The Christmas tree is the main symbol of the upcoming holidays. Tatiana Vekovtseva, Head of the Department of Technology and Design of the Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service of South Ural State University, shares on how to decorate the green beauty, as well as what decorative elements to use for table setting.
The main feature of decorating is using natural colours and materials. To decorate the tree, choose shades of green, brown and deep blue. Gilded and silver details, which will represent the shiny scales of the snake, are allowed. Give up candles, red and orange flowers: wood does not get along with fiery shades.
A natural tree will be the best choice in the year of the Green Wooden Snake. If you are planning to put up an artificial tree, add a winter bouquet in a vase or a wreath with real pine branches on the door.
Give preference to natural decorations: wooden and glass toys, decorations made of pine cones and cinnamon sticks. Use your imagination: create decorations that imitate a snake, for example, wrap a Christmas tree garland around the ledge.
Popular options:
Purple base
The colour itself creates a strict design atmosphere, so it is usually combined with softer shades. Pink and white details on the tree will muffle the sombre purple, and silver and copper will make it more festive. Textured purple toys will add nobility to the decoration of the tree, and the glossy ones will make the green beauty more glamorous.
Today, the precious stones palette is trendy, and purple, which is the colour of amethyst, can look luxurious if combined with emerald, ruby and sapphire colours. Add gold details to the tree decoration to emphasize the jewellery outfit of the main symbol of the year.
Red + gold
This classic combination can be found in the main Christmas tree of any country. The final result depends on the amount of one colour or another. Adjust the proportions: the same amount of red and gold will create a traditional Christmas tree design, more red ‑ festive, more gold ‑ fairy-tale-like.
Red + white or silver
Such a tandem will add freshness to the atmosphere: white or silver toys will muffle the red accents and create an atmosphere of frosty purity. Try sprinkling snow spray over the tree to enhance the feeling of a winter fairy tale.
Orange
It is a rare palette option for decorating a Christmas tree since pumpkin colour is more associated with autumn. However, slices and dried orange circles can be used as they symbolize the sun in northern countries – such decoration will perfectly fit into the Scandinavian interior style. Orange colour derivatives will look great on the tree: coral, peach, terracotta – these colours are part of the trendy palette of the season and go especially well with gold details.
The basis of the festive table setting is a tablecloth and fabric napkins. On the night of December 31, 2024 into January 1, 2025, it is better to use natural materials, such as cotton or linen, or blended fabrics.
It is better to choose traditional snake colours – all shades of green: khaki, olive, grass, emerald, and others. Since the snake in 2025 is not simple, but wooden, the colour of wood and other natural tones are welcome: brown, orange, grey.
Green or emerald. They symbolize mystery, wealth and tranquillity. You can experiment with different shades and textures.
Gold. It represents luxury, power, success and wisdom. It is better to use this colour as the main accent, but avoid using too much of it.
Black. It will add mystery and elegance to the festive table. Together with gold and green, you can achieve an impressive contrast.
Dark blue and burgundy. These colours can add contrast and richness to the main palette. Burgundy will bring a feeling of celebration, and dark blue will add the mystery of the first night of 2025.
To create a harmonious table setting, experts advise using no more than three colours.
Elements of nature can be used as decor: fir branches, greenery, live plants and wooden accessories. Candles, for example, green and golden, are also suitable.
Key trends are unusual materials and textures, a mixture of styles and bright accent details. You can combine vintage plates with modern glasses, use original napkin holders or unusually shaped candles.
Minimalism is also trendy: clean lines, simple shapes, no unnecessary details. You can use natural materials: linen tablecloths and napkins, wooden coasters, or handmade ceramic dishes.
New Year’s table setting rules:
1. Uniformity of style in decoration.
2. Creating cosiness. Use what you have at hand. You can decorate cutlery and chairs with ribbons, and also make small bows on the stems of glasses. The main thing is attention to detail.
3. Naturalness. Tablecloths and napkins made of natural cotton or linen always look festive. It is worth allowing yourself a little luxury on New Year's.
4. Decor. Communication. The main thing in a New Year's feast is communication, so make sure that the decorative elements are not too high and do not block the view.