How Many Ornaments Do You Need For Your Tree?

Courtesy of Christmas Lights, etc.
By Kristie Nelson

Happy Holidays Friends,

How many ornaments do you need to hang on your Christmas tree? That's a great question! Ultimately the number of ornaments and decorations you will need to cover your tree will come down to tree height, size of ornaments, how much of the tree you want to cover and of course, personal preference. If this is your first tree or you're aiming to create an awe inspiring spectacle, we've created this page to provide information to make purchasing ornaments easier while also providing inspiration for your Christmas tree design.

Suggested Ornament Number and Size

The number of ornaments you choose to hang on your tree is ultimately based on personal preference and there is no exact calculation. However, using our chart can be a helpful starting point when purchasing ornaments to ensure even coverage based on your tree height. We suggest purchasing an extra box or set of ornaments in each color you choose to help ensure you have a few replacements on hand should any of your ornaments become lost or broken.

Mix and Match Ornament Sizes

Mixing and matching ornaments sizes is a great way to add variety and depth to your Christmas tree design. When decorating your tree, add large or heavy ornaments to the interior of the tree where branches are thickest to protect them and add depth. Smaller ornaments work best on the tips of branches. Fill gaps in the tree with varying ornament sizes and decorations and try to keep things even. It helps to take a step back and view your progress to ensure even coverage!

If you have multiple trees in your home, consider decorating in different themes. Even if you stick to one theme, you can still use a variety in size and types of ornaments. Some popular themes are:

• Red, green and silver
• Blue, white and silver
• Silver and gold
• Purple and gold
• Natural browns, golds, greens. Add in some birds and bears!
• Consider a fun separate DIY or kids tree to showcase handmade ornaments.

Personalizing Ornaments

Glass Christmas ball ornaments on ChristmasLightsEtc.com are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and finishes. You can decorate these ornaments to make Christmas gifts for friends and family. Personalized ornaments are also a great idea if you have a certain specific decorating scheme in mind. Decorate ornaments with paint, glitter, or ribbons and sequins. Clear ornaments can even be filled to create one of a kind designs!

Which Ornaments Look Best on Which Tree

With so many tree styles out there it is important to take your tree profile and construction into consideration when choosing ornaments. Or, if you are planning to purchase a tree, you will want to keep your ornaments and decorative preference in mind when making your selection. Remember that the size of the tree will also play a role in determining how many ornaments you will need.

• If you like a tree full of ornaments, consider the Brighton Fir. Its staggered offshoots to provide lots of hanging space.
• Additional trees that are ideal for hanging larger ornaments include the bark-wrapped Fraser Fir and Canadian Fir trees.
• Trees with pinecone accents like the lifelike Hunter with downswept branches offer rustic appeal. Or choose the Hawthorne Fir with frosted tips, lights and berries.
• If you have heavy ornaments that need sturdy branches or you clip ornaments to the branches, the Sequoia Fir tree is your best pick. The elegant Sequoia Fir has extra durable tip and branch construction while still offering room for hanging.

Dos and Don'ts of Christmas Tree Decorating

• Do place ornaments evenly throughout the tree
• Don't forget the back or the bottom of the tree
• Don't use so many ornaments that tree looks cluttered
• Don't put breakable ornaments at the bottom of tree if you have pets or small children that might pull them off.
• Do add matching ornaments to garland and wreaths to keep your decorating style consistent throughout the room or house
• Don't be afraid to place different sizes of ornaments together on the tree.

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne