Decorating your Christmas tree this year? Here's what to plan first

Don’t string the lights or unwrap a single ornament just yet. A little holiday planning upfront can save you time, prevent last-minute shopping trips and help you create a tree that looks beautifully put together from the very first branch. Here’s what to decide before Christmas tree decorating begins.

Start with the right-size tree

The biggest decorating mistake happens before the ornaments even come out of storage. A Christmas tree that’s too tall can leave no room for a topper, while one that’s too small may feel lost in the room.

Aim to leave 6 to 12 inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling so there’s space for a star, angel or decorative bow. Then think about width. Slim trees are perfect for apartments, entryways and cozy spaces, while fuller silhouettes make a statement in larger living rooms.

Assemble and fluff your tree

Before you start decorating, give your tree time to take shape. Assemble each section according to the manufacturer's instructions, then carefully spread and fluff the branches, working from the trunk outward. Take a step back as you go to spot any gaps and create a full, even silhouette.

One more thing to plan: Place your tree near an outlet before you assemble it. Once it’s fully fluffed and decorated, you won’t want to move it just to plug in the lights.

Make sure you have enough ornaments

Nothing stalls decorating faster than realizing you’re halfway through and running out of ornaments.

Mix larger statement ornaments with medium and smaller styles to give your tree more depth and visual interest. And don’t forget a few larger pieces to help fill empty spaces between branches.

Pick a color palette before you buy anything

One of the easiest ways to create a polished-looking Christmas tree is to choose your color story before you start shopping.

Classic combinations like red and gold never go out of style, while metallics create an elegant look. Jewel tones bring richness and drama, and soft neutrals feel modern and sophisticated.

Once you’ve chosen your palette, repeat those colors throughout your ornaments, picks, wreath, tree skirt, and stockings for a cohesive look.

Figure out how many lights you’ll need

Few things are more frustrating than discovering you’re one strand short.

A simple rule of thumb is 100 lights-per-foot of tree height. Love an extra-glowy Christmas tree? Double that amount for more sparkle.

When decorating, weave Christmas lights from the trunk toward the branch tips to create depth instead of simply wrapping them around the outside. For pre-lit trees, check that all sections are connected and the lights are working before you begin decorating.

Add dimension with decorative tree picks

Want your Christmas tree to look fuller without adding hundreds of ornaments? Christmas tree picks are an easy way to add texture, color and dimension.

Tuck decorative picks into open spaces throughout the tree, working from the inside out. Vary their direction and placement so they feel naturally distributed rather than perfectly symmetrical. Look for picks that complement your ornament palette, whether that means frosted greenery, berries, metallic accents or something a little more whimsical.

Finish with the details

Once your tree is decorated, complete the scene with coordinating Christmas decorations like a wreaths, tree skirt, stockings and wrapped gifts. These finishing touches help the whole room feel intentional and festive.

Store your Christmas tree the right way

And before you pack everything away at the end of the season, think ahead to next year. A dedicated tree storage bag can help protect your tree between holidays and make next year’s setup easier from the start.