Christmas Tree Cheat Sheet
Decorating a Christmas tree is one of the best parts of the holiday season, but figuring out how many ornaments and how much ribbon you need can be a little overwhelming! Whether you’re decorating a small tabletop tree or a grand 12-foot Christmas tree, getting the right amount of decorations makes all the difference. From a simple, classic look with a few ribbon accents to a full, designer-inspired tree with beautiful bows and cascading ribbon, I’ve put together an easy Christmas tree decorating cheat sheet to help you plan.
Christmas Tree Decorating Cheat Sheet
Ornaments, Ribbon & Decorative Stems by Tree Height
| Tree Height | Ornaments | Ribbon (Feet) | Stems / Picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft | 45–60 | 27 ft | 6–9 |
| 4 ft | 60–80 | 36 ft | 8–12 |
| 5 ft | 75–100 | 45 ft | 10–15 |
| 6 ft | 90–120 | 54 ft | 12–18 |
| 6.5 ft | 100–130 | 59 ft | 13–20 |
| 7 ft | 105–140 | 63 ft | 14–21 |
| 7.5 ft | 115–150 | 68 ft | 15–23 |
| 8 ft | 120–160 | 72 ft | 16–24 |
| 9 ft | 135–180 | 81 ft | 18–27 |
| 10 ft | 150–200 | 90 ft | 20–30 |
| 12 ft | 180–240 | 108 ft | 24–36 |
- Ornaments: Use a mixture of sizes for a layered, designer-inspired look.
- Ribbon: Estimates are for a full designer ribbon style. For lighter accents, use approximately 4–5 feet per foot of tree height.
- Stems & Picks: Estimates are for medium-to-large decorative stems. Use more if working with smaller picks.
- Slim Trees: Reduce quantities by approximately 25–40%.
- Extra-Full Trees: Increase quantities by approximately 20–30%.
The Best Order to Decorate a Christmas Tree
1. Fluff the branches and add lights: Start by shaping the branches and filling gaps. If your tree isn’t pre-lit, add lights before any decorations.
2. Add ribbon: Ribbon goes on before ornaments so you can tuck it deep into the branches and create beautiful loops and cascading sections without knocking ornaments off.
3. Place your largest ornaments: Distribute oversized ornaments evenly around the tree. Place some deeper toward the trunk to add dimension and cover gaps.
4. Add decorative stems and picks: Insert berry sprays, glitter branches, eucalyptus, and other decorative stems. Angle them outward and vary their placement to create fullness and movement.
5. Fill in with medium and small ornaments: Layer medium ornaments throughout the tree, then use smaller ornaments to fill empty spaces. Mix shiny, matte, and textured finishes for a designer look.
6. Add decorative bows: Position bows in open areas or where the ribbon meets the branches. Space them throughout the tree rather than placing them in straight lines.
7. Finish with the topper and final touches: Add your topper, step back, and look for gaps or areas that need balancing. Adjust ribbon, stems, and ornaments until everything feels cohesive.
My favorite designer tip: Don’t decorate only the outer edges of the tree! Tucking ornaments, ribbon, and greenery farther into the branches creates depth and makes the tree look much more professionally decorated.
