How to Put Ornaments on a Christmas Tree, in Order

Put ornaments on a Christmas tree after the lights and garland: lights first, then garland or ribbon, then the largest ornaments deep in the tree, then medium ones, and the smallest and most special pieces last, near the tips where they catch the light. Hang each ornament close to a sturdy part of the branch rather than at the very end, so it does not droop or slide off.

Below is the order step by step, how many ornaments you need, and how to hang them so they stay put.

What order do lights, garland and ornaments go on a tree?

Shape the tree. On an artificial tree, fluff each branch out from the trunk. On a real tree, let the branches drop for a few hours after you bring it in.
Lights. They go first because you need to reach the inner branches. Test the strings before you start, plug in as you go, and weave the lights in and out along the branches rather than wrapping only the outside.
Topper. Many people fix the topper now, while they can reach the top without knocking ornaments off. If it plugs in, it needs to be near the light cord anyway.
Garland, ribbon or beads. Drape it in loose swags or let ribbon fall in vertical lines from the top. Doing this before the ornaments means you are not snagging them as you go.
Large ornaments. Hang the biggest and plainest balls first, some of them deep inside the tree near the trunk. They fill gaps and reflect the lights from within.
Medium ornaments. Spread them around the tree in a loose zigzag so no single color or shape clumps together.
Small and special ornaments. Personalized, keepsake and delicate pieces go last, toward the outside and at eye level, where they are easy to see.
Tree skirt or collar. Finish at the bottom once you are done stepping around the base.

How many ornaments per foot of tree?

A common rule of thumb is about 10 to 20 ornaments for every foot of tree height. That works out to roughly 60 to 120 for a 6-foot tree and 70 to 140 for a 7-foot tree. It is only a rule of thumb, not a requirement. Use the lower end for large ornaments, a slim tree or a minimal look, and the higher end for small ornaments, a full tree or a layered look.

If you are short, add more large plain balls deep in the tree before buying more decorative pieces. They fill space for less.

How do you hang ornaments on a Christmas tree?

Hang on the branch, not the tip. Slide the hook or loop a few inches in toward the trunk, where the branch is thicker and will not bend.
Close the hooks. Pinch the metal hook so it wraps around the branch, or use a loop of ribbon or thread tied in a knot for a heavier piece.
Heavier pieces lower and inside. Weight bends branch tips. Keep heavy glass and ceramic on stronger inner branches in the lower half.
Turn the front to the room. Personalized ornaments are usually printed or stitched on one side. Check it faces out once hung.
Step back often. Look at the tree from across the room every dozen ornaments, and squint to spot gaps and clusters.

What is the best way to put ornaments on a tree with kids or pets?

Keep breakable pieces on the top half and let children hang the unbreakable ones lower down. Crochet, felt, wood and acrylic ornaments are good for the bottom branches. Our guide on whether ceramic ornaments are breakable compares the common materials.

How to make the tree look balanced

Work in groups of three of the same ornament, spread in a triangle across one side.
Rotate the tree, or walk around it, so the back is not bare if it can be seen.
Hang the most meaningful ornaments where people stand or sit, not behind the sofa.
Leave a little space. A few gaps let the lights show.

Quick answers

Do lights or ornaments go on first? Lights first, then garland, then ornaments.
Does the tree topper go on first or last? Either works. Putting it on right after the lights is easier and safer for ornaments below.
How many ornaments for a 7-foot tree? By the 10 to 20 per foot rule of thumb, about 70 to 140.
Why do my ornaments keep falling off? They are too far out on the tips. Move them in and close the hooks around the branch.

When it is time to take them down, see how to store Christmas ornaments. Have more ornaments than tree? See how to display Christmas ornaments without a tree.

From the shop

For the lower branches, the mini crochet Christmas ornaments each come with a hanging loop, and the personalized snowman acrylic ornament is a name piece to hang at eye level.