Discover four stunning Christmas tree styles and learn how to decorate every room with cohesive holiday charm. A complete, inspired guide for festive homes.
The holidays are creeping closer, and with them comes the warm anticipation of lights, garlands, and the magic of Christmas trees. For many of us, decorating the tree marks the true beginning of the festive season, a ritual filled with nostalgia, creativity, and personality. But what if this year, you went beyond a single tree?
Inspired by the McGee & Co. seasonal styling approach, this guide explores four unique Christmas tree looks, each carrying its own mood, palette, and storytelling. Whether you prefer vintage heirloom charm, classic red-and-green, whimsical wonderland vibes, or airy French-country elegance, you’ll find a style that resonates with your home.
Better yet, this guide teaches you how to carry the look throughout your entire space from the mantle, to the entryway, to cozy corners you might overlook. With the right touches, your whole home can feel unified, layered, and beautifully festive.
Let’s dive into the four signature Christmas tree styles of the season, how to decorate them, and how to extend those themes around your home.
1. The French-Country Hydrangea Tree: A Soft, Romantic Holiday Look
This style takes inspiration from vintage French-country Christmas decor — a look found in magazine clippings from the 90s that has regained massive popularity today. The focal point of this tree is dried hydrangeas, giving the entire design a natural, organic softness that feels unique yet timeless.
How to Create the French-Country Hydrangea Tree
Dry Your Hydrangeas in Advance
Start in late summer or early fall, when hydrangeas naturally begin to dry. You can hang them upside down, or simply let them dry on their stems outdoors. By Christmas, you’ll have beautifully preserved blooms.
Place Hydrangeas Throughout the Tree
The beauty of this method is its simplicity:
You do not need to fasten the flowers. Just tuck them into the branches, mixing some deeper into the tree for dimension while leaving others in the foreground.
Stick to a Soft Color Palette
This signature look uses neutral, gentle shades to maintain its calm elegance:
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Soft greens
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Warm browns
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Muted neutrals
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Gold accents
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Subtle blues
Add Unique Ornaments: Pears, Ginger Jars, and French Horns
Small French-inspired ornaments bring sophistication:
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Tiny blue-and-white ginger jars
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Gold pears
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Brass French horns
These add cultural depth while maintaining the overall softness.
Choose Fine Ribbon
A narrow, delicate blue ribbon balances the hydrangeas without overwhelming them.
Finish With a Laurel Wreath Tree Topper
A pressed-metal laurel topper ties the gold tones together while reinforcing the romantic, French vision.
Where to Use This Style
This tree feels especially at home in:
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Living rooms with neutral palettes
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Bedrooms
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Spaces with European, cottage-core, or vintage design
Its soft textures and muted tones bring tranquility to any setting.
2. The Heirloom Family Tree: Warm, Personal, and Memory-Filled
If your holiday style leans toward nostalgia, this one is for you. The heirloom tree embraces an eclectic mix of ornaments collected over the years — different shapes, styles, textures, and memories all displayed in one cohesive palette.
How to Build the Heirloom Family Tree
Choose a Flocked 9 ft Tree
The snowy appearance makes every ornament pop while adding cozy winter charm.
Use a Mixed Ornament Collection
This tree thrives on variety:
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Glass ornaments
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Beaded pieces
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Velvet baubles
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Vintage figurines
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Gingerbread ornaments
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Handmade pieces
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Unique frame ornaments
Add Photo Frame Ornaments
This is the heart of the tree.
Fill frames with:
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Family photos
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Childhood snapshots
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Old holiday memories
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Generational pictures
It creates a stroll-through-time effect as you approach the tree.
Use Multicolored Ribbons to Tie It Together
Even with varied ornaments, a unifying ribbon palette keeps everything cohesive:
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Deep blue
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Golden mustard
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Soft red
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Multi-striped ribbon
Let the ribbon create structured bursts of color in contrast to the eclectic ornaments.
Add a Playful Garland
A jingle-bell ribbon garland adds musical whimsy and ties the tree visually from top to bottom.
Where This Style Works Best
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Family rooms
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Dens and studies
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Areas where people gather and reminisce
This tree is joyful, nostalgic, and full of personality — a true reflection of family history.
