How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree in Country Style

December is full of magic. It's the twinkling lights and flickering candle flames lighting up our homes during the darkness of the longest nights of the year that create an incredible atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and safety. At the centre of it all is, of course, a Christmas tree.

The custom of decorating Christmas trees dates back to 16th-century Germany, but it wasn’t until 1840 that they became popular in the UK. This is thanks to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's German husband, who introduced the Christmas tree to the royal household. An illustration of their decorated tree was published in the Illustrated London News in December 1848, which popularised decorating evergreen trees across the United Kingdom.

Today, Christmas trees are a universal symbol of the festive season across the world. Modern Christmas trees come in many different shapes, sizes, and even colors, but they always represent the same things: light, joy, and the spirit of family and friends. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to decorate them. From huge, richly decorated trees to minimal ones, each is valid as long as it brings joy to its household.

For years, my tree was white and gold, reflecting my love for neutral interiors. But this year, something has changed. Over the past year, I’ve been slowly sneaking more tones into my home – a walnut wooden writing desk, dark green cushions, brass candle holders, and the rusty terracotta of our Mala vase... My happy place is the countryside, and I began (without a plan, rather instinctively) bringing its colours into my home.

I decided to go all out with my Christmas tree and decorate it in a country style too. Now, as I write this blog post, sitting directly opposite my country Christmas tree, I can tell you – it was a brilliant idea. It’s my best Christmas tree in years, truly sparking joy and reflecting our family’s love for the outdoors (+ Jacob's burger bauble to celebrate his love for junk food, haha!).

I’ve gathered a few points on how to decorate a Christmas tree in the country style. Before decorating, I checked out the ultimate research facility for middle-aged women aka Pinterest to get inspired, but ultimately I realised that you are the one to decide what goes on your country Christmas tree. Here are some ideas (pick and choose as you please):

1. Traditional Shape and Colour

When it comes to country style, it leans more toward tradition than modernism. Choose a traditionally shaped, dark green tree rather than pink, black, or rainbow options. That said, my Christmas tree has branch ends dipped in gold glitter, and I think it looks lovely. Fake snow is perfectly fine too.

2. Earthy and Traditional Colours

For the color palette, traditional Christmas shades like red, green or gold are perfect. You can also incorporate earthy tones like browns and oranges, inspired by the forest’s colours throughout the seasons.

3. Animals, Mushrooms, Wellies...

Country style celebrates nature, and those of us who love spending time outdoors often enjoy bringing nature indoors. Elements like pinecones, acorns, mushroom-shaped baubles, or animal decorations (foxes, owls, robins, chickens, geese, horses, and more) are perfect for country-inspired tree decor. Bonus points if you come across baubles representing wellies, garden spades, watering cans, cups and saucers etc – these are wonderful ways to highlight what your Christmas tree is all about!

4. Bows, Bows, and More Bows

There’s something very nostalgic about velvet bows, and they add a traditional, almost vintage feel to Christmas trees. I’ve decorated mine with rusty orange bows – the color of ferns in late Autumn – and I’m loving the effect.

5. Hand-Made Decorations

I’m not much of a DIY person, but if you are, I can’t think of anything more “country style” than handmade garlands and hanging decorations. Dried orange slices, paper stars and chains are a perfect way to spend an afternoon with your children or friends and decorate your home on a budget.

6. Meaningful Decorations

What really makes a Christmas tree stand out is not how beautiful it is but how meaningful the decorations are. That’s why I believe the best Christmas decor is gathered over the years, with each bauble holding its own story and meaning. Don’t shy away from elements that might not “fit” the perfect aesthetic of your tree (like Rosa’s angel dolls or Jacob’s hamburger bauble), because true country style is about celebrating tradition and family. Our Christmas tree is a reflection of that.

I’d love to hear about the decorations on your Christmas tree and any other ideas you have for country-inspired Christmas tree decor.

Thank you for reading
Adriana x