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?

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// Across the Boulevard

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.

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