Whether you’re ready to get your holiday decor boxes out or you’re waiting until after Thanksgiving to deck the halls, we’re of the mind that there’s always room for a bit of festive inspiration as the seasons shift.

Today, we’re sharing some tips on a decor tradition that our team has gotten quite a few questions about over the years: Styling the tree!

Decorating the tree can be a great way to bring your favorite design elements together to create a personalized look that embodies your home and style, and there are countless ways to do it.

This year, we’ve been experimenting with tree decor that feels celebratory but still sophisticated. Here is our team’s step-by-step guide for a few looks we love this season:

Step 1: Start with a good base

Much like when you’re designing a room, it’s important to start with a good base when decorating a tree. Whether you prefer to choose a real one each year or opt for a faux option, finding one with full and textural branches makes all the difference.

We have a few favorite sources for faux trees. To splurge, we love the collections at Balsam Hill, and to save, Target has some great options as well.

Creating a good base for your tree isn’t just about the pine-needles, though. Adding a pretty tree skirt or basket to the bottom sets the scene for the rest of the look, and we love using a neutral linen fabric to add to, not take away from, the rest of our decor.

Shop our favorite tree skirts here.

Step 2: Add in garland 

After adding lights, if the tree is not pre-lit, we like to add garland to bring in some tone and texture. Don’t be afraid to layer in multiple types of garlands to create dimension! We love using a variety of chunky and thin beads or wooden and metallic strands for contrast.

Step 3: Add in a foundation with repetition 

Using repeating solid-hued ornaments helps the tree look feel unified and balanced. Plus, carrying something consistent throughout the tree makes it easier to layer your favorite pieces with more personality on top.

If you’re using repeating ornaments in the same color, try using a variety of shapes to round out the look even more!

Step 4: Layer in unique shapes and textures 

In our opinion, this is the most fun part! Once you have a good base and have created balance, it’s time to layer in textural, statement pieces that bring personality to your tree. Your layered pieces could be anything from sentimental pieces to your favorite designer-detailed ornaments.

When it comes to accent tree decor, we love to blend different styles to create a dimensional look. Juxtaposing natural, organic textures like woods and wovens with dressed-up materials like metallics creates a look that feels refined but relaxed.

Step 5: Tie ribbons to highlight your palette

Once we’ve added our ornaments, we like to add ribbons to tie in a color palette element that we may want to pull in or highlight more. We love using hand-dyed silk ribbons with woven edges ad tying them in loose bows or knots to get a more natural look.

You can find the ribbon we used for these looks here.

Step 6: Top it off with a star 

Last but certainly not least, top it all off with a golden star to complete the look!