How to Decorate the Christmas Tree: Maximalist and Full of Joy
This year feels extra special because I had the absolute honour of launching my first ever Christmas decoration collection with Dunelm. It is a true celebration of my “more is more” design mantra, filled with rich jewel tones, tactile details and a sense of joyful abundance.
The collection features a palette of emerald, sapphire, ruby and amethyst tones that you can mix and match with ease. Each piece has been designed to work beautifully together or to blend into your existing decorations at home. I always believe in adding to your collection year after year, rather than starting from scratch. Part of the magic of decorating the tree is unwrapping old decorations like old friends and feeling that wonderful rush of nostalgia, but at the same time decorating for Christams is a wonderful opportunity to ring the changes and flex your creativity!
Photograph by Alun Callender
1. Set the Scene With Sparkle
Lighting is everything. Start by layering your fairy lights in and out of the branches, in a zig zag motion, to create a warm, twinkling glow. The more lights you add, the richer and more luxurious your tree will feel. Depth of light creates depth of magic.
2. Add Colour and Texture
This collection is all about mixing materials and tones for a truly maximalist look. Start with texture like tinsel or I went with haberdashery brushed fringe trimmings this year. Then the jewel-toned baubles instantly bring glamour, while the beaded and embroidered designs add that extra touch of something special. Each decoration has been created to catch the light, sparkle beautifully and make your tree feel joyful and characterful.
3. Go Bold With Bows
This season, I am loving oversized bows. Their generous scale brings instant visual impact and makes any tree feel show-stopping. Try one large bow as a topper, or scatter a few throughout the branches to give a sense of movement and personality.
4. Celebrate Personal Touches
One of my favourite pieces in the Dunelm collection is a hanging decoration inspired by my dog, Lucy. It is a little bit playful, a little bit sentimental and sums up what I love most about Christmas decorating, that blend of humour, heart and individuality. A tree should always tell your story, not just follow a trend, so pick a few decorations that are personal to you.
5. Layer, Layer, Layer
The golden rule for a maximalist Christmas tree is simple: more is more. More baubles, more lights, more joy. Vary the size and texture of your decorations, mix metallics with colour, and fill every branch until the tree feels full and abundant. The end result should look deliciously rich, like a festive feast for the eyes.
Sophie’s Maximalist Tree Styling Tips
- Build on your collection every year for a personal, nostalgic feel.
- Use plenty of fairy lights for depth and glow.
- Mix textures such as glass, velvet, embroidery and metallics.
- Add oversized bows for instant drama.
- Include personal touches that make you smile.
- Aim for a feeling of abundance and celebration.
This Christmas, embrace colour, texture and personality in every detail. Whether you are mixing new finds from my Dunelm collection with old favourites or creating a whole new scheme, let your tree reflect your spirit. Joyful, maximalist and utterly you.
