If you’re already thinking about your festive decor, look no further for inspiration than our curation of the must-have Christmas tree themes for 2023.
Decorating your Christmas tree is a fun and joyful experience to get you feeling festive, and whether you choose the best real Christmas trees for your home or opt for an artificial Christmas tree in bright and bold hues, the possibilities are endless.
These suggestions bring together the latest Christmas tree colour trends along with our favourite Christmas tree decorating ideas for 2023 but remember, the most important thing is to pick a festive theme that you love and adore and will return to for years to come.
12 Christmas tree themes to try in 2023
The biggest Christmas tree themes for this year take into consideration the latest coordinated colour schemes, stylish baubles, and luxe lighting to decorate the tree like a professional.
1. Candy cane delights
Good enough to eat, quite literally in some instances, sweeten the deal this festive season with a candy cane-themed Christmas tree.
"Christmas trees are looking fun this year with a nod to lifting our spirits," says Emma Morton-Turner, an interior stylist, writer and founder of Inside Stylists. "There are tons of brightly coloured sweetie decorations and oversized candy canes - think what a tree would look like if Willy Wonka went mad at this time of year. Oversized and over fun. I'm so here for it."
Think of a red and white colour scheme, over-the-top ornaments, and plenty of real candy canes, lollipops, and hanging sweet treats for good measure. Of course, if you're worried about little hands helping themselves to real treats you could opt for sweet-themed decorations instead of the real thing.
£1.50 | A simple bauble filled with mini candy canes, topped off with a red and white candy cane striped ribbon is just the thing to encapsulate this characterful Christmas tree theme.
£18.50 | New for this year are these stylish glass candy cane baubles which are sold as a set of three. These elegant designs feel like the grown-up way to indulge in this sweet theme.
£8 | It may not be shaped like a candy cane but this swirly decoration is a deliciously fun ornament to support this red and white striped Christmas tree theme.
2. Rustic charm
Modern country and rustic home decor have remained a top interior design trend in 2023, so it’s no surprise that this simple, laid-back style will lend itself to the Christmas tree themes of the 2023 festive period.
Incorporate this trend with homespun accessories like handmade garlands, rattan Christmas tree topper ideas, and plenty of earth-toned, muted hues. Warm lights are a must for this look, to emulate the soft glow of ambient candlelight and roaring fires which are synonymous with country style.
£!2 | This understated willow star decoration offers a simple yet stylish finishing touch for any rustic Christmas tree theme.
£24.90 | Warm lights are the essential ingredient when dressing a rustic Christmas tree theme because it needs to excude warmth to get the look right.
£39.50 | Hide any tree base perfectly with a little help from this attractive rustic tree skirt. It comes in three interlocking sections for easy installation.
3. Glam gold
For a classic festive decorating scheme that exudes sophistication, opt for a gold Christmas tree theme. If you're wondering how to decorate a Christmas tree with this metallic scheme, consider glass ornaments, metallic ribbons, stars, and hints of sparkle.
For most, a gold look is unapologetically glam but you can also make it feel more muted if you choose matt gold finishes, rather than shiny attention-grabbing gold Christmas decorations.
£2.50 | Add understated glam to your tree with the addition of this embossed metal decoration. Sold individually means you can add as little or as many as you desire.
£10 | Welcome gold and glitter in abundance with this pack of two hanging decorations. The oversized glittery flowers are ideal to add a glam touch to a gold Christmas tree.
£8.99 | Cover all gold bases with this selection box of 36 hanging shatterproof baubles in a variety of different finishes –including glitter, shiny, disco ball, matt and etched.
4. Scaled-back Scandi style
When the minimalist style is too little but the other schemes feel too much there are always Scandi influences to set the scene with ease.
"The casual Icelandic retreat trend is perfect for those who favour a reduced colour palette and natural textures," says Claire Douglas, an interior stylist and regular contributor here at w&h.
"I love linens and rustic ceramics, so this calm aesthetic really appeals to me. The trend will work well in a neutrally decorated room and is a great way to create a cosy feel despite the pared-back styling. It's subtle but stylish and is sure to be a popular one for Christmas 2023".
£15 | This set of 4 delicate porcelain bird decorations add a subtle nod to Christmas traditions. The jute hanging ribbon adds a lovely rustic touch.
£10 | Simple, understated yet effortlessly stylish – these honeycomb tree decorations are the epitome of Scandinavian style.
