Red and white Christmas tree decorating ideas! From the ribbon to the ornaments– how to decorate the perfect tree.
I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and do a more elaborate, red and white Christmas tree this year in our living room. Last year, I decorated our white Christmas tree with all white decorations. In 2014 and 2013, I put my colorful ornaments on the white tree, with nothing else. In 2012, I put my colorful ornaments on our green tree with some ribbon.
My green tree came out of hiding after using the white tree the past few years. I also switched up my color scheme again– this year I went with red and white with touches of silver.
And here she is in all of her red and white glory.
I sold the idea to Brad by saying it’s our Indiana University-themed (our alma mater) Christmas tree.
It’s totally over the top for me, but I still love it. In fact, I had no idea what I was doing when it came to the top of the tree so I had to have my friend come over and help me because I’d never shoved that much stuff into a Christmas tree.
Adding the Lights and the Mesh Ribbon
Before adding any decorations to the tree, I had to put the warm white Christmas lights on because this is a 25-30 year old tree my stepdad bought from KMart for $60. To make sure the tree would glow, I did my Christmas tree light trick.
After the lights were on, I filled the tree with mesh, red ribbon. To get the mesh to look like bows, I cut two foot sections of the ribbon, took a little floral wire and twisted it in the middle. Then, I shoved the mesh in all over the tree so all you could are red and green.
Ribbon Tip
To give the red and white candy-striped wired ribbon a little more interest, I twisted it twice as I put it on the tree.
I also figured out that to make a bold ribbon look good on your tree, it needs to go diagonally around the tree. It looks weird if it’s too horizontal.
Red and White Bow
Can we pause for a second so I can kind of brag?
I made the big red and white striped bow on the white package with the ‘happy holidays’ tag. It’s my first attempt at making an elaborate bow. The bow is a little wonky-looking on the backside, but I don’t think it’s too bad for my first bow-making attempt.
Be on the lookout for my bow-making YouTube channel in the new year.
Gift Wrapping
I swear wrapping the presents takes longer than decorating the tree, even though I implemented a bunch of my gift wrapping tricks.
I love how that white box with the red and white ribbon and big red bow turned out. It’s not even wrapped– I just grabbed a white box, put the present inside, and added the ribbon, bow, and gift tag.
Ornament Size
I also learned that when doing an over-the-top tree, that it’s important to have different sized Christmas ball ornaments.
I’m pretty sure these ornaments are the size of my two-year-old’s head.
A Kid Friendly, Automated Christmas Tree
In case you’re wondering, Owen hasn’t messed with the tree. However, as a precaution, all the ornaments are shatter-proof. Because if he started to bleed I don’t if I’d be able to easily spot it for all the red going on with the tree.
We have the tree connected to our Echo (it’s currently on sale) so we can turn it on and off by saying “Alexa, turn on/off the Christmas tree.” But Owen still loves to sneak behind the tree and turn it on and off by pushing the button on the wifi plug.
He did enjoy messing with me while I attempted to photograph the tree though.
There I was, minding my own business, lying on the floor taking this photo, while he was supposed to be mesmerized by his sometimes nanny, Daniel Tiger. But the little stinker decided to ambush me mid-snap. He’s lucky he’s cute. And that my heart melts when he says “Hi, mommy!”
Like I said, there’s a whole lot going on. But I think it’s good when we step outside of our comfort zones and do something new. Even if it’s decorating your Christmas tree differently.
Every year, I try to get a photo of Jack in front of the tree. This year he sat without even requiring a treat.
Check out that graying muzzle on our almost nine-year-old boy.
Red and White Christmas Tree Sources
Christmas tree … KMart, circa 1990?
star … Kohl’s, circa 2009?
tree toppers / decorative picks … Michael’s
candy cane ornaments … Michael’s
candy cane ribbon … Michael’s
giant ornaments … Michael’s
smaller ball ornaments sets … Michael’s, HomeGoods, JoAnn Fabric
mesh ribbon … JoAnn Fabric
Christmas tree skirt … JoAnn Fabric
red and white striped ribbon on presents … Michael’s
wrapping paper … I can’t remember because I bought most of it last year after Christmas
Check out my flocked red and white Christmas tree HERE!
Merry Christmas! And happy Christmas decorating!
Dorinda Selke says
Chelsea your tree is spectacular! It just explodes “Christmas” – you did a great job ! Hugs, Dorinda
Beth says
Chelsea, I love, love, love your tree! It is so festive and I really love the red and white theme:) Thanks so much for sharing!
paige.rose says
So festive & bright!!! I love how coordinated everything is & the cute pup too!!
Happy Thursday!
Paige.Rose
from
http://www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com
Sarah says
Beautiful! And I love that you included both kids, too!
Jeri Lynn says
Your tree is just gorgeous!!! Next year I’m going to attempt the light process. Your family picture says it all, so glad to see a couple so happy with their son! It looks like Owen might have inherited your beautiful hair! God Bless Your Family and Merry Christmas ?
Susan says
Love the tree. Great job.
Lynda Ramage says
Not only is the tree fabulous, but I enjoyed looking at the packages. I really like to wrap and always interested in what others do. You did not disappoint me. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas from S.C.
Ashley says
I love the snow picture, and I wish we would get some of the white stuff. Those ornaments seem huge! Love it!
Patricia Schroll says
Chelsea, would you please post the Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday so that I can copy them.You always come up with so many good ideas for the holiday. Love your red and white tree and all other decorations.
Thank you! Wish you and your family a Merry Christmas ?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Patricia! The gift tags? Merry Christmas!
Michelle says
Awesome job!!
Even though you cost me $30 because I now need a wifi plug so I can tell Alexa to turn on and off the tree!!!
Janet Vinyard says
What a stunning tree! I love the great pops of red! Thanks for explaining how you decorated it, such as twisting the ribbon. Well done! Blessings, Janet
Megan says
I’ve wanted to branch out on my tree decorating, we always do the same old, same old. This is a busy, beautiful tree! I think you took a good chance! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
I LOVE your red and white tree! So bright, festive, and happy!
Tiffany says
beautiful tree! how many picks did you use for your topper?