There’s no universally correct way to decorate a Christmas tree, though everyone seems to have an opinion about it. Some people swear by coordinated color palettes and perfectly spaced ornaments. Others treasure the funky glass baubles that have graced their family trees for decades, a hand-carved wooden figure picked up at a German Christmas market, or the lopsided ornament made in elementary school. The sentimental ones usually come with better stories. A Christmas tree, after all, is as much a collection of memories as it is a decorating opportunity.
And yet, there’s always room for one more. Maybe it’s a handblown glass ornament, a miniature version of your favorite food, or a decoration that’s so uniquely you it somehow feels essential. Your tree doesn’t need a theme, and your ornaments certainly don’t need to match. We’ve rounded up our favorites, including sculptural glass baubles, handwoven treasures, cheerful little oddities, and keepsakes you’ll look forward to unpacking every December.
Our Top Picks:
Inside the Article
MoMA 3D-Printed Holiday Ornaments (Set of 2)
These 3D-printed ornaments have the nostalgic glow of vintage Christmas lights, even when the tree is unplugged. Designed by Austrian architecture firm Sheyn, their sculptural shapes give the classic holiday bauble a whimsical, modern twist. The watermelon and grapefruit hues are a refreshing departure from the usual red and green.
Villeroy & Boch Christmas Chic Christmas Ornaments (Set of 3)
Sleek, understated, and not the least bit fussy, this Villeroy & Boch set of three ornaments deserve a moment beyond the tree. Tuck a few into a wreath or garland, where they won’t have to compete with a tree’s worth of tinsel and twinkling lights.
Goodee Gotas Ornament (Set of 3)
Trade sparkles for natural texture with these ornaments handcrafted by Colombian artisans in the Andes. They bring a well-traveled touch to your tree, and the best part is that each one is a surprise, with its color combination chosen by the maker. They’re also far less fragile than glass when your dog’s tail inevitably sends one flying.
il Buco Vita Flower Ornament
If you’ve ever rearranged a vase just to catch the afternoon light, you’ll appreciate the way these ornaments from il Buco Vita play with it. Handblown in Italy from recycled glass, each one has subtle irregularities and shifting blue-green hues that take on a new life among the twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. This delicate floral shape is pretty enough to keep out long after the tree comes down.
Lenox Twelve Days Of Christmas 12-Piece Mini Ornament Set
Here’s a new tradition for the little ones: Unwrap one of these miniature porcelain ornaments each day like an advent calendar as you sing your way through the Twelve Days of Christmas. The set from Lenox includes all the familiar characters, like the partridge in a pear tree and the twelve drummers drumming. Apologies in advance for the song getting stuck in everyone’s head.
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Balsam Hill Essentials Classic Ornament (Set of 24)
Balsam Hill’s expertise with high-quality trees extend to their collection of decorative baubles. Don’t underestimate the power of classic shapes—like a set of metallic orbs in varying sizes.
