In much the same way that Christmas Tree decorating has evolved in so many different directions, so too has the way that people are topping their trees. In addition to the traditional tree toppers of angels and stars, there are now so many more creative options available to choose from. Some of them might still use an angel or a star as the feature, but over the past few years I’ve learnt that crafting an amazing Christmas tree topper is so much more than placing one solitary piece atop the tree.
So with that in mind, I’d love to share with you all the tips and secrets that I use to create the amazing Christmas tree toppers that you might see featured in our Christmas decorating collections, and in my home too.
Be Inspired to Create an Amazing Christmas Tree Topper
I think that perhaps the most important thing to know, or do, when it comes to creating your show-stopping tree topper, is that it should definitely not be an after-thought. Don’t spend hours meticulously decorating your tree, and then just plop an angel on top.
Rather, let the tree topper be at the front and centre of your Christmas tree decorating inspiration. I always make sure to plan (and position!) my Christmas tree topper first, and then let it dictate the styling that will be carried through the rest of my tree.
Depending on the elements that you choose for your tree topper, you might continue the ribbon from your tree topper down through the rest of the tree, for example. Or use the same floral sprays and picks from your tree topper throughout the tree as well.
Where/How Will Your Tree Topper Be Viewed?
Many of the same rules apply when planning your tree topper as when you are planning and decorating the rest of your tree, particularly when it comes to considering where and how the tree topper will be viewed.
Will it be seen from 360 degrees? Or 270 degrees? Or you might only need to decorate 180 degrees if the tree will be against a wall or in a corner.
The Boho Glam Christmas Tree Topper uses gorgeous floral sprays and plenty of billowing bows to create a gorgeous 360 degree tree topper to adorn the whole top of the tree and looks amazing when viewed from all sides.
If your tree is particularly tall, you might consider styling your tree topper to focus slightly downwards so that it’s impact can be enjoyed by those standing below and looking upwards.
Think also about the height of your tree in comparison to the height of the roof above the tree and throughout the rest of the room or space. This will help to inform whether you might be better to nestle the bulk of your tree topper into the existing top branches of your tree. Or if you have plenty of room to play with between the top of your tree and the roof, you could look to use lots of tall sprays to add volume and build your topper to really make a statement and extend the height of the tree even further.
Key Pieces to Build Your Amazing Christmas Tree Topper
Once you’ve thought about the best shape for your tree topper, it’s time to gather all the beautiful pieces that you’ll need to bring it to life.
That’s not to say that you have to use all of these things every time, but these are my favourite pieces for any tree topper.
Sprays & Picks
Sprays and picks are the perfect way to add lots of height, colour, texture and volume to your Christmas tree topper. They really are such a versatile decorating piece.
Fun and whimsical, elegant and glittered or naturally inspired – sprays and picks should be high on your shopping list for tree topper components. Their versatility makes them a great and simple option for carrying your theme through the rest of your tree.
Ribbon
Ribbon can serve so many functions in a tree topper. Form a luscious bow to soften the other pieces or create numerous large billowing bows to encircle the whole top of the tree and really make a statement.
Be sure to use a selection of ribbons in contrasting and/or complimenting colours and patterns to create something extra special.
Feature Piece – Flower, Star, Bow, Ornament
Even though the tree toppers of today have many different elements to them, there is still very much an important place for the feature piece and this is where you really get to make an impression.
There are so many options. Amongst the gorgeous sprays and beautiful ribbon, nestle a shimmering star or elegant angel.
Or maybe feature a stunning flower or a favourite ornament like Santa, snowman, a cheeky gingerbread character or a giant lollipop!
Different Ways to Build Your Topper
Depending on the size and type of tree topper that you are building, and the pieces that you will be using to do it, there are a number of options for how you might choose to construct it.
Build Directly on the Tree
This method of building the tree topper directly onto to the tree can work particularly well for 360 degree toppers, as well as those that need to be nestled into the top branches of the tree. It allows you to make use of the central trunk, branches and fronds at the top of the tree to best position and secure your various pieces.
To build your tree topper directly on to the tree, I like to start by positioning the florals as required at the top of the tree. I’ll then place the feature piece in front of the arrangement and push back it into the branches at the top of tree and use cables ties or pipe cleaners to secure it to the trunk and hold everything in place.
Decorating Tip: If need be, you can use pipe cleaners and cables ties to hold the floral pieces in place too. Although, I don’t often find that I need to do this as the long wired stems on the florals, as well as the individual wired branches/pieces of the sprays and picks allow me to position and style exactly how I need to. You could also use the branches and fronds of the tree to wrap around the sprays and hold them in place.
Construct the Complete Tree Topper & Secure to Tree
A great way to get extra height (and also if you find it hard to reach the top of your tree to place the individual pieces!) is to construct the complete tree topper away from the tree and then secure the whole creation to the tree as one piece.
You might do this by keeping the sprays and other florals intact as whole pieces and styling an arrangement that is then secured together cables ties. This will create something similar to a bunch of flowers that can then be positioned atop the tree with the stems of the florals running down the trunk of the tree and held there with some more cable ties. You can then also further style the individual pieces to get the look just right.
Another option for building a tree topper to then be added to the tree as one piece, is to use a block of florists foam that is attached to a piece of dowel. You can then deconstruct various florals, sprays and picks and use the individual pieces to create a stunning arrangement around the foam block. You can then easily attach the arrangement to the tree by securing the dowel to the trunk with cable ties, similar to the method mentioned above.
You can see how we used this method to create this amazing Christmas Joy Tree Topper.
Seamless Integration
No matter which way you choose to build and create your tree topper, once it is in place, be sure to style it and use additional florals, ribbons and tree decorations to create a seamless transition between the topper and the body of the tree. The topper should appear to be an extension of the tree not something teetering loftily above the top branches.
Amazingly Less-is-More Christmas Tree Toppers
An amazing Christmas tree topper doesn’t have to be extravagant and complex. Sometimes a simple statement star can be all that is need to make an impact. But it is important to get the placement right in order to get the maximum effect.
If placing a stunning star to feature atop your tree, consider using a piece of dowel (painted in a coordinating colour to disguise it!) to give height and stability to your topper. Secure the dowel to the trunk of the tree with cable ties and then position your star over the dowel, like we have done with this Pretty Little Christmas tree topper.
A Stunning Christmas Tree – Top to Bottom
There is so much fun to be had creating and decorating for Christmas, starting at the very top of your tree.
I hope that you’ve learnt a thing or two about elevating your tree topper, and consequently you Christmas tree, to the next level.
For more decorating inspiration go to The Christmas Cart YouTube Channel. If you would love to find out more about how I decorate various trees in a range of different themes and styles throughout my home, be sure to check out the Decorate with Me videos on there.
And to make sure the rest of your tree lives up to the amazing Christmas tree topper that you are going to create, take a look at our article titled How Many Decorations Do I Need on My Christmas Tree?