There’s something I especially love about the first evening with my tree lights glowing softly. I settle in, grateful for the place I call home, and find myself remembering other first evenings when decorating trees in homes that hold their own chapter of my life.
Begin with what feels like home.
For me, a Christmas tree reflects more than a decorating style. It can carry something of your personality, your heritage, and the things you’ve loved over the years. Before I begin, I consider the room around it: the colours, textures and pieces that already make it feel like home. From there, I choose the ribbon and ornaments that will bring it all together.
Some years I have a clear idea before the first ornament goes up. Other years, I lay out my favourites and see what draws me in. I like giving familiar pieces another Christmas, sometimes in a combination I haven’t tried before.
Let the surroundings inspire you.
Living in a wooded area, surrounded by nature and wildlife, I’m drawn to a tree that feels like it belongs here. I appreciate a natural look, with greenery still visible between the ribbon and various stems I add, and choosing colours that feel at home alongside it. Rich browns, burgundy, sage green, or a muted rich gold hue are shades I return to, with pine cones or botanical touches woman through.
I step back often as I dress the tree, looking from different parts of the room before deciding whether it needs more or whether it has just enough. I want to look from my tree to the woods outside and feel that lovely connection between the two.
Give the year its own character. '
Keeping things classic doesn’t mean the tree has to look exactly the same every year. Sometimes I’m in the mood for something more Festive; other years, something softer and more understanted. And occasionally, a trend catches my eye. If I love it, i’ll bring a little of it home through a spool of ribbon or a few thoughtfully chosen elements. Before buying, I consider whether those pieces will work with things I already own, and whether I can imagine enjying them in years to come. A seasonal change should feel like a pleasure, without needing to replace everything that came before.
Ultimately, how you decorate your Christmas tree is a matter of personal taste. Give yourself time to think about what you’re drawn to this season and let that guide you. For those of us who put our tree up early, the pleasure last much longer than Christmas Day. I want to walk past mine a month later and still love what I see, to feel that it belongs in my home, and that it feels like me.
-Natalie
