Crafting Unique Designs for Your Holiday Centerpiece
The Christmas tree is the heart of holiday decor, a symbol of festive cheer and family traditions. But within this tradition, there’s room for broad creative license. One glance inside modern homes at yuletide, and it becomes clear: This ain’t your grandma’s Christmas tree.
While traditional ornaments and garlands have their charm, creating a unique Christmas tree design can make your holiday season even more special. From unconventional themes to personalized ornaments, there are countless ways to transform your tree into a creative centerpiece that reflects your style and holiday spirit. Check out our SmartTips ideas for transforming your tree this year.
Pick a Theme That Speaks to You
Choosing a theme is the foundation for a standout Christmas tree. The theme can be inspired by personal interests, favorite colors, pop culture, or devotion to the spiritual meaning of the season. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Nature-Inspired
Incorporate elements from the outdoors, such as pinecones, dried flowers, and twigs. Use nature-inspired colors like green, brown, and cream, and add earthy textures like burlap ribbons or wooden ornaments.
Vintage Glam
Embrace an antique look with metallic ornaments, mercury glass (the modern version is non-toxic), and classic tinsel. Choose soft gold, silver, or pastel shades to recapture a nostalgic feel. (Okay, maybe this style is like your grandma’s tree.)
Whimsical Wonderland
Opt for bright, bold colors like pink, turquoise, and lime green. Use oversized ornaments, candy-shaped decorations, and playful elements like elves or unicorns to create a magical, theme-park vibe. Non-traditional for sure, but fun!
Cultural or Travel Themes
Showcase your love for a specific culture or destination with themed ornaments. Incorporate souvenirs from travels to add a personal touch and conjure memories of your vacation travels.
“Your tree is an expression of your personality, values and what the yuletide season means to you and your family.”
Experiment with Color Palettes
Traditional red and green aren’t your only options. A creative color palette can give your tree a modern twist and really make it pop like a burst of winter fireworks. For a monochromatic tree that stands out, choose one color and layer it in different shades. A white tree with silver, pearl, and ivory accents, for example, creates a dreamy winter wonderland feel.
Can’t live with a single color? Break the mold with a multicolored tree in bold neon colors Use lighting to amplify the effect. If you’re more of the understated and muted type, a dark green—or even black color scheme with jewel-toned ornaments and accents can create a luxurious and sophisticated vibe. Think emerald, ruby, and sapphire.
Try an Unusual Topper
Like the spire on top of a skyscraper, your tree topper is the punctuation mark that finishes a statement. While stars and angels are classic toppers, an unexpected choice can be the crown jewel of your tree. Here are some ideas:
Custom Figures and Characters: Add a figurine that represents your family, such as a mini replica of a favorite pet, or a special object of family interest, such as sports, music, or other shared pastimes. A festive character like Santa Claus, a snowman, a nutcracker, or a gnome can add a more traditional yet playful touch.
Oversized Ribbons: Arrange cascading ribbons that spill down the tree for a dramatic effect. Check hobby and craft stores for colorful options. Check online for tutorial videos that give you a complete bill of materials and how-to instructions.
DIY Options: Make your own topper with craft supplies such as picks and silk flowers or even unusual off-the-shelf items like small toys or action figures to create something one-of-a-kind. You might just create a family heirloom in the process!
Experiment with Unconventional Materials
Incorporating nontraditional materials can elevate your tree’s design. Using fabric and textiles opens the door to many creative options, such as wrapping the tree in layers of tulle or lace for a soft, ethereal effect. Paper is another option that’s inexpensive and versatile. You can try your hand at making origami ornaments and paper-chains garlands to fill out the boughs. Even repurposed or upcycled household items like cookie cutters, vintage jewelry, or old postcards can be used as decorations. Try jazzing them up with sequins, glitter or other bling.
Be sure to keep it safe, however. Paper and fabric can be a fire risk. Best save these materials for use with artificial trees.
Creative Lights
Lighting can completely change the ambiance of your tree. With today’s affordable, low-energy LED lighting technology, the possibilities are virtually endless. From programmable strands that shift colors to patterned blanket lights and strands shaped like snowflakes or icicles, the only limit is your imagination and ambition.
A Word About Safety
Before you trick-out your tree, be sure you keep safety in mind, especially if you’re decorating a fresh-cut or live tree. Here are some tips to follow:
- Use flame-retardant decorating materials: Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Beware sources of open flame: Never keep candles or open flames near your tree. Keep candles in a safe place where they can’t be knocked over and never leave any candles burning unattended.
- Turn off decorative lights when you’re not home: It’s safest to monitor your holiday lights while they’re on.
- Keep your tree hydrated: If you have a real tree, keep the tree stand filled with water and keep the tree away from heat sources. If you have an artificial tree, double check that it’s made from fire-retardant material.
- Avoid overloading outlets: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the number of lights to string together. You can use power strips with built-in surge protection to expand your outlet capacity without overloading household circuits. Consider replacing older lights with modern LED units that use less energy.
- Be Careful When Using Ladders: Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and be sure your ladder is in good repair. And be sure you use the right ladder for the job. Use clips to hang lights so the cords don’t get damaged.
- Make it Pet- and Toddler-Proof: Keep sharp-edged or breakable ornaments well above the reach of toddlers and pets and anchor your tree securely to prevent it from tumbling over if housecats climb the boughs or kids play too aggressively around it. Keep all extension cords, power strips and wall outlets guarded with child-proof protectors and place electrical connections out of reach.
Think Outside the Tree
The tree is just one part of your display and overall artistic statement. Incorporate complementary elements to enhance its presence, such as themed skirts or stands. Match your tree skirt to your chosen theme, whether it’s a snowy white base or a rustic burlap wrap. Use alternative stands, like a vintage-inspired cast iron model for a unique look and added stability.
And don’t forget the surrounding ambience in the room. Create a vignette around the tree with wrapped presents and add coordinating garlands, wreaths, or stockings in the room to tie it all together. Squeezed for space? Try a tabletop tree or create a DIY wall tree by arranging lights, garlands and ornaments in a tree-shaped wall display.
A Blank Canvas
Your Christmas tree is just waiting for your creative touch. Whether you stick to a classic design with a unique twist or embrace a completely unconventional theme, your tree is an expression of your personality, values and what the yuletide season means to you and your family. Make it joyful—happy decorating, and happy Christmas!
