This holiday season, the white Christmas tree is making a splash, adding a luxe, modern twist to festive decor. Not only does it offer a clean, sophisticated look that sidesteps the mess of shedding pine needles, but it's also part of the growing shift toward faux trees as a sustainable, reusable option. This never-out-of-fashion color scheme is one we can really get on board with.
Decorating a white Christmas tree opens up a host of creative possibilities, inviting questions about color choices, ornaments, and where to place this wintery showstopper. Should you go for subtle accents to let the white shine, or complement it with bold colors to make it festive and lively?
From elegant frost-tipped branches to sleek metallic finishes, these are the Livingetc team's favorite options. We've also turned to designers and decor experts to share their insights on how to make the most of this year’s most expensive-looking, stylish Christmas tree idea. Whether yours is a grand living room centerpiece or a tabletop showpiece, this Christmas tree trend offers a fresh backdrop for creating a holiday look that's uniquely you.
1. Embrace a natural, color-drenched aesthetic
Color-drenching has been 2024's hottest interior design trend, so why not double down at Christmas? A white, snow-covered faux tree that captures the beauty of a freshly frosted evergreen needs no adornment.
"I'm a big proponent for a flocked Christmas tree," says UK Editor Hugh Metcalf, "especially in a neutral space where the dark green of a classic tree can feel like it's upsetting the harmonious balance of your room. A flocked tree isn't as 'artificial'-looking as a pure white tree, but still tempers out your palette, meaning you still get that traditional Christmas look."
Lovers of minimalist interior design can keep the scheme subtle by choosing simple, understated decorations that enhance the tree’s natural appearance without overwhelming it.
For a color-drenched effect, consider adding folded paper stars, snowflakes, or mini origami birds (all at Amazon) in neutral tones to achieve a soft, understated effect. For a cohesive look, add a frosted finish to these decorations with snow-effect craft supplies, such as DecoArt Snow-Tex, available at Amazon, to blend perfectly with the "freshly snowed" aesthetic. This will add texture and depth to your decorations, making them feel like a natural extension of the snow-covered tree.
To keep it looking as natural as possible, skip the string lights in favor of a freestanding light installation in the background. This gentle, indirect lighting adds warmth and depth, casting a soft glow that complements the tree's understated charm.
2. Opt for frosty white tips
For a more alternative Christmas tree look, try frost-white tips. You can either buy your tree with these white tips as is or get your Christmas craft hat on with a green faux tree that you color yourself. You can buy Christmas tree flocking spray or flocking powder at Amazon, both of which will give you that coveted Christmas greenery and a winter wonderland vibe with ease.
"I am not a fan of full-size white Christmas trees, as they remind me of the 1970s kitsch decor of my childhood," comments Lucy Searle, Content Director for Audience at Livingetc. "However, I love, love, love the elegance of this look. I would add no further decorations to this tree, apart from, perhaps, a topper."
This look also works if you don't want to go down the fake tree route, and want to have the scent and freshness given off by a real Christmas tree in the corner of your living room. Take inspiration from the example above — a beautifully simple alternative to traditional ornaments is to fill your tree with gypsophila stems, which will dry as the festive season progresses. You can also buy artificial alternatives, such as these long-stem artificial gypsophila flowers, from Walmart.
3. Go for a minimalist sprayed twig tree
As an alternative to Christmas excess, why not make a statement and choose a stark and unadorned tree? This bold touch can really act as a counterpoint to the festive bacchanalia whirling around it. Consider a birch tree style with lovely ribbed details on the trunk and winter white branches.
Add your own decor — off-white or cream string lights work well — and maybe the occasional perfectly positioned ornament or two. "A white tree really glows when you add string lights and the neutral color can work with virtually any scheme, offering the perfect blank canvas. If you prefer a boho feel with a simple, natural look that perfectly captures wintertime, a simple white tree is the perfect base for natural rattan ornaments, feathery lit pampas grasses, and glass ornaments filled with dried flowers and grasses," says Dani Taylor, creative director at Cox & Cox.
Keeping with the Scandinavian Christmas decor, a snowy carpet underneath — or sheepskin rug, such as this sheepskin Christmas tree skirt from Amazon — can add to the magical feel, allowing the tree to stand apart majestically from the hubbub. Wrapping your Christmas presents in white or silver paper will keep with the theme.
With its energy-efficient LED lights and elegant design, this 6ft emulational birch tree brings a magical glow to your holiday decor with minimal effort.
4. Go for mini white trees on a tablescape
White Christmas trees needn't be full sized; why not consider them as part of your Christmas table decor ideas to usher in the magic of the festive season? First and foremost, think about what kind of look you want for your table. Instead of an indulgent spread rich in color and candles, why not go simple with an all-white theme. You could dot small white Christmas trees across the center of your table as a charming holiday centerpiece, or decorate consoles or buffets with a cluster of white Christmas trees in various sizes.
"Twinkling with magical lights, a row of little white brush trees adds a Nordic touch and makes the perfect easy Christmas table centerpiece or Christmas mantel display," adds Dani.
5. Create a vignette with Christmas white tree ornaments
"White Christmas trees as entryway table decor make for an expensive-looking display that's contemporary and chic," says Interiors Editor Emma Breislin. "I particularly love the soft glow you can get from them if you use a light up paper Christmas tree, such as this one from Amazon, which offers a playful and creative alternative."
To replicate this look, group ornaments in small clusters and pair them with complementary Christmas decor, such as paper stars to tie together a paper-theme, a snow-themed painting, or even a vase of white flowers to tie the scene together.
