Traditional Christmas decorations every house needs

Deck the halls with these traditional decorations and fill your house with festive cheer

Traditional Christmas decorations

by Caitlin Casey |
Updated on

We all know what it's like, trends come and go all the time. But when it comes to Christmas, although there is a variety of fun alternative décor you can buy to decorate your home for the festive season, nothing beats traditional Christmas decorations to celebrate December 25th.

So whether you're in need of replacing some old decs or you simply want to buy some new bits, we've rounded up the best traditional Christmas decorations you can buy today.

What are traditional Christmas decorations?

Whether you've got a new house to decorate or you've been decorating with your family for years and years, it's likely that you'll already know the classic Christmas decorations to find.

Some traditional decs you may know of include Christmas trees (of course!), candles, bells, garland, stockings, wreaths, snow globes, and angels.

Nowadays, there are loads of alternative Christmas decorations you can buy but it's fair to say that traditional Christmas is here to stay.

What are the traditional Christmas colours?

Typically, the most traditional Christmas colours are red and green. It is taught in Christianity that red is to represent the blood of Jesus when he was crucified while green signifies his eternal life. Gold/yellow/cream is also commonly used for Christmas décor, which used to reflect royalty and wealth.

The best traditional Christmas decorations to buy UK 2022

We've hunted down all of our favourite Xmas decs that you can use to make your house look like a winter wonderland.

Tinsel

Christmas wreaths

Christmas wreath - traditional decorations
©Getty Images

A wreath is a traditional choice for the front door and there are masses of choices to choose from. Making your own is a lovely activity to do at home or as part of a workshop but it is now easier than ever to buy a wreath online or in the shops.

1.

Best Christmas Wreath
NATURAL WHITE WREATHBloom.
Price: $90 - £130

www.bybloom.co.uk

This is a beautiful natural wreath that smells exquisite and looks even better. This is a statement piece that will look chic and elegant on the front of your home.

Pros: Handmade and all natural products
Cons: Doesn't come with a hook to hang it from

Yours writer, Hannah James said: " When this arrived I wasn't quite expecting how large and thick it was. It doesn't compare to shop brought wreathes as it is far more superior. The smell of the fresh pinecones and leaves were the first thing I noticed. I have had so many compliments about my wreath and it brings me real joy every time I come home."

Best gold-themed traditional Christmas wreath

Continue your gold and cream theme outside by hanging this wreath on your door. It's illuminated with 20 warm white LEDs that will look super striking in the dark.

Pros: Lights are battery operated so you can hang the wreath anywhere
Cons: Doesn't come with a hook to hang it from

Review: "Was sceptical at 1st when ordering as I have always had read wreaths but this product didn't disappoint, beautifully made with great attention to detail along with a very sturdy backing frame and good weight to it so I don'thave to worry about it getting carried off in the wind, the addition of the warm lights reflecting of the gold accents are just the cherry on top, it really is so inviting. Can't wait to hang this proudly on my door for many more Christmas' to come."

Best red-themed traditional Christmas wreath

If your Christmas décor has more of a red and green vibe, perhaps this wreath will be the perfect fit. It features vibrant poinsettias alongside artificial pine cones and glittering baubles for a truly festive feel.

Pros: Has a realistic feel
Cons: Some customers thought it was smaller than they expected

Review: "Thought good value...looked so nice and bright...all wrapped up and put away ready for next Christmas.."

Grandad and Grandkids with Tinsel
©Getty Images

Ah, tinsel. It's like marmite - some people love it and some people hate it. There are those people that consider tinsel to be tacky but let's be honest, it's an absolute classic at Christmas time. What's a good Christmas tree without a bit of tinsel, right?

Here are our top picks of traditional tinsel on the market right now:

Best multicoloured traditional tinsel

These mini garlands are the perfect size for draping around smaller trees. There are four in a pack so you've got the choice of sticking strictly to one colour or decorating with all of them.

Pros: Can be easily cut to size
Cons: The thin shape may mean they get lost among larger trees

Review: "Lovely to decorate a Christmas ornament which looked a little bare."

Best tinsel with holly and berries
Strands of Christmas Holly Berry Tinsel
Price: $36.21

Tinsel doesn't get more festive than this! It is traditional yet vibrant in colour with strands of bright red and green entwined together, finished with delicate holly and berry detailing.

Pros: Has additional detailing compared to basic tinsel
Cons: Some customers experienced slight shedding

Review: "Really beautiful tinsel, full strands, very sparkly. Good value."

Best chunky Christmas tinsel
Christmas Concept

Rrp: $16.99

Price: $11.99

This tinsel, with its red and gold colouring, will really pop against a traditional, green Christmas tree. You could also drape it on a sideboard or hang it to the ceiling to spread the festive cheer throughout your home.

Pros: Long length
Cons: Only one piece included compared to other tinsel on our list

Review: "Wonderful and incredibly well made tinsel, looks absolutely lovely on a 4 foot tree. This tinsel nicely covered the whole tree all the way around from bottom to top and looks really lovely. This tinsel has been on the tree for around 4 weeks now and not one bit of tinsel has fallen off, bare in mind I have a robot vacuum to which does gently hit the legs on the tree (only very slightly) but my point is the tinsel is still really well made. Absolutely worth the money, very happy with my purchase."

The Nutcracker

In the 1816 story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by author E. T. A. Hoffmann, young Marie's favourite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and whisks Marie away to a magical kingdom. Also well-known thanks to the ballet, there are several different ways to pay homage to the popular story.

As you can see above, Annabel's, a popular Mayfair club, celebrated their Christmas with three giant Nutcrackers. Call it subtle.

Celebrate the Nutcracker at Christmas with all these:

Best Nutcracker hanging decorations

How lovely will these nutcracker ornaments look hanging from the branches of your Christmas tree? Featuring vibrant reds, deep blues and accents of gold, they'll fit right in with a traditional theme.

Pros: Can be hung or stood
Cons: Could be more in a pack

Review: "Made really well and so nice."

Best glittery Nutcracker ornaments
Glittery Nutcracker Soldiers Ornaments

Rrp: $16.99

Price: $15.99

You can add a sparkling touch to your tree with these Nutcracker soldiers. The glitter will really shimmer under the glow of your Christmas lights.

Pros: Vintage-style design
Cons: The rope loop will need threading on arrival

Review: "Good quality and beautifully made nutcrackers. Look lovely on the Christmas tree. Very happy with the purchase."

Tree decorations: Baubles and candy canes

Child placing bauble on tree
©Getty Images

A Christmas tree HAS to have baubles, it's a fact. Without baubles, the tree would just look bare. So, what colour and style do you go for?

Originally, when Christmas decorations first came about in the 16th century, trees were decorated with apples, white candy canes and pastries in the classic shapes of hearts, flowers and stars. Then came glass baubles and eventually we've shaped our trees into the beautiful, colourful Christmas decorations they are today.

So, with this in mind, you can grab the most traditional baubles by sticking to a classic red and gold theme, or even splashing out with some glass baubles or candy canes.

Best bauble set

With 72 baubles included, you'll be able to decorate your whole tree using this set. From small to large, matte to glittery and smooth to crinkly, there's a whole host of sizes and shapes to choose from.

Pros: Made with durable plastic so they won't break if dropped
Cons: Could have more variety in colour

Review: "Loved the colours good quality I bought them for a friend she loved them 😊"

Best large decoration

If you're after a solo decoration to add to your tree, the glitter car from M&S makes the perfect choice. The red and green colours are certainly festive, especially when paired with glitter. Plus, the bristles on the tree and a realistic element.
Pros: Large with lots of glitter**
Cons:** The string may get caught on the tree element
Reviewed by Arabella Horspool, our Commercial Content Writer: "The Red Glitter Car Decoration from the M&S collection is larger than I expected it to be and is eye-catching, thanks to the glittery design. It reminds me of classic Christmas films."

Best glass baubles

If you're wanting plainer Christmas baubles, these are a great option. They're iridescent so they'll add an understated elegance to your tree.

Pros: Lid can be removed to fill with glitter or other decorative elements
Cons: They will likely smash if you drop them on the floor because they're made from glass, could have more in a pack

Review: "I have just ordered my second set of these, I have the larger size and they look just like bubbles on my tree. They came well packaged and quickly, I haven't filled them with anything as they look beautiful as they are. I have lots of glass baubles on my tree, but I think these are definitely my favourites."

Best candy cane decorations

Like the look of candy cane on a tree but don't like the idea of them being sticky? These plastic ones are the perfect alternative. They'll hang easily from the edge of the branches without the need for rope or string.

Pros: You get 24 in a pack
Cons: Some people may prefer edible ones

Review: "Great tree decor for our Christmas tree. We have a new one and just covered it with these candy canes only. Also had spare to use to decorate the table by putting them in drinking glasses."

Christmas garlands

Christmas garlands hung around
©Getty Images

Garlands are usually wreaths wound around furniture such as stairs, fireplaces and tables. So, where do you hang your garland at Christmas? Wound up the stairs? Laid across the fireplace mantel? The right garland can instantly transform your home into a classic Christmas celebration.

Best poinsettia Christmas garland

Wherever you choose to drape this garland, it will look absolutely stunning. It features pre-lit lights scatted amongst faux green foliage and traditional poinsettias to create a beautiful Christmas decoration you can reuse year after year.

Pros: Artificial garland can be used for many Christmasses to come
Cons: Could look a little more realistic

Review: "I absolutely love this, i never expected it to look so beautiful. I wrapped the poinsettia lights around plain green garland (sold separately) and i just love the affect. Thank you."

Best pre-lit Christmas garland
WeRChristmas Pre-Lit Decorated Garland Christmas Decoration
Price: $80.71

Another pre-lit option. This one will be best suited to homes with a cream and gold Christmas theme. Interwoven in the garland you'll find a variety of berries, pine cones, baubles, flowers and leaves.

Pros: Luxurious feel
Cons: It is mains operated, but some customers would have preferred it to be battery powered

Review: "Lovely garland when opened out . Added a few extra gold Dec's to it as I felt it looked a bit sparse,my own personal choice here, be warned when u iopen it out the gold glitter goes everywhere,sparkles last for ages everywhere after cleaning!. Good value for money,and lovely warm coloured lights when lit up."

Christmas tree angel toppers

Christmas tree topper - angels, traditional christmas decorations
©Getty Images

On top of your tree, to have the most traditional Christmas decorations you'll have to have a Christmas angel. Angels are traditionally placed at the top of Christmas trees to represent their role in the birth of Jesus.

Remember the story of Mary following the star to the birth of Jesus? That's where the original Christmas angel comes from. It also symbolises the angel of the Lord.

Best gold and cream angel tree topper
Christmas Workshop Gold & Cream Angel Tree Topper
Price: $31.79

This topper will be the perfect centrepiece for your tree. It wears a gold and cream dress to blend seamlessly with decorations of the same colour.

Pros: More detailed than other angels
Cons: Some reviewers found it too big for their smaller Christmas trees

Review: "I'm very pleased with my purchase. She is beautiful and can't wait to place her upon the top of my Christmas tree."

Best gold glitter angel tree topper

For an angel topper that's got the 'wow' factor, you can't go wrong with this one. It's covered in glitter and lights up so it's a showstopping piece that's bound to stand out on your tree.

Pros: Made from thick, durable iron material
Cons: Requires two AA batteries to light up that are not included

Review: "Gorgeous angel! Seats beautifully on the tree with lovely lights! Was very impressed."

Christmas lights

Traditional Christmas decorations: Christmas lights
©Getty Images

Whether outside, inside or both, you'll definitely need to invest in some Christmas lights for the traditional Christmas look. There's nothing better than driving through neighbourhoods and seeing the beautiful decorated houses, or unwinding the lights to put on the Christmas tree.

But the question is, what colour do you go for? Warm white is the go-to for many of us but there's something about multi-coloured lights we just can't resist.

17.

Christmas Train Rope Light

If you are looking for a statement piece for your front garden, look no further. This Santa train is fun and costs just 44p to power for the whole of December (if left on for 6hrs a night). It has eight flashing effects with inbuilt memory.

Pros: Looks fantastic
Cost effective to run**
Cons:** Price

Yours writer, Hannah James said: "I was a little apprehensive when I opened this box. I was worried that it would have lots of pieces and be difficult to install but to my delight, it was ridiculously simple. The light has a thin lead which allowed me to plug it into my kitchen window and still shut our window. We have had lots of children stop and admire the display. It is fun and brings joy to those in our neighbourhood."

Best fairy string lights

With different light modes, timer functionality and flexible wire, these lights are ideal for decorating during the festive period. Of course, fairy lights aren't just for Christmas, these can be used to add a cosy vibe to your home all year round.

Pros: Remote controlled, have a USB charger
Cons: Some reviews mention they are difficult to unwind

Review: "I have these lights around the window to enhance the Christmas decorations. These lights are good value and work well, just what I wanted. They come with remote controls and have a 6 hour on and 18 hours off function. You can dim them if you want. What more do you expect for a few £s? You do need to buy a plug if you don’t have usb charging point. Some people give the product one star just because they don’t have a 3 pin plug, this is unfair, these lights are fantastic. Tip: use a power bank if the wire is not long enough to reach the power point."

Best colourful Christmas tree lights

There's something charmingly retro about multi-coloured Christmas lights. This set is sure to jazz up your tree with its rainbow colours, or anywhere else in your home for that matter!

Pros: Lights are LEDs, which are more eco-friendly than other Christmas lights
Cons: May be difficult to untangle after you've put them away

Best outdoor Christmas lights

For those who like to decorate outdoors as well as indoors, these icicle lights will certainly make your house stand out from the rest of the street. The different light modes mean you can opt for a slow twinkle to begin with, before changing to a more eye-catching flash to suit your mood in the run-up to Christmas.

Pros: 10m worth of lights, can be controlled with a remote
Cons: Some people may prefer outdoor lights with more colour options

Review: "Brightness easy to set up. Remote really good put on at 3pm turns off at 9pm. Would recommend."

Christmas stockings

Stockings aren't just for children! Stockings have been an essential part of the Christmas tradition for centuries and who doesn't love the sight of a festive stocking hanging on the fireplace? If you don't fancy buying one, why not make your own?

Best reindeer traditional Christmas stocking

This two-pack of stockings definitely has a homemade feel. It's neatly crafted in a cable-knit style design with plenty of room inside for all your Chrimbo stocking stuffers.

Pros: Get a red and green one included
Cons: May stay stretched if you fill it with particularly heavy items

Review: "I picked these over other options because they look more like a regular sock, with the toe & heel section coloured differently. They're well made & stretch enough to fit boxes & oddly shaped things, but you're not going to fit a large object in one of these; better for a collection of small things."

Best personalised traditional stocking

If you'd prefer your stockings to have that personalised touch, this one can be embroidered with a name of your choosing. You can also choose whether you have a Santa or snowman design, both of which are completely adorable.

Pros: Well made
Cons: Not suitable for names longer than 12 characters

Review: "I bought 6 last year for my family, and just ordered another for our new baby! They’re absolutely fantastic quality, lettering is amazing and they looked so lovely all hung together 🥰 can’t wait to use them again this year with our new one in addition ❤️"

FAQs

What is the best order of decorations on a Christmas tree?

From lights and tinsel to baubles and angels, there are lots of different decorations to put on your Christmas tree so it can be difficult to know where to start. We would suggest starting with your lights first. Work your way up from the bottom to the top and fluff up the branches as you go. If you're adding tinsel too, do this next. You can fill in any areas not covered by lights this way.
After lights and tinsel, it's time for baubles. You are best to start with your larger baubles as they take up more room. Your little ones can then be dispersed evenly in the gaps that remain. The only thing then left to do is add your angel or star to the top to finish off your masterpiece.

When should you decorate for Christmas?

There are no official rules for when you should decorate for Christmas. Some people like to get in nice and early, turning their house into a winter wonderland from November onwards, whereas others like to wait until the last minute. Some believe the tree should go up at the beginning of advent, which is the 1st of December. Another traditional rule is that your Christmas decorations should go up on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so that would be the 4th of December this year.

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