£6 | It's a snowflake decoration but not as we know it! This quirky design is snowflakes stacked to form the silhouette of a Christmas tree.
5. Natural wonder
Inspired by nature, this year’s emerging festive trend celebrates the natural beauty of winter woodland, keeping decoration colors neutral or derived from nature.
"This Christmas tree theme captures the essence of woodland charm, but is simplistic and accessible in nature," explains Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill. "Introducing fresh natural foliage, and mixing earthy neutrals and touches of frosty snowy whites to create a soothing and enchanting look.
"Incorporating classic festive greenery into decorating schemes will instantly lift a room, but the complementary tones of oatmeal, verdant greens, and pale woods will elevate the look and make it feel instantly more contemporary."
£4.50 | Amazing value, this pack of 20 assorted baubles has everything you need to achieve this Christmas tree theme - with green, gold and champagne coloured decorations.
£21.99 | This beautifully crafted set of wooden Christmas tree baubles, designed to add a touch of folk-inspired charm to a natural Christmas tree theme.
£18.50 | Go glam and green with this elegant set of 21 glass baubles including matte, gloss and transparent finishes in rich spruce green shades – all in a selection of three sizes and feature gold caps.
6. Merry, bright and bonkers
Some would say that Christmas is the ideal time to be bold with colour choices because it's not permanent, so for those people, there are merry and bright Christmas tree themes to embrace bold hues for the holidays. Amongst the celebration of colour are the novelty characters too.
"Novelty is still key for Christmas 2023," says Emma. "With glass decorations in the shape of everything from sushi to knitting needles and balls of wool. More things to make us smile."
Whether decorating alpine spruce or a snowy white tree, add bright and colourful ornaments and accessories to bring a playful pop of colour to your festive space. A bohemian mix of jewel-toned brights to welcome a kaleidoscope of festive colour, all of which will omit a warm glow when illuminated by the tree lights.
£2.50 | A smiling sprout in a Christmas cracker hat, what's not to love? This cheeky little chap is sure to make everyone smile during the festivities.
£20 | One for all the GBBO fans, this kitsch glass stand mixer is a charming spin on a kitchen essential but for the tree – love, love LOVE. You can throw this into the mix with any colour scheme too.
£8 | A decoration every Dachshund owner should hang on their tree, this cute little felt pup is lit up by a string of colourful festoon lights. This design is part of the playful 'Rainbow Time Capsule' collection of decorations.
7. Frosted silver
On the opposite side of the metallic colour scale is silver for an icier approach to using gilded tones. From frosted silver trees to glitzy decorations and cold-hued lights, a silver Christmas tree theme gives a more polished look ideal for contemporary glam decor.
From matt pewter tones to high-shine silver baubles and glitter-covered ornaments a mix of silver touches adds depth to this effortlessly cool theme. Silver can be effortlessly supported by white decorations that add to the snowy, iced aspect of the colour palette.
£8 | We love this chic silver decoration that feels like a mirage of iridescent blues and pinky tones, perfect to add a little touch of 'extra' to a silver Christmas tree theme,
£27.99 | Cover all styles of baubles with this generous selection box 42 silver decorations, from silver stars to textured swirls there's a silver bauble to suit all.
£10 for 3 | Make a big impact with three silver baubles, including disco bauble designs. The giant baubles measure 16cm each in diameter.
8. Traditional red and gold
Another traditional Christmas tree theme, red and gold Christmas trees are a classic choice that provides a timeless style that will look great in any space. Some of the best Christmas decorations come in these colorways too, so you won't be short on choices.
This colour scheme is best suited to a natural-looking fir tree to welcome a touch of green foliage which acts as an accent colour. And because the look is more traditional you can add woodland touches via the decorations to create a cosy cabin feel that adds to the ambience.
£10.99 | This 40-piece box contains red and green glitter Christmas balls, snowflakes and reindeer-shaped tree decorations Xmas to encapsulate all the traditional festive favourites.
£7 | If you love this traditional Christmas tree theme you can't go wrong with this 25 by 18cm bell bauble. Topped with frosted artificial leaves to add a rustic touch.
£18.50 | Add an elegant touch to your traditional red dnd green Christmas tree theme with the addition of this set of 4 luxurious velvet bows in deep red.
