How to Decorate a Real Christmas Tree: Practical Tips

Decorating a real tree is a little different from decorating an artificial one. The branches move, the tree needs watering throughout, and a Nordmann Fir's dense shape rewards a bit of planning. These tips will help.

Let the branches settle first

Trees are netted for delivery, so the branches arrive folded up. Once the tree is in its stand and watered, cut the netting from the bottom up and leave it for a few hours, or overnight if you can. The branches drop into their natural shape, and you'll see the tree's real size and its best side.

Turn the best side outwards

Every real tree is slightly different. Before you decorate, turn it in the stand until the fullest side faces the room.

Lights go on first

Start at the bottom, near the trunk, and work outwards and upwards, weaving the lights through the branches rather than wrapping them round the outside. Lights deep in the tree make it glow from within. Most people need more lights than they expect on a full Nordmann Fir. LED lights run cool and are the sensible choice for a real tree. Switch them on before you start so you can see any gaps as you go.

Heavy decorations near the trunk

Nordmann Fir branches are strong, but the tips still bend. Hang heavier baubles closer to the trunk on the thicker branches, and keep lighter decorations for the outer tips, where they catch the light.

Work round the whole tree

Do each layer all the way round (lights, then larger decorations, then smaller ones) rather than finishing the front and running out of steam at the back.

Leave a way in to the water

This is the one people forget. A tree skirt, presents and a thick layer of decorations at the bottom can make the stand impossible to reach. Leave yourself a gap so you can top up the water every day. A dry tree drops needles, and it's a greater fire risk.

Topper last

Add the star or angel once everything else is balanced. If it lights up, plug it in and test it before it goes on.

Stand back and check

Look at the tree from the doorway. Dark patches need more lights, bare patches need more decorations, and gently bending a branch can fill a small gap.

Before you start, read our Christmas tree fire safety advice on lights and positioning. For a local twist, see how to decorate a Mancunian Christmas tree. And if you haven't chosen your tree yet, start with our guide to what size Christmas tree you need.