Do You Hang Big Or Small Ornaments First?

Decorating a Christmas tree is a joyous tradition that ignites creativity and brings holiday warmth to any home. Among the many decorating decisions, one common question that often arises is: should you hang big or small ornaments first? The answer isn’t simply one or the other. It depends on your decorating approach, type of tree, and the kinds of ornaments you have. This comprehensive guide explores expert advice, practical steps, and creative tips to help you decorate your Christmas tree with balance, style, and ease. Along the way, you’ll find useful visual guides and video links to walk you through the process.

Why Does Ornament Order Matter?

The order in which you hang ornaments impacts the tree’s stability, aesthetics, and efficiency of the decorating process. Starting with the right ornaments in the right places allows for:

• Even distribution of weight, preventing branch sagging

• Balanced visual appeal with harmonious spacing and layering

• Easy access to all branches without knocking off previous decorations

This approach helps avoid common pitfalls like overcrowded branches or bare-looking spots. Planning the order adds structure to creativity, ensuring the final display looks polished and festive.

Preparing Your Tree First

Before hanging any ornaments, take these preparatory steps for best results:

• Fluff the Branches: Gently separate and shape branches to create maximum volume. This opens space for ornaments and enhances fullness.

• String the Lights: Add Christmas lights evenly around the tree, starting from the bottom or top, depending on your preference. Lights should be woven from the inside out to add depth and glow throughout the tree.

• Drape Garland or Ribbon: Hanging garlands and ribbons before ornaments creates a base layer, adding texture and color that complements the ornaments.

This foundational setup provides a canvas for ornament placement, enhancing the overall design and making decorating more manageable.

Hanging Big Ornaments First: Setting the Foundation

Most decorating experts recommend starting with the largest and heaviest ornaments. Here’s why:

• Structural Support: Large ornaments tend to be heavier and need firm branches closer to the trunk for support so branches don’t droop or break.

• Visual Anchoring: Big ornaments act as visual anchors that help you map out where other decorations should be spaced for balance.

• Ease of Placement: Placing big ornaments first means you can work around them rather than repositioning smaller decorations later.

Examples of large ornaments include oversized baubles, large bells, and statement figurines. Use floral wire or heavy-duty hooks to secure these firmly. Place them evenly around the tree at varying heights to create natural visual interest.

Tips for Hanging Big Ornaments

• Mount on sturdy branches closer to the trunk, as tips may not hold heavy weights well.

• Use floral wire for extra security instead of standard thin hooks.

• Spread large ornaments evenly around the tree—not bunched in one area.

• Step back frequently to check balance from different angles.

Filling the Tree with Medium and Small Ornaments

After the big ornaments are anchored, start filling gaps with medium and small ornaments. This layering gives the tree a visually rich and textured appearance.

• Medium Ornaments: These go between the large ornaments, filling space on medium-strength branches.

• Small Ornaments: Ideal for tips, outer branches, and tight spots, small ornaments add shimmer and detail without weighing down branches.

The key is variety and spacing—avoid grouping ornaments too closely by size or color. Mix textures (matte, glossy, glittery) and shapes (round, teardrop, novelty) for a dynamic look.

Placement Strategies for Smaller Ornaments

• Use small ornaments to hide any sparse or bare branches.

• Cluster some in small groups for interest, but mainly space them evenly.

• Intermix colors throughout the tree to avoid color blocks.

• Place some ornaments deeper inside the tree for depth.

Accents and Finishing Touches

Once main ornaments are placed, add accent decorations like:

• Floral picks and sprays with berries or pinecones

• Decorative ribbons and bows woven through the branches

• Candy canes and small lights for sparkle

• Tree topper such as a star, angel, or bow

These final elements add texture and help unify the overall theme. The topper crowns your work and signals completion.

Considerations for Different Ornament Types

Every ornament type might require a slightly different approach:

• Heavy Ornaments: Deep inside the tree on thick branches, supported by floral wire or hooks.

• Delicate Glass Ornaments: On outer branches for visibility, handle gently.

• Lightweight Ornaments: Flexible placement allowed, often on branch tips.

Decorate with care for breakable ornaments by placing them where they are less likely to be bumped.

Expert Video Tutorials and Visual Guides

For those visual learners, many videos demonstrate step-by-step techniques in real time:

• Videos showing how to fluff your tree and hang lights evenly

• Tutorials on securing heavy ornaments with floral wire

• Examples of balanced placement of large, medium, and small ornaments

• Guides to adding ribbons, garlands, and tree toppers last

These resources can give you confidence and inspiration before you start decorating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I put big or small ornaments on first?
It is best to hang big ornaments first to establish anchor points, then fill in with medium and small ones for balanced layering and spacing.

2. Where should heavy ornaments be placed?
Heavy ornaments belong near the trunk on sturdy branches to support their weight and prevent sagging or breakage.

3. When do I hang ornaments during the decorating process?
Ornaments come after lights, garlands, and ribbons. Decorating in layers protects ornaments and ensures better placement.

4. How many ornaments do I need for my tree?
A guideline is 10 to 12 ornaments per foot of tree height, but personalize based on style and ornament size.

5. Can I use extra ornaments off the tree?
Absolutely. Extra ornaments can decorate garlands, wreaths, mantels, or holiday table centerpieces to spread the festive feel throughout your home.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the visual impact of hanging big ornaments first or enjoy layering small ones to build texture, a well-planned order brings balance and beauty to your Christmas tree. Start by preparing your tree with lights and garlands, then secure your largest ornaments for structural and visual foundation, followed by medium and small ornaments for full coverage and depth. Finish with accent pieces and a tree topper to complete the look. With the right techniques, your holiday decorating process will be more enjoyable, efficient, and rewarding.