The Prettiest Themed Christmas Trees

Themed Christmas trees can be kitschy, but they can also be elegant and classic. It all depends on the theme you choose. If you're tired of the same old, same old Christmas tree style every year, here are some suggestions for elegant themed trees you can put together without having to spend hundreds of dollars on new ornaments.

Monochromtic

Depending on what's already in your ornament collection, selecting only ornaments of a single color can turn your tree from dull to dramatic. Perhaps you have lots of bright red, or silver and white, or even blue. Include clear glass or metallic ornaments to fill out the tree. You can also use non-traditional ornaments like fabric bows and silk flowers in your chosen color. Wind some matching ribbon like a garland and top the tree with a big looped bow in the same shade, and you have an eye-catching look with minimal effort or expense.

Single Shape Ornaments

The most obvious "shape" for this theme is traditional round hanging balls, but it can also be done with stars, flowers, icicles, snowflakes, even pine cones. Look at what style of ornament you have a lot of, and see if there's an easy way to add more. If you have lots of snowflake ornaments, cut some various-sized snowflakes from white or silver paper to fill out the tree. If you have lots of traditional round ornaments, grab some clear plastic ones from a craft store and stuff some ribbon inside to add visual interest. Be creative! If you have kids, encourage them to make some ornaments. You might be surprised at their creativity.

Hobbies

If you have a hobby, especially if more than one member of the family participates, you probably already have a preponderance of hobby-related ornaments. If your family is musical, you probably have lots of music-related ornaments; if you're all athletes, chances are you've got lots of sports-related decorations; if you're a baker, you likely have plenty of sweets and treats in ornament form. Round out your collection with some plain ornaments and garlands in a color that ties in to the hobby (perhaps your favorite team's colors?) and you're set.

Specific Era

If you're willing to do a little research, you can create a themed tree based on a specific era; combine the style of ornaments that were popular during that era with items evocative of the same time period. For the Roaring '20, you could use fringe, models of 1920s cars, strings of pearls, and long feathers. A Victorian tree could be decorated all in hand-cut paper decorations and strings of cranberries and popcorn (I'd avoid the real candles, though). For a 1960s tree, you could go heavy on white and silver ornaments and get a color wheel to project changing colors onto the tree. And don't forget to use LOTS of tinsel.

Handmade Ornaments

Most people think of all the cheesy little paper/paint/popsicle stick ornaments that kids make in kindergarten when they think of handmade ornaments. But if you're willing to channel your inner Martha Stuart (and search ideas on Pinterest), you can find some gorgeous but easy to make ornaments. A can of gold spray paint, a spool of narrow ribbon, and a hot glue gun can transform everyday objects into glittering Christmas ornaments. An origami book from the library, a pack of multi-colored origami paper, and a little (okay, a LOT of) patience and your tree can be covered with all kinds of fantastical paper ornaments. If you knit or embroider or sew or quilt, there are dozens of patterns for lovely and elegant handmade ornaments.

Location, Location, Location

If there's a certain place that you really love - perhaps a cabin in the mountains, or a tropical beach, or an exotic foreign city - try creating a tree with that place in mind. A French-themed tree with models of the Arc d'Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower; a Hawaiian tree draped with flower leis and seashells; a Scottish tree loaded with tartan. This is a great place to use those souvenirs from your favorite vacation.

Nature

Choose a nature-related theme, like birds or animals, or simply decorate with rustic ornaments made from natural materials like sticks, burlap, and carved wood. Simple ribbon garlands and strings of popcorn and cranberries help to fill out your tree and keep to the simple, rustic theme.

Whatever You Can Imagine!

Honestly, you're only limited by your imagination. Look over your ornament collection: What do you have a lot of? What speaks to you? Which ornaments can you not imagine not having on your tree? Start with those as a base and add whatever seems to work with them. Experiment to see what works together. Make a few additional ornaments, add some color, move things around. And don't forget to pick up some additional ornaments for next year at the after-Christmas sales!!