A beautiful tree is not about how many ornaments you use, but about order and proportion. Work in the right sequence and the tree gains depth and comes together evenly, with no bare patches.
We take you through the steps, from the lights to the topper, so the work is easy this year and the result is good.
1. Lights come first
Always put the lights on before the ornaments. On a bare tree they are easy to arrange evenly; between ornaments it is hard.
Do not wind the lights horizontally around the tree; run them vertically, from the top down. That way no horizontal stripes form and the lighting gives the tree depth.
Tuck a few strands inside the branches too, not only onto the outer tips. In the evening the tree then seems to glow from within.
The amount depends on the height: a 180 cm tree needs roughly 15 to 20 metres, a 210 cm one 20 to 25, a 230 cm one 25 to 30, and a 300 cm one 40 to 50 metres. Warm white gives the most elegant result. More on this: How many metres of fairy lights a Christmas tree needs.
2. Large ornaments first
The larger baubles give the tree its character, so start with those. Spread them evenly over the whole tree, and place some deeper between the branches, not only on the outer edges. That gives the tree depth instead of a flat look.
Then come the medium ornaments, and finally the small pieces fill the gaps. Mixing sizes is what makes a tree look truly full.
3. Ribbons and bows, used wisely
A wider velvet ribbon or a few larger bows give more character than many small ornaments. You do not need one on every branch: a few deliberately placed pieces look more elegant.
You can drape the ribbon loosely in arcs between the branches, or gather it into bows at a few points. Burgundy, dark green or champagne velvet looks especially good on a deep green tree.
4. The topper and the final look
The topper goes on last. A star or a simple finial closes off the top of the tree.
When you are done, step back and look at the tree from a few metres away. From there you can see where the bare patches are, and add an ornament or two. Proportions are hard to judge up close and easy from a distance.
5. Let the tree show through
A good, naturally shaped tree does not need to be covered completely. If the branch structure is beautiful in itself, the decoration highlights it rather than hiding it.
EternaPine trees are made with dense, lifelike branch tips, so they hold their own undecorated and become truly festive with a few well chosen ornaments. For colours and this year's directions: Christmas tree trends 2026.
What height should you choose?
The proportions work when 20 to 30 cm remain between the top and the ceiling. In a living room with a ceiling of 250 to 270 cm, a tree of 210 to 230 cm is usually the right choice. Detailed guide: What size artificial tree to choose.
Decorating is one of the nicest things to do together on a December evening. Work in the right order and the result becomes the centrepiece of the most important evening of the year.