To many, bringing your cherished box of Christmas tree lights down from the loft signals the beginning of Christmas, but it’s not all fun and games once you tear it open. Inside, a tangled mess of lights may await, while finding the one faulty bulb that’s letting the whole string down can be a nightmare.
And that’s before you’ve even started to think about getting the lights on the tree. Horizonal? Vertical? Bottom-to-top? Top-to-bottom? Before the decorations or after?!
Have a glug of mulled wine and relax. We’re here to show you how to put lights on a Christmas tree while demonstrating the best ideas to make yours shine the brightest. It’s time for the big switch-on.
The basics of Christmas tree lighting
How many Christmas lights do you need?
Firstly, figure out how many lights you need for your specific tree. As a general rule of thumb, 100 lights for every foot of tree, but it’s always a case of the more the merrier – especially if you want the professional look of a dressed spruce in a department store or boutique hotel.
Luckily, we’ve got sets featuring up to 720 LED lights in a single pack, so it’s easy to make yours look abundant. Next, plug in your lights to check that all the bulbs are working before you go to all the trouble of putting them on your tree only to find something’s wrong (we’ve got a wide range of Christmas lights if you need new ones).
Leave them on while you’re working so you can see how they’re looking and address any dark spots as you weave the string over and under the branches. Then, start from the bottom-up closest to the power outlet so you don’t have to run an extension cord to the top – the opposite is true when removing them after Christmas – and always add your lights before your decorations.
If you want to install your Christmas tree in a space without a power socket, use multiple sets of battery-powered lights, such as these from Sirius.
Vertical VS horizontal: which method suits you?
We’d recommend wrapping your lights around your tree horizontally – the most traditional and popular way – by placing lights over and under branches as you work your way around and up.
For a professional look, nestle some lights further back into the tree and others closer to the front for depth and interest, alternating so the arrangement looks natural. But how do you put lights on a Christmas tree vertically? Vertical arrangements started as a trend a few years ago as a modern twist on the traditional method.
The technique makes the lights shine brighter because more of them are on show as they’re less likely to be covered up by branches. Starting with the end of the strand without the plug, simply cascade lights from the top to the bottom of the tree in an ‘S’ shape or zig-zag down the front.
Certainly, this arrangement is easier to remove once Christmas is over. For best results, choose something with a ‘loose’ string over a structured wire – such as these with weighty sultan-shaped glass lights – as they’ll hang better.
Safety tips for Christmas tree lights
There’s nothing quite like Christmas lights to get you into the festive spirit, but take the time read our list of precautions to keep you safe, ensuring yours bring you nothing but comfort and joy.
Replace missing or broken bulbs.
Use a ladder if decorating outside your home or hard-to-reach spots.
Choose the right kind of light – outdoor for the garden; and indoor for the home.
Similarly, use an outdoor extension cord for the garden, not an indoor one.
Don’t overload power outlets.
Avoid feeding cords through doors and windows.
Always turn off lights when you’re not home or overnight when you’re asleep.
Integrating your tree into your home décor
It’s not only your tree that can be integrated into your home décor – traditional VS contemporary, for example, or green VS white – but your Christmas lights, too. Consider the style of your interiors and existing lighting scheme.
Does a layered mix of wall lights and table lamps emit a golden glow? If so, choose warm lights with a yellow tinge. Alternatively, does a combination of ceiling lights and floor lamps create a silver wash? Then opt for cool lights with a blue tinge.
Contemporary Christmas décor concepts
Every year, trends dominate our trees – from disco to underwater and gothic (yes, really) – and Christmas lights are no exception. This year, it’s all about ‘quiet luxury’ in every aspect of our lives, with a less-is-more approach that whispers rather than shouts.
To get the look, why not consider a tree that’s only decorated with lights rather than a cacophony of baubles? Choose a set that’s beautifully simple, such as a festive string of LED lights on a gold wire, and let your lights be the loudest thing in the room.
Other creative Christmas tree décor ideas
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maximalism is back with a bang, eschewing a minimalistic approach in favour of all things outrageous. In the spirit of excess, dress your tree with more lights than it needs, and consider a combination of different styles for an abundant and eclectic aesthetic: throw together the Millie, Trille and Knirke.
For something altogether more traditional – a big trend as we seek comfort in nostalgia during tumultuous times – try the Molly cone battery garland with a rustic, country vibe.
Remember: lights don’t just have to be wound around or draped down Christmas trees. They can fill vases; snake between banisters; wind around windows; or even hang down doors.
The more ‘pockets’ of Christmas you can create, the more festive your home will feel, so think big and get creative. Once you know how to put lights on a Christmas tree, you’ll save time and stress each and every year, while being able to dress your spruce like a stylist.
Find more bright ideas by browsing our collection of Christmas lights.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Christmas
‘Tis almost time to deck the halls – whether you decorate the tree, dress the table or do everything – but how do you make sure your home shines with originality and reflects your style?
Luckily, we’ve rounded-up the boldest and brightest ideas for how to decorate at Christmas to help you on your merry way, whatever your taste and space. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
Christmas tree decor ideas
Luxury Christmas baubles are best when it comes to Christmas tree decoration ideas. Classier than tinsel and easier than lights, they usually come with a convenient metal hook or string loop that you can slide on to branches, while they add instant colour and texture to green foliage.
Top tip: for less delicate baubles, we recommend nestling them among branches rather than hanging, which adds more bulk and depth. Simply rest larger baubles furthest inside the tree and smaller ones towards the end of branches for a professional ‘layered’ look.
Opt for the 'vintage' look
Retro never goes out of style, so stock up on a collection of vintage-inspired decorations to recreate all the splendour of Christmases past, such as these colourful Glass Spot Baubles by Thie, this quirky Glass Santa Riding a Dinosaur Shaped Decoration by Sass & Belle or this classic Wool Mix Brown Christmas Pudding Decoration.
Look for baubles with a handcrafted feel in delicate glass or soft wool materials for elegant Christmas décor.
Let your personality shine
From hobbies to favourite animals or places and interests, baubles allow you to express your personality, while incorporating the colours, motifs and textures you hold dear.
This Metallic Resin Dinosaur Decoration Brontosaurus by Gisela Graham is a case in point – sure to be a talking point on the tree – while this Glass Glitter Lobster Shaped Decoration from Sass & Belle is a tongue-in-cheek take on the tangerine crustacean.
London-lover? This Glass London Bus with Garland Decoration will let everyone know. Christmas tree decoration ideas don’t get more fun.
Try Scandi minimalism
Quiet luxury is having a moment right now with neutral colours, understated motifs and a less-is-more approach, so why not try Scandi minimalism for classy Christmas decorations?
Consider these modern Deko Decorations by Broste Copenhagen, this simple Robin Clear Bubble Effect Decoration from The Original Winters Tale and these Glass Lines Ornaments by ferm LIVING.
Alternatively, a couple of crisp white Honeycomb Ball Decorations tucked between branches or stacked at the base of the tree will add simple Nordic charm.
Go full glam with all that glitters
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maximalists may want to go all-out with glitz and glamour, such as this shimmering Silver Mirror Ball Bauble, pearlescent Glass Jellyfish Shaped Decoration or sequinned Clear Glass Ball Decoration.
Focus on statement finishes, rich colours and unusual shapes for a tree that’s as eclectic and as it is fabulous. The star of the show when it comes to Christmas tree decoration ideas.
Christmas table decor ideas
Once your tree is up – sparkling like a diamond in the centre of the living room– it’s time to think about Christmas table decoration ideas. Tablescaping has become quite the art in recent years, whether a festive flourish here and there or a full-scale winter wonderland, adding a touch of drama and a sense of occasion to proceedings.
Whatever event you’re hosting, from a dinner party in the build-up to the main event itself or a festive soirée during ‘Twixmas, our christmas tableware will make yours the talk of the town.
Plump for candlelight
Candlelight makes all the difference when it comes to setting the scene for a festive get-together. Cluster a group of pillar candles of differing heights in a tray on a circular table or line them up down the length of a regular table for dramatic effect.
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like the flicker of a flame between friends. A festive scent such as our Frankincense & Pine Short Pillar Candle or Winter Spice Tall Pillar Candle can be used to fill the room with seasonal fragrance before or after dinner to avoid fighting with the aromas of food.
Incorporate natural elements
If you’ve got an outside space, a quick forage will unearth all kinds of festive spoils, from pinecones to branches and winter flowers. Otherwise, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference in our range of realistic faux foliage, such as this Pine Branch and Mimosa Grass by designer superstar Abigail Ahern.
Display in a vase as a gorgeous centrepiece or lay down the length of the table as a makeshift garland. Top tip: a spritz of a seasonal fragrance will make them smell as authentic as they look.
Discover the art of layering
Have you noticed the one thing that professional tablescapes all have in common? Lots of layering. Start with a tablecloth as a blank canvas for your creativity – our classic linen style in a rich colour like midnight blue, pool green or wine red is a stellar choice – then simply add placemats (select the same colour as your tablecloth for a tonal look), statement plates – Nordic Sea, Ottolenghi Feast Face or Pearl White – and a series of glamorous glasses (for water, white and red wine, plus fizz) in an inward diagonal from the top-right of the place setting. Finish with gleaming cutlery on either side of the plate (laying from starters to desserts from the outside in).
Add a festive centrepiece
With the rest of the table set, there’s only one thing left to do, and that’s add a spectacular centrepiece as a sure-fire conversation-starter.
The easiest way to do this is with an elegant vase, like Moon by up-and-coming ceramicist Talia Nidam Warshawsky, Thyra from Broste Copenhagen or Buée by renowned French brand Ligne Roset.
Look to wintery colours, interesting shapes and warming textures to suit the season and avoid filling with foliage to let their designs do the talking.
Christmas light ideas
You don’t have to wait until ‘the big switch-on’ in your city, town or village to have your own switch-on at home, as it’s never too early. Whether wrapped around your tree, snaking between the bannisters on your staircase or enveloping your entrance, Christmas lights add twinkle, magic and warmth to Christmas decorations, whether indoors or outside.
