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90 Unique Christmas Tree Ideas to Try This Year

These Christmas tree decorations make the holiday more magical.

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Modern Glam

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There's no right or wrong way to decorate the Christmas tree — as long as it brings you joy and reflects your family's personality. Decorating the Christmas tree (whether real or faux) is an exciting tradition and each year presents an opportunity to experiment with a new theme, color scheme or style. You might prefer a traditional look (think glass baubles and a star topper) or a bold display (we love pastel ornaments). Either way, these beautiful Christmas tree ideas will spread holiday cheer at home.

Once you've set up your Christmas tree, it's time to break out your cherished homemade ornaments, gorgeous garlands and your favorite tree topper from storage. You may settle on something classic and nostalgic, or ditch tradition for something a little more fun — like a pink Christmas tree adorned with balloons or a white Christmas tree decorated with candy. Who knows, maybe this year you swap ornaments for ribbon bow-ties or dried citrus.

Don't worry: These holiday decor ideas work well for real Christmas trees and artificial trees (with a realistic style, no one will know the difference).

1

Bold and Bright

colorful christmas tree
Kaleidoscope Living

This Christmas, embrace a bit of maximalism and don't shy away from vivid colors. Layer your tree with glittery baubles, glass teardrop ornaments and a collection of homemade pieces, including colorful marble designs.

See more at Kaleidoscope Living »

2

Rich Colors

moody christmas tree
Making it in the Mountains

Here's proof that neutral colors can still make an impact. Swap bright whites and creams for moodier shades, like dark gray, black and gold. Add ribbon bows for even more visual interest.

See more at Making It in the Mountains »

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3

Old Meets New

christmas tree with candle lights
Modern Glam

Make vintage elements (think candle lights, velvet ribbon and paper stars) feel modern by mixing in simple baubles and twinkly string lights.

See more at Modern Glam »

4

Prize Ribbons

christmas tree ideas
Brian Woodcock

Take an unexpected approach and swap a holiday garland for prize ribbons. Arrange glass ornaments in between the layers for added color and texture.

SHOP RIBBONS

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5

Chic Coastal

a nautical christmas tree with presents underneath
Evin Krehbiel

A nautical-inspired tree is a great way to infuse natural texture and a soothing color palette into your space. Take note from HomeGoods Style expert Jenny Reimold and arrange pampas grass as a tree topper.

6

Dark and Cozy

moody tree with bow ties
CHRIS LOVES JULIA

If you're not loving any of your ornaments this year, buy a couple spools of ribbon instead. In this cozy media room, a minimalist Christmas tree is decorated with satin and striped bow ties.

See more at Chris Loves Julia »

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7

Dried Citrus

a christmas tree with candles and decorations
Tidbits & Company

Simple and sparse, this beautiful tree is defined by ornaments made from dehydrated fruit — think oranges, cranberries and apples. There's also pinecones and a garland made from popcorn.

See more at Tidbits & Company »

8

Woodland Wonder

woodland tree
Inspired by Charm

Create a woodsy wonderland by weaving in large pinecones, oversized mercury glass ornaments, plaid ribbon and a wooden beaded garland. Get inspired by this blogger and mix both vintage pieces with homemade ornaments.

See more at Inspired by Charm »

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9

Mixed Metals

mixed metals christmas tree
Sanctuary Home Decor

Designers recommend mixing metals throughout your house, so why not on your Christmas tree? A combination of rose gold, platinum and silver ornaments on a flocked tree give this interior a warm glow.

See more at Sanctuary Home Decor »

10

Moody Hues

a living room with a christmas tree
MEGAN STEEELE

Make your Christmas tree dark and moody! Swap the classic red and green baubles for deeper hues, like forest green, burnt orange, burgundy and black — which is exactly what design firm Weeth Home does here.

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11

Tinsel Time

tinsel silver tree
Aww Sam

Forget your traditional Christmas tree — this silver tinsel tree brings a trendy, retro feel. Add color with pink and yellow ornaments, and a bright orange fringe skirt.

See more at Aww Sam »

12

Shades of Green

a christmas tree with dark green and black and white ornaments
Pretty in the Pines

Layer a snowy Christmas tree with green baubles, ranging from light to dark. Dark gray, black and plaid ornaments take this well-decorated tree to the next level.

See more at Pretty in the Pines »

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13

Disco Balls

disco ball christmas tree
Tatertots & Jello

Take a retro approach by filling your Christmas tree with mini disco balls, then decorate the floor with a few larger disco balls to complete the look.

See more at Tatertots & Jello »

14

Silver and Gold

gold and silver tree
Handmade Farmhouse

Exuding a sophisticated style, this Christmas tree features a combination of mercury glass and shimmering metallic ornaments, gold sink bow ties and tiny gold bells.

See more at Handmade Farmhouse »

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15

Vertical Ribbons

a tree with ornaments and lights
Pretty in the Pines

For a unique look, swap traditional garland for vertical ribbons. If you're decorating an artificial tree, try plush throw blankets and pillows in place of a tree skirt.

See more at Pretty in the Pines »

RELATED: How to Keep a Christmas Tree Alive and Fresh

16

Cozy Ski Lodge

cozy lodge christmas tree with reds and golds
Inspired by Charm

Fill your spruce tree with red and burgundy baubles, classic beaded garland and thick snowflake ribbon to give your home a cozy, warm feel.

SHOP SNOWFLAKE RIBBON

Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »

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17

Sophisticated and Neutral

christmas tree and gifts in the sun shine
Anastasiia Chipysheva//Getty Images

You can't go wrong with an elegant gold and white display. Go for tiny warm white lights and layer in a ton of ornaments, using a mix of heirloom pieces and classic baubles.

18

Pretty Pastels

a decorated christmas tree
Modern Glam

Pair large, white snowflake ornaments with glass baubles in varying shades of pink and turquoise. Top it off with a shimmery paper-maché star for a touch of glam.

Get the tutorial at Modern Glam »

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19

Snow Frosted

flocked christmas tree
Domestically Beautiful

If you've got an old artificial Christmas tree lying around, it's surprisingly simple to cover it in faux snow. Add finishing touches, AKA a few gold ornaments and a pretty star topper, to your snowy display.

SHOP FAUX SNOW

Get the tutorial at Domestically Blissful »

20

Ombré Effect

christmas tree ideas, white christmas tree
Danielle Daly

Here's the tree for those who really want to have some fun this Christmas. For this modern look, you'll need clear lights, colorful velvet bows for an ombré effect and an assortment of ball ornaments. Finish the tree with a plush white skirt and a Moravian star.

SHOP MINI BOWS

Headshot of Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

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