Enjoy this year’s flocked Christmas tree dressed with navy and green plaid ribbon, neutral ornaments, and a charming basket tree collar.
This holiday season looked a little different for us because we’re moving the week after Thanksgiving. Since I was decorating mainly to share on the blog, I skipped my usual tradition of a large, showy tree in the dining room plus a family ornament tree in the living room. Instead, I focused on one tree in the living room and used my favorite “fancy” ornaments that would normally go on the big tree.
Decorating a smaller tree was actually fun and much easier than working on a 9-foot tree. Our new home has lower ceilings, so I donated the 9-foot tree and replaced it with a flocked tree that fits the space better. If you prefer a tree without built-in lights, you can add your own strands to get a warm, custom glow; I always recommend a little extra time adding lights well into the inner branches to create depth and sparkle.
I try to reuse the same ornaments each season and add one or two new elements—ribbon, a special ornament, or unique topper—to refresh the look. Some of my pieces are eight or nine years old and still look great. Choosing classic ornaments you love and adding to that collection gradually is a more sustainable and sentimental approach than buying an entirely new set every year.
This year I included a mix of older favorites, handmade ornaments, and a few new pieces. I always keep a handful of DIY ornaments on the tree to add personality—small handmade wooden signs or painted pieces elevate a neutral palette and tell a story. I also added large white wooden stars that I fell in love with; they work well on the tree and as part of mantel decor.
Ribbon is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a tree. This season I chose a navy and green plaid ribbon that ties together blue and green accents I already use throughout the house. Ribbon can be looped vertically, tucked in layers to create fullness, or used in large bows for focal points. The color and texture of ribbon should support your overall palette—think of it as wearable jewelry for the tree.
I also use wrapping paper as part of the decorating plan. Coordinating gift wrap with your tree palette makes the whole corner feel cohesive. Choose a few patterns and mix them—solid, stripe, and a patterned design—so the stack of presents looks curated. Adding mini ornaments, sprigs of greenery, or hand-tied ribbon bows to packages adds charm and helps gifts feel like part of the display, rather than an afterthought.
Small details make a big difference: add a basket tree collar to ground the look, tuck ornaments deeper in the branches for dimension, and layer textures—matte glass, wooden beads, metallic bells, and natural elements like pinecones or dried orange slices. I use gold bells and other small accents on the mantel and stockings, too, so items move around the house and feel cohesive.
If you like a softer look, choose warm white lights and leave some of the tree tips unflocked to reveal green, which adds contrast. If you prefer a brighter, more modern aesthetic, mix white and metallic ornaments with pops of color in ribbon or a few statement pieces. Remember: balance is key. Distribute larger ornaments evenly and fill gaps with smaller pieces or ribbon loops.
I hope you enjoyed this little Christmas tree tour. If you haven’t seen the mantel yet, I decorated it to coordinate with the tree using similar colors and textures. I’ll be sharing a full Christmas home tour soon, so stay tuned for more holiday decorating ideas and simple tips to make your season beautiful and personal.
Shop the Christmas Tree Look:
To recreate this look, focus on a flocked tree or a green tree with added flocking, navy and green plaid ribbon, neutral and wooden ornaments, and a woven basket tree collar. Mix classic pieces you already own with one or two new statement ornaments and coordinate your wrapping for a polished result.
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