Holidays & Entertaining Christmas Christmas Trees 46 Creative Christmas Tree Themes to Show Off Your Personality From big and bright to rustic and low-key, there's a Christmas tree you'll love on our list of 46 styles. By Sarah Martens Sarah Martens Sarah Martens is the Senior Editor overseeing food at Better Homes & Gardens digital. She has been with the BHG brand for more than 10 years. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on October 10, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Adam Albright Whether rustic, snow-covered, or Charlie Brown-approved, these Christmas tree theme ideas are sure to make your home all the more merry. We'll help you find your true Christmas tree style and show you ways to flaunt your family's personality from star to skirt. Bonus: We've included lighting tips to make your Christmas decorations really shine. How Long Does a Christmas Tree Last? 5 Tips for Keeping a Real Tree Alive 01 of 46 Neutral Christmas Tree Aniko Levai With Christmas decorations, sometimes simple is best, like in the case of this tree in shades of gold and white. When decorating your tree, stick to Christmas classics like white glass ball ornaments, pinecones, and wooden cut stars. Finish with a simple DIY basket tree collar. The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Artificial Christmas Tree 02 of 46 Out of the Woods Tree David A. Land Fresh off the tree farm, this glowing evergreen dazzles with metallic baubles and homemade pinecone ornaments. The real star of the show, though? A folded kraft paper star coated in gold leaf. Use chunky outdoor lights to give this woodsy Christmas tree theme an authentic look. 03 of 46 Retro Christmas Tree Adam Albright Take a cue from holidays past for this year's Christmas tree theme. A simple flocked-white Christmas tree is the perfect canvas for vintage Christmas decorations—you can even make your own flocked tree if you don't want to buy one. Look for fun ornaments like mercury glass, globes, and faux candles in baby blue, pink, and silver shades. A Look Back: 100 Years of Christmas Tree Trends 04 of 46 Traditional Rustic Christmas Tree Michael Partenio Bring a cozy cabin warmth to your home by decking out your Christmas tree in traditional favorites. Red ribbon garland, pinecone stars, and woodland creature ornaments make for a rustic scheme. Add plaid details, like wrapping paper and Christmas tree ribbons, to complete the look in a classic and on-trend way. 32 Festive Ideas for Decorating with Pinecones 05 of 46 Gold Christmas Tree Adam Albright Want to make a statement this year? Go for a glitzy gold Christmas tree theme. To get this look, use a simple flocked or white Christmas tree and top it with oversized gold stars and metallic ball ornaments. Add a Moravian star tree topper for the finishing touch. 06 of 46 Collected Memories Christmas Tree David Land Spend time reflecting with a collected memories Christmas tree theme. Prepare well ahead of time by pulling your oldest ornaments out of storage or asking family members to send you some of theirs. Add ornaments from your parents or grandparents and spend an entire day decorating the tree, telling stories about the ornaments as you go. Editor's Lighting Tip Worried you missed a spot? Step back from the Christmas tree and look at it with your eyes crossed. Where you see dark holes, rearrange Christmas lights, and fill in voids. 07 of 46 Birds of a Feather Christmas Tree Werner Straube When you love a Christmas tree theme, don't shy away from making a big statement. Glowing jewel tones are used throughout the ornaments but are the most impressive in the giant bow tree topper. Mixing in soft white bird Christmas decorations is a personal touch that highlights what this homeowner loves. 08 of 46 Candy Cane Christmas Tree Adam Albright Get inspired by the season's signature candy! Red and white striped ribbon is the perfect Christmas decoration for this classic tree. Round out the look with colorful glass ball ornaments in a variety of coordinating hues. The Best Sugar Cookies 09 of 46 Glowing Gold and Green Christmas Tree David Tsay When you love a specific color scheme, your decorating philosophy should be "the more, the merrier." Pretty twinkling lights, shiny gold and green ornaments, and a kid-friendly DIY garland are finished off with a sprinkling of artificial snow. A unique and eye-catching tree topper is the perfect final touch for this Christmas tree theme. Editor's Lighting Tip Thin out branches before decorating to give each light and ornament more presence. 10 of 46 Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Jay Wilde You don't have to wait for your favorite Christmas special to see a bare tree become beautiful. Fill in this sparse fir tree with green and blue Christmas tree decorations, such as globe ornaments and a braided garland. Just be careful not to take it over the top. Minimalism is where it's at—especially when holiday decorating for a small space. 10 Clever Christmas Tree Ideas for Small Spaces 11 of 46 Floral Christmas Tree Adam Albright Start with faux flowers for a sweet-as-can-be Christmas look. We love the floral Christmas tree trend. Ornaments include traditional bulbs in pastel colors. Use a flocked tree so the colors of the flowers stand out. 34 Pink Christmas Decor Ideas for a Nontraditional Twist 12 of 46 Family Christmas Tree Tria Giovan Celebrate the ones you love most with a sentimental Christmas tree theme. Create handmade ornaments with your children's silhouettes and hang them on a fresh evergreen tree. You can even add DIY handprint ornaments for an extra special touch. Keep the rest of the Christmas decorations simple in shades of white and gray. 13 of 46 Mix-and-Match Christmas Tree David A. Land The best part about Christmas tree theme ideas? There are no rules! This tall stunner is dressed to the nines in mix-and-matched ornaments and keeps its aesthetic by sticking to a saturated color palette. Avoid a busy look with a simple festive ribbon, topper, and Christmas tree skirt. 14 of 46 Fun for the Kids Christmas Tree Helen Norman For a Christmas tree that's uniquely special to your family, decorate with handmade treasures and homemade monogram ornaments representing each relative. Art projects, sentimental items, and fun colors make up this tree. Want an unexpected touch? Place the tree in a rustic basket instead of the usual Christmas tree skirt. 15 of 46 Bold and Graphic Christmas Tree Jay Wilde A white Christmas tree becomes a bold statement when done up in bright red, silver, and clear decorations. Wrap presents in graphic black-and-white patterns—if you don't have any, make your own stamped wrapping paper!—for continuity in theme that adds to the overall look. 5 Black Christmas Tree Ideas for a Modern Holiday Look 16 of 46 Candy-Coated Christmas Tree Need a fun kid's Christmas tree theme? This fun unicorn-theme mini tree is the perfect fit! Decorate a mini white Christmas tree with candy ornaments and a handmade unicorn. Give it a little sparkle with shimmery tinsel or garland. 10 Clever Christmas Tree Ideas for Small Spaces 17 of 46 Scandinavian Christmas Tree Frances Janisch Red and white, the classic Scandinavian Christmas colors, star on this cozy tree. Use a variety of Christmas decorations to achieve the look, but keep it consistent by choosing only items in these colors. 18 of 46 Glitter Christmas Tree Helen Norman Instead of the expected green tree, go for a fun tinsel tree. This tabletop Christmas tree sparkles in a simply-designed living room. Decorate yours with mini glass globe ornaments in a variety of shades. 19 of 46 Coastal Christmas Tree David Tsay Embrace a warm-weather spirit—even if temps are more "brrrr" than beachy. Starfish, seashells, and other coastal-theme ornaments adorn this coastal Christmas tree for a cheery and fun look. Add some personalization by hanging monograms. Tips for Prettier Christmas Trees 20 of 46 Colorful Christmas Tree Michael Partenio Choose a fun pop of color to guide your Christmas tree theme. If your home has an accent color, try mirroring it in your ornament choices. Here, pink contrasts with snowy white Christmas tree decorations for a chill look that nicely complements existing decor. 21 of 46 Sparkly Jewel Tone Christmas Tree Jay Wilde Create a tree that's luminous but serene. Christmas tree ribbon in a variety of jewel tones provides rich-looking color, while silver glitter ornaments add sparkle. The result is a sophisticated Christmas tree that quietly shines. How to Make a Dowel Christmas Tree for Displaying Ornaments 22 of 46 Photo Tag Christmas Tree The holidays are all about family, and this Christmas tree theme celebrates your most cherished memories with DIY photo ornaments. Print black-and-white or sepia-tone photos and glue them atop plain paper shipping tags. The rest of the decorated Christmas tree is simple, keeping the focus on the photos. 23 of 46 White-on-White Christmas Tree The retro white Christmas tree has returned! Go for an all-white artificial tree and stick to only silver and white Christmas tree decorations. If you aren't quite ready to go all the way with this trend, purchase a mini white Christmas tree instead and style it with white lights and decorations to make a smaller statement on an entryway table or buffet. Editor's Lighting Tip Use one to two 100-light sets per foot for a full-size Christmas tree, and 50-light strands for a small or tabletop one. 24 of 46 Gilded Gold Christmas Tree Get the metallic look by adding nothing but gold to your Christmas tree. Start by creating a foundation with gold ball ornaments, then fill in with gold starbursts, gilded "Joy to the World" garland, and figurines. First, lay all the decorations on a drop cloth and spray with glitter paint. Let dry before hanging, and you're golden. 25 of 46 Fits Right In Tree Brie Williams An easy way to bring the room together while still feeling festive? Carry the room's color scheme and textures into the tree. Adorned with golden Christmas tree lights, a white pom-pom garland, and white Christmas tree decorations, this tree is just the right amount of cool and cozy. 33 Living Room Color Schemes for a Beautiful, Livable Space 26 of 46 Green Plaid Christmas Tree Adam Albright Blend traditional favorites, such as gold, green, and silver ornament balls with whimsical embellishments like a green ribbon garland and buffalo check-wrapped gifts to achieve a similar Christmas tree theme. 27 of 46 Family Photos Christmas Tree John Bessler Photocopy pictures, glue them to silver paper, and frame them with rickrack and other trims to turn your Christmas tree theme into family fun. Fill the boughs with small apples, kumquats, and vintage-style ornaments. Editor's Lighting Tip Pick lights in a color that matches your primary ornaments (in this case, orange). That way, they enhance the color scheme rather than draw away from it. 7 Nostalgic Ways to Decorate with Vintage Christmas Ornaments 28 of 46 Neutral Christmas Tree Who says neutral Christmas decorations can't stand out? Drenched in golden, copper, bronze, and cream-color hues, this twinkly tree boasts traditional Christmas beauty. Deck the tree with white Christmas lights, a gold-bead garland, copper and gold ornament balls, golden starfish, delicate off-white paper flowers, and wooden ornaments. Add a majestic crown-shaped tree topper and decorate the Christmas tree skirt with brown paper-wrapped packages for the final touches. Editor's Lighting Tip If your artificial tree isn't pre-lit, wrap miniature Christmas lights securely around the branches so you can permanently attach them to the tree. Light each section separately. Don't allow the light strands to cross sections or the points of assembly—sections will no longer come apart easily. 29 of 46 Colorful Christmas Tree Dare to be different! Make yours a unique Christmas tree theme by incorporating colorful Christmas ornaments instead of the expected traditional red and green ones. With white lights, a wispy gossamer garland, bright felt ornaments hung from polka-dot Christmas tree ribbon, and handwritten Christmas greetings, this Christmas tree feels youthful and fun. 30 of 46 Red-and-Gold Christmas Tree Jay Wilde A burlap garland and homemade accents give this traditional red-and-gold Christmas tree theme gusto. Soft white lights, natural twine ornaments, and sprigs of plastic holly look fancy and festive, while the farmhouse accents add a distinctly modern feel. Editor's Lighting Tip If your Christmas tree can only be seen from one direction, string all the Christmas lights on that side of the tree. 23 Farmhouse Christmas Decor Ideas to Make Your Space More Festive 31 of 46 Bold Christmas Tree Ann VanderWiel Wilde Three colors star on this creative Christmas tree. Start with a natural wood bead garland. Add Christmas decorations in shades of red and black for maximum impact. We love the look of handmade chalkboard ornaments. 