3. The Classic Red-and-Green Tree: A Nostalgic Holiday Favorite
This style celebrates timeless Christmas tradition: bold saturated reds, evergreen tones, and warm gold. It’s joyful, familiar, and instantly festive.
How to Build the Classic Christmas Tree
Start with a Pre-Lit Snowy Flocked Tree
The snowy base highlights the red-and-green accents beautifully.
Add Extra Candle Clip Lights
Golden candle clips add an old-world glow and give depth to the lighting.
Incorporate Big Red Bows
Large bows set the tone and anchor the palette. They’re bold but elegant.
Use Citrus for a Timeless Touch
Citrus in Christmas decor dates back centuries. Add:
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Dried orange slices
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Lemon or citrus garlands
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Mixed berry branches
This brings a handcrafted feel to the tree.
Mix Ornament Shapes
Use a collected approach:
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Icicles
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Round globes
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Long vertical ornaments
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Gold stars
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Textured baubles
Add Tassels for Visual Texture
Tassels introduce tactile depth and elevate the tree’s aesthetic.
Where This Style Works Best
This is the most universal and works beautifully in:
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Living rooms
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Entryways
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Large open spaces
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Homes that value tradition
It radiates warmth and classic holiday spirit.
4. The Kids’ Magical Wonderland Tree: Bright, Eclectic, and Full of Joy
For families with children, this tree brings pure fun. It celebrates handmade crafts, bright palettes, and imaginative ornaments.
How to Decorate the Kids’ Wonder Tree
Embrace Bold Colors
Use:
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Hot pink
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Lime green
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Aqua blue
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Sunshine yellow
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Bold red
Display Handmade Ornaments
Honor your kids’ creativity by showcasing:
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School crafts
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DIY ornaments
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Clay stars and hearts
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Popsicle-stick snowflakes
Use Bright Ribbons
Wide, colorful ribbons unify this playful look.
Keep the Mood Whimsical and Loose
Nothing about this tree is rigid or structured — it’s intentionally eclectic.
Perfect Placement
This tree shines in:
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Kids’ rooms
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Playrooms
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Family movie rooms
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A corner where whimsy thrives
How to Extend Your Tree’s Style Throughout Your Home
Once you choose your tree personality, expand the look through your space. These are the signature techniques:
Add Garland Layers
Try:
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Draped garlands
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Swagged garlands
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Citrus garlands
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Pine, cedar, or eucalyptus mixes
Decorate Your Mantle
Use:
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Stockings
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Ribbons
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Layers of greenery
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Matching ornaments
Style Your Coffee Table
Keep the books, add:
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Bowls of candy
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Silver trays
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Mini trees
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Holiday ceramics
Add Mini Trees Around Your Home
Place them on:
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Entry consoles
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Shelves
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Bedroom dressers
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Kitchen counters
Small trees complete the layered home-wide look.
Conclusion: Fill Every Room With Holiday Joy
This season, don’t stop at a single tree. Let your creativity roam. Whether you gravitate toward elegant hydrangeas, nostalgic family ornaments, traditional red-green palettes, or childlike wonder, decorating with purpose transforms your entire home into a warm, inviting celebration.
Explore your style. Layer your textures. And most importantly, create joy in every corner.
Ready to start decorating? Discover the best Christmas trees, garlands, ornaments, and festive home decor today. Bring your favorite tree style to life and make this holiday season your most beautiful one yet. Shop now and start transforming your home for Christmas.
FAQs
1. How do I choose the right Christmas tree style for my home?
Choose a style that aligns with your color palette, existing decor, and personal holiday traditions.
2. Can I mix elements from different tree styles?
Absolutely. Use a unified ribbon color to blend different ornament themes.
3. How many ornaments do I need?
A 9–10 foot tree typically needs 120–180 ornaments for a full, rich look.
4. How do I decorate a small space?
Use mini trees, thin garlands, ribbons, and vertical elements like wall sconces or skinny trees.
5. What’s the trendiest Christmas tree style this year?
The French-country hydrangea style is currently leading due to its natural, romantic aesthetic.
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Visit DH Garden Centre today: where the holidays grow brighter, one plant at a time.