Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas Using a Red and Gold Theme

One of the most popular color combinations during the Christmas season is Red and Gold. Look around at Christmas displays and you will see what I mean. From Santa's red suit to Rudolph's red nose, red is THE color of Christmas. And what better way to compliment that seasonal red is with gold. Elegant and rich, it's sparkle adds just the right shine to any decor. Here you will find several ideas to create a red and gold themed Christmas tree.

Lights - Your Christmas tree lights should all be one color. Either red or white. Base your choice of color on the amount of red and gold decorations you intend to hang on your Christmas tree. For example if you are leaning towards mostly red decorations then choose white lights to compliment the red decorations. If you are evenly decorating with red and gold decorations than the choice is simply personal. Remember to place the lights first, before any decorations, on your Christmas tree. A great idea is to also have them lit when you begin to hang your red and gold decorations. You will be able to see exactly where to place your decorations to get the maximum sparkle.

Bows - Red bows, gold bows, or any combination of red and gold in a bow is what you will need. Give some thought to your bows. Do you want all the same size? How about shape? Even material is a consideration. Will your bows be used as filler for empty spaces or will they be the dominating theme on your red and gold Christmas tree? Many dollar stores have a wide assortment of bows for mere pennies, thus allowing you to grab handfuls without breaking your budget.

String Cranberries - Gather together fresh raw cranberries,which can be found in your local grocery store. You may want to sort by size. You will also need large needles which can be purchase in any craft store, sturdy string or fishing wire, and a large bowl. Thread the needles with the sturdy string, length depends on the size of your tree but don't worry about your string of cranberries running too short or long. Once you begin draping the string of cranberries around your Christmas tree you can adjust the amount by adding additional strands or cutting existing strands to suit your Christmas tree. Remember to knot the end with a sturdy, large knot which can be wrapped around the first cranberry to ensure that the strand doesn't come loose.

Dollar Store Decorations - Nowadays your local dollar store has a wide assortment of Christmas tree decorations in all kinds of shapes, sizes, themes, and colors. Now I say decorations because I wish to emphasize that you do not, unless it is your preference, need to stick with just Christmas balls. For next to nothing you can pick up handfuls of beautiful and different red and gold decorations.

Homemade Gift Ornaments - Look around your home for small boxes which you can wrap with red or gold wrapping paper. Raisin boxes, jewelry boxes, toothpick boxes, are a few ideas to use. Once you have your boxes wrapped, tie a small ribbon around the box and leave a loop for hanging your homemade ornament on your Christmas tree.

Candy Canes - The perfect symbol of Christmas candy. Red and white, these yummy decorations will also double as treats for those who cant help themselves to a lick of that wonderful seasonal peppermint taste.

Red or Gold Garland or Tinsel - These standard Christmas tree decorations can be found in most dollar stores, department stores, or holiday decoration centers.

So now you have a few ideas on what you will need to create a red and gold themed Christmas tree. Once you have gathered up all your supplies, and strung your lights, you can begin to decorate your Christmas tree. Place smaller ornaments towards the top of your tree and gradually increase your ornament size as you move down to the larger areas of your Christmas tree. Once your red and gold ornaments are in place begin placing your bows. Finally drape your cranberry strings around the Christmas tree. You may choose to add some red or gold tinsel or garland at this point for more eye catching sparkle and shine.

With all this talk of Christmas tree decorations I think I will be running out to the store now to start gathering red and gold decorations for MY red and gold themed Christmas tree. Happy Decorating!