15 Modern Christmas Decor Ideas for a Fresh Take on the Classics 32 of 46 Paper Stars Christmas Tree This Christmas tree is an all-star! Simple blue, red, yellow, and purple homemade paper ornaments, decorated and strung from colorful ribbons on a Christmas tree, look friendly and festive. Multicolor Christmas lights and a printed ribbon tree topper add more color to this easily crafted Christmas tree theme. Editor's Lighting Tip Small twinkly lights and colored lights make more of an impact when you layer several strands and pair them with reflective ornaments. 33 of 46 Red, Silver, and Gold Christmas Tree This radiant Christmas tree shimmers so sweetly it looks sugarcoated. Rather than scattering glittery red, silver, and gold ornament balls evenly throughout the Christmas tree, place them in clusters on the same branch. Delicate crafted butterflies with sparkly gold outlines, plastic gold candles, and simple snowflake ornaments fill in the gaps. Top the tree with an oversized, elaborate red-and-gold bow with fluttering tails. Editor's Lighting Tip To illuminate your unique Christmas tree from the inside out, string lights around the base of the trunk and work your way up the tree, wrapping individual branches from the trunk to the tip of the branch and back. 34 of 46 Blue-and-White Christmas Tree Jay Wilde A little snowman must have worked hard on this blue-and-white Christmas tree theme idea. Bedecked with blue and white Christmas tree decorations such as ornament balls and overlapping white garlands, this Christmas tree theme is beautifully busy. Editor's Lighting Tip Use Christmas lights all of the same wattage. This will prevent power surges and prolong the life of the bulbs. 35 of 46 American Pride Christmas Tree Perry L. Struse Let your true colors show by decorating your Christmas tree in patriotic red, white, and blue holiday decor. The all-American look adapts well to December or July! Editor's Lighting Tip Watch ads closely for the best sales on Christmas lights as it gets closer to tree decorating time, and be open to where you shop for Christmas lights—the hardware store, grocery store, and crafts store are all good places to get your lights. Red, White, and Blue Mini Cupcakes 36 of 46 Black-and-White Silhouette Christmas Tree John Granen Use old-fashioned framed silhouettes in a fresh, updated way—like a Christmas tree theme. Hang them on the tree with green Christmas tree ribbon, then embellish with silver mementos and sprigs of faux white berries to complete the classic look. Editor's Lighting Tip Match the color of your Christmas lights with the color of your ornaments to create a classy, monochromatic look for your Christmas tree theme. 37 of 46 Mitten and Ice Skates Christmas Tree Greg Scheidemann Celebrate the signs of winter by filling the boughs of your Christmas tree with mittens and ice skates in coordinating colors. Wire the skates sturdily to the trunk and space them evenly to balance the tree. Editor's Lighting Tip The best way to untangle Christmas tree lights is by winding the strands on your arm, making sure that you don't pull on any of the bulbs while unwinding. Before you start untangling, plug in the strand of lights to see which bulbs need to be replaced—don't wait until the lights are on the tree to find out which lights don't work! 38 of 46 Sparkling Starfish Christmas Tree Alise O'Brien What better time to recall balmy summer days on the beach than in the chilling depths of winter? Outfit a standard Christmas tree with glittering starfish and simple green flowers to remind you of the warmer days to come. Editor's Lighting Tip The best way to store Christmas tree lights is to wrap them around your arm from hand to elbow when taking them down and secure the finished circle with a tie in the middle. If you saved the original box, slip them around the cardboard that came with your lights and store them in the box. Manual and motorized coils that are specifically made to store Christmas tree lights are another option for storing lights. 