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

External Links

• About.com -- choosing a color scheme for your tree (and home).
• About.com -- more ideas for a rustic tree decoration scheme.