9. Understated minimalism
With the busy world outside, many of us have come to embrace the “less is more” mindset when it comes to our homes. Incorporate this into your holiday decorating and opt for a minimalist Christmas tree theme that makes just the right style statement without overwhelming your living space.
A deep green fir tree is best, decorated with simple ornaments, neutral colors, and a wicker Christmas tree skirt to add a stylish yet simple finishing touch.
£27.99 | This is Wayfiar's choice of the best tree collar, aka tree skirt. This white-washed woven design is the ideal solution for a thoughtfully decorated minimalist tree.
£6.50 for 6 | When you're keeping the decorations minimal you can afford to up the scent to appeal even more to the senses. ScentSicles are ideal for making your artificial tree smell like it's cut fresh from an alpine forest.
£10 for 12 | Almost undetectable to the eye and yet powerful enough to reflect and capture light, these mini glass tear-shaped baubles are the epitome of understated chic.
10. Snowy sophistication
Snow-tipped Christmas trees will ensure that a white Christmas is a reality whatever the weather. With a snowy Christmas tree, it’s best to keep things simple – just add warm string lights and white or pastel ornaments to bring everything together.
You can also work this Christmas tree theme into your Christmas centrepiece ideas too, for a pulled-together holiday decor scheme.
£8 | Glistening Glass Bauble Who better to cater for the sophisticated white style than The White Company? Effortlessly achieving the look with this new white-frosted glass ornament
£6.50 | A simple gloss white bauble is brought to life with the addition of silver ebellishment and diamond-like droplets that give it a touch of sparkle.
£40 | Ideal for those who don't have a white flocked tree but what to get the look, this 270cm statement tinsel garland packs plenty of punch when it comes to added statement snowy white.
11. Floral fancy
Get in bloom this holiday season with a floral Christmas tree. Add your favourite faux flowers and bring a touch of spring blooms to winter with this unique tree style.
Simply place faux flower heads of your best cottage garden plants such as roses and hydrangeas in between the branches of your festive tree to welcome a floral touch to your decorating. You can still add complimentary coloured feathers, baubles, and ornaments to enhance the flowers and fill out the tree.
£16.99 | Keep your flower of choice traditional with this set of 24 golden Christmas flowers, with golden glitter flowers and off-white petals, to create a harmonious and natural look.
£10.99 | Add a dazzling pink touch of sparkle with these glittered poinsettia flower Christmas tree ornaments, sold as a set of 24 in assorted sizes.
£10 | Welcome a touch of boho vibes with the addition of artificial pampas grass stems. The feathery foliage offers great coverage so you would only need a few to make an impact.
12. Rainbow colour schemes
This Christmas, consider a kaleidoscope of color placed in order of a rainbow to really make a statement. Create a gradient effect with different hues of your favorite shades, or go all out with bold and brights. Finish the look with fairy lights and an oversized tree topper.
£12.50 | Add a bright mix of satin ribbons to the ends of your tree branches to make the rainbow colours really standout.
£15 | Adorn your tree with a riot of colourful baubles with the help of this set of 9 shatterproof designs. A mix of glitter and stripes they add a fun touch to the overall asethetic.
£6 | Tinsel is back! Draping a length of rainbow-coloured tinsel is an easy way to add bold colours to your festive decorating scheme.
How to choose a Christmas tree theme for your home
When choosing a Christmas tree theme, you should consider your overall design aesthetic, and opt for pieces that you can use year after year, minimizing overall cost and waste. Rachel Epstein, design specialist and creative director of CARME Home says that it's important to think about existing themes when choosing a tree.
"Christmas trees are a standout feature of the home and so you'll want to choose a theme that complements your interiors without clashing with your décor. The main things to consider when choosing a theme are the colour and lighting," she tells Woman & Home. "The colour of the decorations should complement your tree as well as the rest of the room.
"For lighting, stick with your current lighting tones, so if you have warm lighting go for warm lights. Contrasting lighting is a big no!"
Rachel says that a fashionable and cosy Christmas tree is "essentially a balancing act". Each time you place a decoration try to coordinate where the next one will go and think about the size, color, and texture of the items.
"Start with your standout decorations and place them in the prime locations making sure that each section of the tree has a good standout bauble. A great tip to make your tree look taller is to hang any large decorations at the bottom and keep going smaller towards the top," she notes.
"A classic mistake people always make is forgetting about the tinsel or lights! Place these on first and then your decorations, there's nothing worse than weaving lights in and out of your filled-up Christmas tree."
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