Decorate Like a Stylist

Ever wondered why a shop-window tree looks so effortlessly full while the one at home looks a little… busy? Stylists follow a simple order of layers. Do them in sequence and your tree will look professionally finished — no design degree required.

Step 1: Lights first, always

Before a single bauble goes on, make sure your lights are woven deep into the branches (or start with a pre-lit tree). Decorating over lights never looks as good as decorating around them.

Step 2: Add ribbon or picks for structure

Thread ribbon vertically from top to bottom in loose S-shapes, tucking it in and out of the branches. Ribbon, berry sprigs and floral picks create “bones” that fill space and give the tree a sense of movement before the baubles arrive.

Step 3: Place your largest baubles

Dot your biggest, most eye-catching ornaments evenly around the tree, pushing some deeper toward the trunk and leaving others near the tips. Varying the depth is the secret to a tree that looks full and three-dimensional rather than flat.

Step 4: Fill with medium and small baubles

Work in clusters of odd numbers (threes and fives), mixing finishes — glossy, matte and glittered — so light bounces around the tree. Keep to a palette of two or three colours plus a metallic to stay elegant.

Step 5: The finishing touches

Top it off with a star, angel or bow, then stand back and fill any obvious gaps. Finish the base with a skirt or woven basket to ground the whole look.

Not sure where to start?

Build a coordinated set in minutes with our Build Your Own Bauble Collection — mix and match boxes and save as you add more. Or borrow a whole look from our stylists on the Shop the Look page.