A treat in store for festive tree

CLASSIC KITSCH COCKTAIL. Undated Handout Photo of Personalised bauble, £12.99, Getting Personal. See PA Feature INTERIORS Christmas Trees. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Christmas Trees

Decorating the tree is an enjoyable ritual, but that doesn’t mean this seasonal focal point has to look the same every year.

It could be time to shake up your style and choose from one of the fresh new decor trends for trees so that yours is star of the show this December.

“Dressing the tree is one of my Christmas highlights, and a great chance to get the whole family involved,” says interior designer Joanna Wood.

“I always take the time to plan my tree in advance and try to create a slightly different look and theme each year, to keep the tree looking fresh and exciting.”

WINTER PALACE. Undated Handout Photo of Noel snowflake decoration, £6.50, Retreat Home. See PA Feature INTERIORS Christmas Trees. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Christmas Trees

By all means rely on that cherished collection of Christmas decorations, she says - there’s no need to rush out and buy a complete new set - but add a few pieces to bring a new look to life.

“Bring character to a tree by varying the style and texture of baubles and ornaments when decorating,” she says. “There’s no reason why classic gold decorations can’t be mixed with a brilliant red berry garland and red hearts, or a sleek snow-white scheme can’t have rustic, white wooden decorations, such as a flock of white birds, for a more Scandi feel.

“It’s about experimenting and not relying on the same set of decorations every year. Remember to create height and depth with the placement of your decorations, and vary hanging positions.

“Decorations can be tied to the tips of trees or sit on top of branches, as well as hanging from the them. Experiment with colour and, most importantly, have fun with your tree.”

CLASSIC KITSCH COCKTAIL. Undated Handout Photo of 6ft Norway SpruceTree, £25, and 100 LED red berry lights, £12, Tesco. See PA Feature INTERIORS Christmas Trees. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Christmas Trees

Choose from one of Wood’s four favourite themes for dressing your Christmas tree this year.

Classic kitsch cocktail

For a witty take, mix traditional decorations with retro-style or kitsch additions, suggests Wood.

Golden grandeur

Painted Glass Santa on Scooter, £21.99, Joanna Wood. PA Photo/Handout.

Muted metallics lend an aura of faded grandeur, and old gold mixes well with copper and bronze touches too.

Winter palace

This look plays on the romance and glamour of winter, with ice tones and plenty of glitter.

“Picture a luxurious ice palace for inspiration, with crisp, clean snowflakes on the windows,” says Wood.

Country chic

“Woodland charm is a strong trend in interiors, and this look picks up on that theme by evoking fond memories of white Christmases and walks in the countryside,” says Wood.

“Stick to a natural colour scheme for your base, using green and wood hues - pine cones suit this perfectly.”