Blue, Red And White Nutcracker Christmas Tree

I’m always looking for inspiration for my Christmas tree decorations. So this year I decided to use nutcrackers to create a traditional Christmas theme that represents good luck and goodwill. And the result was this red and blue nutcracker Christmas tree that exudes a happy holiday vibe.

how to decorate a nutcracker Christmas tree

Every year I try to do something different with my living room Christmas decor.

Which means looking for new sources of inspiration.

This year, it came from one of my family’s Christmas traditions…going to see the Nutcracker ballet.

I figured nutcrackers are a traditional Christmas symbol and they remind me of my childhood. So what better way to decorate for Christmas?

In case you’re wondering…

What do Nutcrackers stand for?

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A nutcracker is an iconic symbol of power and strength that is said to guard your family against danger.

It bares its teeth to ward off evil spirits but also acts as a messenger of good luck and goodwill.

Perfect for the holiday season!

But before we start. This post is part of our annual Christmas tree blog hop.

Which means I’ll be sharing Christmas tree decor ideas from a bunch of my blogger friends.

So if you’re visiting from Red Cottage Chronicles, welcome!

And be sure to check out all of the beautiful Christmas tree decorations at the end of the post.

Now, let’s get on with my red and blue nutcracker Christmas tree ideas.

1 | Pick a color scheme

Nutcrackers on the floor beside a Christmas tree

The first step to decorating any Christmas tree is to decide on a color scheme.

So I looked to the colors on the nutcrackers as the inspiration for mine.

Since my living room is blue (which is also my favorite color), I went with blue, red and white.

2 | Use plaid ribbon

Flocked Christmas tree with red and blue plaid ribbon

I always like to start with ribbon.

And plaid is a traditional pattern that is often available in nutcracker colors.

So when I found two different ribbons in red and blue plaid, I knew they would be the perfect backdrop for my tree.

3 | Add Solid color ornaments

Christmas tree with red ornaments and red and blue plaid ribbon

Next I added solid ornaments in those two colors, starting with the red ones first.

Using different shapes help to make them look more interesting.

Christmas tree with dark blue ornaments, red ornaments and red and blue plaid ribbon

Then I added some dark blue ones, also in different shapes.

4 | Hang ornaments

Red and blue plaid ornaments

Then I found some red and blue plaid ornaments that were perfect!

And added some finials that were blue trimmed with red.

And red trimmed with blue.

Red and blue ornaments with red and blue plaid ribbon on a flocked Christmas tree

All of the blue and red ornaments help to bring out the colors in the ribbon.

5 | Add some sparkle

Red, blue and gold ornaments and ribbon on a flocked Christmas tree

Of course, I think all Christmas trees need some sparkle.

So I added some gold and sparkly ornaments.

6 | Hang nutcracker ornaments

Nutcracker ornaments hung on a Christmas tree with red and blue ornaments

And since this is a nutcracker Christmas tree, some nutcracker ornaments were a given.

Nutcracker ornaments hung on a Christmas tree with red and blue ornaments

At this stage, the tree looks pretty good.

And I was thinking that I was done with the ornaments.

7 | Clip on poinsettias

Red and blue plaid poinsettia ornaments on a nutcracker Christmas tree with red and blue ornaments

Until I saw these red and blue plaid clip-on poinsettias.

And just couldn’t pass them up.

Nutcracker Christmas tree with red and blue ornaments, poinsettias and ribbon

They do act like focal points on the tree.

8 | Put up a nutcracker tree topper

Nutcracker tree topper on a Christmas tree

To finish the tree off I stood a nutcracker on the top as the tree topper.

I used the branches to prop it up there.

Red and blue Nutcracker Christmas tree with a Nutcracker tree topper

But you could also tie it up with a twist tie or zip tie. Or hang it from the ceiling so that it looks like it’s on the top of the tree.

9 | Lay down a tree skirt

Blue and gold tree skirt under a nutcracker Christmas tree

A blue and gold tree skirt helps to cover the base of the tree.

10 | Decorate the mantel

Fireplace mantel decorated with nutcrackers and red and blue ornaments

Since the tree is right beside my fireplace, I added some decorations to the mantel as well.

A group of small houses helps to hide the TV speaker and cable box.

Nutcrackers on the end of a fireplace mantel

A group of nutcrackers adds some height on either end of the mantel

Red and blue ornaments and nutcrackers hung from stocking holders on a fireplace mantel decorated for Christmas

The small nutcrackers and most of the houses are actually stocking holders.

So I used the hooks to hang some of the ornaments from the tree in front of the fireplace.

Nutcracker Christmas tree beside a fireplace decorated with red and blue ornaments and nutcrackers

Finally, I added some larger nutcrackers on the floor in front of the fireplace.

red and blue nutcracker Christmas tree with a fireplace mantel in the background

Even though the mantel decor is very simple, I love how it ties in with the tree.

That’s it for my nutcracker theme Christmas decor.

Where to buy nutcracker tree ornaments

If you’re interested in knowing where to get the ornaments I used, click the images below.

Some ornaments are no longer available so I’ve tried to find similar ones in those cases.

