How To Decorate A 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.
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
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 red and blue.
2 | Use 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
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.
Then I added some dark blue ones, also in different shapes.
4 | Hang 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.
All of the blue and red ornaments help to bring out the colors in the ribbon.
5 | Add some sparkle
Of course, I think all Christmas trees need some sparkle.
So I added some gold and sparkly ornaments.
6 | Hang nutcracker ornaments
And since this is a nutcracker Christmas tree, some nutcracker ornaments were a given.
At this stage, the tree looks pretty good.
And I was thinking that I was done with the ornaments.
7 | Clip on poinsettias
Until I saw these red and blue plaid clip-on poinsettias.
And just couldn’t pass them up.
They do act like focal points on the tree.
8 | Put up a nutcracker tree topper
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.
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
A blue and gold tree skirt helps to cover the base of the tree.
10 | Decorate the mantel
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.
A group of nutcrackers adds some height on either end of the mantel
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.
Finally, I added some larger nutcrackers on the floor in front of the fireplace.
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.
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!
And check out all the participating bloggers for even more decorating inspiration for your Christmas tree…
Our Crafty Mom // Red Cottage Chronicles// From House to Home// Simple Nature Decor
Virginia Sweet Pea// 2 Bees in a Pod// First Day of Home
Simply Beautiful by Angela // Happily Ever After, etc.// Madness and Method// Zucchini Sisters
Purple Hues and Me// Tribe of Burton// My Pinterventures// Modern on Monticello
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 July 25, 2023.
Hello,
I’m trying to find the sources for the Nutcracker Tree. Could you please share where you found everything? Thank you
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.
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.
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
Thanks, Michelle! And thanks for hosting every year! Happy holidays!
Everythings about this tree makes me want to try this out! I absolutely adore it. Your mantel is perfectly simple and looks amazing. Pinned.
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!
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.
Thanks, Andrea! I really like those hammered metal houses, too 🙂
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.
Thanks, Betsy! I lucked out on finding all the ornaments in the right colors 🙂
Wow! Your tree is amazing! I love the deep blue and red against your flocked tree. Everything came together just perfectly!
Thanks, Erlene! I really like the way it turned out 🙂
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!
Thanks, Crissy! I’m really enjoying it 🙂 Happy holidays to you, too!
Your nutcracker Christmas mantel and coordinating mantel are beautiful! I so much enjoy every picture that you shared.
Thanks, Paula! I am enjoying having them in my living room.
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.
Thanks, Jen! I think it’s one of my new favorite Christmas color themes 🙂
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!
Thanks, Nicole! I think I got lucky finding all of those ornaments 🙂
Wow Wanda – your nutcracker tree is beautiful! Such a fun theme – and your colors are gorgeous. We just love blue!
Thanks! Blue is my favorite color, too 🙂
Your Nutcracker Tree looks stunning, Wanda! It’s very creative and quite unique – and looks perfect in your holiday setting!
Thanks, Gail! I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out 🙂
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!
Thanks, Beverly! What a great tradition to get a new nutcracker every year. I may have to start doing that, too 🙂
Love your tree with the blues and reds. It coordinated with the mantel. I love the hanging ornaments. Beautiful job decorating.
Thanks, Maria! I think the hanging ornaments are my favorite part 🙂