Here’s our most illuminating Christmas light ideas.
Make your Christmas tree sparkle
The golden rule is to add Christmas lights before decorations, but how do you know what kind you need? First, decide if you prefer a classic or contemporary style, from simple Warm White LED Lights for the former to ornate Millie LED Glass Garland Lights for the latter.
Next, are you after a warm, yellow glow or a crisp, white light? Both give off very different effects. And, finally, do you want a set you can plug into a power socket or a cordless style that operates via a battery pack? Nova LED string lights by Sirius are perfect for lighting up a tree that’s in the centre of a room like a grand hallway, for example.
Add twinkling lights to your staircase
You don’t have to festoon a garland around the staircase to style it up for Christmas, as string lights will look just as stylish, while being significantly quicker and easier to decorate with.
Molly Cone LED garland will lighten and brighten your landing while adding interest with its nature-inspired design; while the Knirke LED indoor string lights will fill any space with an ethereal glow.
Light up your entrance
Welcome one and all with an entrance that ushers loved ones inside with the warm embrace of a long-lost friend. No less than 160 LED lights are attached to a subtle green wire that blends seamlessly with nature on this set by Sirius which can be easily manipulated into the shape of your doorway to pick out striking architectural features.
Otherwise, why not invest in a battery-powered set you can weave around a wreath that you hang on your door?
Don't forget about window lights
Finally, why not get inspired by an advent calendar with an illuminated feature in every window of your home to get the neighbours talking? The Hanging Circle Light in silver will look spectacular against glass while a cluster of Sara Flameless Candles creates the cosy on internal windowsills.
Get inspired by browsing and buying our collection of Christmas decorations.
The Christmas tree sits at the heart of every home’s festive celebrations, so making the right choice when it comes to a festive fir is key in creating a cohesive, stylish and balanced scene. Follow these three simple steps from Anna Sheridan, Interior Stylist at Heal’s to maximise your Christmas décor:
To choose the right size: think big, then go bigger
“A tree that’s too small will feel out of place, while one that’s too big will overwhelm the space. For the perfect balance, opt for a tree that is six inches shorter than the ceiling height. This leaves plenty of room for show-stopping accessories, so there’s no need to hold back on the tree topper! “Tall ceilings are perfect for making a room feel more spacious, but if the floor is short on square footage, it’s best to opt for a slimmer style of tree. This means you can still go higher, without having to sacrifice any of the space within your room.”
To position in the right location: take a look around
“Whilst placing your tree in front of the window may seem like the best way to show off your decorations, you risk losing a lot of natural light, leaving the room feeling dark and uninviting. Remember to keep the tree clear of doors, to avoid knocking off fir needles or breaking any expensive ornaments. “It's also important to consider the current layout of your room, and where your furniture currently sits. The optimum viewing distance from a TV is 2m, so leave at least this much distance between the screen and the tree to keep branches out of the way of your favourite Christmas films, and be mindful that the twinkle of fairy lights may be reflected round the room if placed in front of any mirrors.”
To hang your baubles perfectly: pick a method and stick to it
“The perfect number of ornaments to use on your tree will vary depending on your individual style, but as a general rule, use six baubles to every foot (30.4cm) of the tree. “To avoid clustering the same type of bauble too closely together, first group them together in different themes, such as colour, texture and shape. Hang each type in a zig-zag pattern and gradually work through the themes to achieve a balanced and considered look.”
Christmas Styling For Every Home
Whether you’ve got an eye for anything that sparkles, like to go big and bold at Christmas, or prefer to keep things calm and cosy, Heal’s has a selection of decorations to suit every type of home.
Bold and Bright
“To create a maximalist look, choose no more than three bold colours as your palette, and balance the ratio of each shade equally throughout the décor. For traditional Christmas styling, opt for red, green and gold, or for a more contemporary feel, choose a combination such as pink, blue and green.
“To avoid overwhelming the scene, offset bright colours with accessories in a neutral palette to make the bolder decorations pop. Introduce depth by mixing both matt and metallic finishes throughout the scheme.”
Festive Glamour
“To make the most impact, stick to a single colour scheme with a focus on metallic finishes, to make your decorations pop in the festive light. A gold, bronze and neutral palette will offer a luxurious warmth. “While sticking to a minimal colour palette, consider adding texture with feathers, star-shaped ornaments and beaded baubles. Complete the look with warm yellow lighting in the way of fairy lights or candles, to allow the metallic finishes to twinkle.”
Credit: French for Pineapple
Scandi-Chic
“Use a soft palette of warm neutrals as a canvas to build an inviting minimalist look. Add touches of personality with handcrafted ornaments to bring life to the tree.” “Focus on building texture – mix matt finishes with natural, raw materials from the garden such as pinecones, berries and fresh fir branches, which will add a festive scent to the room whilst creating interest for the eye.” “Connect with nature and use responsibly-sourced materials, such as FSC-certified paper origami decorations.”
Which is your favourite style? Did you discover any new tips?
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