A red and white tree is about as classic as Christmas gets, and it’s one of the fastest-growing tree searches on Pinterest this season. It’s also one of the easiest to get right, because two colors leave little room for mistakes.
The base
A green tree gives you the traditional Christmas look. A white or flocked tree with red and white decorations looks more modern and Scandinavian.
Either way, use warm white lights (on Amazon). Colored lights fight with the two-color idea.
Mix the finishes
The most common mistake is buying all glossy red balls. The tree ends up looking like it came from a store window. Instead, mix:
- Matte, glossy and glitter.
- Ball ornaments in three sizes.
- A few shapes: stars, hearts, snowflakes, candy canes.
A mixed set in red and white (on Amazon) with different finishes is a good starting point. Then add a few special ones.
Ratio
Two-thirds red and one-third white looks traditional. The reverse looks lighter and more Nordic. Half and half can look busy. Pick a lead color.
Stripes
Stripes are what make it read as candy cane rather than just red. A few ways to get them in:
- Striped ribbon (on Amazon) wound loosely around the tree or tied into bows on the branches.
- Real or ornament candy canes hung on the branch tips.
- Striped tree skirt or a plaid one.
Topper and skirt
A simple star (on Amazon) or a big red bow on top. For the bottom, a white knit skirt (on Amazon) keeps it soft.
Carry it through the room
A red and white tree looks great with other touches in the same two colors: a red and white plaid doormat (on Amazon), red stockings with white cuffs, a bowl of peppermints on the coffee table. Leave the rest of the room plain so the color reads clearly.