There’s nothing quite like the tradition of dressing the Christmas tree, the finishing touch of Christmas decorations that transforms your home into a cosy haven full of festive magic. Brimming with nostalgia, a traditional Christmas tree evokes memories of festive seasons gone by. Sparkling lights, treasured ornaments, and the warm glow that invites everyone to gather. This year, bring a touch of cottage-style charm to your tree with a traditional Christmas tree that blends nostalgia, elegance, and timeless appeal.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create your perfect traditional Christmas tree, from the tree skirt to the topper. With thoughtful choices and considered details, your tree will radiate the warmth and beauty of the season.
Choosing the Perfect Tree: The Foundation of Tradition
The first step in creating a traditional Christmas tree is choosing the right tree for your space. The age old debate of artificial Christmas trees vs a real Christmas tree. Whether you prefer a fragrant real Christmas tree or the convenience of an artificial one, the goal is to find a full, lush shape that feels inviting and classic.
A real Christmas tree offers the charm of natural imperfections, the excitement of going to choose the perfect one and that unmistakable pine scent. On the other hand an artificial tree can be reused for years, and it's almost as exciting pulling it down from the attic. Whichever you choose, you simply need one that doesn't overwhelm or get lost in the space, and is sturdy enough to be the base for your traditional Christmas tree masterpiece.
The Base Layer: Charming Tree Skirts
A Christmas tree skirt is more than just a functional piece, it’s a key design element that anchors your tree and sets the tone and colour palette for its decorations. An antique brass Christmas tree skirt is the perfect starting point for a colour theme with a warm, vintage feel.
Pairing a brass Christmas tree skirt with red and gold accents creates a timeless, vintage look feel that looks like that little bit more elegant than the potentially loud colours of a traditional Christmas tree. The result is a beautifully cohesive base that invites the rest of your decorations to shine.
Lighting the Tree: A Warm Glow of Nostalgia
Lighting is one of the most important steps in decorating a traditional Christmas tree. Opt for traditional Christmas tree lights in soft white or amber tones to create a cosy, nostalgic glow. Think about how they will reflect off your Christmas baubles and decorations, particularly from golden tones.
Start at the base of your tree and weave the lights through the branches, tucking them in for depth. This technique ensures an even, layered look that enhances the natural shape of the tree.
Nostalgia in Ornaments: Vintage and Handcrafted Decorations
Glass Christmas Tree Decorations for Timeless Elegance
Glass baubles are a hallmark of traditional Christmas trees. They're timeless, and they glow ever so beautifully under the warmth of traditional Christmas tree lights. Choose vintage-inspired designs that shimmer in the glow of your lights. Think classic shapes like teardrops or finials, and delicate details, like subtle snowflakes or leaf patterns.
The Snowflake Teardrop Baubles are simply the perfect example of glass Christmas tree decorations, executed perfectly. Crafted with mouth-blown glass, they twinkle ever so beautifully amongst the glimmer of fairy lights. Complete with luxurious velvet Christmas tree ribbons, they will fit effortlessly within your traditional Christmas tree.
Ornaments with Stories: Nostalgia and Handmade Charm
The best traditional Christmas trees are personal. Incorporate nostalgic ornaments with sentimental value, perhaps pieces passed down through generations or handmade decorations crafted with love.
To enhance the cosy, cottage feel, look for whimsical touches like wooden nutcrackers, a sweet hanging gingerbread men, or rustic characters. These small details bring personality and warmth to your tree, and you will be excited for them to come out each year.
Adding the Magic of a White Christmas
As well as glass Christmas tree decorations, subtle white Christmas tree decorations can evoke the beauty of a snow-covered winter’s day. White ornaments with a cottage feel, such as the Noelle Porcelain House Tree Decorations, add that extra touch of nostalgia and feeling of togetherness. They also contrasts beautifully with the deeper tones of red and gold.
Dressing the Tree: The Charm of the Christmas Tree Ribbon
A delicate Christmas tree ribbon can be the perfect finishing touch, and final layer on your traditional Christmas tree. For a cottage-style design, opt for soft red tartan or velvet ribbons, which feel understated yet festive.
Drape the Christmas tree ribbons vertically for a cascading effect, or tie them into bows for a rustic yet elegant finish. These small touches elevate the tree while adding a personal flair to your design.
Topping It Off: The Perfect Tree Topper
No traditional Christmas tree is complete without a topper. This final touch should reflect your tree’s overall theme while adding a sense of occasion. For a cottage-inspired look, consider a woven star, a hand-finished angel, or a brass topper. These choices keep the aesthetic warm and timeless, ensuring your tree’s crowning detail ties everything together beautifully.
A Traditional Christmas Tree to Treasure for Years to Come
Decorating a traditional Christmas tree is more than just a festive task - it’s a way to create cherished memories and celebrate the season’s magic. And honestly, it's our favourite time of year. With thoughtful choices like vintage ornaments, warm lighting, and Christmas tree ribbons, your tree becomes a timeless centrepiece that fills your home with joy.
With our range of Christmas decorations, let this be the year you create a traditional Christmas tree that feels like home.
