How to Decorate a Studio McGee-Style Christmas Tree
10 October –
How to Decorate a Studio McGee-Style Christmas Tree
Contents
It can be difficult to know where to start once you’ve got the fir, the evergreen, the spruce, the pine—or the faux—set up in your home. Here’s a few helpful tips to get you started.
The holiday season begins the moment you bring home the perfect Christmas tree, whether it is fresh from the lot or carefully unboxed from storage. At Studio McGee, we believe that decorating the tree is more than tradition; it is the centerpiece of your seasonal décor and the heart of your holiday home. Each year, our family gathers to layer the branches with festive ornaments, cozy textures, and timeless details that create a warm, welcoming glow.
While there are countless Christmas tree decorating ideas to make your own, we are excited to share our signature Studio McGee style, a layered and curated approach that blends elegance with comfort. Think texture, color, scale, and balance, paired with a few of our favorite seasonal decorating tips to help you create a truly beautiful tree.
Styling your Christmas tree is just like designing any space in your home. It is all about layering details, mixing materials, and adding personality. From ornaments and ribbon to garlands and tree toppers, our tried-and-true Christmas tree styling tips will guide you in creating a look that feels both elevated and effortless. And because holiday magic extends beyond the tree, we will also share ideas for introducing festive décor throughout the rest of your home.
Explore the McGee & Co. Holiday Collection to find everything you need to bring timeless beauty and holiday cheer to every corner of your home.
01
Maximal vs Minimal
Just dabbling or all out.
When decorating your Christmas tree, the first step is deciding whether you want a maximalist holiday décor style or a more minimal Christmas tree look. A maximal Christmas tree celebrates layers and texture, with elements like dried florals, citrus slices, ribbons, and multiple garlands creating depth and richness. Natural details add dimension and can make even a faux tree feel fresh and organic. To complete the look, add an abundance of ornaments for an elevated, collected design that feels unique to your home.
A minimal Christmas tree, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and restraint. This approach highlights clean lines, a limited color palette, and carefully placed ornaments that allow every detail to stand out. The result is a timeless, refined style that feels effortless yet sophisticated.
Whether you choose a maximalist tree or a minimal holiday look, the key is to stay consistent with your chosen direction. Keeping your design style in mind ensures your Christmas tree feels intentional, cohesive, and beautifully styled.
02
Establish a Good Base
A sturdy foundation.
Much like designing a room, decorating a Christmas tree starts with a strong foundation. The best Christmas trees, whether real or faux, have full, textural branches that create a natural backdrop for ornaments, garlands, and ribbon. Choosing a high-quality tree makes all the difference in bringing your holiday décor vision to life.
When we design the trees featured in McGee & Co. holiday collections, our team studies the shape and detail of real evergreens to ensure each faux Christmas tree looks and feels authentic. A realistic base allows every layer of your holiday decorations to stand out, making your tree feel thoughtfully styled from the very beginning.
Selecting the right Christmas tree is the first step toward creating a festive centerpiece that elevates your seasonal décor and sets the tone for the rest of your home.
Shop all of McGee & Co.’s holiday offerings here.
03
Pick a Color Palette
One shade or various hues.
When styling your Christmas tree, one of the most impactful decisions you can make is choosing a color palette. Do you want to highlight a single shade in varying tones, or create a harmonious mix of colors such as metallics, neutrals, or earthy tones? Defining your direction from the start ensures that your holiday décor feels intentional and cohesive as you continue to layer ornaments, garlands, and ribbon.
Repeating solid-hued ornaments throughout the tree helps establish balance and unity. This consistency makes it easier to introduce your favorite statement ornaments and holiday accents without the design feeling cluttered. For added depth, consider using ornaments in a variety of shapes and finishes while staying within your chosen palette.
A thoughtful Christmas tree color palette sets the tone for your entire holiday look, creating a beautifully layered design that feels both elevated and personal. Whether you gravitate toward warm metallics, soft neutrals, or bold festive hues, your tree will reflect a style that is uniquely yours.
04
Play With Garland Styles
Ropes and bells, big and small.
Once the lights are in place, garland is the next layer that brings tone, texture, and personality to your Christmas tree. Garland adds depth and movement, and the style you choose can completely transform your holiday décor. For a more dynamic look, consider layering multiple types of garlands to create dimension and visual interest.
There are endless Christmas tree garland ideas to explore. Chunky wooden beads offer a rustic, organic feel, while metallic strands bring a touch of sparkle and elegance. Wispy berry-inspired garlands add a natural element, and twine garlands with bells create a playful, festive accent. Mixing contrasting textures—such as smooth beads with delicate metallics—ensures your tree feels both balanced and unique.
Garland is one of the most versatile Christmas tree decorations, and experimenting with styles allows you to design a look that feels curated and personal to your home.
Shop all of McGee & Co.’s holiday offerings here.
05
Add Personality
Little touches that are distinctly you.
Once the foundation of your Christmas tree is set with lights, garland, and a cohesive color palette, it is time to layer in the details that bring personality and meaning to your holiday décor. These final additions are what transform your tree from styled to truly special. Personalized Christmas tree decorating ideas can include anything from sentimental family photos framed as ornaments to a curated set of unique holiday decorations that reflect your style.
As you add these pieces, think about balance and dimension. Mixing materials is key to achieving a refined yet approachable look. Juxtapose organic textures like wood, rattan, or woven accents with more polished materials like metallics and glass. This contrast creates a tree that feels layered, collected, and distinctly your own.
Beyond ornaments, consider tying ribbons directly to branches, adding wisps of tinsel, or incorporating a touch of flocking for extra depth. And of course, no Christmas tree is complete without a topper. While a traditional star is always timeless, alternatives like a rattan design, a sculptural wood piece, or even a metallic burst can make a bold statement.
A thoughtful mix of meaningful accents and stylistic touches ensures your holiday tree feels intentional, festive, and personal to your home.
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