Themed Christmas Tree Ideas

Elegant Christmas Tree Decorating Themes

There is something romantic and elegant about the Christmas season for me. I like the way my living room glows with the soft white lights that adorn my tree and the greenery that is draped along my mantelpiece. The flickering of candles and aroma of pine boughs, cinnamon and spice is enticing. To keep the season fresh and to stoke those romantic, cozy fires, I like to change things up a bit when decorating my tree.

I can recall years ago touring a local home every holiday season. The owners had over thirty trees in their house and each had its own theme. The trees were in literally every room; some big, some small, and some in between. There was a Bucky Badger tree, a Coca Cola tree, a Hot Wheels car tree, a white tree, and of course all manner of old-fashioned holiday ornament trees. The entire city was invited to visit the house most nights of the week. The tours were free save for the canned good donations that revelers would bring to share with the local food pantry.

It was during those tours that the concept of having a “theme” tree really grew on me. My tree is typically filled with family heirloom ornaments and those that my children have made for us over the years. The small clay hand-impressions from pre-school days and picture frames made from popsicle sticks with their smiling faces peeking out, are priceless. But while these ornaments have a place on every tree regardless of theme, what I build around them are uniquely different.

If you are looking to shake things up on your trees this year, you may enjoy considering some of the following ideas. Happy holidays!

THE WINE LOVER’S TREE

Try accenting your tree this year with small grape clusters. They come in a variety of colors include purple, green, burgundy and off-white. Some may be frosted or slightly glittery. That is up to you. You can also drape plum colored beads instead of tinsel or garland around the tree. Use only white, not colored lights. Many retailers also sell grape cluster lights. If you are using them, I would recommend not including the beads, as it may overwhelm your tree. Accents may include wine bottle replica ornaments, ornaments fashioned from wine bottle corks, and small plum, silver or gold ball ornaments. Use a burgundy or plum colored velvet ribbon with gold or silver trim and long mesh and satin ribbon strands as a tree topper. The best kinds are those that have thin wiring around the perimeter that allows you to shape them.  

THE BIRD’S NEST

Bring a bit more of the outside in by creating a lovely bird’s nest theme. Think about winter birds such as cardinals, partridges, blue jays, turtle doves, pheasant and quail. Seek out ornamental birds that will clip onto the branches. I still prefer the classic white lights with this tree, but if you want to include a lot of color, choose the variety of colorful birds. Small glass ball ornaments in silver and blue make nice accents. For a tree topper, try a larger illuminated globe that mimics the moon, or a raffia nest with a particularly stately bird in it.

Another fun twist on the bird themed tree is the peacock tree. By draping colorful peacock feathers along your tree you can add a splash of striking color that is a gorgeous complement to the pine boughs. Blue and gold ribbon and peacock ornaments will cap off this uniquely different tree.

THE ROSE TREE

Picture the delicate white lights twinkling beneath a pale floral explosion. Soft pink roses and feathery white accents adorn a tree that literally sighs with seasonal romance. Pearl strands and soft pink and white glass balls hang as if weightless from the boughs. This tree will welcome everyone who steps foot into your home with its elegant yet understated beauty, just like a bouquet of summer roses. 

THE ANGEL TREE

Angels are almost synonymous with Christmas. "Hark the herald angels sing...", "Angels we have heard on high..." One can barely think about the holidays without thinking about the angels that alerted the wise men to the coming of Christ. It seems only fitting that we design a theme in honor of these heavenly beings, which are very real to many people, even today.

When I think about angels, I think of soft colors, feathery wings, white robes and halos. All of these images lead me to choose paler accents for my tree, much like we did with the rose tree. I am not a fan of white trees, but trees that are accented in primarily white can be very striking. Therefore, I would recommend angel ornaments in white, off-white or the palest pink. White and silver glass balls, white lights, white and pinkish pearl beads, silver horns, and harps all make the perfect accents.

CLASSIC GOLD AND SILVER

Nothing is more warm than a classic gold and silver tree. Illuminated by hundreds of white lights which reflect off of the glass balls, beads and other ornaments, this tree screams classic. Accent with thick gold ribbons and the topper of your choice. Bows also work very nicely when tied or clipped to the boughs. This theme is perfect for those wanting to layer on the decorations or erect a stately yet minimalist tree.

THE VICTORIAN

When I think of Victorian decorating, old world images come to mind. Many include rustic wooden santas, hand crafted sleighs and angels. Gold, red, burgundy, and pine green illuminated by tiny white lights hang in brilliant compatibility alongside solid balls of color, spires, and antique paper and ribbon. This is the perfect tree on which to hang family heirloom ornaments, passed down from grandparents and great-grandparents who emigrated from the old country. Victorian trees are meant to be stately and work best in larger rooms with vaulted ceilings. 

WINTER WONDERLAND

This primarily white and silver tree is decorated in tiny snowflake ornaments, crystal icicles, pearl beads, white and silver ribbon, Colorful accents can also be added with glass balls in classic colors such as lavender, mauve, burgundy and frosted green.