39 of 46 Little Presents Christmas Tree Marty Baldwin Who says presents have to go under the tree? With this simple gift-box ornaments Christmas tree theme, there are plenty of presents to go around. For an extra surprise on Christmas morning, use one of the ornaments for a small Christmas gift. Editor's Lighting Tip For a fun Christmas tree theme idea, pick up some lights that put on a show, such as LED lights that blink to the tune of popular Christmas carols or just on their own. 43 Christmas Gift Tags and Toppers to Upgrade Any Package 40 of 46 Miniature Village Christmas Tree Adam Albright Hang tiny cardboard houses, churches, and other buildings on the tree to give the appearance of a little village set on a mountainside. These miniature houses are reproductions of ornaments made in the 1920s and 1930s. Some of these ornaments include an opening in the back for tree lights, illuminating the village. Editor's Lighting Tip Green Christmas tree lights add subtlety to a holiday evergreen. Decorate with green and silver ornament balls to complete the look. The 17 Best Christmas Lights for Festive Illumination of 2023 41 of 46 Family Heritage Christmas Tree John Reed Forsman Decorate with a Christmas tree theme to reflect your family heritage. Swedish and Danish flag garlands mix with straw, felt, wood, and glass ornaments to dress the unique Christmas tree in a Scandinavian look. Editor's Lighting Tip For a bold look on your Christmas tree, try decorating with bigger lights. Bigger lights cover more area, lessening the number of ornaments you use so your tree isn't too crowded. 42 of 46 Blanket of Snow Tree Timothy C. Fields To create a convincing effect of thick snow, lay lengths of rolled cotton along the branches of your tree. Then sprinkle crystal snow over the cotton. Take it one step further by layering it atop your Christmas tree collar. Editor's Lighting Tip Create the same snowy effect for your Christmas lights by sprinkling faux snow on the strands once they're hung on the tree. The 11 Best Christmas Tree Stands 43 of 46 Silver Sparkle Christmas Tree Adam Albright If your holidays are all sparkle and shine, you can't go wrong decking a tree in giant silver Christmas ornaments, green globes, and a galvanized tree collar for a dramatic effect. Editor's Lighting Tip Plug your Christmas tree lights into a dimmer outlet so you can raise or lower the lights depending on the holiday mood you want to create. 44 of 46 Artsy Christmas Tree Kate Sears Here's a Christmas tree theme idea: Swap your usual ornaments and instead display homemade artwork. Hole-punch sweet drawings and crafts created over the years, then let the little ones string and hang upon the tree. Fill in the gaps with kid-approved candy canes for a sweet finish! 45 of 46 Sparse Christmas Tree David Tsay Next time you're buying a Christmas tree, don't overlook those with sparse branches. They make a striking minimalist statement and allow your Christmas decorations to shine. Decorate it with a mix of handmade ornaments and purchased baubles. How to Make an Easy Felt Poinsettia Christmas Ornament 46 of 46 Frozen Tree Kim Cornelison Here's a Christmas tree theme that even Elsa would approve of. Start with a silver artificial tree, then watch it come to life with gold Christmas lights, a heaping of glittering tinsel, and ornaments in various blue hues. A white fur Christmas tree skirt is the perfect snowy finish. Add More Holiday Decor to Your Home Once the tree is up and decorated, add other festive Christmas ideas to your living space. DIY a classic evergreen wreath with this easy three-step project, or pick a more modern approach to traditional wreath designs. We have 56 ideas for wreaths to make, so there will be one you love. However, if buying a wreath is simpler than making it yourself, that works for us. Decorate every part of your home for your most festive holiday ever. You'll probably spend a lot of time baking, cooking, and cleaning up in the kitchen, so why not make it as holiday-filled as possible? The mantel needs lots of attention since that's where the stockings hang. Festoon your staircase with garlands, bows, and other pretty things for a statement-making look. And don't forget your front door—welcome guests with the warmest greeting you can. The Best Places to Buy a Christmas Tree in 2023, According to Our Team Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit