How to Decorate an Elegant & Rustic Christmas Tree

The sites and smells of Christmas are enchanting. It’s very exciting when it’s time to cut down a tree and bring the wonderful smell of pine inside! We’re lucky in the Northwest, there are tons of local tree farms to choose from, so cutting down our Christmas tree has become a family tradition.

It was time to change up the decorating theme this year and go a bit more casual. I like farmhouse style, so I’m calling this our elegant and rustic tree. Here’s how to get the look for your tree.

Step 1 – Choose Your Tree

Some people prefer the look and smell of a real pine or fir tree, while others like the reliability of a fake one. This year we opted for a different type of tree, a Nordmann. Although it looks like a Noble fir, it lasts much longer and is very clean – not many pine needles to contend with. Your tree is your canvas for decorating and so far we’re loving this one!

Our new home has a tall ceiling in the living room, so we purchased a 10 ft tree…and it’s beautiful!

Step 2 – Pick a Color Scheme

Featuring one color scheme will make your tree look cohesive and complete. For an elegant and rustic tree you could go with traditional red and green or metallics like gold, silver and bronze. I went with green and red with pops of silver.

{Tip – Add your lights before you start decorating}.

Step 3 – Put on Garlands or Ribbons

Use wired or mesh ribbon for best results. If you want to put up a ribbon garland, make sure you choose a kind that will hold its shape instead of flopping over. Choose a medium width, so that the ribbon is still wide enough to be seen from far away, but not so large that weaving it around the tree would be difficult.

Step 4 – Incorporate your Rustic Elements

Space out your different types or ornaments. Place one ornament from the “rustic” category on the tree on each “side” (divide the tree 4 sides ) so that rustic ornament category can be seen throughout the tree. For example, when you place an ornament on your tree, simple place one on the opposite side too.

• Wood
• Twine
• Pinecones
• Woodland Creatures
• Deer Heads
• Plaid
• Stars

Step 5 – Incorporate your Elegant Elements

Space out your different types or ornaments. Place one ornament from the “elegant” category on the tree on each “side” (divide the tree into 2, 3 or4 sides ) so that elegant ornament category can be seen throughout the tree. Again, when you place an ornament on your tree, don’t forget the opposite side also.

• Glass
• Mercury Glass
• Plaid
• Berries
• Various Shapes {round, oval, curved}
• Snow Flakes
• Metallics

Step 6 – Add a Topper

With such a large tree our normal topper was too small, so we used a Santa hat, which went with the rustic look perfectly! Here are some other ideas for tree toppers:

• A star
• A large snowflake
• An artificial bird
• An artificial flower
• An angel
• A pretty bow
• Holly leaves and berries

Step 7 – Stand Back and Admire Your Work!

Do you go with the same decorating theme each Christmas or do you change it up?

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