You may be a pro at decorating a traditional Christmas tree, but going for that perfect white tree aesthetic is new territory. We’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions on how to decorate a white Christmas tree.

How to Decorate a White Christmas Tree

The steps below are easy to follow and highlight everything you need to consider when decorating your white Christmas tree.

1. Choose Your Canvas

Start off by choosing the right white Christmas tree for your home. Consider these options when choosing your perfect tree:

• Color:If you want a pure bright white tree, you’ll want to go with a fully white artificial Christmas tree. If you like the white Christmas aesthetic but want a more natural look, go for a heavily flocked tree – you’ll still see some green underneath but the tree will mostly appear white.

• Size: When choosing a tree, pay attention to height measurements to avoid ending up with one that doesn’t fit in your home. Measure the height of the ceiling in the room you plan to place your tree and compare it with the specs in the product description. Also keep in mind that you will have to decorate your tree and a taller one will require a ladder, more decor, and a bit more effort.

• Fullness: The fullness of the tree determines how wide your tree will be, and ultimately how much space it will take up. Choose from slender, regular, or extra-full Christmas trees, depending on the look you want and the space you have. If you’re working with a small space, consider a half or corner tree, which can be pushed up against the wall but still gives you the classic Christmas tree look.

Tip!

Check out our helpful guides to Christmas Tree Types and Christmas Tree Sizes before making a decision.

2. Pick the Perfect Lighting

Christmas tree lights can totally change the aesthetic of your white Christmas tree. Decide whether you want warm, cool, or colored lighting and then string them on your tree. If you’ve never done this before, learn how with our guide: How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree.

• Warm: Choose warm Christmas tree lights if you want your white Christmas tree to have a golden glow. Warm lighting is best for more natural-looking trees, so it’s a great option for flocked white Christmas trees, or for more rustic-style rooms like farmhouse or Scandinavian minimalist.

• Cool: Cool lights have more of pure white or blue-tinted illumination to them and work well if you want a simple white artificial Christmas tree that doesn’t take away from your ornaments and other decor. You can also choose blue colored lights if you want a frosty blue and white Christmas tree look.

• Colorful: You have a lot of options and can go for many different looks when it comes to colored Christmas tree string lights. The classic rainbow multicolored Christmas lights will have a more modern, playful feel on a white Christmas tree versus a classic festive look on a green Christmas tree. Red and green lights will give your white tree classic Christmas vibes. You can also choose lights in your favorite color, like pink, purple, or teal lights to personalize your aesthetic.

• Novelty: If you really want to add some personality to your Christmas tree, you can go for novelty string lights. You can choose lights in classic shapes like snowflakes, snowmen, or stars or something more unique like chili peppers, sharks, or palm trees.

3. Decide on Your Decor

Once your Christmas tree lighting is all set, it’s time to adorn your tree with Christmas ornaments, garlands, and ribbons. You can keep it simple with a set of classic ball ornaments or go all-out with festive ribbons.

• Ornaments: These classic Christmas tree decorations come in a variety of options, such as ball ornaments, figurines, and classic Christmas shapes like snowflakes, reindeer, and Santas. Go for a classy modern look on your white Christmas tree by choosing a set of ball ornaments in your favorite colors, or choose a classic Christmas color scheme like silver and gold. If you want to go for a more vintage Christmas look, use a mix of different figurine and glass ornaments that give a collected heirloom vibe.

• Ribbons & Bows: If you’re looking for more than just lights and ornaments, try adding classic Christmas bows or ribbons to your tree. Classic holiday red bows will add festive pops of color when properly spaced out on your white Christmas tree. You can achieve a glam look by wrapping a silver or gold ribbon around your tree from top to bottom.

• Tinsel & Garlands: Use tinsel and Christmas tree garlands to get closer to the aesthetic you want. Tinsel is a traditional Christmas decoration that also gives off vintage holiday vibes. You can also achieve a classic festive look with red and green pom-pom garlands, or go with multicolored ones or tassels for more of an eclectic or boho feel.

Tip!

Up your Christmas tree decorating game with our helpful guide on How to Hang Ornaments on a Christmas Tree.

4. Lay Out Your Tree Skirt

Choose a tree skirt or Christmas tree collar to hide the base of your tree. Be sure to choose one that goes with the overall style of your tree so it doesn’t clash. If you went with classic decor and Christmas colors on your tree, a red or green tree skirt will go well and contrast nicely with your white tree. If you stick to an icy color palette, a white, silver, or gold tree skirt will do the trick.

5. Top It Off With Holiday Cheer

Don’t forget the finishing touch! Choose a Christmas tree topper to serve as a focal point and tie your decorations together. A classic angel or star in whites, golds, silvers will do well for a traditional- or vintage-style white Christmas tree. If you went with a white boho tree with pops of colors, match the vibes with a colorful tree topper that will stand out against your white tree. Be sure to choose a topper that lets your personal style shine through, so you are proud to place it on your tree year after year.

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