Christmas Tree Decor: Base Ornaments

I’m so excited it’s finally time to start talking about CHRISTMAS, you guys (and yes, I do realize it’s August, haha). When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, the excitement often starts with a grand vision in your mind—a shimmering masterpiece that captures the magic of Christmas. But before you grab all the tinsel, lights, and one-of-a-kind ornaments you can carry, we need to talk about the beginning. A solid foundation of base ornaments.

This foundation, my friends, is all about choosing the right base ornaments. These aren’t just any ornaments; they’re the building blocks that set the tone and style of your tree, anchoring everything else you plan to add. So, let’s go over how to choose base ornaments that will make your tree truly magical.

What Are Base Ornaments?

First things first, what exactly are base ornaments you ask? Think of them as the bread and butter of your tree decor—the essentials that provide structure and continuity to your tree. Base ornaments are typically simple in design and color, yet they create the backdrop for the more elaborate pieces you’ll add later. They might not steal the show, but they ensure that every ornament you hang afterward gets its moment.

Consider Your Tree’s Theme

Before you pick out a single ornament, it’s important to decide on a theme for your tree. Are you going for a classic, vintage look? Maybe something more modern and sleek? Or perhaps a rustic, farmhouse vibe? Your theme (and color palette) will guide every decision you make, starting with your base ornaments.

If you’re aiming for a traditional Christmas tree, you might lean towards classic red, green, and gold ornaments. For a more contemporary tree, silver, white, and metallic tones might be your go-to. A rustic theme could call for natural materials like wood or burlap. Having a clear theme in mind will make choosing your base ornaments a much smoother process. You’ll notice I do a lot of rustic, natural style trees.

Choose a Color Palette

Once you’ve nailed down your theme, the next step is to choose a color palette. The colors you select will play a significant role in creating a cohesive look for your tree. For your base ornaments, stick to a limited color palette that complements your theme.

Let’s say you’ve decided on a winter wonderland theme with a color palette of white, silver, and icy blue. Your base ornaments could be a mix of matte white balls, glossy silver globes, and perhaps a few translucent blue ones to add a bit of depth. Keeping the colors consistent helps your tree look more polished and put-together.

Variety in Size and Shape

While it’s important for your base ornaments to be cohesive, that doesn’t mean they should all look the exact same though. And this is important—incorporating a variety of sizes and shapes adds dimension to your tree. Start with a mix of large and medium-sized ornaments to fill in the gaps between branches. Large ornaments serve as anchors and create a balanced look, while medium ones add fullness.

You can also play with different shapes, like round globes, teardrops, and even simple stars. Just make sure they all tie back to your theme and color palette. The goal is to create a base that’s interesting yet not overpowering, leaving room for your statement ornaments to shine later.

Materials Matter

The materials of your base ornaments can also influence the overall vibe of your tree. Glass ornaments are timeless and can add a touch of elegance, while shatterproof plastic ornaments are practical for homes with kids or pets. If you’re going for a rustic look, consider using wooden ornaments or those wrapped in natural fibers like twine or burlap.

For a more glamorous tree, look for base ornaments with a bit of sparkle—glitter, sequins, or metallic finishes can add that extra touch of holiday magic. The key is to choose materials that enhance your theme and bring out the best in your tree.

Don’t Forget Texture

Texture is another critical element when choosing base ornaments. A tree with a mix of textures feels cozy, rich, and inviting. Consider adding some velvet or satin ornaments for a soft, luxurious touch. If you’re leaning towards a more rustic or natural theme, think about incorporating ornaments with rougher textures, like woven fabrics or faux fur.

The contrast between different textures can add visual interest to your tree, making it more engaging to look at. And as with size and shape, the textures you choose should complement, not compete with, the more detailed ornaments you’ll add later.

How Many Base Ornaments Do You Need?

Now that you’ve got a handle on choosing the right base ornaments, the next question is: how many do you actually need? A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 70-80% of your tree’s ornaments to be base ornaments. This allows your tree to look full and cohesive while leaving room for your more unique, statement pieces.

For a standard 6-7 foot tree, this typically means around 100-150 base ornaments, depending on their size and how densely you like to decorate. You can always adjust this number based on your tree’s size and the overall look you’re going for. I like a lot of ornaments on my tree (ordinarily), but last year I did a minimalist tree with about half as many as I usually use and it was stunning!

The Placement of Base Ornaments

Once you’ve gathered your base ornaments, it’s time to start decorating! Begin by hanging your largest ornaments evenly around the tree. These will act as your anchor points. Then, fill in with the medium-sized ornaments, making sure to distribute them evenly for a balanced look.

As you place your base ornaments, take a step back every so often to see how the tree looks from a distance. This helps you spot any gaps or areas that need more attention. Remember, the goal is to create an even, but beautiful canvas that will really make your statement ornaments pop.

That’s a Wrap

Choosing the right base ornaments is the first step to creating a Christmas tree that’s both beautiful and balanced. By considering your theme, color palette, size, shape, material, and texture, you’ll be well on your way to designing a tree that captures the spirit and sparkle of the season.

And, of course, once you’ve laid that perfect foundation, you can have fun adding all the personal touches that make your tree uniquely yours. Happy decorating my friends!