How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Professional Florist
Professional florists and stylists decorate Christmas trees differently. Instead of hanging decorations one by one, they build the tree in layers, using flowers, picks and texture as well as baubles. The result is a full, cohesive tree that looks like it belongs in a boutique or hotel foyer.
In this guide, we share how to decorate a Christmas tree like a florist, step by step. Whether you’re dressing display trees for a store, styling an event or decorating at home, Floral Craft stocks the Christmas tree decorations, Christmas flowers and picks florists use.
Key Takeaways
- Decorate in layers: lights, ribbon, large pieces, flowers and picks, baubles, then the topper.
- Choose a colour palette of two or three colours before you start.
- Florists add Christmas flower stems and picks to give trees height, texture and movement.
- Work from the inside of the tree out, and from the top down.
- Step back often and decorate in odd numbers for a balanced, natural look.
Before You Start: The Florist’s Plan
Choose Your Tree and Palette
A full, well-shaped tree makes decorating easier. Options like the Christmas Tree 210cmH or the Christmas Tree with Snow give you a strong base to work on. Then choose a palette of two or three colours, such as champagne and gold, red and green, or white and silver.
Gather Your Materials
| Layer | What florists use | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Lights | Warm or cool white string lights | LED String Lights 20mtr / Warm White |
| Ribbon | Wide wired ribbon in your palette | Christmas ribbon |
| Flowers | Poinsettia, magnolia and feature stems | Christmas flowers and sprays |
| Picks and greenery | Berries, pine, gumnuts and eucalyptus | Christmas picks and greenery |
| Baubles and ornaments | Mixed sizes and finishes | Christmas baubles and ornaments |
| Tools | Wire, wire cutters and scissors | Florist wire and florist tools |
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree in 6 Layers
1Shape the Tree and Add Lights
Best for: Every tree, before anything else.
- Fluff every branch, spreading the tips up and out so there are no gaps.
- Start lights at the base near the trunk and work up, weaving them in and out along each branch.
- Push some lights deep into the tree to create a glow from within.
2Add Ribbon
Best for: Creating flow and movement.
Ribbon links the whole tree together. Florists often use cascading drops or loose tucked loops in a wide wired Christmas ribbon.
For step-by-step methods, read our guide on how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree.
3Place Feature Flowers and Stems
Best for: The signature florist look.
This is the step that sets a florist’s tree apart. Feature stems add colour, height and a luxurious, abundant feel.
- Cut stems such as the Donner Christmas Poinsettia or Avery Velvet Magnolia to around 20 to 30cm.
- Wire them onto branches at a slight angle so they face outwards.
- Space them in a loose zigzag down the tree, in odd-numbered groups.
- Add longer sprays like the Metallic Fern Spray near the top for height.
4Tuck in Picks and Greenery
Best for: Filling gaps and adding texture.
- Tuck berry, pine and gumnut picks around the feature flowers.
- Add a few pine or eucalyptus sprays to vary the texture of the tree.
- Angle picks outwards and upwards, as if they’re growing from the branch.
5Hang Baubles and Ornaments
Best for: Sparkle, colour and depth.
- Hang large baubles deep in the tree first, then medium and small baubles towards the tips.
- Spread each colour evenly in a triangle pattern.
- Add accents like hanging stars at the branch tips.
See our Christmas baubles guide for more tips on sizes and finishes.
6Finish with the Topper
Best for: Completing the look.
Instead of a single star, florists often build a topper from flower stems, sprays and ribbon. Fan out a few Star Shape Wooden Picks or long sprays, add a large bow, and let ribbon tails cascade down.
Florist Styling Secrets
- Work in odd numbers: groups of three or five look more natural than pairs.
- Go deep, not just wide: decorations placed inside the tree add depth.
- Vary the texture: mix velvet, glitter, gloss, greenery and natural elements.
- Step back often: check the tree from across the room every few minutes.
- Repeat to connect: use the same flowers and ribbon on wreaths and garlands nearby for a coordinated look.
Tips for Retail and Event Trees
For shop and event trees, choose a palette that suits the space and your branding, and use durable artificial flowers and picks that hold their look for the whole season. You’ll find more ideas in our guide to Christmas tree decorations Australia and our retail display tips.
Shop Christmas Tree Decorations at Floral Craft
Decorate like a florist with Christmas tree decorations from Floral Craft, from flower stems and picks to baubles, ribbon and lights.
Shop Christmas Tree Decorations
Explore Our Christmas Range
Find Christmas flowers, picks, Christmas trees and more in the full Christmas collection.
Wholesale Supply Australia Wide
As a trade wholesaler based in Norwood, South Australia, we supply florists, retailers and event stylists with Christmas decorations and floristry supplies, delivered Australia wide. Register for a trade account to access wholesale pricing, or contact our team for help choosing the right products.
FAQ
What order should I decorate a Christmas tree in?
Start with lights, then ribbon, then feature flowers and stems, then picks and greenery, then baubles and ornaments, and finish with the topper.
How do florists make Christmas trees look so full?
Florists fluff every branch, place decorations deep inside the tree as well as on the tips, and add flower stems, picks and greenery to fill gaps.
How do I attach flowers to a Christmas tree?
Cut the stems short and wire them onto branches with florist wire, or use clip-on flowers that attach directly.
How many colours should I use on my tree?
Two or three colours usually look best. Choose a main colour, a supporting colour and a metallic accent.
What can I use instead of a star tree topper?
Try a cluster of flower stems and sprays, a large bow, or a group of wooden star picks fanned out from the top.
Are artificial flowers good for Christmas trees?
Yes. Artificial flowers and picks hold their shape and colour for the whole season, which makes them ideal for trees in warm Aussie homes, shops and venues.
Where can I buy wholesale Christmas tree decorations in Australia?
Floral Craft supplies wholesale Christmas tree decorations to florists, retailers and stylists, delivered Australia wide. Register for a trade account to access wholesale pricing.