How To Decorate A Candy Cane Christmas Tree: 11 Steps
Happy holidays, everyone. I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful season! Today I’m sharing 11 easy steps to decorate a candy cane Christmas tree, plus how I carried the red and white theme onto our fireplace mantel and around the house. It only takes about 1 to 2 hours, and then you get to enjoy your own red and white tree all season long!
I can’t tell you how much I LOVE this time of year!! Although it can be a little stressful with all the decorations, holiday shopping, wrapping, etc., I love it anyway! Mostly because I love decorating our home for Christmas, and I feel like it is a great excuse to put my love for design to fun use!! I also like to involve Valentina and Alina in decorating around the house, or at least make them feel like they are “helping”! Hahaha!
Why I Picked A Candy Cane Christmas Tree This Year
Every September, I start thinking about what colors and themes to choose for our Christmas trees! While I truly loved decorating our Christmas trees in gold and white, I didn’t want to repeat the same decorations. I LOVE pink Christmas trees; however, since I decorated our Christmas tree in pink a few years ago, I wasn’t quite ready to go back to “pink trees.”
I was debating between the candy cane theme and two other themes. One day on Instagram, I came across the coolest candy cane Christmas tree decorations on display in a beautiful hotel lobby in London, England! I made my final decision and wanted to create fun candy cane Christmas trees!
I think candy cane decorations are a Christmas staple that really helps create a stylish, cozy atmosphere in your home. They have such a bright and festive look and add a chic twist to Christmas! That is why I decided to go all in this year and theme both of my trees around the classic red and white holiday look!
How To Decorate A Candy Cane Christmas Tree
Making a candy cane Christmas tree is all about decorating it in red and white from top to bottom! I made mine with striped red and white ornaments. I got the red and white striped design from the picture in the hotel lobby in London. I completely fell in love with them! You can choose any other red and white design (it doesn’t need to be striped)! I also LOVE the pink and white candy cane theme! If you don’t want to go with a red and white theme, you can choose pink and white, or even a Tiffany blue and pink candy cane theme!
I originally planned to design our candy cane trees in Tiffany blue and pink; however, I had a hard time finding the right ornament colors. I decided to stick with the red and white color combination, since it’s a classic Christmas decoration anyway! As long as you use one of these color schemes, you can create a beautiful, chic candy cane Christmas tree.
1. Start With A Flocked Christmas Tree
I love the look of flocked Christmas trees. They have that snowy, white look, like the tree was just covered in snow. You can buy one that is already flocked, or flock it yourself with flocking powder on a real or faux tree. That white texture makes all the red pop, which is exactly what you want on a candy cane Christmas tree.
2. Choose Your Christmas Tree Lights
Our flocked trees came prelit, so we didn’t need to add any strands of lights. If your tree isn’t prelit, the best lights for a candy cane tree are solid white lights or alternating strands of red and white. Wrap the strands close together so the whole tree glows bright red and white. A candy cane Christmas tree lit in red and white looks so festive at night.
3. Pick Red And White Striped Ornaments
Choosing the ornaments is my FAVORITE part! The key to a candy cane Christmas tree is red and white (or pink and white), and as long as you stick to those two colors, you will have a candy cane tree in no time. For our trees, I used large red and white striped balls, red and white striped glass candies, and candy-shaped ornaments. You can go all striped, or mix in solid red and white pieces. It is entirely up to you!
4. Add White Snowflake Ornaments
White adds contrast and gives you that candy cane look. I love snowflake ornaments on a Christmas tree, especially a flocked one! Any style of white ornament works, as long as the white is spread evenly around the tree. Besides the snowflakes, I also used white balls with a bit of sparkle. Matte, sparkly, or shiny, these white touches pull the whole look together. You can also mix in a few silver ornaments if you want a little extra shine.
5. Tuck In Red Holly Berries
No candy cane tree is complete without extra red! Red holly berries balance all the white you have added so far. For a traditional Christmas look, I tuck bunches of holly berry picks and red berry sprays right into the branches. They add a beautiful red color and a lovely texture.
6. Finish With Red Velvet Ribbon And Real Candy Canes
I LOVE adding velvet or silk ribbons and bows to my trees, with the ends hanging neatly over the branches. It adds so much texture and makes the tree look elegant. I went with solid red velvet ribbon so I wouldn’t have too many patterns competing, but candy cane striped ribbon works too. Then I hung actual candy canes all over the tree. They are the sweetest little detail, and kids love helping with this part!
7. Dress The Mantel With Garland And Candles
We usually set up our Christmas trees by the fireplace, so the mantel matches. I layered green garland with white branches along the mantel and set white candles underneath. It keeps the mantel soft and wintry, so the red and white details really stand out.
8. Hang Red And White Striped Stockings
Hanging candy cane striped stockings on the fireplace was such an easy way for me to tie the whole design together. Using the same colors throughout your home makes everything feel finished and polished. Candy cane Christmas decorations on the mantel and through the rest of your home decor connect every room.
9. Add Mini Candy Cane Trees
I also love matching red and white decorative candy cane trees in small and medium sizes. Grouping a few on the mantel or console table repeats the look of the big trees in a fun, playful way. You can even put a large candy cane Christmas tree in the living room and keep the mini ones on the mantel.
10. Make Holly Bouquets In White Vases
Another great way to bring in red and white is with holly bouquets! I used my white ceramic vases, added some Christmas greenery, and finished them with beautiful red holly berries. They are so simple, yet they really stand out in our living room and kitchen. In the kitchen, I paired them with red champagne flutes for a festive little corner.
11. Make A DIY Candy Cane Wreath
A candy cane wreath is the cherry on top! For mine, I used an old white wreath I already had and hung miniature candy canes all around it. Then I added a red bow at the bottom with a few small pinecones and bunches of holly.
If you want to make one entirely out of candy canes, grab a hot glue gun and about 20 to 25 regular size candy canes. Glue the backs and hooks together until you have a circle, then add ribbon or string to hang it. Real or faux candy canes both work. Just remember that real ones will not last until next year (or you may have a sticky, melty mess next Christmas)!
The Bottom Line
A candy cane Christmas tree is one of the easiest themes to pull off. Start with a flocked tree, stick to red and white, and add layers: striped ornaments, white snowflakes, holly berries, ribbon, and real candy canes. Then carry the colors to your mantel, stockings, and vases so the whole house feels connected.
I think the Christmas season is such a great time to get your family and kids in the holiday spirit and create memories that last a lifetime. This project is simple enough for even young children to help with, and I hope it makes your holiday season magical!
Candy Cane Christmas Tree FAQ
What Is A Candy Cane Christmas Tree?
A candy cane Christmas tree is a tree decorated only in red and white, like a candy cane. Striped ornaments, white snowflakes, red holly berries, ribbon, and real or faux candy canes are the usual pieces.
What Colors Do You Need For A Candy Cane Christmas Tree?
Red and white is the classic combination. Pink and white also works, and so does Tiffany blue and pink if you want something different. Just pick two colors and keep everything on the tree within them.
Do I Need A Flocked Tree For A Candy Cane Theme?
No, but I love how a flocked tree looks with this theme. The snowy white branches make the red ornaments pop. A green tree works too. It just gives a more traditional look.
What Lights Look Best On A Candy Cane Christmas Tree?
Solid white lights are the safest choice. You can also alternate red and white strands for a brighter, more playful tree.
Can You Put Real Candy Canes On A Christmas Tree?
Yes! Real candy canes are cute, and kids love them. Keep them away from heat, and plan to toss them after the holidays since they get sticky over time. Faux candy canes last for years.
How Long Does It Take To Decorate A Candy Cane Tree?
About 1 to 2 hours for the tree itself. Add a little more time if you are also doing the mantel, stockings, and a DIY wreath.
What Is The Difference Between A Candy Cane And A Peppermint Christmas Tree?
They are very close! A peppermint candy cane Christmas tree adds round peppermint swirl ornaments alongside the stripes, while a classic candy cane themed Christmas tree leans on striped balls and real candy canes. Both stay in red and white, so you can mix them on one tree.
Can I Mix Gingerbread With A Candy Cane Christmas Tree?
Yes, a gingerbread tree and a candy cane tree go really well together. A few gingerbread ornaments add warm brown tones and make the whole tree feel even more like candy Christmas decorations.
Can I Make A DIY Candy Cane Christmas Tree On A Budget?
Yes! Real candy canes, red ribbon, holly berry picks, and white ornaments you already own go a long way. Add a DIY candy cane wreath, and you have the whole look without buying a lot of new pieces.
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Love,
Sherry
Sherry, xoxo
