Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas: Four Styles with Glass Ornaments
Every family has its own way of decorating the tree, but most trees fall into one of four styles. Here's how to get each one right, and where handmade glass fits in.
The classic tree
Red, gold and green, warm white lights and a star or angel on top. The secret to a classic tree that doesn't look like a shop window is variety: mix plain baubles with a few hand-painted baubles and some traditional figures like lucky mushrooms and Santas. Browse our full range of baubles.
The elegant tree
Silver, gold, white and crystal, with plenty of sparkle. Clip a few feather-tailed birds onto the branch tips, and try something unexpected: pin a few crystal Christmas brooches onto a velvet ribbon garland. Our premium picks are made for this kind of tree.
The modern tree
Fewer ornaments, more space, one or two colours. A modern tree works best with a handful of statement pieces rather than dozens of small ones. Reflector baubles, with their light-catching dimples, look striking on a pared-back tree.
The family story tree
Every ornament means something: a holiday, a hobby, a first Christmas. It's the most personal style, and kids love it. Start with ornaments for each family member's interests (our hobbies, pets and kids collections are a good place to begin), and consider starting the annual ornament tradition.
No room for a whole tree? Hang the tree instead
You don’t need a six-foot fir to have a Christmas tree. A glass Christmas tree ornament gives you the shape and sparkle in a few centimetres, on a shelf hook, a window, a mantel or a lamp. Our tree with presents, tree with trains and gingerbread tree are good places to start, or browse all our Christmas tree ornaments.
Small spaces, rentals and offices are made for this: group three or four trees of different sizes on a sideboard, add a string of fairy lights, and you have a whole forest. Also see this tree and this one.
A note for Australian trees
Short on space, or celebrating in 35-degree heat? A tabletop tree with a few mini ornaments brings the feeling without the fuss, and our Australian-themed baubles give any style a local twist.
Whichever style you choose, don't forget the stories behind your ornaments: our A–Z of ornament meanings has plenty of ideas.
Updated November 2026