KI Store Blue Velvet Magnolia Flowers Pack of 6 Oversize Artificial Christmas Poinsettia Floral Picks Stems for Xmas Tree Wedding Centerpiece Decorations
12 Pieces Christmas Plaid Poinsettias Artificial Xmas Poinsettias Flowers Ornaments Faux Flowers Picks Decor Wreath for Christmas Tree Party Holiday Decor (Classic Style)

More Christmas Tree Decor Ideas

Now be sure to visit Maria at Simple Nature Decor to see her super cute DIY Christmas ornaments.

And have a Merry Christmas!

Christmas tree decor blog hop

And check out all the participating bloggers for even more decorating inspiration for your Christmas tree…

pink and red Christmas tree decor

Our Crafty Mom // Red Cottage Chronicles// From House to Home// Simple Nature Decor

White and red Christmas trees

Virginia Sweet Pea// 2 Bees in a Pod// First Day of Home

Gold, pink and white Christmas trees

Simply Beautiful by Angela // Happily Ever After, etc.// Madness and Method// Zucchini Sisters

Purple, white and aqua Christmas trees

Purple Hues and Me// Tribe of Burton// My Pinterventures// Modern on Monticello

Pink, red and blue Christmas trees

Jenron Designs// Design Morsels// Oh Fiddle Dee Dee // Redneck Rhapsody

Have comments or questions about our nutcracker Christmas tree ideas? Tell us in the section below.

This post was originally published on November 29, 2021 but was updated with new content on December 18, 2023.


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29 Comments

  1. Hello,
    I’m trying to find the sources for the Nutcracker Tree. Could you please share where you found everything? Thank you

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Hi Kay…I added a section close to the bottom of the page with links to the different ornaments. Some of them aren’t available any more so I tried to find some similar ones you can use.

  2. The details of your ornaments are stunning. I especially like the plaid poinsettias. So glad you were part of the hop this year. I definitely pinned your tree for inspiration and just because it was so pretty.

  3. Wanda, I’m totally blown away by your stunning nutcracker Christmas tree. I believe I told you my daughter collects nutcrackers. She asked if we could try to decorate our tree next year because she loved it so much. I really don’t think I could do it justice it’s amazing thank you so much for joining in this blog hop. I love having you here after year. Happy holidays

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Michelle! And thanks for hosting every year! Happy holidays!

  4. Everythings about this tree makes me want to try this out! I absolutely adore it. Your mantel is perfectly simple and looks amazing. Pinned.

  5. Wanda, your tree is stunning and so unique! I love the nutcracker theme and all of the vibrant shades of red and blue. I love everything plaid, so the plaid ribbon, ornaments and poinsettias are my favorite touches. Thanks for sharing the step by step decorating process. It was nice to join you on the hop. Pinned!

  6. I love the red and blue plaid ribbon. Your nutcracker collection is so neat. I love the hammered steel houses on your mantel too. It was fun hopping with you.

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Andrea! I really like those hammered metal houses, too 🙂

  7. Your tree looks so pretty! I really like all of the different red and blue ornaments… you really found a few interesting shapes! And the poinsettia’s are a wonderful touch, they look great with the nutcrackers. Definitely a wonderful nod towards the wonderful nutcracker ballet.

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Betsy! I lucked out on finding all the ornaments in the right colors 🙂

  8. Wow! Your tree is amazing! I love the deep blue and red against your flocked tree. Everything came together just perfectly!

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Erlene! I really like the way it turned out 🙂

  9. Oh my goodness, Wanda! I absolutely love your nutcracker tree! I love nutcracker anything, and this tree is just exquisite. The mantel looks so great with it, too. Happy Holidays!

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Crissy! I’m really enjoying it 🙂 Happy holidays to you, too!

  10. Your nutcracker Christmas mantel and coordinating mantel are beautiful! I so much enjoy every picture that you shared.

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Paula! I am enjoying having them in my living room.

  11. This red and blue color theme is absolutely stunning on your tree, I love it and nutcrackers have long since been my favorite as well. Such a great classic for the holidays.

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Jen! I think it’s one of my new favorite Christmas color themes 🙂

  12. Whoa – this tree does go perfectly with your living room decor 🙂 Everything works so well together, who knew there were so many red and blue ornament options!

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Nicole! I think I got lucky finding all of those ornaments 🙂

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks! Blue is my favorite color, too 🙂

  13. Your Nutcracker Tree looks stunning, Wanda! It’s very creative and quite unique – and looks perfect in your holiday setting!

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Gail! I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out 🙂

  14. I love your Nutcracker tree, Wanda! I’ve had a love of Nutcracker decor for years. Each year, my husband gives me one and my collection has grown so large I have to choose which ones come out each year. A tree and mantel devoted to nutcrackers is such a fun idea and you put it all together beautifully. Plus, you’ve given me an idea for a future tree. Thanks!

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Beverly! What a great tradition to get a new nutcracker every year. I may have to start doing that, too 🙂

  15. Love your tree with the blues and reds. It coordinated with the mantel. I love the hanging ornaments. Beautiful job decorating.

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Maria! I think the hanging ornaments are my favorite part 🙂