Choose a mix of sizes, textures, to create visual interest while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive. More of our favorites are below.
We love these Christmas tree ornaments for their simplicity and charm, adding a soft, tactile element that acts as the foundation to your holiday vignette.
6. Use white lights on a white tree
The magic of Christmas may remind us of our childhood days, but that doesn't have to mean masses of multi-colored, blinking tree lights piled on the tree in an artless manner. White Christmas tree lights — twinkling or not — styled beautifully over all-white branches look beautiful, expensive, and much more elegant than contrasting colored ones. This monochrome option allows you to be more adventurous with the shape of the bulbs — tiny lightbulbs, little Moroccan souk-style lamps, even icicles, or snowflake string lights, from Walmart work well to denote a wintry theme.
White, cream, and off-white lights on a white Christmas tree also work well together, the different temperatures of the bulb's lights enhancing your tree's snowy depths.
6. Hanker after glamour? Make white metallic
If a plain old white Christmas tree doesn't have the glitz you love in the festive season, why not choose one with a metallic finish to add more shine to your Christmas scheme?
"The holidays are not a time to hold back," says interior designer Jonathan Adler. "The more twinkle the better. And what’s twinklier than a silver tree?" This gives a little eclecticism to your scheme and can bring some magic to a corner of the room. Just make sure not to decorate with tinsel — instead go for simple paper decorations and let the tree itself do the talking.
7. Take your white Christmas tree outside
White Christmas trees aren't just for the living room, why not max out your outdoor Christmas decor ideas with a chic tree for your porch? Invest in both trees and lights that work for an exterior setting; they'll need to be fully waterproof, and likely frost-proof, too.
Or use what you already have in your front yard, says Kat Aul Cervoni, landscape designer and founder of Staghorn NYC and The Cultivation by Kat. "If you have a tree (or trees) in your front yard, wrapping their trunks and branches with string lights is another lovely way to brighten things up for the holiday season."
Go for the pared-back twig tree look and enjoy no more tangled lights with this buy from Amazon which is pre-lit with 200 LED white warm lights on the branches. Suitable for indoors or out.
8. Top off a white tree with a memorable ornament
A Christmas tree topper for a white tree can be much more show-stopping than you might pick for a tree that's busier with color.
"More traditionally, a twinkly star or angel sits atop your tree, but a white Christmas tree gives you the license to be a bit more experimental," says Lucy Searle. "This silver-frosted Christmas tree laden with blue and silver baubles and china ornaments is topped with a playful — and unexpected — swan. You might think this idea is a little off the wall, but you're free as a bird to choose your own topper, and there are plenty of fun and unique ideas that will make you as proud as a peacock of your festive display."
Kitsch but cute, this snowy owl will give a wintry feel to your white Christmas tree, sitting proudly perched on the very top.
9. Go for bold ornaments on a white tree
The white Christmas tree trend can be retro, adding playfulness to our living rooms. But how do we decorate them if you're torn between minimalism and Christmas maximalism?
The idea of a white Christmas tree, while synonymous with the beauty of a snowy forest, can feel stark or even cold if not balanced thoughtfully. Adding warmth doesn’t mean repainting walls or draping furniture in festive reds; fans of bolder Christmas color schemes can create warmth by adorning the tree with warm-toned, vibrant accessories to counterbalance its otherwise frosty appearance.
"Shades such as warm yellows, vivid pinks, and electric blues add some unconventional yet contemporary Christmas colors to your tree," continues Emma Breislin. "Try nestling bold, jewel-toned ornaments and clip on candles, such as these from Amazon into your snowy pine. Adding printed family photos can also add a personal touch."
"It's also a great choice if you want to use dark Christmas decorating ideas for your ornaments, as these can often feel as though they disappear against a traditional green tree," advises LivingEtc's UK editor, Hugh Metcalf. "White Christmas trees are inherently kitsch, so the best ways to style them play up this factor. Whether you go glitzy and glamorous or fill your tree with the most fun, novelty ornaments, this tree color is a bold backdrop for showing off a scheme that doesn't take itself too seriously."
"Whatever you do, don’t skimp. Nothing’s sadder than an under-accessorized tree," adds Jonathan Adler. Go all out with these bold, vibrant accents to turn your white Christmas tree into a eclectic, holiday centerpiece.
With its textured, hammered finish, this piece will stand out in a sea of white branches, adding an elegant warmth and shimmer to any tree.
These baubles stand out for their brightly colored glass, frosted with dazzling silver glitter that beautifully complements and blends with the crisp, snowy look of a white Christmas tree.
These colorful paper ornaments are ideal for layering with bolder baubles, metallic accents, or clip-on candles to create a dynamic and visually rich display that still feels airy and uncluttered.
What colors look best on a white Christmas tree?
If you want your Christmas tree to look expensive, stick to white, silver, pale gold or clear glass ornaments for your white Christmas tree. However, if you love a more traditional feel, a white Christmas tree makes the perfect backdrop for brighter, bolder ornaments: red, gold and green for traditionalists; pink, blue and yellow for lovers of contemporary design.
Keeping in mind these ideas for decorating a white Christmas tree, it's essential to steer clear of common Christmas tree decorating mistakes that can make the look feel tacky.
Achieving the right balance is key: select the appropriate tree size for your space, thoughtfully choose decorations that create a cohesive aesthetic, and ensure you don’t overcrowd the tree. Aim for a tasteful amount of ornaments — enough to make an impact, but not so many that they get lost in the branches or overwhelm the tree. Most importantly, focus on creating a harmonious, elegant display that highlights the tree’s wistful, fun, and bright charm.
