12 Tinsel Christmas Tree Ideas That Bring Back the Sparkle

Silver Icicle Strands Hung One by One

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Hundreds of thin silver strands hang straight down from every branch of a green fir. Big colored bulbs in red, blue, green, and orange glow through them. The whole tree shimmers when anyone walks past.

Icicle tinsel is the look from mid century living rooms, and nothing else moves light the same way. Drape three or four strands over each branch tip instead of tossing clumps. Loose strands can harm cats and small children who swallow them, so skip this version in homes with either.

Copy it: Buy two boxes of icicle strands, since one never covers a full tree. (about 45 minutes, cost $)

Aluminum Tree With Only Blue Glass Balls

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A silver aluminum tree stands in front of a picture window, its foil branches ending in little pom pom tips. Only blue glass balls hang on it, all one size. From the floor, a rotating color wheel washes the tree in changing light.

Metal trees are sculpture, so they need very little decoration. One ornament color keeps the shape crisp. Never string electric lights on a metal tree, since a damaged wire can make the branches carry current, and light it from a floor lamp instead.

Copy it: Check resale shops and online listings for a vintage aluminum tree. (about 30 minutes, cost $$$)

Thick Silver Garland Swags With Jewel Tone Glass

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Fat silver garland loops around a green tree in deep, even swags. Glass ornaments in emerald, ruby, and sapphire hang at the low point of each loop. Their indented centers catch the light like tiny mirrors.

Swags give a tree the scalloped outline you see on old Christmas cards. Garland stays put better than loose strands, which makes it a calmer choice around pets. Pinch each high point onto a branch tip and let the dip fall about eight inches.

Copy it: Measure roughly nine feet of garland for each foot of tree height. (about 25 minutes, cost $)

Pink Tinsel Tree With Turquoise Ornaments

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An artificial tree made entirely of pink tinsel fills the corner with color. Turquoise and aqua balls hang from its glittering branches. White lights inside turn the whole thing into a glowing cone of cotton candy.

Pink and turquoise is the color pairing of fifties kitchens and diners. Because the tree itself is the tinsel, there are no loose strands to shed. Fluff every branch outward from the pole before decorating, or the center will look thin.

Copy it: Choose your two colors first, then buy only those. (about 40 minutes, cost $$)

Two Foot Silver Tree on the Bar Cart

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On a brass bar cart sits a two foot silver tinsel tree. Miniature glass balls in red and green dot its short branches. Cut crystal glasses and a seltzer bottle sparkle beside it.

Small trees bring sparkle to a spot the big tree cannot reach. Mirrors and glassware double the shine for free. Set the tree on a round mirror or a silver tray, which bounces light up through the branches.

Copy it: Clear one corner of your bar cart or sideboard today. (about 15 minutes, cost $)

Pet Safe Tree With Tinsel Only Up High

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Silver garland wraps only the top two thirds of this tree. Below that line, the branches hold wooden stars and felt balls. A tabby cat naps on the rug underneath.

Cats love to chew shiny strands, and swallowed tinsel can mean an emergency vet visit. Keeping it above four feet puts it out of reach of paws and toddlers. Tie each end of the garland to a branch with floral wire so nothing dangles.

Copy it: Mark the four foot line on your tree with a twist tie. (about 30 minutes, cost $)

Iridescent Garland on a White Tree

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Iridescent garland winds loosely around a white tree. Each strand flashes pink, mint, and lilac as the light shifts. Pastel glass balls in the same shades hang between.

White branches act like a blank page, so the color shifting foil reads clearly. Soft shades keep the retro look sweet instead of loud. Hold a sample of the garland up to your ornaments in daylight to check that the tones match.

Copy it: Pull out every pastel ornament you own and count them. (about 35 minutes, cost $$)

Blue and Silver Garland With Glass Snowflakes

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Royal blue tinsel garland alternates with silver on a tall spruce. Frosted glass snowflakes hang flat against the branches. Cool white lights make the tree look like a clear winter night.

Blue and silver was a favorite mid century color scheme, and it still feels crisp. Two garland colors add depth that one cannot. Wrap the blue first, then lay the silver in the gaps so the rows stay even.

Copy it: Buy equal lengths of blue and silver garland. (about 30 minutes, cost $)

Wire Stars Wrapped in Gold Tinsel

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Gold tinsel stars the size of saucers hang all over a green tree. Each one is a wire frame wrapped tightly in garland. A larger matching star crowns the top.

Wrapped shapes give you sparkle with no loose ends to fall off. Homemade stars cost little because one garland makes about six. Bend floral wire around a cookie cutter to form the star, twist it closed, and wind the tinsel around it.

Copy it: Find a star cookie cutter to use as your mold. (about 1 hour, cost $)

Black Tinsel Tree With Gold Balls

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Black tinsel branches make a dramatic tree against a white wall. Gold balls in matte and shiny finishes hang in neat rows. Warm lights glint off the dark foil like sparks.

Dark trees suit modern rooms that find green and red too sweet. Limiting the ornaments to one metal keeps it elegant, not spooky. Use twice the lights you think you need, since black foil soaks up the glow.

Copy it: Test one extra string of lights before you add ornaments. (about 40 minutes, cost $$)

Red, Green, and Gold Garlands With Bubble Lights

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Three tinsel garlands in red, green, and gold wrap this tree together. Bubble lights stand upright on the branches, their tubes fizzing with color. Plastic reindeer and painted bells fill the spaces.

More is more on a true retro tree, and mixing garland colors proves it. Twisting the strands into one thick rope before you wrap saves time. Clip each bubble light so it points straight up, or the liquid will not bubble.

Copy it: Twist your three garlands together on the floor first. (about 45 minutes, cost $$)

Champagne Garland Tucked Deep for a Quiet Glow

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Champagne tinsel garland runs deep inside the tree, close to the trunk. From outside, you see only a soft glimmer between the needles. Simple clear glass balls hang on the outer tips.

Hidden tinsel works like a mirror behind the lights and makes them look brighter. It suits anyone who likes sparkle but not a busy tree. Lay the garland in before the ornaments, pushing it back until the branch tips cover it.

Copy it: Add one champagne garland to the tree you already have. (about 15 minutes, cost $)

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