Ways To Give A Christmas Tree A Cohesive Look Without Any Ornaments

There are so many fresh and stylish ways to decorate a Christmas tree, but for those who have little spare time during the holidays, it can feel like a daunting task. When we think of a typical Christmas tree, the first image that comes to mind is a lit-up evergreen covered with ornaments from top to bottom. Filling up the branches with sometimes hundreds of pieces can take a lot of time and may not fit everyone's style. Luckily, there are several ways to create an elegant tree without the hassle of hanging up boxes of ornaments.

If minimalist decor is more your style, one option is to let the lights be the star of the show. String warm white or single-colored Christmas lights over the tree for a serene and cohesive look. To spice it up, add natural elements like pinecones, such as AXYLEX's Frosted Snow Pine Cones, or berries like Fangoo's Burgundy Red Berry Picks to create more texture and visual interest without overwhelming the tree. Tie the entire look together by adding a rattan star topper or a knitted tree skirt. Once it's put together, the result will be a happy medium between an over- or under-decorated Christmas tree.

If time isn't on your side this holiday season, TikToker @michelledulevich shares a genius way to take a basic Christmas tree from boring to beautiful with just a few items. When you browse through the Christmas section of craft stores, you've likely stumbled upon the aisle of garlands. Although these strands of pinecones, berries, or other elements look stunning draped across the mantel or wrapped around banisters, they also have the power to liven up your tree. By trying this hack, you can create a sophisticated and balanced tree without hanging a single ornament on the branches.

First, decide what look you're going for this holiday season. After all, there are several colors, shapes, and styles to choose from, making it easy to customize your room's aesthetic. It may help to take a picture of your tree with you so you can easily compare it to the different elements. (For example, if your tree is heavily flocked, a pine leaf strand with minimal faux snow may stand out and take away from the overall look.) Then, ideally, choose a more heavily decorated garland and pair it with a strand with elements more spaced out. Choosing differing textures and spacing will help you layer it over your tree in a way that it doesn't overwhelm it.

Perhaps you like the idea of ornaments to add more dimension to the branches but want to go a different route with your tree. Not only are ribbons and floral picks the perfect elements for creating a stunning Christmas wreath, but they also happen to be the perfect way to add color and texture to a Christmas tree. TikToker @newsouthtable shares how she put together a subtle beach theme for a client's tree without relying on ornaments.

Don't worry if coastal decor doesn't align with your aesthetic; this is a versatile method you can apply to nearly any style. Choose a color palette that suits the room's design, and find a few different shades and textures for your ribbons. As she suggests, large bows are a great way to fill up spaces in the tree that look a little space. However, you don't have to stick to the basic Christmas bow shape — there are several tutorials out there to help you create simple yet unique ribbon designs. When choosing floral picks, first take into account the size of your tree to space them out evenly, keeping that cohesive look. Aim to select picks of different shapes and sizes. Smaller ones can add intricate details, while a few larger ones can make bold statements.