How to Decorate a White Christmas Tree: 8 Tips for a Winter Wonderland Look

Your winter wonderland Christmas tree is only a few tips away

shiny pastel metallic ornaments on white christmas tree
Photo: undefined undefined / iStock / Getty Images Plus
shiny pastel metallic ornaments on white christmas tree
Photo: undefined undefined / iStock / Getty Images Plus
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There’s no better time of year than when the weather is snowy, the fireplace is crackling, and the Christmas tree is lit. But some homeowners want a fresh look for the season, so they’re trading in their traditional green tree for the versatile look of a white one. 

If you’re excited to deck out your white tree but don’t know where to start, we got you covered. In this guide, we’ll share some tips on how to decorate a white Christmas tree to make it the show-stopping focal point of your holiday decor. 

1. Use Different Shades of White

little girl putting ornaments on white christmas tree
Photo: manonallard / Getty Images

While all-white trees are beautiful to look at, too much white can make it look washed out. One way to add depth to your tree’s overall look is to decorate with different shades of white. For example, layer various off-white tinsels and hanging bulbs to add dimension. You can use cooler or warmer hues of white, depending on the style you want for your tree. If you need help hanging white Christmas lights on your tree, consider hiring a local Christmas light installer to make it happen.

2. Let Your Tree Speak for Itself

plain white christmas tree with lights
Photo: User9637786_380 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Sometimes, the best decoration is no decoration. While some homeowners may love to hang ornaments on every tree branch, others may prefer a simple look with only a tree topper and gifts underneath. This minimalist approach works well with white Christmas trees because it allows the bright, unexpected color to stand on its own. Hang simple white Christmas lights to tie the look together.

3. Add Textured Decorations

textured ornaments on white christmas tree
Photo: Juanmonino / iStock / Getty Images Plus

White trees are a blank canvas, making it the perfect backdrop for a creative mix of decorations. One way to add texture to your tree for a multi-dimensional look is to add textured ornaments, including pine cones, rope balls, glitter balls, and acorns. Try mixing up the finish, size, and shape of each ornament by adding matte, translucent, small, oversized, icicle, or leaf-shaped decorations.    

4. Match Your Tree With Your Home’s Decor

woman decorating christmas tree with red and white ornaments
Photo: Daniel Balakov / iStock / Getty Images Plus

We know what you’re thinking: You want your white Christmas tree decor to stand out, so why would you match it to your existing interior decor? While it might seem counterintuitive, you can make your tree the center of attention while keeping it cohesive with the rest of your home. For example, if your living room is decorated with red and white holiday decor, add pops of red to your tree using tinsel or ornaments. You can also choose colors that complement your decor; that way, it flows well while remaining a focal point.  

5. Hang Multicolored Lights

woman decorating white tree with colorful lights
Photo: ElenaBoronina / Stock / Getty Images Plus

The easiest way to add bright pops of color to your white Christmas tree is by hanging a few strands of multicolored lights. Within a few minutes, you’ll have blue, purple, green, and red lights shining inside your tree. Save money on Christmas lights by adding a light timer to reduce energy costs or switching to LED lights.

6. Make Your Gifts an Extension of Your Tree

woman holding gift next to white christmas tree
Photo: Tatsiana Volkava / iStock / Getty Images Plus

If you like the aesthetic of a uniform color scheme from floor to ceiling, consider wrapping your gifts in a way that’s cohesive with your Christmas tree. Using wrapping paper with bold colors or patterns could risk drawing attention away from your statement tree, so try dressing your gifts with neutral-colored paper. Popular options include butcher paper, stark-white paper, and metallic accents like bows and ribbons. 

7. Use Metallic Accents

gold and silver ornaments on white christmas tree
Photo: AlSimonov / iStock / Getty Images Plus

It’s no secret that metals like silver and gold complement a white Christmas tree perfectly. Metal ornaments have a way of adding a layer of depth to your white Christmas tree that it couldn’t achieve on its own. Plus, metallic accents reflect light, creating a softer look to your tree and allowing it to shine (no pun intended) throughout the day.  

8. Pick a Theme

pink theme ornaments white christmas tree
Photo: ElenaBoronina / iStock / Getty Images Plus

While white Christmas trees are versatile, you don’t want your tree to feel too uniform or impersonal. One way to customize your white Christmas tree is by decorating it to a theme that’s personal to you and your family. Some theme examples include woodsy, nautical, candy cane, and more. You can also deck out your tree with decor related to your favorite holiday movie. Really, the possibilities are endless. 

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