1. THE WRONG SIZE TREE
For some of us, choosing the perfect Christmas tree has become as big a ritual as the decorating itself. As tempting as it might be to choose the biggest, fluffiest tree you can find, be sure to bear in mind whether it's the right shape and height for your space. The same goes for artificial trees, too. The notion behind this is pretty self-explanatory. If you have a big living room, you'll need a big tree to look proportional to the room size and really make an impression. For renters or those who live in apartments, opt for a small Christmas tree. On a more specific note, you'll want to leave at least a foot between the top of your tree and the ceiling to avoid bending your branches and making the room look too small.
2. THE WRONG NUMBER OF BAUBLES
If you're anything like my Mom, when it comes to decorating with baubles, you won't be able to resist using every one you own (after all, they only come out once a year - they deserve to be have their moment, right?). The thing is, if you have an especially large collection of baubles, using every single one will end up overcrowding your tree. 'While the number of baubles you need will vary depending on your tree and your decorations, getting an even coverage - be that maximalist or minimalist - of baubles is important for a balanced look,' says Jennifer, interior design expert at Balsam Hill.
3. THE SIZE OF THE DECORATIONS
Besides perfecting the right amount of baubles, the size of your decorations will come into play. In general, you'll want a range of different-sized baubles to avoid your Christmas tree looking too uniform and two-dimensional. 'Your decorations will work in tandem with your tree,' notes Jennifer. 'It goes without saying that the larger your baubles the less you’ll need to cover your tree but incorporating decorations of different sizes will always be more interesting to the eye. What's more, extra large baubles may look out of proportion on a small tree.'
4. A LACK OF A THEME
Just as a curated sense of style pays off in the rest of your home, the same applies to your tree. If you put extra thought into themed decoration when dressing your tree, the results will pay off.
5. NOT SPREADING DECORATIONS EVENLY THROUGH THE TREE
Are you guilty of only hanging your decorations on the outermost branches of your tree? Then that might be why it lacks dimension. Be sure to add plenty of decorations deep into the innermost branches to add depth.
6. FORGETTING A TOPPER
It might be the last decoration, but it's certainly not least - the tree topper! 'Don’t forget to top off your decorations in style,' says Jennifer. 'You shouldn’t feel tied to the traditional star or angels; feel free to change your topper as your theme demands! You can create unique toppers very easily with paper or cards which can then be recycled if you don’t feel you’ll need them again for future Christmasses.'
7. FAILING TO PRIORITIZE SUSTAINABILITY
It's 2023, so that means there's no excuse for throwing away cheap, non-recyclable Christmas tree decorations this year. Time to embrace more sustainable living when it comes to your Christmas decor. 'No matter how wild you choose to go with your decorations, choosing sustainable options will always make things more refined,' says James. 'Wooden tree decorations, paper garlands and reusable crackers are all on offer this year. Choosing to be more eco-friendly with your Christmas theme shows thoughtfulness, which is always classy and very on-trend. No matter how tacky you end up going, your sustainability efforts will make it tasteful.'