Garland First: The Ultimate Christmas Tree Decorating Guide

Christopher Jul 25, 2026

When decorating a Christmas tree, one of the most debated topics is whether to put the garland on first or the ornaments. This age-old question has sparked a heated discussion among holiday enthusiasts, with each side presenting compelling arguments. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Christmas tree decorating and explore the intricacies of garland placement.

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Designer Secrets & Real Mistakes
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: Designer Secrets & Real Mistakes

The debate surrounding garland placement is largely due to the varying styles and preferences of individuals. Some people swear by the classic approach of placing garlands on the tree first, while others prefer to add the ornaments and then adorn the tree with garlands. Both methods have their merits, and it ultimately comes down to personal taste.

how to decorate a christmas tree step by step guide
how to decorate a christmas tree step by step guide

Garland Placement: The Classic Approach

The traditional method of placing garlands on the tree first is a timeless approach that exudes elegance and sophistication. This method involves wrapping garlands around the tree, often in a flowing, curved pattern, to create a beautiful and cohesive look. The garland serves as a stunning backdrop for the ornaments, which can then be added to create a festive and inviting atmosphere.

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Professional Designer
How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Professional Designer

One of the primary advantages of this approach is that it allows for a sense of continuity and flow throughout the tree. By placing the garland first, you can create a seamless transition between the different sections of the tree, making it easier to add ornaments and other decorations. This method is particularly effective for those who prefer a more subtle, understated look.

Advantages of the Classic Approach

two christmas wreaths are hanging on the fireplace
two christmas wreaths are hanging on the fireplace

One of the most significant advantages of the classic approach is its ability to create a sense of cohesion and flow throughout the tree. By placing the garland first, you can ensure that the different sections of the tree blend together seamlessly, creating a visually appealing and balanced look.

Another benefit of this approach is that it allows for a sense of flexibility and adaptability when adding ornaments. With the garland in place, you can easily add or remove ornaments as needed, ensuring that the tree remains balanced and visually appealing. This method is particularly useful for those who prefer to add ornaments gradually, rather than all at once.

Limitations of the Classic Approach

How To String Garland on a Christmas Tree
How To String Garland on a Christmas Tree

One of the primary limitations of the classic approach is that it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Wrapping garlands around the tree can be a tedious process, especially for those with large or complex trees. Additionally, the garland may not be evenly spaced, which can create an unbalanced look.

Another limitation of this approach is that it can be difficult to achieve a uniform look. With the garland in place, it can be challenging to add ornaments in a way that creates a cohesive and visually appealing look. This method requires a great deal of planning and attention to detail to achieve a polished and professional look.

Garland Placement: The Ornament-First Approach

24 Inspiring Christmas Tree Garland Ideas for a Full Festive Look
24 Inspiring Christmas Tree Garland Ideas for a Full Festive Look

The opposite approach involves placing ornaments on the tree first and then adding garlands to create a more dynamic and festive look. This method is particularly effective for those who prefer a more playful and whimsical approach to Christmas tree decorating.

One of the primary advantages of this approach is that it allows for a greater sense of creativity and experimentation. By placing ornaments first, you can create a unique and personalized look that reflects your individual style and preferences. This method is particularly useful for those who enjoy trying new and innovative approaches to Christmas tree decorating.

Transform Your Tree: Step-by-Step Christmas Tree Decorations
Transform Your Tree: Step-by-Step Christmas Tree Decorations
34K views · 2K reactions | Tree Decorating Tip! Some will know all about this small but mighty hack, it’s been around for years but plenty of us are still learning how to get perfectly positioned baubles on our Christmas trees and garlands!  The answer - ornament hooks! Simply cut off the string, attached a hook and away you go! Bend, twist or hang your bauble in the perfect place every single time - it’s how the pros do it! 🫶🏻 Tap my Amazon storefront link at the top of my main page and check out the Christmas folder to see which ones I purchased. ***Don’t forget, anything I receive from Amazon gets donated to a local children’s charity so when you shop with me please know you are giving back at the same time this Christmas (even if it’s a few pence, eventually it adds up 🫶🏻)*** Love always, E x x  #christmashacks #christmasdecor #christmasdecorations #baubles #bauble #christmastree #christmastreedecorating #christmascrafts | Elle Beadle
34K views · 2K reactions | Tree Decorating Tip! Some will know all about this small but mighty hack, it’s been around for years but plenty of us are still learning how to get perfectly positioned baubles on our Christmas trees and garlands! The answer - ornament hooks! Simply cut off the string, attached a hook and away you go! Bend, twist or hang your bauble in the perfect place every single time - it’s how the pros do it! 🫶🏻 Tap my Amazon storefront link at the top of my main page and check out the Christmas folder to see which ones I purchased. ***Don’t forget, anything I receive from Amazon gets donated to a local children’s charity so when you shop with me please know you are giving back at the same time this Christmas (even if it’s a few pence, eventually it adds up 🫶🏻)*** Love always, E x x #christmashacks #christmasdecor #christmasdecorations #baubles #bauble #christmastree #christmastreedecorating #christmascrafts | Elle Beadle
christmas tree decorating guide for the grand grandma's calendar with numbers and lights
christmas tree decorating guide for the grand grandma's calendar with numbers and lights
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Pro Step by Step!
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Pro Step by Step!
🎄 The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro ✨
🎄 The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro ✨
How To Decorate A Christmas Garland - Directions From A Pro
How To Decorate A Christmas Garland - Directions From A Pro
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Step by Step
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Step by Step
Ornament garland tree ♥️ #shorts
Ornament garland tree ♥️ #shorts
3.2M views · 32K reactions | We don’t gatekeep the best Christmas decorating hacks around here!! Did you know this one?! And if not, I hope it helps you this Christmas season! 🙌🏼 . . . #fblifestyl | Ana at Sunrise Valley Farm Co.
3.2M views · 32K reactions | We don’t gatekeep the best Christmas decorating hacks around here!! Did you know this one?! And if not, I hope it helps you this Christmas season! 🙌🏼 . . . #fblifestyl | Ana at Sunrise Valley Farm Co.

Advantages of the Ornament-First Approach

One of the most significant advantages of the ornament-first approach is its ability to create a more dynamic and festive look. By placing ornaments first, you can create a sense of energy and movement throughout the tree, making it a more engaging and interactive experience.

Another benefit of this approach is that it allows for a greater sense of flexibility and adaptability when adding garlands. With the ornaments in place, you can easily add or remove garlands as needed, ensuring that the tree remains balanced and visually appealing. This method is particularly useful for those who prefer to add garlands gradually, rather than all at once.

Limitations of the Ornament-First Approach

One of the primary limitations of the ornament-first approach is that it can be more challenging to achieve a uniform look. With the ornaments in place, it can be difficult to add garlands in a way that creates a cohesive and visually appealing look. This method requires a great deal of planning and attention to detail to achieve a polished and professional look.

Another limitation of this approach is that it can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive. Adding ornaments to the tree can be a tedious process, especially for those with large or complex trees. Additionally, the ornaments may not be evenly spaced, which can create an unbalanced look.

Ultimately, the decision to place garlands on the tree first or to add them later is a personal one. Both methods have their merits, and it's essential to consider your individual style, preferences, and decorating needs. Whether you prefer a classic, elegant look or a more dynamic and festive approach, there's a method that suits your taste and preferences. By understanding the intricacies of garland placement, you can create a Christmas tree that reflects your unique personality and style.