Christmas Tree Decorating - Theme Trees

Stephanie Smith

If you're looking to do something a bit different with your Christmas decorating, why not choose a theme for your Christmas tree? Most of us have an odd assortment of ornaments that we get out every year to hang on the tree, and every year the tree looks more or less the same. With a theme, you can reinvent your holiday decor while still saving room for a few heirloom pieces that you can't decorate without.

Some potential themes include:

- Color theme - use only one color of lights as well as clear lights, then decorate the tree with ornaments and ribbon in the same color along with white and silver or gold. Use the clear lights closer to the tree trunk to illuminate the tree from within, and use the colored lights closer to the tips of the branches. A possible  combination is blue and clear lights with ornaments in various shades of blue, white and silver. Or use red and clear lights with red, white and gold ornaments. By limiting the number of colors used, you can draw attention to the elegant simplicity of your decorating scheme. You can also extend this into a patriotic theme by using your national colors.

- Photo theme - for a sentimental feeling, decorate your Christmas tree with ornaments specifically designed to hold photos. You can use photos of your family from the past year, or with favorite childhood photos. Your tree will bring back memories for everyone, and can be a great conversation piece.

- Ribbon theme - decorate the tree with only lights and ribbons. Create a tree-topper out of large bow using wire ribbon. You can use different colors and thicknesses of ribbon as garlands going around the tree, or trailing downward from the top of the tree. Make small ribbon bows to attach to individual tree branches.

- Homemade theme - use only homemade ornaments on your tree. Each ornament will have it's own story and memories for the people who created them. Make this tree even more special by getting everyone involved in making the ornaments, whether it's by crocheting, sewing, or cutting out wooden shapes.

- Specific ornaments - consider decorating with only one type of ornament, such as decorative birds or small teddy bears. The number of possible themes is endless, just follow your heart. Try using an assortment of cookie cutters in Christmas shapes, or some single silk holiday flowers nestled amongst the branches. You can also use angels, candy canes, small stockings, decorated pine cones, or whatever else interests you.

Be creative, and wherever possible use what you already have to give your tree decorating a different look.  Using a theme doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money. Even if you do need new ornaments, check out sales to get the best prices.

Have fun decorating this holiday season and get your loved ones involved. Create some new holiday memories and cherish some old ones.