of vintage ornaments from when I was young to those I’ve accumulated from travel, and finally the annual picture ornament that we have for each of our kids from each year since they’ve been born. So having kids ages 30, 28 and 24 years old, that’s a lot of picture ornaments we add each year which is become our most beloved tradition!
Merry Christmas 🎄!
You always have a beautiful tree, Julie! Oh, the fun we had all those years, cutting down trees together! Merry Christmas!❤️
Oh my goodness, Kim! You make me nostalgic for the bin of “special” ornaments that hasn’t been opened in four years. We always used to hang the ornaments as a family when the kids were young and then even as young adults coming home for the holidays. But now, when they all arrive, they just want to sit by the fire looking at the tree (even with just. lights) catching up which quickly evolves into telling stories on each other.
You make me realize that there’s no reason I cant hang those ornaments before they arrive and have our Traditional Tree by the fire.
You definitely should! I’m should your kids would love that and so would you! What precious memories they hold! Merry Christmas, Diane!
Kim, I love your traditional tree so much, it is beautiful! My family keeps a traditional tree in our living room and it is one of my favorite traditions. It’s so fun to pull out all of our ornaments from when my kids were little! Thank you so much for sharing yours.
Thank you AnnMarie! They are so fun and hold great family memories, for sure!!
Loved this one! So pretty! The KOC donut ornament is so pretty!!
I love that ornament! Did you get the same one?
So beautiful! Love all the pops of color!
Thanks Stacy!
I love how traditional trees have such a warm, nostalgic feel, especially with ornaments that hold so many memories. I’ve always admired the classic gold and silver touches you mentioned, and it’s nice to see how you incorporate both new and old decorations into your tree. Your tips on shaping the tree and keeping it fresh are also super practical.