*Make sure to see the step by step Christmas tree decorating video at the end of this article*
Plaid, also called tartan, is a very popular pattern to use when decorating for Christmas.
There are many different plaids to choose from, so it is sometimes hard to choose which one to use.
Instead of selecting just one plaid for your decor, why not use several different plaids?
Here are some designer tips & tricks for how to decorate a Christmas tree with 3 different plaid ribbons.
Shopping
When selecting plaid ribbons to use as garland on your Christmas tree, you should select them all at the same time to ensure that their colors and patterns complement each other.
Wired ribbon is the easiest to apply to a Christmas tree, however it is not a requirement.
Two and a half inch wide ribbon is the standard width for Christmas tree garland, however feel free to select one of your ribbons to be a bit thinner, but not any thinner than one and a half inches wide. You can select wider ribbon, but don't go too wide else your ribbon might make your Christmas tree look juvenile.
Smaller trees can handle a thinner ribbon width and taller trees can handle a wider ribbon width.
For a 7 foot tall Christmas tree, 2 rolls of 30 foot long ribbon of each color works well (60 foot long each of 3 different colors = 180 feet total length of ribbon). You might choose to use more of one color than another color.
Rotating or Fluffing the Tree
If you have a live Christmas tree, you should rotate it so that the best looking side is facing out. Hide any bare spots towards the back.
If you have an artificial Christmas tree, you should fluff it to make it look full.
Adjust every branch and needle so they cover any holes in the tree.
Take your time and do not skip this step, else your tree will not look its best.
See the article How to Fluff an Artificial Christmas Tree for more information.
Christmas Lights
Designer tip - even if you have a pre-lit Christmas tree, you can always add more lights.
The standard minimum amount of Christmas lights is 1 strand of 100 mini lights per foot height of tree, so an 8 foot tall Christmas tree would get 8 strands of Christmas lights.
If you like a brighter tree, or you plan on using many decorations on the tree that will cover the lights, feel free to add more strands of lights.
Most of the time, white or clear Christmas lights work best instead of multi-colored. Most people prefer a warm white bulb instead of a cool white bulb.
Designer tip - you can use several strands of blinking lights towards the center of your tree for a twinkle effect and you can also add a few strands of a larger or smaller bulb lights for added dimension.
Evergreen Floral Stems
If your Christmas tree has some bare spots or you want a little variation, consider adding evergreen floral stems.
You can use stems that look like your tree to make it look fuller or you can use stems that look different than your tree (lighter green color, different foliage, etc) for a designer look.
Designer tip - you do not have to use floral stems that look like pine trees. Some of the most interesting Christmas trees are decorated with items not typically associated with winter or Christmas.
Ribbon Garland
Now is the time to add your plaid ribbon garland.
Starting with one color, cut your ribbon into 2-3 foot long strips and tuck one end of the strip into the Christmas tree.
Loop the ribbon and tuck it into the tree again.
Each of your strips of ribbon should make 2-3 loops.
Add the loops in a random pattern - avoid straight lines.
Once you are finished with one ribbon, then add the second, and then the third randomly throughout your Christmas tree.
Natural Fillers
To add texture and warmth to your Christmas tree, you should add some natural fillers.
This tree used both pine cones and grapevine spheres for a natural element.
Floral Picks
Add floral picks for color and dimension.
This tree is decorated with champagne colored berry floral picks.
The light color of the berries contrasts with the dark color of the pine cones.
Designer tip - for a more interesting Christmas tree, consider using floral picks not usually associated with Christmas, such as small colorful flowers or moss.
Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are added next for texture and color.
This tree has oversized gold glittered ornaments, oversized red glittered ornaments, uniquely shaped kraft paper ornaments that complement Christmas gifts wrapped in kraft paper, standard sized navy glittered ornaments, and standard sized shiny gold ornaments.
Designer tip - do not use just one size of spherical Christmas ornament. Vary the size, shape, and texture of your ornaments for a more interesting look.
Tree Topper
To finish off the top of the Christmas tree, consider adding a Christmas tree topper (this step is optional).
This tree has a small bow tree topper made of all 3 different ribbons used as garland.
Tree Skirt and Gifts
Probably the most overlooked part of decorating a Christmas tree is the Christmas gifts.
Christmas gifts should be wrapped to complement the Christmas tree's decor.
The Christmas gifts under this tree were wrapped in 3 different plaid wrapping papers as well as kraft paper with plaid ribbon.
Designer tip - using a variation of different papers and different bows creates a more interesting designer look.
See the video below for the step by step decorating of this Christmas tree:
