6 Things to Never Do When Decorating Your Christmas Tree

Skipping the Prep Work (for Fresh-Cut Trees)

A real Christmas tree can bring warmth and fragrance to your home, but it requires a bit of prep to look its best. "The first thing you should do is give it a fresh cut at the base and get it in water immediately," says Thomas. "That helps it stay hydrated so the branches remain strong enough to hold ornaments and lights."

He also recommends letting the tree settle for a few hours before decorating. This allows branches to take shape naturally, making the tree look fuller. Also before you start decorating, ensure the base is stable and securely in place. (Nothing dampens holiday spirit like a toppled tree.)

Forgetting to Fluff or Shape the Tree

Whether it is freshly cut or straight out of storage, every tree benefits from a bit of grooming. Take time to shape and fluff each branch, filling gaps and ensuring the tree looks symmetrical from every angle. “Branches need a little love,” Thomas says. “Spend time spreading them out evenly and shaping them so there are no large gaps.” This step sets the stage for a balanced and beautiful design once lights and ornaments are added.

Leaving Cords Visible or Tangled

"A tangled mess of wires not only ruins the aesthetic but can also become a tripping hazard—or worse, a plaything for cats," warns Thomas. His go-to solution: "I recommend using Command cord bundlers to discreetly route and secure cords along the back of the tree stand or wall, keeping the setup clean and safe. They’re especially helpful if you’re plugging in multiple light strands or have an outlet that’s not right behind the tree."

Ignoring Cohesion

Your Christmas tree does not have to match your décor perfectly, but it should feel intentional. “A lot of people forget to think about how their tree fits into the rest of their holiday décor,” says Thomas. “Maybe the ornaments clash with the garland, or the color palette doesn’t flow with the rest of the room.”

His advice is to pick a common thread, such as a color, metallic finish, or aesthetic theme—something that ties the whole space together. Even small touches, like matching ribbon to your mantel garland, can make your holiday setup feel cohesive and curated.

Overloading Branches

It can be tempting to hang every ornament you own, especially those rich with nostalgia, but restraint is key. "People tend to hang every ornament they own, which causes sagging or breakage," Thomas explains. "Layer décor by size and weight, with larger ornaments or ribbon closer to the trunk and lighter ones toward the tips. It creates depth and balance."

Remember to edit yourself as you go. "It's okay if some ornaments skip a year and just remain in storage," reminds Thomas. Leaving a little breathing room ensures your favorite pieces truly shine.

Forgetting the Final Sweep

Before declaring your tree complete, step back to get a full view of the room. “Take a step back and view the tree from different angles, including from across the room,” Thomas says. “Adjust spacing, fix gaps, and make sure your topper sits straight.”

Go ahead and snap a few photos as well, Thomas advises. "Not only so you can feel proud of your work, but also to help you be a little more strategic for next year’s tree." You can easily reflect on what worked and what you'd like to change next time.