How to Style a Classic Plaid Christmas Tree
I always feel a sigh of relief when I finally get the Christmas tree up, partly because I’m not always sure what theme to do! This year, I went with a plaid Christmas tree, and I’m loving the classic and traditional vibe. If you’re mad for plaid, I hope you’ll like it too.
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Welcome to a Christmas Tree Decor Hop
If you haven’t started decorating your tree for Christmas yet, you’re in for a treat! I’m joining 19 other friends to bring you a variety of Christmas tree decorating ideas in this 5th annual Christmas tree decor hop.
Big thanks to Michelle from Our Crafty Mom who coordinates this tour of trees each year. Michelle is a talented blogger and a truly lovely person, so pay her a visit if you haven’t yet!
If you’re coming over from 2 Bees in a Pod, I’m sure you enjoyed the red and white Christmas tree Vicki and Jenn shared. Isn’t it cool they are a mother and daughter duo?!
I’m mixing red, white, and a splash of green in my tartan plaid Christmas tree decor. Let’s take a closer look.
A Plaid Christmas Tree Theme
When deciding on a theme for a Christmas tree, I have a simple formula that I like to use:
- Bold ribbon (or combo of ribbons)
- Sparkly floral picks and blooms
- Glitzy ornaments mixed with sentimental pieces
Oh, and there’s Christmas music playing in the background. That’s part of the formula, too.
If I still feel that the tree needs something more, I might add branches of berries, pine cones, or glittery stems. (What’s Christmas without glitter, right?)
1. It started with tartan plaid ribbon
This year, I decided to repurpose a theme I used for my classic Christmas decor tour last year. I couldn’t quite give up on the tartan plaid ribbon you see below.
This ribbon needed another 15 seconds of fame, so I gladly placed it on my tree to set the stage for my Christmas living room decor.
Shop Plaid Ribbon
2. Floral accents create more texture
To give a pop of white against the sea of green, I inserted a few large faux magnolia flowers around the Christmas tree. I didn’t even cut off the long stems because I’m sure I’ll be repurposing them again in the future!
I also like decorating my trees with sparkly floral stems for more texture. It makes all the difference!
I usually buy floral picks with a combination of textures and then break each pick into 2-3 mini stems. This helps me stretch it farther and also looks more cohesive on the tree.
To secure the picks to the tree, I use green pipe cleaner. You can barely see it in the photo above, but I promise no one notices from a distance!
Shop Floral Accents
3. My go-to red, green, and gold ornaments
I’ve now used these ornaments for the past few years with different Christmas tree themes. I’m glad they also worked with this year’s plaid Christmas tree.
Of course, I also like to mix in a few ornaments I cherish from trips we’ve taken. The little church house you see at the bottom is from our babymoon vacation in Asheville, NC.
Shop Christmas Ornaments
Bringing the Christmas Tree Look Together
To finish the tree, I found this retro star tree topper that lights up. Honestly, I wouldn’t have purchased this unless I had seen how pretty it is in person.
The other piece of “decor” I like to add is gift wrapping! I found some fun options for wrapping paper that would complement the tartan plaid ribbon on the tree.
I couldn’t choose between a rustic brown woodland paper and a plaid gift wrap set. Can a girl have too many rolls of wrapping paper? We’ll find out.
Now that the tree is dressed, I’m enjoying the glow of the lights in the evenings. I’m eagerly awaiting Christmas morning to share in our faith as a family and create more memories together.
Pin it for later!
I hope you enjoyed this little trip around the plaid Christmas tree. Don’t forget to check out my fellow bloggers below!
Next on your list are Beverly and Gloria from Across the Blvd who are sharing a fun and whimsical Santa tree.
More Christmas Tree Decor Ideas
Be sure to visit all the participating bloggers for decorating inspiration for your Christmas tree…
Our Crafty Mom // Red Cottage Chronicles// From House to Home// Simple Nature Decor
Virginia Sweet Pea// 2 Bees in a Pod// First Day of Home// Across the Boulevard
Simply Beautiful by Angela // Happily Ever After, etc.// Madness and Method// Zucchini Sisters
Purple Hues and Me// Tribe of Burton// My Pinterventures// Modern on Monticello
Jenron Designs// Design Morsels// Oh Fiddle Dee Dee // Redneck Rhapsody
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Crissy, I’m loving your traditional plaid tree! It coordinates so well with your mantel. The star is beautiful, too. Thanks for sharing your ribbon technique in the comments above…a few years ago I wrapped an entire roll of ribbon around my tree and it was quite tedious. Next time I’ll cut strips like you did! It was fun hopping with you, my friend. Pinned!
