If you're normally someone who does a DIY Christmas and is looking to save time this year by going for pre-decorated decor, you might be on the edge about whether or not it’s worth it.
Why Choose a Pre-Decorated Tree?
The best advantage of a pre-decorated Christmas tree is convenience.
Pre-decorated Christmas decorations weren’t always the most visually appealing, but nowadays they look exceptionally great with lights, baubles, and even ribbons already included.
You can even choose from pre-decorated themes like silver frosted winter wonderland trees or rustic woodland types of trees for ease of decorating.
It saves you time, giving you a professional appearance without having to buy and decorate with ornaments individually. The main drawback of pre-decorated trees is that they have limited flexibility and they can be expensive.
How To Do a DIY Christmas Tree
Doing your own DIY Christmas tree allows for more tradition and creativity, you can hand-pick your Christmas decorations, craft them and pass personalised Christmas decorations down through generations.
Follow these steps if you want to switch to a DIY Christmas this year.
Step 1: Choose Your Theme
Decide on a decorating theme that resonates with you. Whether it's a classic red and green combo, a rustic woodland look, or a minimalist Scandinavian style, your theme will guide your colour and ornament choices.
Step 2: Select Your Colour Palette
Pick 2-3 colours that complement each other. For instance, combine traditional red and green with gold accents for a timeless feel, or opt for silver and white for a frosty, wintery look.
Step 3: Gather Your Decorations
Collect ornaments that fit your theme. Consider mixing store-bought items with homemade decorations, like salt dough ornaments or dried orange slices, to add a personal touch.
Step 4: Start with Lights
Begin by stringing lights evenly around the tree, starting from the base and working your way up. This ensures a consistent glow throughout.
Step 5: Add Larger Ornaments First
Place larger ornaments deeper into the branches to create depth, then layer smaller ones on top for a balanced look.
Step 6: Fill in with Filler Items
Use garlands, ribbons, or tinsel to fill any gaps and add texture to your tree.
Step 7: Top It Off
Finish your tree with a star, angel, or other topper that aligns with your theme.
Step 8: Personalise with Unique Touches
Incorporate personal items like family photos, heirloom decorations, or handmade crafts to make your tree truly one-of-a-kind.
How To Make Personalised Christmas Decorations
There’s something extra special about personalised Christmas decorations. Whether you make them yourself or with the kids, these unique touches add warmth and character to your tree, making it feel like home
If you're stuck for some DIY Christmas decoration ideas, then check out the following for some inspiration.
Photo ornaments - Taking some Polaroid pictures and hanging them with ribbons is a great way to make personalised decorations for your tree. You could even put them into some clear baubles.
Salt dough decorations - These are fun to make for children, simply combine flour, salt, water and dough to make a dough, then roll it and cut it into festive shapes like stars to hang on the tree. Once they have baked and cooled, you can personalise them with names and dates or festive messages. They can also be sealed with varnish to last longer.
Dried orange garland - These make a perfect DIY natural decoration. Slice oranges thinly and bake them in the oven at low heat until they dry out. String them together with some twine to make your all-natural garland.
Make crochet stars - If you know how to crochet, you can easily make some DIY Christmas decorations such as stars and snowflakes. These work exceptionally well for Scandinavian, woodland or minimalist trees.
Paper snowflakes - Fold and cut white paper to create snowflake shapes. These paper decorations are not only great for the environment but aalso ffordable. They look great hung from trees or stuck to windows and make a fun family activity for the kids.
Garlands and wreaths - Homemade garlands and wreaths can be made from pine, holly, and eucalyptus. You can add mini baubles and ribbons to make them more festive.
A Festive Mix Of Both
If you love the convenience of pre-decorated Christmas decor but really want to do some DIY traditional Christmas decor too, then why not blend both types?
For example, you could get a pre-decorated Christmas tree in a neutral theme, which is pre-lit for convenience, then add your DIY decorations to it so you still get the chance to decorate without the pressure of trying to match decor and create a theme.
Doing both pre-decorated and DIY decor also gives you the chance to see what works for you best over the years and what you enjoy most. It allows you to create traditional Christmas decor that can be reused each year and celebrate while saving time and stress.
