WATERFORD STYLE GUIDE: HOW DO YOU DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE?


The Christmas Tree – with abundant good reason – is considered the centrepiece of your festive décor. While all the details matter, and the supporting cast needs time and attention, how you decorate your tree sets the tone for your festive aesthetic. 

It’s a complex thing, but it can be made simple. At base, it breaks down into two broad styles: traditional and modern. Allow us to walk you through styles, themes decorations and ideas that you can use to festoon your festive fir.  
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TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE DÉCOR

This is an easy one really. If you close your eyes and say ‘traditional Christmas tree décor’ to yourself, the images are clear: reds and greens, gilded accents, snowflakes, gift boxes, glittering baubles, a golden star atop the summit.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. Tradition doesn’t become tradition because it’s old, it becomes tradition because it’s beloved.

Some Waterford pieces are ideal for matching up with this aesthetic. Our crystal baubles, for example, come in a range of shapes, including a Lismore Bauble and Lismore Bell decked out in a classic rich green.

Match these up with wooden or fabric Christmas decorations for a warm, welcoming look that would not have looked out of place in Christmases past.

MODERN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

On the other hand, you have more modern interpretations of what would be considered your heritage or historical Christmas looks. With our Origami Crystal Ornaments, for example, Waterford has looked at traditional festive forms – Snow Crystal, Cross, Angel and Snow Star – through a different creative lens and represented them in a clean, contemporary way with bold cuts that mimic those of careful origami folds.

Introducing bold bolts of colour offers an effortless and modern touch to your holiday decor. This year, we’re releasing our Origami Butterfly Ornament in a range of eye-catching shades, with a yellow edition available only on Waterford.com and an in-store exclusive blue version, shoppable within the US.

Contemporary tree toppers too can be almost anything, from cartoon characters to something crafted by your family. Express yourself and reach the top your way.

UNIQUE DECORATIONS FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Another type of Christmas tree decoration falls between the two main themes: metal ornaments. The construction, design and character of these designs mean they can match a modern or classic Christmas tree look.

Waterford’s Gold Nutcracker piece, for example, echoes the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker, and fits in perfectly on a traditional tree. Other gold ornaments however take a more playful slant, with our Rocketship, Shrimp, Triceratops and Clown pieces all redolent of a more contemporary approach.

Similarly, other metallic finishes can be used both ways, with our Teddy, Clown and Spaceman figurines not just clad in attractive silver but also articulated so their limbs can move.

One fun idea to really personalise your tree is to search out decorations that reflect your own personality, for example, your favourite films or music. An eclectic range of pieces from all your family means your tree tells your story.

SHOP MORE UNIQUE DECORATIONS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

Now it’s time to put your creative instincts to the forefront and explore your own personal festive aesthetic. Whatever and however you create and curate, we hope you celebrate Christmas in style.