Christmas Tree Decorations

Choosing between glass and plastic Christmas baubles

Choose glass baubles if you want the most elegant finish for a considered, well-styled tree. Glass baubles have a reflective surface that catches tree lights well, though they do need more careful handling and storage than other materials. Go with plastic instead if you have young kids or pets in the house, as they're lighter and far less likely to end up as a mess on the floor if they're knocked off a low branch.

Some ranges also include fabric or timber ornaments, which give a more textured, natural look that sits well against a green tree and are just as forgiving around little hands. Mixing materials across the tree, rather than sticking to one type throughout, usually looks more unique than an entirely uniform set.

For the base to decorate, browse our Christmas trees range in every size.

Christmas decoration quantities to match your tree height

Match your decoration count to your tree height so you don't come up short partway through and end up making a second trip: a 1.2 to 1.5 metre tree generally looks well dressed with around 30 to 40 baubles, while a 1.8 to 2.1 metre tree needs closer to 60 to 80 pieces to avoid bare patches. Space larger ornaments toward the trunk and smaller ones toward the tips, as the outer branches can't carry as much weight.

Buy slightly more than you think you need, too, in order to fill any spots that look sparse once the tree is dressed. Working from the trunk outward, rather than randomly placing pieces, generally gives more even coverage across the whole tree.

Finish the top with one of our Christmas tree toppers once the rest of the tree is dressed.

Traditional and white Christmas decoration themes to build around

Pick a theme before you shop to avoid wasting money on baubles that don't end up working together. Traditional decorations lean on red, green and gold, which pairs naturally with a classic green tree. Choose white decorations instead if you want a softer, more modern look for a tree that's the centrepiece when you're entertaining over the season.

Settling on one theme upfront also gives you a starting point for the tree skirt and topper, so the whole setup reads as one considered look rather than separate pieces bought on different trips. Baubles picked up separately across a few shopping trips can end up clashing once they're all on the branches together, so it pays to decide early and buy once. That said, you may prefer a more eclectic look; some people enjoy the tradition of selecting one or two new baubles to add to their collection over the years.

Once you've settled on a theme, round it out with a matching tree skirt, and pack it all away afterwards with our Christmas tree & decoration storage.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop baubles from falling off the tree?

Instead of simply resting the string loop over a branch tip, slide the loop further back onto a sturdy branch, then gently bend the tip of the branch upward to lock the bauble in place. Alternatively, replace standard string loops with metal ornament hooks and crimp the hooks tightly around the tree branches.

Are plastic baubles a good option around pets and children?

Plastic baubles are lighter and generally more resistant to breaking than glass, which makes them a common choice around pets and young children. Always supervise young children around any small decorations that could be a choking hazard if removed from the tree.

How do I clean dusty Christmas decorations before using them again?

Wipe glass and plastic baubles with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust before hanging them. Avoid water on fabric or timber ornaments, as moisture can damage both materials over time.

How long do Christmas tree decorations typically last?

Glass and plastic baubles can last many years if stored carefully between seasons. Fabric and timber pieces are more sensitive to humidity and may need replacing sooner if stored somewhere damp.

Does Temple & Webster sell tree decorations in sets or individually?

Most tree decoration ranges are available in multi-piece sets, with some individual pieces sold separately. Set sizes commonly range from 4 to 12 pieces, depending on the collection.