30+ Christmas Tree Themes and Ideas for Every Style

Choosing a Christmas tree theme is my favorite part of decorating, and also the part I overthink the most. Moody or bright? Vintage or natural? One tree, or three trees with three different personalities?

Here are my favorite Christmas tree themes, many from trees I’ve decorated in our cottage over the years, some from local stores (my forever source of inspiration), and a few from fellow creators whose trees deserve the spotlight. For each one, you’ll find the colors, ornaments, ribbon, picks, lights, and topper ideas that make it work.

Christmas tree themes: small tree with bright colored ornaments in a galvanized bucket

For more trees, mantels, and living room ideas, see my guide to 32 Christmas Decor Ideas for Bringing Comfort and Joy Home.

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How to Choose a Christmas Tree Theme

Red and white themed Christmas tree in front of a cottage bedroom window

Start with the room, not the ornament aisle. The best theme usually picks up colors you already live with.

Look at your room: Pull two or three colors from your pillows, dishes, rugs, or art.
Shop your ornament boxes: Sort what you own by color. A theme often reveals itself.
Pick one hero element: Velvet ribbon, dried hydrangeas, vintage glass, or plaid. Let it lead and keep the rest simple.
Decide on light color early: Warm white flatters rich, natural palettes; cool white works well for icy, blue, and silver themes.
Small house, several trees? Use one palette across all of them, and give each tree its own twist.

Moody and Rich Christmas Tree Themes

1. Moody Christmas Tree

Moody Christmas tree in burgundy, brown, and navy beside a black cabinet of Spode Christmas dishes

A moody Christmas tree trades bright red and green for burgundy, navy, olive, chocolate brown, plum, and charcoal. It’s warm and dramatic without trying too hard. This was our cottage last Christmas.

Brown, burgundy, green, cream, and pink ornaments on a moody Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Moody Christmas Tree

Ornaments: matte, velvet, and mercury glass in dark, saturated shades
Ribbon: velvet is the star; layer in a white cascading ribbon with a thinner accent ribbon
Picks: faux branches, dried hydrangeas, cedar, or dark eucalyptus
Lights: warm white keeps the dark colors from feeling heavy
Topper: a dark velvet bow, an oversized metallic star, or a cluster of branches

It looks especially good near dark wood, brass, and candlelight.

2. Jewel-Toned Christmas Tree

Jewel-toned Christmas tree with emerald, fuchsia, and sapphire ornaments

Emerald, amethyst, sapphire, ruby, teal, and bronze glowing together. It’s rich and a little luxurious, but still approachable.

How to Decorate a Jewel-Toned Christmas Tree

Ornaments: glossy, matte, glass, and metallic in deep gemstone shades
Ribbon: emerald or plum velvet, sheer gold, or layered jewel-tone patterns
Picks: gold eucalyptus, feathers, jewel-toned berries, dramatic florals
Lights: warm white deepens the colors; cool white makes them sparkle
Topper: a gold star, a crown-style topper, or a velvet bow

3. Copper and Burgundy Christmas Tree

Copper and burgundy Christmas tree with platinum accents — Photo Credit: **Sanctuary Ho**me Decor

Copper or burgundy are warm and elegant without feeling stuffy. The pairing works on flocked, green, or lightly frosted trees.

How to Decorate a Copper and Burgundy Christmas Tree

Ornaments: copper, rose gold, bronze, and burgundy, and matte, metallic, and mercury glass
Ribbon: burgundy velvet layered with copper mesh or metallic ribbon
Picks: copper eucalyptus, burgundy berries, magnolia leaves
Lights: warm white
Topper: a copper star, a velvet bow, or a floral cluster

4. Burgundy and Gold Christmas Tree

Burgundy and gold Christmas tree with wine colored and gold ornaments

Classic, with a little extra richness. Deep wine and warm gold feel timeless together.

How to Decorate a Burgundy and Gold Tree

Ornaments: burgundy velvet and matte balls, gold mercury glass, mixed metallics
Ribbon: burgundy velvet with thin gold ribbon or gold mesh tucked in
Picks: gold berries, plum florals, burgundy eucalyptus
Lights: warm white
Topper: a gold star, a velvet bow, or a floral and metallic cluster

Classic and Traditional Christmas Tree Themes

5. Ralph Lauren Inspired Christmas Tree

Ralph Lauren style Christmas tree with plaid ribbon and red, navy, and gold ornaments

Rich plaids, a touch of equestrian style, mixed metals, and traditional colors. Think a cozy evening by the fire.

How to Decorate a Ralph Lauren Christmas Tree

Ornaments: deep red, hunter green, navy, and gold, with plaid balls and metallic bells
Ribbon: tartan plaid is a must. Pair one bold plaid with a thinner velvet or satin
Picks: magnolia leaves, gold or blueberries, pinecones
Lights: warm white
Topper: a tartan bow, a gold star, or magnolia

6. Plaid Christmas Tree

Plaid Christmas tree with red and green tartan ribbon — Photo Credit: **Amy Sadler Designs**

Tartan, buffalo check, windowpane, herringbone. Plaid is easy to make yourself, and it works with coastal, rustic, vintage, and traditional decor.

How to Decorate a Plaid Christmas Tree

Ornaments: red, green, gold, and navy; Wrap inexpensive balls in plaid ribbon or fabric
Ribbon: the star of this theme; Use one plaid or layer several
Picks: magnolia, pinecones, berries, simple greenery
Lights: warm white for a lodge feel
Topper: a big plaid bow or a gold star

7. Vintage Christmas Tree

Vintage Christmas tree with old-fashioned tinsel and retro ornaments

Retro ornaments, old tinsel, and handed-down treasures. If you love thrifting and estate sales, this theme tells your story. Find more ideas in 22 Charming Christmas Vintage Decorations.

Vintage cream ornament with teal glitter on a Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Vintage Christmas Tree

Ornaments: mercury glass, Shiny Brite-style balls, vintage Santas, brass bells, wooden toys
Ribbon: silk, tartan, or cotton ribbon, plus old-fashioned tinsel
Picks: magnolia, pinecones, mixed evergreens, berries
Lights: warm white or candle-style clip lights
Topper: a vintage star, an angel, or a cluster of brass bells

8. Red and White Whimsical Christmas Tree

Cheerful and bright, with a little Scandinavian and vintage charm: gingham, snowflakes, and classic red.

How to Decorate a Red and White Christmas Tree

Ornaments: red balls, white ceramic ornaments, snowflakes, mittens, and Santa hats
Ribbon: red and white stripe, gingham, polka dot, or red velvet with thin white satin
Picks: red berries, white florals, snowy branches
Lights: warm white for cozy; multicolor for playful
Topper: a glittered star or big red bow

9. Candy Cane Christmas Tree

Candy cane Christmas tree with peppermint and candy decorations

Sweet and fun for all ages. Where the red and white tree leans whimsical, this one goes all in on candy using peppermints, lollipops, and stripes.

Close-up of red and white candy ornaments for a candy cane Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Candy Cane Christmas Tree

Ornaments: peppermint candies, lollipops, candy canes, striped balls
Ribbon: red and white stripe, polka dot, or red velvet with white satin
Picks: candy cane sprays, red berries, curly picks
Lights: warm white or red
Topper: a candy cane bow or peppermint swirl

Easy to do on a budget, and instantly recognizable.

10. Silver and Gold Christmas Tree

Silver and gold Christmas tree with nutcrackers

A classic mix of warm and cool metallics. Elegant without being flashy, on a flocked or green tree.

How to Decorate a Silver and Gold Christmas Tree

Ornaments: gold, champagne, matte silver, mercury glass, glitter
Ribbon: sheer gold, champagne velvet, metallic mesh, silver satin
Picks: metallic eucalyptus, frosted branches, pearl picks
Lights: warm to highlight gold, cool to highlight silver
Topper: a gold star or shimmering bow

Natural and Garden-Inspired Christmas Tree Themes

11. Dried Hydrangea Christmas Tree

Dried hydrangea Christmas tree in a cottage style living room

This is one of my favorites and one of the most loved themes. Dried hydrangeas fill out the branches with soft texture, and no two trees look the same.

Dried hydrangea Christmas tree beside the cottage kitchen

Most of mine come straight from the garden. Here’s how I dry hydrangeas.

White bird ornament with dried hydrangeas, gold ornaments, and green ribbon on a Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Dried Hydrangea Christmas Tree

Ornaments: keep them simple so the blooms shine: pearls, clear glass, white, green, or cream
Ribbon: soft linen, ivory or green velvet, a little gold
Picks: hydrangeas, of course; add frosted greenery or natural branches
Lights: warm white glows through the petals
Topper: a cluster of hydrangeas or a simple bow

12. Garden-Inspired Christmas Tree

Garden-inspired Christmas tree with bird and floral ornaments

For anyone who’d rather be in the garden with birds, birdhouses, watering cans, botanical prints, and soft florals.

Garden Christmas tree filled with little birdhouses in a vintage wheelbarrow

How to Decorate a Garden-Inspired Christmas Tree

Ornaments: florals, birds and birdhouses, tiny garden tools, butterflies, vegetables, pastel balls
Ribbon: floral prints, green and white stripe, blush or sage velvet
Picks: faux roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and dried stems
Lights: warm white
Topper: a floral bouquet or a bird

13. Natural Neutral Christmas Tree

Small Christmas tree in a hanging wall basket tied with burgundy ribbon

Warm, earthy, and calm. Wood, paper, jute, and wicker give a quiet holiday feel.

How to Decorate a Natural Neutral Christmas Tree

Ornaments: wood, paper, white ceramic, jute stars, wicker, handmade pieces
Ribbon: linen, cotton, kraft paper, or frayed edges
Picks: burlap poinsettias, pinecones, dried grasses, seeded eucalyptus
Lights: warm white
Topper: a simple star, rattan topper, or wooden snowflake

Budget-friendly and easy to adapt. More ideas in Using Natural Elements for Cozy Christmas Decor.

14. Dried Orange Christmas Tree

Small Christmas tree in a hanging wall basket with dried oranges and white feather ornaments

Warm, natural, old-fashioned. A bag of oranges, a low oven, and an afternoon are all it takes. Here’s how to make dried oranges.

Dried orange slices, dried hydrangeas, and white feather ornaments on a Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Dried Orange Christmas Tree

Ornaments: dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, wooden ornaments, gold bells, jute
Ribbon: linen, twine, burlap, or kraft paper
Picks: cedar, eucalyptus, pinecones, dried florals
Lights: warm white for an amber glow through the citrus
Topper: a twig star or natural bow

If you love calm, nature-inspired decorating, a natural, neutral Christmas tree is such a great choice. It’s all about warm, earthy tones and simple, organic touches that give your home a peaceful, understated holiday feel.

15. Rustic Outdoors Christmas Tree

Rustic outdoors Christmas tree with snowshoe and woodland ornaments

Winter cabins, forest walks, and lodge decorating. Woodsy and warm, and one of the easiest themes to pull together from natural materials.

How to Decorate a Rustic Outdoors Christmas Tree

Ornaments: woodland animals, pinecones, wooden ornaments, bark stars, plaid balls, snowshoes, rustic bells
Ribbon: burlap, plaid, jute, or twine
Picks: evergreen, juniper, pinecone stems, twiggy branches
Lights: warm white
Topper: a wooden or birch star, rustic bow, or antlers

16. Bottle Brush and Floral Christmas Tree

Christmas tree with mini bottle brush trees and pink florals

Mini bottlebrush trees tucked into the branches with soft florals. Whimsical and cottage-y, with lots of texture.

How to Decorate a Bottle Brush and Floral Christmas Tree

Ornaments: mini bottlebrush trees in neutrals or pastels, floral ornaments, pearls.
Ribbon: blush or lilac velvet, ivory satin, soft gold.
Picks: faux roses, peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath.
Lights: warm white.
Topper: a floral bouquet or a cluster of bottlebrush trees.

Snowy, White, and Metallic Christmas Tree Themes

17. Flocked Tree with Metallics

Flocked Christmas tree with gold and silver metallic ornaments — Photo Credit: **Stone Gable Blog**

Snowy flocking with gold, champagne, or silver ornaments.

Close-up of metallic ornaments on a flocked Christmas tree — Photo Credit: **Stone Gable Blog**

The flocking softens the shine, and it looks beautiful in photos.

Flocked Christmas tree decorated with gold and champagne ornaments

How to Decorate a Flocked Metallic Christmas Tree

Ornaments: gold, champagne, silver, bronze, pearl, mercury glass
Ribbon: gold satin, champagne velvet, metallic mesh
Picks: glittered eucalyptus, champagne berries, frosted branches
Lights: warm white for a gold glow, cool for silver
Topper: a sparkling star or metallic bow

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18. Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree

Winter wonderland Christmas tree with white ornaments on green branches

Frosty whites, icy metallics, and a little shimmer. It brings the snow inside, even in a Pacific Northwest December that rarely gets any.

White and rustic wooden ornaments on a winter white Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree

Ornaments: white, pearl, white birds, iridescent snowflakes, frosted glass
Ribbon: white satin, silver mesh, or sheer white
Picks: frosted evergreen, snowy branches, white poinsettias
Lights: cool white for icy, warm white for soft
Topper: a snowflake or sparkling star

19. Green and White Christmas Tree

Green and white Christmas tree in a cottage living room

Fresh, calm, very cottage. Green and white is a softer alternative to red and green that still reads as Christmas. See my green-and-white Christmas tour for more ideas.

Green hydrangeas, burlap poinsettias, and white birds on a Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Green and White Christmas Tree

Ornaments: white ceramic, clear glass, sage, and emerald balls, white birds
Ribbon: green velvet, green and white stripe or gingham, ivory linen
Pick: eucalyptus, cedar, white berries, green or white hydrangeas
Lights: warm white
Topper: a white star or a green velvet bow

20. Colorful Christmas Tree

Colorful whimsical cottage style Christmas tree in pink, blue, and green — Photo Credit: **Country Peony**

Pink, cobalt, teal, emerald, sunny yellow, and quirky novelty ornaments. No rules, just fun.

Close-up of colorful whimsical ornaments and ribbon — Photo Credit: **Country Peony**

How to Decorate a Colorful Christmas Tree

Ornaments: pinks, cobalt, teal, emerald, yellow, purple, and novelty shapes
Ribbon: rainbow, polka dot, gingham, or multicolored velvet
Picks: bright berries, pom-poms, oversized florals
Lights: multicolor, or warm white to tone it down
Topper: a whimsical star or oversized bow

21. Red and Lime Christmas Tree

Bright, bold, and a little unexpected. Lime green gives classic red a fresh, modern twist.

How to Decorate a Red and Lime Christmas Tree

Ornaments: red, lime, and white; oversized balls, red cardinals, and modern shapes
Ribbon: lime mesh or velvet, red velvet, red and lime stripe
Picks: lime berries, curly picks, oversized florals
Lights: warm white keeps it from feeling electric
Topper: a large red bow or whimsical star

Blue and Coastal Christmas Tree Themes

22. Blue and White Christmas Tree

Blue and white never goes out of style. If you love blue and white dishes like I do, this one’s for you. It works with cottage, coastal, wintry, and traditional decor.

Blue and white patterned dish ornaments on a Christmas tree

How to Decorate a Blue and White Christmas Tree

Ornaments: navy, cobalt, powder blue, and white in glossy, matte, chinoiserie, and mercury glass
Ribbon: chinoiserie prints, blue velvet, or white satin
Picks: white hydrangeas, winter berries, frosted greenery
Lights: cool white for crisp, warm white for a softer coastal glow
Topper: a white star or chinoiserie bow

23. Coastal Christmas Tree

Coastal Christmas tree with coral and aqua ornaments

Living on Puget Sound, I can’t help myself. Shells, starfish, glass fishing floats, and driftwood in soft blues, coral, and sand.

Flocked coastal Christmas tree with crane ornaments

How to Decorate a Coastal Christmas Tree

Ornament: seashells, starfish, glass floats, driftwood, pale blue, turquoise, coral, and sand
Ribbon: linen, aqua velvet, gauzy white, or nautical stripe
Pick: dried grasses, frosted greenery, white berries
Lights: warm white for soft, cool white for crisp
Topper: a starfish or driftwood star

24-31. More Christmas Tree Theme Ideas

Red cardinal ornaments on a Christmas tree

Scandinavian: wooden ornaments, white stars, paper snowflakes, wool garland, and simple greenery
Pink: blush ornaments, rose gold, pearls, velvet ribbon, and delicate florals
Gingerbread: gingerbread houses, cookie ornaments, candy accents, and warm white light.
Pom-pom: handmade pom-pom garland and colorful picks. Fun and budget-friendly
Book lovers: mini book ornaments, rolled page garland, or a tree made from stacked books
Christmas village: tiny houses, street lamps, and bottlebrush trees nestled in the branches
Nutcracker: nutcrackers in every size, red and gold ornaments, and drum or toy soldier accents
Snowflake: paper, glass, and felt snowflakes in white and silver, with white satin ribbon

Christmas Tree Theme FAQs

Mini Christmas tree with rustic vintage ornaments, a vintage sled, and snowshoes

What are the Most Popular Christmas Tree Themes?

Classic red and gold, vintage, flocked with metallics, plaid, and natural neutral themes are perennial favorites. Moody palettes in burgundy, brown, and navy, plus dried hydrangeas and dried oranges, have grown in popularity in recent seasons.

How Do I Pick a Color Scheme for My Christmas Tree?

Choose two or three main colors from the room the tree will be in, then add one metallic. Sort the ornaments you already own by color before buying anything new. Ribbon is the easiest way to pull a color scheme together.

How Many Ornaments Do I Need for My Christmas Tree?

A common rule of thumb is 10 to 20 ornaments per foot of tree height, depending on how full you like it. Themes that lean on ribbon, dried florals, and picks need fewer ornaments.

Can I Have Different Christmas Tree Themes in One House?

Yes. In a small or open home, keep a shared color palette so the trees feel connected, and give each one a different focus, like ribbon on one, dried hydrangeas on another, and vintage ornaments on a third.

What Theme Works Best for a Flocked Christmas Tree?

Flocked trees look especially pretty with metallics (gold, silver, or champagne), blue and white, winter white, and moody palettes, since the white branches soften dark colors.

Final Thoughts

Flocked pencil Christmas tree with blue ornaments and dried oranges

The best Christmas tree is the one that makes you happy the first time you plug in the lights. There’s no rulebook. Borrow from two themes, change only the ribbon, or keep the same ornaments and try a new light color.

If one of these sparked an idea, you’re already halfway there. And if you’re working with a small space, see my Christmas tree ideas for small spaces.

Wishing you the coziest, most magical holiday decorating season!

Until next time,

Happy Tree Trimming!

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7 Comments

Rebecca Payne says:

11/23/2025 at 6:21 am

So many beautiful Christmas trees and ideas. thank you for sharing these awesome photos.

Melba says:

12/10/2021 at 6:44 pm

Kim, this was the best post I have ever read! I loved every single one, but my absolute favorite was the coastal! I truly loved this!!! Feliz Navidad my sweet friend!

Kristin | White Arrows Home says:

12/06/2021 at 10:28 am

These are all so beautiful! Wish I had room for all of them in my home too! I couldn’t choose a favorite!

Beth says:

12/05/2021 at 11:18 am

Kim – this has to be the Best collection of inspiration trees I have ever seen! Our Christmas tree is a tradition of ornaments passed from generation to generation and others we have collected over the years. As much as I love our traditional tree, I wish I could do something different. This post has inspired me! I will be starting a collection of mini trees around the house that can be as different and gorgeous as each one you’ve chosen to show! Thank you.

Ann says:

12/05/2021 at 9:05 am

I love this post. So much inspiration the first one and the garden inspired one are so creative and I love the candles and tinsel one too. Beautiful?

Rachel Harper says:

12/03/2021 at 2:58 pm

Kim,
You are so sweet to share not one but two of my trees. I appreciate you so much.

CoCo says:

12/03/2021 at 7:00 am

I’ve never seen so many stunning trees in one place, Kim! I seriously struggle every year putting up the tree so I really enjoyed all these fabulous ideas. They just blow me away! Big hugs, CoCo