how to decorate a christmas tree (the molten wonky way)
28 November 2025
Decorating a Christmas tree is one thing, but turning the whole ordeal into an artistic ritual is something else. At molten wonky, we proudly put ourselves in the second category.
To help you get into the spirit of decoration, we’ve collated our best tried-and-tested Christmas tree decoration tips, so you can start the festive season with a true Christmas showstopper.
Get the decorations down from the loft and grab a cuppa (you’re going to need it!). Here’s how to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro…
1. fluff and shape your tree
Don’t worry, we’ll get into the specifics of baubles, bows, and hanging decorations in just a little bit. But, firstly, you need to prepare your tree for what’s to come.
The best Christmas tree is a well-fluffed tree, and here’s how to do it:
- Fluff the branches to fill out any gaps
- Shape the tree’s silhouette so it looks full
- Step back every now and then to assess your progress
- Try to keep the shape as symmetrical as possible (unless you like all things wonky, like us!)
2. grab your Christmas tree lights
Just like putting on socks before shoes, your Christmas tree lights have to be added before any other piece of Christmas tree decor.
This is because Christmas tree lights are the foundation of your soon-to-be masterpiece, creating a beautiful depth, warmth, and glow to make your decorations sparkle.
- Wrap your Christmas tree lights from the inside out, starting near the trunk and working your way towards the front of the tree.
- Use warm white Christmas tree lights for a cosy, traditional look, and cool white tones for a striking, modern appearance. They’re both just as beautiful! You could even do a blend of both…
- Remember — you can never have too many lights. The more twinkle, the better.
Once your Christmas lights have been securely applied, it’s time to start layering your Christmas tree decorations.
3. add any large statement Christmas tree decorations first
Our best advice is to approach Christmas tree decorating like you would assemble a gallery wall collage. To begin, you need to anchor the space with the largest stand-out decorations.
Here are a few of our favourite large fused glass Christmas decorations and Christmas character decorations that make the perfect tree centrepieces:
giant snowflake hanging decorations
Our handmade giant snowflake decorations are 17cm wide and come in a variety of colours, from clear glitter and glistening emerald to frosty turquoise and jolly yellow.
Hang them proudly as statement accents between clusters of smaller baubles, on the lower half of your tree for visual balance, or near to your Christmas tree lights for a cosy glow of colour through the glass.
star tree decorations
Our characterful star tree decorations are 14cm tall and have layered green glass tones, snowy details, and even an added jingly bell for extra festivity. Choose from red, blue, or green varieties to fit your unique Christmas aesthetic.
These fused glass decorative Christmas trees look best when placed in the middle section of your (big!) tree, positioned slightly forward on the branches to catch the light, and near warm-coloured Christmas tree lights.
gingerbread man hanging decoration
Our cheeky chappy gingerbread man Christmas decoration brings smiles and festive cheer wherever he goes. Made from butterscotch glass, with blackcurrant eyes, a red ribbon scarf, and gold-glitter fingers and toes, he’s full of personality and joy.
At 12cm tall, the best place to position him is on eye-level branches and in a mid-front position so his colours can really stand out within the tree.
4. position your mid-size decorations
With your decoration anchors placed, it’s time to begin filling in your tree with mid-size Christmas decorations for visual balance. This is where your tree will really start to gain some personality!
Our favourite mid-size glass Christmas decorations include:
rainbow tiny tree decorations (set of 7)
If you love all things colour and Christmas, our rainbow tiny trees are perfect. Each tiny tree is hand-cut from transparent coloured glass, featuring an opaque tonal centre and a red bucket.
Scatter them evenly across the tree for a balanced window, or cluster them in groups of two or three for a welcome pop of colour. They’re petite but bright, especially when hung near lights, creating a sense of dimension as you move around and glance over your tree.
glass icicle decorations (box of 13)
These fused glass icicles can add height, depth, and subtle movement to your tree, with each one varying in length from 10 to 15cm. With the addition of a light sprinkle of silver glitter, they glisten beautifully under the lights.
Place them towards the ends of your branches to give your Christmas tree an elegant draped effect, and more towards the lower half of your tree for a natural visual flow.
5. finish by adding your smaller decorations
By now, you’ll have probably noticed a few pesky gaps within your Christmas tree. But that’s okay! Because these spaces are where your small Christmas tree decorations are going to find a home.
Whether you choose our box of five small stars, dainty cross decorations, or a set of vibrant hanging candle decorations, these small but mighty additions serve a practical and aesthetic purpose — filling up the gaps, and looking good while doing it.
6. take a step back and enjoy the view
Once you’ve got all of your decorations in their prime positions, take a step back and look at your tree from afar.
- Are the colours spread evenly? Is there any area with too much or too little colour?
- Are there too many decorations bunched up in one area?
- Do you have a good spread of shapes, sizes, and textures?
Feel free to experiment and move your decorations around until you get the best balanced appearance.
7. have fun!
We only get to decorate our Christmas trees once a year, so embrace the experience. Wonky is wonderful and perfection is overrated, so don’t get too caught up about your tree looking like something out of a catalogue.
What matters most is that you enjoy the decorating process, and complete it in a way that feels most representative of you, your home, and family, whether that be with Christmas music blaring in the background or a mince pie (or three) in hand.
If you love colourful Christmas tree decorations, browse our collection of fused glass Christmas decorations today and build a collection that brings wonder, joy, and whimsy every year.