From opening presents to admiring the twinkling lights, a Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of your holiday decor. Knowing how to hang ornaments ensures that your Christmas tree is beautifully decorated and that each ornament is hung securely.

Whether you have a set of matching baubles or a collection of handmade ornaments, we've put together a list of simple tips for hanging ornaments to help streamline your seasonal decorating. Keep reading to learn how to hang ornaments on a Christmas tree.

How to Hang Ornaments on a Christmas Tree

Make decorating your tree easy with these step-by-step tips on how to hang ornaments.

Step 1: Add the Lights & Garland

Before you start hanging ornaments, we recommend adding the Christmas lights and garland first. Check out our guide How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree to find tips and tricks for hanging lights on your Christmas tree.

Step 2: Choose the Right Ornament Hangers

There are a few different ways to attach the ornament to the branch: ornament hooks, ribbon, and floral wire.

• Ornament hooks have a top hook that attaches to the tree branch and a bottom hook that holds the top loop of the ornament. These hooks are affordable and easy to use.
• Ribbon is another great option for hanging ornaments. Simply take a piece of ribbon, loop it through the top loop of the ornament, and tie the ends together. Then hang the looped ribbon on a tree branch.
• Floral wire is a thin, bendable wire that can keep your ornaments extra secure. This is great for households with small children, pets, or particularly delicate ornaments. Plus, the dark green color blends seamlessly into your Christmas tree. Cut a piece of floral wire and thread the wire through the top of the ornament to create a U-shape. Place the branch at the base of the U-shape and twist the wire around the branch.

Step 3: Start With the Largest or Heaviest Ornaments

Heavy ornaments require more support than other types of ornaments. Make sure to choose a sturdy hook that can support the weight of the ornament. We also recommend placing the ornament further into the tree closer to the trunk so that the ornaments can also rest on the branches rather than just dangling from a branch.

Step 4: Fill in Open Spaces With Ornaments

The key to decorating a Christmas tree is creating a balanced look. Use medium or small ornaments to fill in the empty spaces between the larger ornaments. For lightweight ornaments, opt for ornament hooks or ribbon to hang the ornaments from the branches. For delicate or antique ornaments, it's best to use floral wire for added security.

Tip!

Hang fragile or sentimental ornaments near the top of the tree to keep them out of reach from small children or pets.

Step 5: Incorporate the Finishing Touches

To really tie the look together, add a tree skirt or tree collar at the base of your Christmas tree and top the tree with a stunning tree topper. These elements can help you create a cohesive theme or color palette – or complement the rest of your holiday decor!

Step 6: Step Back & Enjoy Your Tree

After you've finished hanging each ornament, it's time to step back and admire the tree. This is also a great time to adjust any areas of the tree that might seem overcrowded or sparse.

Tip!

Find seasonal inspiration with our Christmas tree decorating guides: Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas, Unique Christmas Tree Theme Ideas to Spice Up Your Christmas Decor, or 11 Classic Christmas Tree Topper Ideas.

Now you know how to hang ornaments on a Christmas tree, check out our collection of holiday decor.