How to Style a Classic Plaid Christmas Tree

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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.

Christmas tree with plaid ribbon and red and gold accents next to Christmas mantel with garland. Text overlay reads "Christmas Tree Decor"

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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.

Collage of 20 Christmas tree decorations with text overlay reading "5th Annual Christmas Tree Decor Tour"

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.

Red tartan plaid ribbon on Christmas tree

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!

Christmas tree decorations with white magnolias

I also like decorating my trees with sparkly floral stems for more texture. It makes all the difference!

Christmas tree with white magnolias and floral stems with red berries and frosted branches
Floral pick with frosted stems, pine cones, and berries

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.

Close up of plaid Christmas tree ornaments with red, gold, and green accents

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.

Star Christmas tree topper on tartan plaid Christmas tree

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.

Christmas tree decorations and Christmas mantel at night

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.

Christmas tree decorations and Christmas mantel at night

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!

Collage of plaid Christmas tree decorations, including tree topper and ornaments. Text overlay reads "Christmas Tree Decorations"

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.

First Day of Home signature

More Christmas Tree Decor Ideas

Christmas Tree Decor Blog Hop feature image

Be sure to visit all the participating bloggers for decorating inspiration for your Christmas tree…

Christmas Tree decor collage of four

Our Crafty Mom // Red Cottage Chronicles// From House to Home// Simple Nature Decor

Christmas Tree decor collage of four

Virginia Sweet Pea// 2 Bees in a Pod// First Day of Home// Across the Boulevard

Christmas Tree Decor Blog Hop collage of four

Simply Beautiful by Angela // Happily Ever After, etc.// Madness and Method// Zucchini Sisters

Christmas Tree Decor Blog Hop collage of four

Purple Hues and Me// Tribe of Burton// My Pinterventures// Modern on Monticello

Christmas Tree Decor Blog Hop collage of four

Jenron Designs// Design Morsels// Oh Fiddle Dee Dee // Redneck Rhapsody

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38 Comments

  1. 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!

    1. 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!

  2. 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

  3. 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!

    1. 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!

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

    1. 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!

  6. 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.

    1. 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!

    1. 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!