3 Affordable Christmas Tree Decorating Tips

If you haven’t already done so, then now is the time to put up your Christmas tree. And you know what that means . . . it’s Christmas tree decorating time! Many individuals and families choose a Christmas tree theme to decorate their tree by, while others just throw on whatever they’ve collected over the years.

For some people, they may just be starting the Christmas tree tradition, while others may simply be replacing an aging Christmas tree. So, here are a few of my Christmas tree decoration tips to help you save!

1. Red Bows and Candy Canes

For this Christmas tree decorating idea, you will need Christmas tree lights, small or big, and several strands of them depending on how large your tree is. Wrap the lights around the tree first.

Now, you are ready to place small red bows on your tree. You can get one large red bow to adorn the very top of the tree (in lieu of a star or Angel). Deep red velvet or felt bows give added texture and elegance. They just look more expensive and yet can be picked up for a couple of bucks. You will need about thirty small felt bows to dress and decorate an average 6’ tree. Place them all over the tree evenly, all the way around, towards the outer parts of the tree.

Now, take a few boxes of regular sized candy canes and place them, one by one, evenly, around the tree. Putting inside branches looks great! You can decorate any places that do not have bows already on them . . . just fill in the gaps. That’s it! If you like, you can also add icicles or other red ornaments to this idea. You can use red or red & white striped balls on the tree, to add a little shine. The white Christmas tree lights really set off this theme and the tree looks decorative and neat!

2. The Antique Christmas Tree

Start by putting strands of colored lights on this tree. I personally think the colored lights look the best with this Christmas to give it a more traditional look. Use silver icicles and decorate. Place antique or old fashioned Christmas tree ornaments all over your tree. You can use ones that you have or buy antique-fashioned type ornaments. If you have a stash of old Christmas tree ornaments, now is the time to get them out of storage and dust them off! Many of your relatives may even have antique or old fashioned ornaments that they never use! The great thing about hand-me-down decorations is that they’re always in style, cost nothing, and tell a family story.

From colorful balls to silver bells, be creative and fill the tree. When you are done, set up a miniature nativity scene at the bottom of the tree. It will look spectacular and this gives your tree a Christmas village true holiday meaning and a look that is spectacular! You can use a traditional angel at the top of this tree.

3. The Children’s Tree

Start by telling your kids this is their year to decorate the tree. The great thing about this tree is it’s 100% decorated by the kids! There’s no going wrong with this tree because your intended audience are your own children. Begin by using colored lights . . . most children like colored lights, as opposed to white lights. Next, have the kids hand-craft various decorations. One of my favorite decorations as a child was using medium sized sea-shells and putting a single Christmas themed sticker on each shell. Next, make a small hole in the shell (or use a natural hole) and use some string to hang it on the tree! Believe it or not, I still have shell ornaments from more than 30 years ago that we use today.

Another fun project is to let the kids make a red and green craft paper chain in lieu of typical garland. Have them write on each link of chain something they can be thankful for or even a Christmas wish list . . . this really helps parents who need a few ideas to pass along to Santa! Remember, this tree is more about fun than perfection! In the end, this tree may hold the most meaning to your family because it represents your family and what your children consider beautiful. Finally, let your kids crown the tree with a paper Angel or star they made themselves. This is the type of Christmas tree parents remember for a lifetime and children dream about!

You do not have to spend a lot of money to achieve these Christmas tree decoration ideas! Save your money for something even more special . . . giving to others! These ideas are easy, affordable, and they look great! From bows to shells, these Christmas tree decorations will be lighting up the night with delight. From my family to yours . . . have a very Merry Christmas!

How are you decorating your Christmas tree this year? Leave a comment and let us know!