Christmas Tree Ornaments and Lights

Christmas decorations   are a matter of personal taste. Nonetheless, there are a few standards that most people will want to have available. Your tree might just reflect the tastes of your family. Some people, however, choose to have a themed tree. This can add elegance to a formal Christmas party or reflect the setting of a cabin in the woods. Whatever theme you choose for your tree, don't worry about getting everything in one year. Get a few new things every year, and replace anything that breaks. The best time to get a bargain on Christmas decorations is, of course, after Christmas Day. If there's something you really must have this year, though, go for it -- it might sell out before you have a chance to buy it on sale. The most important thing to remember about decorating your tree, however, is that you have to like it. So if an all- Barbie   tree is your thing, by all means, do it!

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The Basics

Tree Toppers  

Garlands  

Lights  

Baubles  

Tree Skirts  

Candy Canes  

Popcorn   and Cranberries  

Collectible Ornaments  

Tinsel  

Themes

Many people want their tree to look put-together instead of haphazard. One of the easiest ways to keep your tree looking great is to choose a theme and stick with it.

Color-Themed Trees

For a formal looking tree, try going with a simple color scheme and lots of luxe textures. Velvet for the tree skirt shiny silver and gold, and jewel-tone reds, purples, blues or greens can make your tree look fantastic. Don't go overboard, though. Choose one or two colors and stick with them. Skip tinsel   and other cheap-looking decorations; a roll of sheer ribbon   can be a great garland   and isn't all that expensive. Another great formal look is the all-white tree Forget the artificial snow   but use plenty of white lights For example, an all-gold tree might use the following:

Gold Tree Topper  

Gold Ribbon  

Gold Ornaments  

White Lights  

Gold Tree Skirt  

Snow Trees

Another popular theme is an all-white, snow-themed tree. These can range from formal to whimsical, depending on whether you use only snowflakes or incorporate angels, snowmen, and other winter objects.

Snowflake Tree Topper  

Snowflake Ornament  

Silver   or White Ornaments  

Snowman  

Snow Angels  

A few winter sports ornaments here and there complete your snow-themed tree.

Snowshoes  

Ice Skates  

Skis  

Snowboards  

Sleds  

Rustic Trees

Cranberry and Popcorn Garlands  

Rustic Tree Topper  

Nature-Inspired Ornaments  

Pinecones  

Miniature Birdhouses   or Bird Ornaments  

Moose Ornaments  

Copper Light Covers  

Quilted Tree Skirt  

Nature Trees

Much of what you would put on a nature-themed tree overlaps with rustic trees. Just go with what you prefer, but try to not do too much -- a mishmash of folk art wild animal ornaments and farmhouse tools   and animals will look jumbled. Don't try to put all of nature on your tree either. Choose one or two groups -- songbirds and leaves, perhaps, or animals native to your area -- and stick with it. Garlands of leaves and flowers will complement your natural theme.

Artificial Birds  

Mammal Ornaments  

Bird Ornaments  

Leaf Ornaments  

Poinsettia Garlands  

Nature-Themed Tree Skirts  

Frog Ornaments  

Fish Ornaments  

Safari-Themed Ornaments  

The Nutcracker

The perennial holiday ballet makes a great theme for a tree, too! Nutcrackers   are one of the more obvious choices, but there are plenty others, including lots of sweets. You could also go with a more ballet-themed tree if you have a little dancer in your family.

Nutcracker Ornaments  

Sugarplum Fairy Ornaments  

Snowflake Lights  

Fairy Ornaments  

Marzipan Fruit  

Ballet Slippers  

Ballerina  

Tulle Ribbon  

Mouse King  

Around the Base

Some trees just have a tree skirt around the base to catch falling needles and hide the tree stand. If you want to do something more elaborate, however, you have a few options.

Model Trains  

Nativity Scene  

Christmas Village  

Gingerbread House  

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