How to Make an Artificial Christmas Tree Look Fuller

Fluff Like a Pro

Fluffing your faux Christmas tree is hands-down the easiest way to improve the fullness of your tree.

I’ll be honest… this is not my favorite task.

It takes time…and it can make my hands itch.

But it makes a HUGE difference in making an artificial tree look fuller.

Start at the bottom and work your way up:

• Separate and shape individual branches to fan out like a natural pine tree.
• Fill bare spots by bending faux branches upward and outward to mimic the way real pine needles grow.
• If you see a bare spot in your tree, twist nearby branches into the space to fill up open space.
• If your hands itch like mine…wear some gloves!

Though tricky at first, with some patience and practice, you’ll be able to turn that unassuming Christmas tree into a majestic sight fit for any holiday gathering.

Pro tip: Add extra branches or pine picks to really boost volume, especially in larger gaps or empty spaces near the back of the tree.

Replace or Add Christmas Lights

Although choosing festive baubles and tinsel may be the most exciting part, no tree is complete without lights!

Twinkling lamps bring an extra touch of magic to your holiday decorations and create a beautiful evening atmosphere.

Tips for adding lights:

• Check every string of lights before adding them. (Make sure they work!)
• Use fairy lights or LED strands and tuck them deep into the center of the tree.
• Wrap the branches from the trunk outward to create dimension.
• Layer some lights closer to the trunk and others near the tips of the faux needles.

Start at the top and work down one branch at a time, making sure each light is wrapped snuggly against the branch. Continue wrapping until you reach either the bottom of the branch or the solid trunk of the Christmas tree.

Have a pre-lit tree?

Add more lights!

I know, I know…you bought a pre-lit tree so you wouldn’t have to wrestle with lights!

BUT…

Adding lights to a pre-lit tree gives the illusion of a fuller tree and creates that magical holiday glow we all love.

Ribbon for the Win

Ribbon is the perfect way to add texture, shape, and a little heft to a fake tree. It also adds color and ties into your color scheme for a cohesive look.

There are lots of ways to do it but I love to add big loops to a tree.

How to add wide ribbon loops:

I like to use 2-3 inch wide ribbon in 2-3 foot sections. Make it easier on yourself and work with smaller sections of ribbon…I use sections about 2-3 ft. long.

Take one end of the ribbon and tuck it into the back of a branch.

Create a loop and then pinch along the ribbon. Tuck this pinched area of the ribbon into the back of a different branch. Twist a small inner branch around the pinched area to secure.

Take a new length of ribbon and start a new loop where you ended with the previous loop.

Keep pinching and looping the short sections of ribbons into the desired pattern. (or non-pattern)

Voila! Cascading ribbon!

Try layering a solid-colored ribbon with a patterned ribbon for contrast and extra dimension.

How about some mesh ribbon? It adds drama while keeping things light and airy.

Coordinating ribbons can fill in unsightly gaps and sparse areas with lush patterns and colors!

Go Big with Ornaments

Here comes the fun part! Ornament time!

Whether you have chosen a theme for your tree or are going with a general festive free-for-all, grab a mug of chocolate and play some holiday music as you hang the ornaments.

To fill in your tree and create that fuller appearance, mix in large ornaments and reflective ornaments with smaller pieces. Place reflective ornaments close to lights for added sparkle and shine!

Tips for impactful decorating:

• Tuck basic filler ornaments (think shiny ball ornaments in coordinating colors) toward the back of the tree to add depth.
• Use ornaments in different sizes to give visual interest and a layered effect.
• Reflective and metallic ornaments help bounce light and add sparkle!

This is your moment to show your personality. Plaid, stripes, vintage, whimsical—whatever your holiday heart desires!

Picks and Extra Foliage

Floral picks and pine picks are your secret weapon for a fuller effect. They’re like mini tree branches you can pop in to make your fake Christmas tree look like the real deal.

Add them to:

• Fill in larger branch gaps or empty spaces.
• Extend out past the tree for added volume.
• Create texture and contrast with natural materials like pinecones, berries, or faux eucalyptus.

They’re especially great for covering up bare spots or helping transition between ribbons and ornaments.

Don’t hesitate to let them stick out from the tree a little bit…this makes your tree look bigger!

Add Something Unexpected

Want a new way to catch everyone’s eye?

Tuck in something unexpected—like birch logs, mini wrapped presents, or even plush holiday figures. You can even match it to your Christmas garland ideas around the house for a consistent theme.

Surprise elements make your Christmas decorations feel curated and special—and they draw guests in for a closer look.

To complement the red plaids and polka dots in this tree, I tucked some birch logs into the tree.

It is a subtle addition, but it always takes people by surprise when they look at the tree.

Decorate the Base of the Tree

Let’s not forget the bottom of your tree! Whether you’re using a classic tree skirt, a woven basket, or placing it on a riser, styling the base of the tree completes the look.

A finished base helps “ground” the entire tree and brings balance.

Ideas to dress it up:

• Add wrapped faux gifts in a contrasting color to your theme.
• Display candle holders, winter greenery, or even a lantern for a wintery look.
• Bundle logs or add a tree collar for rustic charm.
• Create this inexpensive DIY tree collar using photo frames and fabric!
• Add some nutcracker friends to stand “on guard” by Christmas packages.

Because this tree sits on a coffee table with some space, I added a candle on a candle holder and a small bundle of wrapped birch logs to the top of the table.

Crown It With a Fabulous Tree Topper

Your tree topper is like the finishing accessory—bold, fun, and essential.

It pulls the whole tree together and draws the eye to the top of your Christmas tree.

You can go traditional…

or unexpected!

Here are some Christmas tree topper ideas:

• Big loopy bow with wide ribbon
• Star or angel
• Santa hat
• Picks, Sprays, and Branches

Adding a topper to your Christmas tree is the perfect way to give your tree its final accessory.

Kind of like an exclamation point that says, “Hey! Look at me!”

From Sad to Spectacular

Let’s take a look at the transformation…

That old tree may have started with sparse areas, skimpy branches, and dead lights, but now?

It’s tall, lush, and absolutely holiday-ready—with a fuller appearance from top of the tree to bottom of the tree!

So before you head to the store in search of a new real Christmas tree, consider giving your fake tree a little TLC.

With these easy tricks and budget-friendly ideas, you can transform your artificial tree into a showstopping centerpiece for the most magical time of year.

Cheers!

Missy

A Little About Me

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