Decorating the Christmas Tree: A Timeless Tradition with The Mayfair Hall

As the season of joy and togetherness begins, few rituals feel as heartwarming as gathering to decorate the Christmas tree. At The Mayfair Hall, we embrace the beauty of tradition while making space for personal touches that bring new life to these cherished customs. The tree, after all, stands as the centerpiece of holiday celebrations, a glowing reminder of warmth, unity, and the magic of Christmas.

In our family, marking the start of Advent is the day we come together to decorate our tree. The first chill of winter is celebrated with a cozy cheese fondue, Christmas music filling the room, and festive cocktails to sip as we carefully place each ornament. Every element, from the lights to the tree topper, is selected with intention and reverence for tradition. Here’s how to create your own cherished ritual, step by step.

Step 1: The Tree and its Lights

Begin with your tree—whether real or beautifully crafted, the tree itself sets the stage for your decorations. Choose a tree that fits the proportions of your room and provides ample branches for your ornaments. In our family my husband goes out with the kids to choose a tree early that morning.

Stringing the Lights: Lights are the first step, creating the tree’s soft, warm glow. Choose white or clear lights for a classic look. Start from the base of the tree, weaving the lights through the branches from the inside out, working your way up. This layered approach ensures that the lights illuminate the tree from within, creating depth and dimension. A simple rule to follow: 100 lights per foot of tree height will yield the perfect sparkle.

Step 2: Garland and Ribbon

Once the lights are in place, it’s time for garlands or ribbons, which add elegance and texture to your tree. Classic garlands, bead strands, or even a luxurious velvet ribbon can enhance the traditional feel. We skip this step at our house and opt instead for more ornaments.

Placement Tips: For garlands, drape them horizontally around the tree, spacing each layer evenly as you ascend. For ribbons, consider cascading them vertically from the top to the bottom. Secure ribbons loosely to allow for a natural flow, tucking them in and out of branches to create an organic, graceful movement.

Step 3: Hanging Ornaments

Ornaments hold the heart of the tree, each piece a memory or symbol of the season. To achieve a balanced look, start with your larger ornaments and place them evenly around the tree to anchor the arrangement. Next, layer in medium-sized ornaments, followed by smaller ones to fill any remaining spaces. These days, there are many wonderful ornament options that won't break. I find those perfect for most ornament types as it takes away the stress of a child breaking ornaments during this festive evening as well as making it possible to have pieces that will be part of your tree for years to come.

Traditions and Special Pieces: In our home, we cherish ornaments that carry stories—heirlooms passed down through generations or ones that celebrate milestones in our family’s journey. Mixing classic baubles with unique pieces creates a tree that feels deeply personal and meaningful. The kids love hanging ornaments from when they were little. These moments bring back wonderful memories. Each year, we chose one new special ornament to add to the tree from baby's first Christmas to this year celebrating my daughter's first year in college, everything is documented as a family journal in our Christmas tree.

Layering for Depth: Place some ornaments close to the trunk to create a sense of depth, while others rest near the tips of branches for added dimension. Finish with a few sparkling accents like glass icicles or delicate metal ornaments to catch the light.

Step 4: The Tree Topper

The crowning glory of the Christmas tree is the topper, and at The Mayfair Hall, we hold this tradition close to heart. A classic star evokes the spirit of Christmas, symbolizing hope, guidance, and peace.

Family Tradition: In our home, the honor of placing the topper is often reserved for a younger family member, a tradition passed down from year to year, symbolizing the innocence and wonder of the season.

Step 5: The Tree Skirt

A tree skirt serves as the finishing touch, grounding the tree and adding a touch of warmth to its base. A classic velvet skirt in rich reds or greens with gold tassels complements with the season’s colors beautifully. 

New Ideas for Cherished Traditions

While we treasure tradition, we also embrace thoughtful additions that deepen our holiday experience. Here are a few ideas to inspire your own family customs:

• Seasonal Fondue or Family Dinner: Gather around a warm cheese fondue, symbolizing the beginning of the cold season. A shared meal brings everyone together and sets a relaxed, joyful tone as you decorate.
• A Custom Ornament for Each Year: Create a memory with a new ornament each year, perhaps one that symbolizes something meaningful to your family. Over time, these pieces become cherished markers of each holiday season.
• Christmas Playlist and Cocktails: Curate a playlist of classic Christmas songs and pour festive cocktails—whether a warm mulled wine, a sparkling champagne cocktail, or a holiday mocktail for the younger ones.
• A Blessing or Moment of Gratitude: Before placing the topper, take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the year infusing the tree-decorating ritual with heartfelt meaning.

Honoring Tradition with The Mayfair Hall

At The Mayfair Hall, we are proud to offer a curated selection of ornaments, tree toppers, garlands, and tree skirts that honor the timeless beauty of Christmas. Each piece is chosen with care, designed to become a part of your family’s own story. From glass baubles reminiscent of Victorian elegance to delicate hand-painted figurines, our collection celebrates the enduring spirit of the season.

As you embark on your own tree-decorating ritual, may you find joy in the traditions that have come before, while making room for those that will carry your family forward. Gather close, sip something warm, and let the magic of Christmas fill your home.