Give Your Christmas Tree a Festive Makeover with These Fun Update Ideas

The holidays will be here before you know it, which means it’s time to start planning how you’ll decorate your Christmas tree this season. If your tree ornaments have started to look tired after several years on display, don’t worry – with a few simple changes, you can give your decor a fresh new look without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore 12 unique ideas for updating your tree decorations. Stop on by Home Hardware to chat with us about ideas, or order online and pick up in store!

1. Swap Out a Few Ornaments Each Year

One easy way to refresh your tree is by slowly rotating out 10-15% of your existing ornaments each season. This prevents your decor from feeling stale while also allowing sentimental favorites to stay. Focus on replacing bulbs, baubles, and other common pieces first before switching larger memorable ornaments. Over a few years, your entire tree will have a brand new appearance!

2. Incorporate this Year’s Holiday Colours

This is the list of on-trend colours for Christmas in 2024:

  • Emerald Green: A rich, deep green that evokes nature and luxury, perfect for creating a warm, festive atmosphere.
  • Classic Red: Timeless and bold, this color continues to be a favorite for holiday decor, adding a touch of traditional cheer.
  • Warm Neutrals: Soft beiges, taupes, and creams provide a cozy backdrop, allowing other colors to pop while maintaining a sophisticated look.
  • Dusty Blue: A muted blue that brings a serene and calming vibe, often paired with metallics for a modern twist.
  • Metallic Gold and Silver: Shimmering gold and silver accents add glamour and elegance, perfect for both traditional and contemporary themes.
  • Berry Tones: Rich shades like cranberry and plum introduce a vibrant yet cozy feel, ideal for festive decorations.
  • Sunset Orange: A warm, inviting hue that adds a cheerful pop and pairs beautifully with traditional greens and reds.

These colors can be mixed and matched to create a unique holiday palette that reflects your style!

Add a few shiny new ornaments in each to complement your classic tree shades. Look for shatterproof glass balls, felt shapes, and glittery picks at stores. Accent pops of this year’s colors are guaranteed to make your tree instantly feel updated.

3. Craft DIY Decorations with the Kids

For a fun, homemade touch, craft simple decorations with the children using items found around the house or purchased from our crafts section. Paint pinecones, make popcorn strings, or glue sequins onto coffee filters. Let little ones add their creations to branches throughout the tree for a personalized touch. DIY decorating is a wonderful tradition that also strengthens bonds during the busy season.

4. Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors inside by adding fresh greenery and natural accents to your tree. Tuck sprigs of holly, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks between bulbs for rustic charm. Or string cranberries, popcorn, and oranges to drape as garlands. Natural elements add warmth and earthy appeal to any tree.

5. Try a Novelty Theme

Give your tree a playful update by choosing a quirky theme and finding ornaments to match. Go nautical with anchors, ships, and fish; bookish with tiny books and glasses; or sporty using mini soccer balls, hockey sticks, and baseballs. A themed tree is guaranteed to spark smiles and make your space pop this season.

You could also go with more traditional themes such as burlap and wood for rustic charm; whites, silvers and glittery glass for an elegant winter wonderland look or some whimsical colours and fun patterns for a playful theme that delights children and adults alike.

6. Add Shimmer with Sparkly Garlands

No tree is complete without sparkly touches of light. Upgrade your garlands by swapping plain green or red strings for glittering silver, gold, or iridescent versions. Consider draping them in a zig-zag pattern or wrapping them as cuffs around the tree trunk for extra shimmer. Garlands are an easy way to amplify the twinkle on your tree.

7. Incorporate Meaningful Mementos

While staying on-trend is fun, your tree should also reflect cherished memories. Add special handmade gifts from children or grandchildren, pressed leaves from your wedding, or a photo of loved ones no longer with you. Personal mementos give your tree heartwarming sentiment each year. Be sure to rotate a few in and out so the tradition continues.

A closeup shot of some traditional DIY Christmas tree ornaments.

8. Try Novel Shapes and Sizes

Think outside the classic round bulb and bring unexpected dimension to your tree. Include oversized novelty ornaments, miniature versions of regular pieces, or unique shapes like stars, hearts, and snowflakes. Mixing up silhouettes and scales creates visual interest sure to delight.

9. Highlight with Strategic Lights

Don’t forget about lighting! For a refreshed glow, swap standard white lights for multicolored, clear, or fiber optic versions. Consider highlighting certain branches with string lights or accenting the trunk with a wrapped garland of tiny lights. Strategic lighting creates drama and dimension on any tree.

10. Add a Fresh Scent

Bring the aroma of the season indoors by tucking scented sachets or bundles of evergreen branches between branches. Clove, cinnamon, and balsam fragrances will fill the air. You can also use essential oil-infused ornaments for a subtle scent boost. The right scents set a cozy, festive mood.

11. Display with Care

Taking the time to fluff branches and position ornaments with intention creates a full, lush look. Remove any tangled strings or bent needles ahead of time. For the best finished appearance, start with the back and work your way around the tree front. Displaying with care makes all the hard work shine.

12. Don’t forget the Tree Topper

Updating your tree topper can bring a fresh touch to this classic tradition. Consider adding a modern twist by incorporating elements that reflect your family’s personality. For example, swap a traditional star or angel for a fun topper. You could use a handmade snowman or a bright fabric bow.

You can personalize your tree by using a family photo in a nice frame. You could also add some DIY to an existing topper with your family’s initials or a special quote. These special details help create memories to enjoy for years.

Refresh Year After Year

With a few simple tweaks each season, your tree can feel new without completely redoing decor. Focus on rotating in on-trend pieces, DIY projects, and meaningful mementos to keep the tradition fresh. Soon your tree will become a festive display that evolves with your family for years to come.

Whether you like classic elegance or fun whimsy, these Christmas tree ideas will help you refresh your holiday style. With a few small changes each year, you can keep traditions lively without breaking the bank. Most importantly, your tree should reflect cherished memories and bring joy to your home each season.

Do you have any other clever tips for giving your tree a festive facelift? Share your favorite decoration hacks in the comments below. Wishing you the merriest of seasons as you get your tree ready to sparkle!