Christmas Tree Themes to Inspire Your Holiday Decor

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Ready to start holiday decorating? Before you start, make sure you check out some of my favorite Christmas tree themes. From sleek and modern to rustic and natural, find the Christmas tree theme that perfectly fits into your home decor. 

four unique, colorful, and festive christmas tree theme ideas and decorated trees.

Want to know the secret to cohesive holiday decor?

It all starts with the tree. 

As the true centerpiece of the holidays, the Christmas tree is a natural gathering place, holding collected ornaments, nostalgic mementos, and hand-crafted items you look forward to seeing again year after year. 

But with so many stunning possibilities for tree decor, it can be difficult to create a streamlined design. That’s where Christmas tree themes come in!

A themed tree incorporates a ton of gorgeous elements into one cohesive design. Best of all, a themed tree naturally sets the tone for the holiday design scheme for the rest of your home!

The good news? When it comes to Christmas trees, I am no rookie. I have been styling trees since I was in high school (starting by working for a local gift shop!), so I have plenty of ideas up my sleeve!

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Christmas tree theme ideas along with important design elements, decor tips, and design inspiration. 

For even more Christmas tree inspiration, check out my post on 25+ Stunning Christmas Tree Decorations + Decorating Ideas.

christmas tree topper with colorful ornaments.

Elements of Thematic Christmas Trees

A themed Christmas tree is a lot more than just ornaments – it’s an entire essence made up of carefully crafted details. 

Here are a few elements to consider while crafting your theme:

Inspiring Theme

Begin by choosing a theme to inspire your decor. Themes can range from general concepts like traditional or rustic to niche concepts. I recommend you gather a bit of thematic inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram to help your creative process. 

Color Scheme

This is one of the most crucial decisions to make! Consider the color scheme and how it will suit your chosen theme. 

Traditional colors include red, green, and white. A glamorous theme will narrow in on flashy touches of gold, silver, champagne, and bronze. 

In the images below, you’ll see just how important a cohesive color scheme is.

living room with christmas tree in whites and blues and greens.

Type of Tree 

Different trees serve different themes. For example, a natural tree might suit a rustic theme. A faux tree with white pine suits more unique or minimalist themes. This is an important step as it sets the standard for decor to come. 

Lighting 

Christmas lights come in a range of shapes and colors, each suiting a different design aesthetic. Modern trees often have smaller white twinkle lights, while vintage or nostalgic trees have retro lights in a rainbow of colors. 

christmas tree with colored lights and ornaments.

Ornaments 

Ornaments can be chosen based on color, material, and the nostalgia factor. This is where you can get ultra-thematic!

Tree Topper

While a gold star or angel may be traditional tree toppers, your modern options aren’t that limited. Choose a cohesive topper that stands out without looking out of place. 

Tree Skirt

Remember to pick a tree skirt that compliments your color scheme and overall ambiance. Burlap or quilted skirts are traditional, while modern options may be knit, metallic, or even fuzzy!

christmas tree with red ornaments and ornate tree skirt.

Christmas Tree Theme Ideas

Ready to find your holiday theme? These unique Christmas tree themes are the perfect place to start. Here are a few ideas to get you started, then we’ll take a closer look at some of my favorite themes and I brought them to life.

  • Nautical Adventure: Anchors, ropes, and seashells.
  • Candy Sweetness: Gumdrops, lollipops, and candy canes.
  • Ballet Dreams: Tutus, ballet slippers, and soft pastels.
  • Farmhouse Cozy: Plaid ribbons, wood slices, and burlap.
  • Traveler’s Trove: Miniature landmarks, suitcases, and maps.
  • Classic Literature: Tiny books, quills, and parchment.
  • Garden Glory: Birds, butterflies, and garden tools.
  • Winter Wildlife: Deer, foxes, and snowy owls.
  • Enchanted Fairytale: Castles, dragons, and crowns.
  • Carnival Fun: Ferris wheels, popcorn, and carousel horses.
  • Rustic Romance: Lace, pearls, and soft candlelight.
  • Tea Time: Teapots, cups, and saucers.
  • Forest Campout: Tents, campfires, and marshmallows.

Modern

Modern Christmas trees are artful and intentional, using fresh new colors with paired-back design choices. Ranging from monochrome and minimalist to trendy and fun, the modern Christmas tree follows fewer rules than most. 

My Navy Blue Christmas Tree is a modern take on a traditional design, opting for a ribbon-free base filled with color-coordinated ornaments. The copper accents, including this INCREDIBLE tree topper, come together for a chic and contemporary design. 

A navy blue themed Christmas tree decorated with blue and green ornaments

On the other side of the spectrum, my Rustic Modern Christmas Tree uses an ultra-traditional color scheme of greens and reds. It plays with the popular farmhouse trend, incorporating modern elements, including metallic icicles and clip-on candles. 

Mixing rustic and modern for Christmas decorating

Elements of a modern Christmas tree theme:

  • Simple twinkle lights 
  • Modern colors like red, navy, forest green, silver, and gold
  • Clear glass ornaments 
  • Asymmetrically placed ornaments 
  • Minimalist tree skirt
  • Monochromatic ribbon
  • A green or flocked tree 

Traditional 

Traditional Christmas trees may look different depending on who you ask. But in my mind, the trees of your childhood best fit the theme. Rainbow lights, Christmas red, and hand-crafted ornaments are classic additions to traditional tree designs. 

My most traditional design is my Nostalgia-Inspired Christmas Tree; it’s filled with sweet and kitschy elements like pipe cleaner candy canes, gold beaded garland, and a variety of Santa ornaments. 

nostalgic Christmas tree themes using candy canes, Santa ornaments, and other classic elements

Another one of my favorite traditional tree designs was this Cozy Lodge Inspired Christmas Tree. As you can see, it’s in the same spot as the tree above, but with a totally different look.

christmas tree decorating in a traditional theme with red ornaments.

I kept with traditional elements like the color palette, patterns, and elements like glass ornaments, candy canes, and a star topper.

Want to see this tree in a third way? You’ve got it! This little corner has become my go-to spot for a tree. I love using reds in this room so the color scheme for the tree has remained the same. However, I like to switch up the overall theme / decor each year.

Red and White Christmas Tree with presents and wrapping paper.
Red and White Christmas Tree with red ornaments and mushroom ornaments.

Here I took something a bit more traditional and added a modern touch with lots of white elements. I was actually inspired by my collection of red and white mushroom ornaments to style this Red and White Christmas Tree.

There are so many interesting and unique elements of this tree that I love!

Elements of a traditional Christmas tree:

  • Real Christmas tree or faux evergreen
  • Classic color palette of red, white, green, and gold
  • Vintage baubles, glass balls, wooden ornaments
  • Christmas emblems like Santa, snowflakes, candy canes, stars, and angels 
  • Simple ribbon
  • Tinsel
  • Nutcrackers
  • Pinecones

Rustic

The rustic Christmas tree dates back to before our time; it speaks to a nostalgia you haven’t felt before, more Victorian Christmas village than a childhood memory. 

Rustic-themed trees combine natural elements with antique or vintage finds. And while you may spend hours perfecting your design, the key to this theme is that you make it look easy!

My Little Treasures Christmas Tree is filled with sweet, spindly elements like orange slices, thread spools, keys, and velvet ribbon. 

Little Treasures Christmas Tree styled in a wood crate.
Little Treasures Christmas Tree set up in wooden crate.

There are so many sweet details I love about this tree. (Hence it’s name.) It’s one of my favorites to decorate.

My Gingerbread Inspired Christmas Tree is similarly decorated, this time with homemade gingerbread cookies and jumbo pine cones!

Gingerbread themes for Christmas tree decorating
Gingerbread-Inspired Christmas Tree #christmas #tree #christmastree #gingerbread #decor #decoratings #diningroom #holiday #christmasdecor #ornament

If you like the idea of decorating with gingerbread, then I have a post for you. I created a roundup of my favorite ways to decorate with gingerbread. You’ll get my gingerbread recipe plus ideas like a gingerbread wreath, adorable cup huggers, and even a gingerbread ‘snow globe’.

This next tree is a mix of cozy and rustic. This year, I went with a red and cozy Christmas tree theme. I picked a lot of textural elements include a hand knitted yarn garland.

christmas tree decorated with red and cozy elements.

Elements like wooden spindle ornaments, a vintage marshmallow tin, handmade tiny stockings, wood ornaments, and pinecones add that rustic flair.

In recent years I’ve become a big fan of decorating under the Christmas tree. In addition to gifts, I love using other festive elements.

decor under christmas tree with presents and baskets.

Elements of a rustic Christmas tree:

  • Natural tree, sparse or in an irregular shape
  • Simple warm twinkle lights or vintage bulbs
  • Pinecones
  • Handmade ornaments
  • Wooden bead garlands
  • Orange slices
  • Antique and vintage ornaments
  • Galvanized metal
  • Jute string to hang ornaments
  • Burlap ribbon

Glam

I’m a sucker for a glamour-themed Christmas tree. When it’s done right, it’s oh-so-right. Ranging from rich jewel tones to metallic collections of rose gold and champagne, glam Christmas trees bring opulence. 

Glittering ornaments, exaggerated details, and crystal accents are must-have elements. 

Years ago, I made A Christmas Tree Fit for the Emerald City that perfectly fit the glamour theme, made with monochromatic emerald ornaments and ribbon. 

Flocked tree with green ribbon and embellishments.

Beneath the grandeur, the flocked tree looked almost silver, especially when paired with twinkle lights and metallic elements. 

A year later I wanted a new look for this tree, but I didn’t want to purchase all new ornaments. I also needed the color scheme to still work for this room.

christmas tree decorated with metallic, greens, and navy ornaments.
Green and Navy Christmas Tree Decor on a flocked christmas tree.

I found a happy medium by using many of the same ornaments, but added in touches of navy blue to achieve this navy blue and green tree design. It’s familiar, but different, and I love all the glam sparkle.

Equally glamorous, my Woodland Glam Christmas Tree added a bit of shine to the natural world, using animal ornaments with a hint of glitter along with metallic pinecones and hanging icicles. 

Woodland Glam Christmas Tree in front of a blue wall.

Elements of a glamorous Christmas tree:

  • Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and amethyst
  • Metallics and mirrors 
  • White or gold twinkle lights
  • Luxurious satin or velvet garlands
  • Glittering decor
  • Feathers or fur
  • Crystal icicles
  • Jewels
  • Exaggerated, oversized ornaments 

5. Handmade Holiday

Not only is Christmas the most wonderful time of year – it’s also the most crafty!

The holidays are a great excuse to pull out your hot glue gun and start crafting stunning handmade elements for a themed Christmas tree. 

What constitutes a handmade Christmas tree? 

One that is filled with handcrafted elements that shine against the rest. Clay ornaments, crafty garlands, and foraged materials immediately come to mind. 

My Nature-Inspired Christmas Tree stars a traditional paper garland balanced with glitzy modern accents. 

decorated tree with paper chain, pinecones, mushroom, and more.

My Handmade Holiday Christmas Tree follows a classic Christmas color pattern along with a fun popcorn garland. 

christmas tree with colored lights in living room.

Elements of a handmade-inspired Christmas tree:

  • Dough ornaments
  • Keepsakes
  • Paper crafts
  • Foraged materials 
  • Popcorn or orange garlands
  • Hand-wrapped bows
  • Homemade tree topper 
  • Embroidered ornaments 
  • Photo ornaments
  • Handwritten notes

6. Natured Inspired

I love decorating with natural elements; they make for the most beautiful and intuitive decor. A woodland-themed Christmas tree is no exception, featuring gorgeous earth tones, twine, berries, and plenty of burlap!

Foraged materials are great in natural Christmas trees, including pinecones, acorns, and birch bark ornaments. 

My Snowy Pinecone Christmas Tree is inspired by the natural world, created with forest green ornaments, frosted pinecones, and paper snowflakes. 

snowy pinecone nature inspired tree
Snowy Pinecone Christmas Tree Theme with cuckoo clock ornament.

Elements of a woodland nature-themed Christmas tree:

  • Natural tree
  • Woodland animals
  • Earth tones
  • Cranberries
  • Raffia
  • Burlap
  • Felted ornaments
  • Pinecones
  • Bird nests
  • Wooden elements 

7. Something Unique

Unique Christmas tree themes don’t have many rules; the only requirement is that the tree speaks completely to your design style and creative process. 

For this reason, unique trees can range from monochromatic and minimal to minimalist wonders! These special trees often feature non-traditional colors with fun bases and quirky ornaments. 

One of my favorite tree designs is my Gold and Green Christmas Tree. Totally unique to me – I was actually inspired by the one and only Adele when planning this tree. 

Yup, that Adele. 

gold and green for unique Christmas tree themes

One day, I was watching a clip of her performing live at the BBC in this incredible gold and green dress then BOOM – inspiration struck. 

I brought my vision to life on a white pine tree, complete with a collection of metallic ornaments and a gold star tree topper. 

Equally important – my Gradient Rainbow Christmas Tree. This design is an indulgent celebration of life and color, using the whole rainbow to reach its full potential. 

Gradient Rainbow Christmas Tree design

And one final Christmas tree theme to round out this list is my Green and Teal Christmas Tree. The theme of this tree is unique in its color palette. The combination of colors is anything but traditional Christmas.

Blue, Green, and White Living Room Christmas Tree decorated.
large white and gold star ornament.

I also used a few unique elements like these giant white stars and white felt ball garland. And, this tree has a special surprise! It changes colors. The LED lights on this tree can be white or multicolored. How fun is that?! With the flip of a switch, this tree has a whole new look.

christmas tree with colored lights.

It’s a really fun and unique tree with a whole lot of whisky!

Possible elements of a unique Christmas tree:

  • Colorful color palette
  • Non-traditional tree colors
  • Maximalism
  • Niche interest themes
  • Handmade garlands
  • Eclectic ornaments

Time To Deck Your Halls

And to think – this is just the beginning of Christmas tree possibilities.

Let me know what you think about these Christmas tree themes. Any theme you’re drawn to? Anything you plan on avoiding like the plague? Let me know in the comments below!

More Christmas Decor You’ll Love

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32 Comments

  1. What beautiful tress you’ve created over the years. I really can’t pick a favorite the rainbow tree, blue gradient tree and the silver tinsel tree are at the top of my list. And the Adele inspired tree is pretty fabulous too! Thanks for always inspiring and providing great design and decor content for us all.
    p.s. I’m a ribbon collector (aka-hoarder) and would love to know the source for the red and pink ribbon used on the silver tinsel tree.

  2. Hello Michael! I don’t usually leave comments (cause I figure bloggers are too busy to read all the comments to do so) but I have to tell you that I love your blog. To echo the sentiment of Kimberly Duran’s comments above, you are so approachable, down-to-earth, and fun. There is no snooty pretense with your blog and while I think you are immensely talented and creative, I really appreciate how you explain, in simple and easy detail, to us mere mortals on how to accomplish beautifying our own homes and executing easy peasy entertaining, without feeling overwhelmed and defeated like a Pinterest fail. Keep doing what you do cause it is fabulous! My best, Eowyn
    P.S. I love how your mom left a comment…I would do that to my son!

  3. I love this post! The Christmas trees are absolutely beautiful! I can’t pick a favorite because they’re all fantastic. Thanks for the wonderful pics.

  4. I remember these trees,they are gorgeous. Honestly,I can’t decide which one is my favorite. If I had your talent and creativity i would leave them up permanently.

  5. I just love your blog, Michael. I always walk way feeling so inspired and your talent is just incredible. I love your images, the way you write and how approachable you are. I am constantly impressed by how great your content is. I just always think this and yet never say it and that’s just a bit crap of me, right? So I thought I’d say it today. You’re awesome. 😉 xx

  6. My fav-o-rite is your green & gold…. so pretty. Next is the gradient.

    I use a different color scheme each year. I told myself I’m not buying anything new this year and mix & match what I have. I’m thinking red & aqua. But, I may buy the snowman topper and go that route…. I love snowmen.

    xo

  7. They are all simply awesome! I can’t wait for your next post. In the meantime, I will dream about the gold tinsel-vintage tree- that one still has my heart…oh, and the ADELE tree…amazing!

  8. I love your decorating ideas, thanks for sharing. I was thinking of getting a flocked tree this year…after seeing yours I am definitely getting one. You are so talented.

    1. Wendy, if you click the link I added into the post (near that tree), you can see it in more detail. I’ll also be posting some tree decorating tips soon.

      xo Michael