Looking for creative, simple ideas to decorate your tree? Here’s the simplest Christmas tree hack that makes decorating so much easier.
// giant jingle bell ornament // similar Santa and reindeer garland //
I almost rolled my eyes at myself when I typed that title.
And then I pressed pause to check myself—was I overstating it? “The One Christmas Tree Hack That Changes Everything?”
Ummm.
Nope.
Absolutely no overstating.
I just figured this out yesterday. Actually. That’s not true. I didn’t think of it. I need to give credit where credit is due.
My brilliant husband came up with the idea.
And when he suggested it?
I thought to myself “WHERE HAS THIS IDEA BEEN ALL MY LIFE?”
If you already use this tree hack? Please let me know so I can give you a standing ovation. And if you’ve never used this before?
Get ready to be amazed.
Your Christmas decorating just got a whole lot easier.
The One Christmas Tree Hack That Changes Everything
Let’s start with the tree.
This is the tree in the corner of the family room.
I’m not finished with it yet. The ornaments need to be moved around and I’m adding in some more ornaments and ribbon to the tree. But I was not about to let a little not-quite-finished-tree come between me and sharing this tip.
The tree is a mixture of Walmart ornaments (which I’m happy to share) and vintage ornaments I already had.
// ribbon I made the bow from //
My vision for the top of the tree?
I wanted to add a giant bow so I found this ribbon at Walmart from the My Texas House Collection.
You can see it here.
It’s 20 feet long and about 8 or 9 inches wide so I knew it would make the perfect bow. I tied the ribbon into a bow and then cut four strands that I wanted to drape down from the top of the tree. Kind of like a Christmas tree topper.
Can you see the vision?
/ similar Santa and reindeer garland //
I stood next to this hutch with tiny houses and gold reindeer garland and handed the bow and the four ribbons I had tied together to my husband and asked him to put it on the top of the tree.
Then I gave bow directions.
“A little more this way.”
“Can you fluff the top more?”
“Can you pull out the ribbons and kind of tuck them into the tree?”
“Can you make the bow fluffier?”
After 5 minutes of very FRUSTRATING directions and looking at my sad lopsided bow at the top of the tree, I climbed up the ladder myself (the tree is 9 feet tall) and asked him to help me see what the bow looked like from down below.
/ similar Santa and reindeer garland //
And I discovered something.
This only thing more frustrating than standing on the ground and giving bow directions?
Is getting bow directions from someone who has absolutely NO IDEA what a bow should look like.
(total aside: I feel like I need to insert here how much I love and adore my husband and you are probably thinking how I should be grateful he’s helping me. And you would be right.)
We were getting nowhere.
The bow looked lame. The ribbon looked wonky.
And then?
In the middle of all the bow exhaustion, my husband suggested the most BRILLIANT IDEA ON THE PLANET.
He reached up and unplugged the top of the tree and brought it down to me.
What?
WHAT IN THE WORLD?
See what I mean?
It’s the simplest idea in the entire world for that hard-to-decorate-top of the tree. The one you are standing on the very tips of your toes to decorate. The one that never seems to look right.
Instead of KariAnne going to the Christmas tree? He brought the Christmas tree to ME.
And right there in the middle of the living room (standing on the ground) I attached the bow and the ribbons and fluffed them and tucked them and arranged them perfectly.
And then he took the finished topper and put it right on the top of the tree.
I did manage to give a few more bow fluffing directions from the floor.
Please act surprised.
But the result was perfect.
Just like my vision.
It turns out it’s so much easier to decorate the top of a tree when you are standing on solid ground.
// giant jingle bell ornament //
// wood jingle bell ornament //
So what do you think?
I need to know.
Is this how you decorate your trees?
Am I the last to know?
And if you have any other Christmas tree decor hacks can you share?
My tree and I need to know. 🙂
PS One more tip—I used tan pipe cleaner to hang these larger ornaments—easy and inexpensive and kind of a game changer. Two tips from me—now it’s your turn.
Here are the sources for the tree
Click on the pictures for more information.
disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.
What a genius idea! Our tree is beautiful!
Whoops, I mean YOUR tree is beautiful!
Never thought of this idea! Brilliant! P.S. I used your “Hutch” idea last year and plan to repeat again this year. Thank you for sharing your fabulous ideas!!
Do you have a source for the reindeer garland?
