Christmas Tree Ideas for Every Style

By Southern Living

When it comes to getting your home ready for the holidays, there is no aspect more important than the Christmas tree. Whether you're a true traditionalist or ready to shake things up, we've got ideas—from the topper and ornaments to gift wrap and garland—for creating your best tree ever.

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The Midas Touch

Helen Norman

Add a heavy dose of gold for a fresh update on the classic red-and-green holiday palette. These gleaming accents–in the form of ornaments, gift wrap, and a do-it-yourself garland–help make everything old seem new again this season. 

How To Make a Magnolia Garland Step 1: Using a limb trimmer, carefully cut several branches of magnolia that have 10-12 leaves per branch. Aim for about 20 small branches to begin. Step 2: Separate half the magnolia branches and paint them with two coats of metallic gold spray paint. Let dry. Step 3: Attach the magnolia bundles together by the stems with green fabric-covered floral wire to create a lengthy garland.
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Gold Trimmings

Helen Norman

Red and gold ornaments in several shapes and sizes trim the tree, while tufts of neutral-colored feathers add dimension.

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Vintage Christmas

Jessica Ashley

Feeling nostalgic this season? Give your tree a retro feel with trimmings–including ornaments, ribbon, garland, décor, and more. Inspired by an antique architectural finial, this tree's silver topper is a nod to the Southern cottages and historic homes that dot our rural landscape. 

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Bring Back Retro Ornaments

Jessica Ashley

Add a few of these cheery snowman ornaments, based on a vintage design, to give the entire tree an old-school tone.

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Classic Ornaments

Jessica Ashley

Glass balls, in delicate shades of silver, cranberry, and blue, add color and sparkle to the tree.

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A Bright Idea

Emily J Followill

If you love the glitz and glamour of the holidays, this look is for you. Including all shades from chartreuse to moss, this look shimmers its way into the season with a beautiful palette of silver and green. You can't help but admire the well-placed pops of red, which add energy to this punchy, can't-miss-it-scheme.

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A Fiery Surprise

Emily J Followill

Branches of red holly berries (either real or faux) make a grand statement when bundled at the top of the tree. The bright shade of red adds a modern pop.

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A Ribbon-Wrapped Tree

Emily J. Followill

More is more in this case! Use not one, but three different ribbons (wide, wire-edged ribbon works best) to snake down the tree for ultimate effect.

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Garden Fresh

Laurey W. Glenn

A live Christmas tree brings joy to your home or porch now and to your garden later. Branch out by decorating an unexpected option. This "Hillside Upright" Norway spruce—with lights, pinecones, burlap, and feathers—grows up to 20 feet tall and is suited to the Upper and Middle South.

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Fraser Fir Fragrance

Hector M Sanchez

You can't beat the look and smell of a real Fraser fir, which is native to the South. It boasts the ideal shape, is quite fragrant, and has soft needles. This look takes inspiration from its surrounding area to infuse local flavor. The setting is South Carolina, and that shows proudly with a profusion of palm fronds, oyster shell accents, and a palette of gold, orange, and green. 

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Mix up the Lighting

Hector M Sanchez

Choose lights in assorted shapes and sizes. This tree has a combo of classic white twinkle lights and larger round cafe lights to add extra brightness.

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From Palm Tree to Christmas Tree

Hector M Sanchez

Palm fronds—found in the yard and spray-painted gold—are wired to the tree and anchored by two oversize bows with two different ribbons.

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Elements & Ornaments

Hector M Sanchez

Create a mix of tree trimmings by hanging traditional ornaments alongside elements that add extra dimension, like gilded faux berry branches.

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Neutral Territory

Jean Allsopp

If a red-and-green palette isn't your style, we've got an alternative for you. Our holiday collection at Dillard's (available at dillards.com) is full of subtle shades of silver, white, and gold that lend a sophisticated look to any holiday home's interior. 

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Harmonious Décor

Jean Allsopp

Create a vignette that matches your tree on other surfaces, like the top of a nearby chest. 

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