Your Christmas Tree, Perfected: Setup, Shaping and Decorating Tips

Posted by Steve Crisp on 3rd Dec 2025

Simple Tips to Make Your Artificial Christmas Tree Look Full, Bright, and Beautifully Decorated.

You’ve found the perfect artificial Christmas tree, and now it’s time to bring it to life. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you set up, shape, and decorate your tree for a picture-perfect festive display.


Unboxing Your Tree

Your tree has arrived safely in its box, which is ideal for storing it again once the festive season is over. When unboxing, you’ll notice that the branches are folded and compressed to keep everything neat for shipping.

If your original box has become damaged or has been misplaced, don’t worry. We also stock Christmas tree storage bags and Christmas tree boxes that will keep your tree protected, dust-free, and easy to store year after year.

Before you dive in, take a few moments to gently remove each section and lay them out. Spreading and shaping the branches may feel like the most time-consuming part, but it’s worth the effort. Getting the family involved makes it a fun way to start your Christmas traditions.


Stand Tall: Setting Up the Base

How your tree stands will depend slightly on the type you’ve chosen, but most of our artificial Christmas trees, including pre-lit designs, now come with a sturdy metal fold-out stand.

Start by separating the four feet, then insert the base of the tree and tighten it securely with the small screw key provided. Check that your stand is balanced and level before moving on so your tree stays straight and steady once it is fully assembled.

Once your base is secure, you’re ready to start building your tree.


Fluffing Your Tree to Perfection

Your tree may come in one to three sections depending on its size. If you have a taller tree, it helps to shape each section before putting them together, as this saves time and makes reaching the upper branches much easier.

Top Tips on how to fluff your tree:

1. Have a reference image of your tree nearby so you know what you’re aiming for.

2. Start from the bottom and work your way up, layer by layer.

3. Fan out each branch from the back to the front, pulling the tips outward to create fullness.

4. Offset the tips slightly to avoid gaps and hide the central trunk.

5. Angle branches upward by about 10° to achieve a natural shape.

6. Step back regularly to check for empty spaces, adjusting as needed.

When it’s time to decorate, you can gently bend the tips to support heavier ornaments or lights. A well-shaped tree makes all the difference. It creates depth, volume, and that authentic “real tree” look.


Add a Decorative Base with a Tree Skirt

A Christmas Tree Skirt is a lovely way to complete the base of your tree and create a neat, polished look before you begin decorating. Not only does it hide the stand and add a stylish finishing layer, but it also frames your presents beautifully once they’re placed underneath.

At Charlies, we have a stylish range of woven seagrass and metallic jute tree skirts to suit any décor. For a natural, rustic look, our natural seagrass Christmas tree skirts bring warmth and texture to your display, while the gold and silver Christmas tree skirts with jute rope offer a subtle shimmer that complements both traditional and modern styles.

Whichever design you choose, a tree skirt adds an elegant base that ties your festive look together from the very start.


Lighting Up Your Tree

No Christmas tree is complete without the warm glow of twinkling lights. No matter what colour, length, or style you choose, the right Christmas Tree Lights can transform your tree into the sparkling centrepiece of your festive décor.

Whether you want to make a statement with dazzling Cluster String Lights, create an intense, bright display with closely spaced Compact String Lights, or prefer a gentle sparkle with classic String Lights, there’s a style to suit every tree and every home.

The colour of your lights also helps set the tone for your Christmas theme:

  • WARM WHITE LIGHTS

    Create a soft, inviting glow that instantly adds warmth to your Christmas tree. Perfect for a traditional and cosy festive feel, warm white lights bring a homely atmosphere that pairs beautifully with classic decorations and natural tones.
    Shop Warm White Lights >
  • WHITE LIGHTS

    Bring a crisp, elegant shimmer that enhances your winter wonderland look. Cool white lights add a frosted brilliance to your tree, reflecting beautifully off metallic ornaments and creating a clean, sophisticated display.
    Shop White Lights >
  • MULTICOLOURED LIGHTS

    Bursting with colour and charm, multi-coloured lights are full of nostalgia and fun. They fill your home with cheerful festive energy and are ideal for family Christmas trees or vibrant, playful decorating themes.
    Shop Multicoloured Lights >

With so many designs and effects available, the right lights can make your tree shine beautifully from every angle and become the true heart of your Christmas celebrations.


Decorating Your Tree

Now comes the most creative and enjoyable part of the process: decorating your Christmas tree. This is your opportunity to express your festive style, showcase your personality, and make your tree the true centrepiece of your home.

Take your time to plan your theme, whether you prefer something classic and traditional, elegant and modern, or colourful and full of fun. Think about the balance of decorations, the placement of ornaments, and how textures and finishes work together. With a little care and creativity, your tree will look full, cohesive, and beautifully festive from every angle.

Baubles & Hanging Decorations

Start with your baubles and hanging decorations to create the foundation of your design. Mix different sizes, textures, and finishes such as glossy, matte, and glitter to add depth and balance. Cluster larger baubles deeper into the branches for fullness, and hang smaller ones towards the ends to draw the eye. Incorporate a few quirky pieces or themed ornaments to give your tree a personal touch.

Tinsel, Ribbon & Beads

Next, add layers of texture and movement with tinsel, ribbon, or beads. Tinsel brings a touch of sparkle, while ribbon can be used to create a more elegant, draped effect. Try weaving ribbon in gentle waves through the branches or tying it into bows for a traditional look. Drape beaded garlands loosely around the tree for a soft, vintage finish.

Christmas Tree Toppers

No Christmas tree is complete without a beautiful tree topper, the perfect finishing detail that ties your festive look together. Whether you prefer something traditional, sparkling, natural, or full of character, the right topper can perfectly complement your theme and bring balance to your decorations.

From glistening stars to frosted foliage or more playful designs, choose a topper that reflects your personal style and crowns your tree with a touch of festive magic.

Clip On Decorations

Add an extra layer of detail with clip on decorations, such as glittering butterflies, delicate birds, or festive poinsettias. These can be easily positioned to fill any gaps or highlight key areas of the tree, adding both texture and interest.

Floristry

For a truly luxurious finish, incorporate floristry elements like stems, sprays, or picks. Think frosted foliage, berries, or pinecones. These touches add depth and make your tree look beautifully full and cohesive. Gently tuck them between branches to blend naturally with your lights and ornaments.


The Final Step: Admire Your Work

Once your tree is shaped, lit, and beautifully decorated, take a moment to step back and admire your hard work. You have transformed a simple structure into a sparkling centrepiece that sets the tone for the entire festive season.

Whether your style is traditional or modern, minimal or full of colour, your Christmas tree will become the heart of your home during the holidays. Gather the family, switch on the lights, and enjoy the cosy glow that fills the room.

Add those final touches around the base with wrapped presents, a few festive ornaments, or even a sprinkle of faux snow for an extra bit of Christmas magic. However you choose to style it, your tree is now ready to take pride of place as the perfect backdrop for joyful gatherings, festive photos, and magical memories that will last all season long.

You’ve found the perfect artificial Christmas tree, and now it’s time to bring it to life. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you set up, shape, and decorate your tree for a picture-perfect festive display