Mine is vintage! I bought it years ago! But I found this one that's similar and metal: https://amzlink.to/az0OqdMhRPP6a Happy day! KariAnne
Gorgeous tree! Big Hugs
Hi KariAnne, taking the top section off and adding the bow is a great idea! I use 3’ and 4’ slim trees so I can put them in corners on top of tables or a trunk, so I don’t have a big tree. But I think what I’ll do is put the big bow on top of my tree FIRST, then decorate the rest of the tree! So that might work for others to consider doing with shorter trees.
I absolutely LOVE that story! Why didn't I think of that??? Love the reindeer garland. Do you have a link for it?
Mine is vintage! I bought it years ago! But I found this one that's similar and metal: https://amzlink.to/az0OqdMhRPP6a Happy day! KariAnne
Lol same scenario has been played out in our home and my husband came up with that idea too many years ago for our very tall living room tree (14’) … Not only have I since put the topper on before inserting the top part of the tree into its “trunk”, but I decorate the whole section too. Wayyyy easier & less death defying!
Jay suggested that last year. I always struggle with the top of the tree, and he said, “Why don’t you do it before you put it up there?” it was just so matter of fact like it was common knowledge or something.😂😂😂 I wish he would’ve suggested it a few years ago!
Well that’s genius! Don’t you love a different perspective. I was wondering if you had a source for your Bonne Nuit ornaments. It’s a very special saying in our family.
Those are vintage that I bought years ago! I couldn't find anything similar online! I'm so sorry! Happy day! KariAnne
Brilliant idea! I have never tried that, but I will this year. Thank you for sharing.
did you make the darling reindeer garland or purchase it looking beautiful like picture?
Mine is vintage! I bought it years ago! But I found this one that's similar and metal: https://amzlink.to/az0OqdMhRPP6a Happy day! KariAnne
Yes I know this trick to decorating the top of the tree!
No, you are absolutely not alone. I never considered decorating the top of my tree that way. But I sure will now!
Your husband has a logical mind. What a guy, he must be very patient. Your tree is gorgeous. Congrats.
Always the husband to keep us “ grounded!” Ha! Yes, have used this “ hack” before. Another one is: to save a few bucks and order a smaller tree… elevate the tree on something to make taller! It is also easier to hang ornaments on the bottom branches! They hang so nicely!! Love all your ideas!
Awww that is fantastic. Sometimes just once in awhile a man can be using his noggin correctly. Lol so happy it worked out.
The best tips are also the simplest ones, and no, I've never thought to do that.
He is brilliant!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I can only imagine the situation! So glad it all worked out beautifully and without acrimony ♥️
Aren’t you two cute!!! I love the idea, but we still get a real tree. No taking the top off. lol
As I have been known to say "blessed are they who come to the aid of the vertically challenged"! I adore this tree and the reindeer garland!! What would we do without you, KariAnne?!
That man of yours is a real keeper. Brilliant idea for us "vertically challenged in stature AND arm length!" That tree is gorgeous, too.
Ha-Right there with you, girlie. I have been doing this for years~I guess I never realized I was so smart until you pointed it out. lol. Have a wonderful Holiday- xo Diana
Great idea! I wish I thought like that...;) I love that Bonne Nuit ornament. Is that vintage or can you give me a link? Hope so! Thanks! LeAnne
2 B’s Brilliant & Beautiful
The older I get the shorter the tree gets.
Hahahaha! I love this!!!!! Me, too! KariAnne
Great Minds think alike.... 😉
No…you are not the last to know. I am lol!! What a brilliant idea! Have a great day! ;)
You and your hubby are so cute. I love these little stories about the two of you. Your tree is absolutely beautiful.
The mountain comes to Mohammed. Smart thinking!
From your 5’ friend, THANK YOU! That’s a brilliant idea! Duh! I will be doing this from now on! You’re the best!
Great idea!! Thank you!
What a genius fix for that bow!! Who knew? Mine is always less than I want because I finally cave amidst the frustration! Love it!! And that cute gold garland on the hutch with those houses. Gorgeous!
Well I can’t wait to do this!!! What a good idea! He is a keeper! Ha
I glanced but didn’t see a link for your white tree. If it’s not available, that’s ok too. If it’s around, I know you’d share it. You’re awesome
Love your little houses and have been looking to start a collection, seems in the past they were easy to find at HL or Michael's, but I'm having a hard time finding individual houses that don't cost an arm and a leg, where have you had success finding them?
OMG! Brilliant!! That reminds me of the story of the truck that got stuck under a bridge and all the men stood around trying to figure out how to get it un-stuck until a little boy suggested they let some air out of the tires! LOL