How to decorate a Christmas tree with baubles

A well-balanced Christmas tree does not need lots of different decorations. A small colour palette, a mixture of bauble sizes and careful placement can make a simple collection look considered. Start with the tree and lights, then build up your decorations a little at a time.

Choose your main colours

Pick two or three colours you enjoy together. Red and gold creates a traditional scheme; silver and white feels wintry; green with natural-looking decorations keeps the focus on foliage and texture. A colourful tree can work just as well: repeat the same shades around the tree so the result feels intentional.

Take your lights into account. Warm white can complement gold and warmer colours, while white lights work well with silver and snowy finishes. Our lighting colour guide can help you choose.

Mix finishes for depth

Shiny, matt and glitter finishes catch the light differently. Using several finishes within the same colour palette adds interest without needing more colours. Start with plain baubles as a base and use decorative pieces as accents.

Check the product details for material, size and pack quantity. Shatterproof baubles are a different material choice from glass, but neither the name nor the appearance tells you how a decoration should be handled or whether it is suitable for outdoor use.

Place the lights before the baubles

Shape the tree and arrange your lights first. It is easier to adjust a dark patch while the branches are still clear. Step back and check the display from the places where you will usually see it, such as the sofa or doorway.

Build up the decorations

1. Place larger baubles first, spreading them around the tree rather than concentrating them in one area.
2. Add medium and smaller pieces to fill the gaps. Vary their depth so some sit within the branches and others closer to the tips.
3. Repeat your colours and finishes across different sections of the tree.
4. Add a few statement decorations, bows or floral picks where you want a focal point.
5. Step back again and move anything that makes one side look crowded.

How many baubles do you need?

There is no fixed number for every tree. Height, width, branch density and your preferred style all affect the result. A slim tree needs a different approach from a broad one, and large baubles fill visual space more quickly than small ones. Start with a coordinated base and add more only where the display needs them.

Browse our baubles, tree toppers and ribbon and bows. You can carry the same palette through a wreath or garland to connect the tree with the rest of the room.