Christmas offers a magical feeling everywhere you turn. Streets are lit, houses glow and our living rooms become warm seasonal gathering points filled with love and laughter! One of the most striking moments of the season has to be the moment we decorate the Christmas tree. You could theme your tree with so many different ideas, but a Candy Cane Tree definitely stands out. Not only does it look sweet and bright, the Candy Cane Tree combines tradition and fun in a way that can’t help but feel joyful from any angle. Who doesn’t love the simple red and white stripes that carry with them childhood memories of laughter and anticipation as we unwrapped a candy cane treat on those cold winter evenings? The joy of the Candy Cane Tree is you don’t have to be a seasoned decorator or spend a fortune. Any one of us with a little intention can create a beautiful candy cane-themed Christmas tree.
The first step is to choose the right tree. If you choose to have a real tree, you can enjoy the fresh scent it provides to the room, and if you choose to have an artificial tree, it’s convenient and easy to set up, and maintain. Either way, the tree is what matters the most. Choose a tree that fits your intended space. For example, a tall tree looks nice in larger living rooms and smaller trees look great in smaller living spaces like bedrooms, offices, and entryways. Ensure the branches are sturdy as you will be adding weight to the branches with garland strung around it, candy canes attached to the tree, and ornaments hanging from the branches. Be sure to fluff the branches of the tree so that it appears full and not empty from any side and so the branches look nice once the tree is decorated. After your tree is set, think about where you’ll want to place it when it’s time to decorate. A well-lit corner of the room or the center of the room, where it can be the focus of the space, works well. If possible, place a soft Christmas rug or tree skirt underneath the tree to help warm up the setup even more.
Step 1: Adorn with Candy Canes
Of course, the star of your tree is the candy cane. The classic red and white stripes instantly add the Christmas feeling to your room. When you start to hang candy canes, please do not just throw them up there like you’ve got a blindfold on. You must step back and look for an even distribution on your tree. Start at the top and work your way down, ensuring all the areas do not look too busy or too empty. Using different sizes also adds texture and depth, thereby giving your tree a professional look without the professional cost. Some people like to add ribbons around the hooks of their candy canes. Small bows made of satin ribbons in colors like red, white, silver, or gold would really add a nice elegance and make your candy canes look that much classier and well thought out.
While you are making your candy canes more visually interesting, you can also choose to show some of the candy canes on a diagonal or upside down. This is again a slight break in the pattern and looks slightly less staged and more natural. If you have kids at home, this portion may be their favorite. They can put on their own candy canes one at a time, making them a part of the decoration process. The smell of candy canes in the room may also contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Some people enjoy adding peppermint candies in clear ornaments to continue the theme throughout the entire tree.
Step 2: Adding Ornaments and Ribbons
The candy canes provide a good base for the theme, and adding ornaments and ribbons to the tree will make it alive. The right ornaments will transform your tree into a rich, layered, and magical experience. Stay within the red and white color theme to keep your tree looking elegant and cohesive. This can include shiny red and white baubles, glittering white snowflakes, silver star ornaments, and peppermint swirls to add to the look. Try putting larger ornaments farther into or deeper into the centre of the tree, and put smaller ornaments toward the outer edges of the tree. This will give your tree a layered look that is professional looking and simple to do.
Ribbons are another functional design element that can make a huge difference. Satin ribbons, organza ribbons, or even glittery mesh ribbons can be swirled gently in a spiral around the tree. Don’t wrap them too tightly, just let them drape softly down so it looks natural. Some people prefer to tie ribbons into bows to simply tuck into random branches, while others want one continuous ribbon that winds off the tree. Either way looks lovely as long as you receive balance in the design. Once the light hits the ornaments and the ribbons, the whole tree takes on a soft glow and shines like something from a holiday movie.
Step 3: Add Garland or Beads
With the candy canes and ornaments used, it’s time to give the tree some sparkling flow. Garlands or beads are great for this because they help fill unsightly spaces, while pulling the tree together to create harmonious design throughout. Select garlands or beads that work with the chosen color scheme. Beads that are red or white pair well with the candy cane theme, while silver garlands can add shine and elegance. Begin to drape garland from the top of the tree and roll it down in a spiral fashion.
The key is to find a balance between not too tight and not too loose. Allow your garlands to drape naturally, and make sure they complement the décor, not overwhelm it. If you are using beaded strands try using both thin and thick strands, for texture, or tie little crystal drops or snowflake charms on the strands to add some holiday style. This step is all about giving your tree that little extra magic when people walk into the room they stop and have to look.
Step 4: Add a Tree Topper
Every Christmas tree deserves a gorgeous tree topper. For a candy cane tree, you have great options. A shining star is always a timeless top choice, symbolizing hope and joy. A large red or white bow will look stunning when creating a soft, inviting feel. If you want to honor the theme, large candy canes or peppermint “swirls” will finish your look playfully, but still put together
When putting on the topper, be sure to position it in the center and to secure it tightly. You don’t want a wobbly topper— a topper that is too wobbly can throw off the overall visual balance of the tree. You also want to choose a topper that is in harmony with the rest of the decorations. For example, if your tree is very bright or shiny, a topper that is simple will keep your tree looking elegant. If your tree already has very minimalist decorations and ornaments, then a bold or big topper will surprise one as it grabs attention and will also be the perfect piece of statement art. A topper you like would be viewed by everyone as they sight the top of the Christmas tree; moreover, it completes the whole visual assemblage.
Step 5: Use the Finishing Touches
This last step is the transition from beautiful to breathtaking! Adding finishing touches is about little details that make a huge impact. Add fake snow to the base to give the impression of a winter wonderland. Wrap your favorite cozy Christmas tree skirt or blanket around the base of the tree to cover the base and to provide extra warmth to the base of the exhibition. If you would like, you can place notable empty gift boxes under the tree. They serve to visually fill the area, give the impression of landing, and are fun even until live presents arrive.
To create a more unique experience, fill a couple clear ornaments with mini candy canes, or red and white themed candies, and dot those on the tree. You could also add in a few soft glowing fairy lights to really brighten things up even more at night. The objective is not to overwhelm the tree, but to create a rich and magical feeling for the home. When you think you are done, stand back and regard your tree and look at it from all angles. Adjust anything that looks odd and enjoy your magical masterpiece.
Conclusion
A candy cane tree is more than just a decoration. It is a representation of joy, family, and the spirit of the season. By using simple components such as candy canes, ornaments, ribbons, garlands, and a nice topper, you can achieve a candy cane tree that looks like it came straight out of a holiday film, for very little cost. The best part is how personal the process can be, whether you are decorating with family and friends, or you are decorating on your own while listening to holiday music, the moments created while decorating will last a lifetime. When the lights are finally lit and the tree stands in your living room, it doesn’t just light up the room, it lights up your entire home in the spirit of Christmas.