Thanks, Rebecca! Yeah, I’ve definitely started wrapping a tree only to find out my ribbon ran short. Not fun! It was fun hopping with you again, too! Have a great holiday season!
The colorful plaid ribbon pulled your whole Christmas look together perfectly! Pinned!
Thank you, Trina! This was a fun hop!
The ribbon is beautiful and deserves to be used again and again. Your tree is stunning this year. Thanks for being part of the hop.
Thank you, Donna! I’m definitely going to find another purpose for that ribbon next year too. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Chrissy, thank you for your kind words. I’m so happy you were able to join in this fun hop. I’m so in love with your traditional Christmas tree. The fun and festive colors are just so warm and inviting. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Michelle
Thanks, Michelle! It was a fun hop. Thanks again for being a great hostess!
Hi Crissy!
I am enjoying your posts! Everything is so lovely. Out of curiosity, do you use one long ribbon to wrap the tree or do you cut the ribbon in long strands and place them at various points around the tree. I am not able to tell from your pictures!
Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much! That’s a great question. I meant to talk about that in the post and might have to go back and add that in. I actually cut long pieces of the ribbon, enough to pinch the center and tuck it into the tree. This really helps stretch the ribbon farther, and it gives the illusion that it’s one long strand. I hope this helps!
I love the white magnolia’s against the green background, they’re so pretty! I do the same thing with the stems… adjusting them this way or that way so the long stems don’t show and I can repurpose them later! Such a good idea! Your entire tree is beautiful.
Thanks, Betsy! I know you love crafting as much as I do, so you always have to hang onto those stems, right? So glad to be on this hop with you!
Your tree is gorgeous, Crissy. I’m a big fan of plaid at the holidays and you used it to accent your pretty tree to perfection!
Thanks so much, my friend! I appreciate you stopping by.
Beautiful! I can see why you didn’t want to give up on the plaid ribbon. Your tree really does glow 🙂
Thanks, Erlene! It was fun joining you on this hop. I hope you enjoy the holidays!
Beautiful tree, Crissy! The tartan plaid has a warm and inviting look to it. It’s great that you could give that pretty ribbon more time to shine again this year. I love coordinating wrapping paper with my tree, too.
Thank you, Beverly! Yes, I love mixing things up in different places each year. I loved seeing your Santa collection as well. It’s fun to hop together again! Happy Holidays!
I think this might be my favorite one. I love plaid and your ribbon is so pretty. I love how you used it in so many different ways. Especially in your table centerpiece. It was fun hopping with you today.
Oh, thanks Andrea! That’s such a nice compliment! It’s always a joy to see how every person has a different style and artistic touch. It was fun hopping with you!
Your tree looks gorgeous every year, no matter what style or ornaments you choose! Love that star on the top, too!
Thank you, my friend! I always love trying to switch it up a bit without starting from scratch each year.
Your Christmas tree is gorgeous, Crissy. I think your plaid ribbon is the most beautiful that I’ve ever seen.
Thank you, Paula. I love how you used your plaid ribbon too. It’s great to see all the variations in trees and ribbons.
I love a traditional tartan plaid tree it always makes me think of the holidays, very classic and so very pretty.
Thank you, Jen! Loved your tour as well. That color scheme you used is gorgeous!
The tartan plaid reminds me so much of a traditional Christmas… and I can’t get over how AMAZING your tree looks all lit with the matching presents 🙂
Thanks, Nicole! It was fun to try something new but still use something old. Now it sounds like I just need something borrowed and something blue. Ha! Happy Holidays!
I love your Christmas tree and mantel decor, Crissy! The plaid ribbon with the berries and flowers is so pretty.
Thank you, Wanda! Your nutcracker tree was sooo beautiful too. Happy Holidays!
Crissy – we absolutely love your plaid Christmas tree. Red was calling to us this year as well. There is something to be said for traditional decor – and you have done it so well!
Thanks, ladies! I loved your adorable red and white theme, too! It was fun hopping with you again.
How pretty and inviting, Crissy! Using plaid in decorating your lovely tree always gives off a charming holiday look that never goes out of style! I love it!
Thank you, Gail! I loved seeing all the variety this year. It’s such a fun way to spread some holiday cheer!
Wow very impressive, the ribbon throughout truly makes the tree. I love how it coordinated with the mantel.
Thanks, Maria! It was fun hopping with you again!