If I’m being completely honest, the world has felt a bit heavy lately. Between the relentless news cycle, the economy, and nonstop headlines, it’s easy for me to become overwhelmed.
Enter my favorite holiday ritual: putting up the Christmas tree. It’s a lovely way to create a cozy spot to just sit and exhale.
I was in dire need of some peaceful energy earlier than usual this year, so don’t come at me—my tree went up in mid-October! I started simply, wrapping the branches in warm cluster lights to bring a soft, warm glow into the room. Then, over the course of a week, I slowly added ornaments, ribbons, and trims, taking my time and being intentional with each step.
A Warm Neutral & Mixed Metal Haven
The end result is my favorite tree yet! A Warm Neutrals & Mixed Metals theme filled with soft white frayed ribbons, coppery tones, and pretty doves and peace motifs. It’s become my cozy haven, and I plan on spending the rest of the season sitting right under its warm glow. Let’s take a closer look at how it all came together and how you can recreate this look in your own home!
The tree is a King Fraser Fir (9 ft) from King of Christmas. You can read my review of the tree here.
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The Palette & Textures: Layering Metals, Glass, and Soft Fabrics
I was going for a warm neutral look that felt rich and elevated. Layering different textures and finishes was key (texture is my jam). Last year I went with burgandy as my pop of color and I loved it! This season we are celebrating at the Lakehouse. YAY! I was looking for something to work with my brown leather sofas and that felt soft and neutral. My palette choice for this season centered on warm neutrals, soft white, gold, matte silver, copper, and champagne (with a little bronze thrown in). Instead of sticking to a single hue, mixing the metallic shades created depth and warmth.
Bringing the palette and texture to life:
- Glass & Mixed Metal Accents: Glass ornaments scattered throughout catch the light for classic festive sparkle. I also tucked in mixed-metal picks to add some depth and extend the metallic shimmer deeper into the branches.
- Patterned Trims & Pressed Metal Garlands: I ran decorative trim in two distinct patterns across the tree. A favorite find this season is the Pressed Metal Dove Garland from Magnolia—it drapes gracefully and ties in beautifully with the peace-and-dove motif.
- Romantic White Bows & Button Details: To contrast with all the warm metals, I tied soft white ribbon into romantic bows and attached small jeweled buttons to the centers. They provide a bright, clean pop against the warm palette and give the lights an extra surface to bounce off of.
- Peace Signs & Dove Motifs: White doves and peace sign ornaments added contrast and infused my tree with a message of hope (perfect for the holiday season). They make me so happy!
Styling Secrets: How to Layer a Warm Neutral Tree Like a Pro
Achieving a tree that looks full and styled—yet completely cozy—comes down to intentional layering. Here are my favorite decorating tips to build depth, balance, and warmth.
- Start with the right tree & prep well: Choose a tree that fits your room and scale. I have 14 ft ceilings (maybe more at the peak), so this year I went with a 9 ft tree from King of Christmas. A nine-foot tree is a lot, so take the time to set it up securely. Fluff every branch, and fill in obvious gaps before adding a single piece of decor.
- Layer in the right order: I always follow a specific order to build structure: lights first, followed by stems and picks (to fill any holes), then ornaments, garlands and trims, ribbon, and finally any finishing touches (like tinsel). I like to set all this out on my sofa so I can see it as I go.
- Next, set the mood with cluster lights (also called firecracker or fairy lights): I wrapped the tree branches with warm cluster lights. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! Tuck some lights deeper into the inner branches to create a luminous, glowing backdrop. If you put your tree up early, as I did a few weeks ago, you can enjoy the warm glow of the lights and leave it as-is for a while.
- Then, start building depth from the inside out: Don’t just hang your ornaments on the outer tips. Tuck multiple-size glass and metallic ornaments deep inside the tree to fill empty spaces and add dimension. They will also bounce light around from the lights you’ve placed inside the tree. Once I have added most of the ornaments, it’s time for the garland. I used fabric trim in two patterns (one is a rope) and then a pressed metal dove garland from Magnolia.
- Use ribbon strategically: Ribbon (I used this) is so on trend and can completely transform a tree. Whether you use wired ribbon to cascade or tie soft bows like I did (I love their soft, romantic feel), placement matters. I used white ribbon bows on the outer tips and attached jewel buttons to the centers so they catch the light and contrast the warm metals.
- Adjust for your tree’s natural shape: Full, slim, or sparse trees each decorate differently. Work with your tree’s natural branches rather than forcing a rigid formula. Place special pieces—I used the white doves and gold peace sign ornaments—where the branches naturally open up to display them best.
- Step back often: As you work, step back and view your tree from across the room. Look for bare spots, uneven color distribution, or heavy clusters, and adjust your ornaments as you go.
Shop the Look: Source List
To help you recreate this Warm Neutrals & Mixed Metals Christmas Tree look, here is a list of the key items and materials I used to style this tree:
- The Tree: King Fraser Fir (full Version) from The King of Christmas
- Cluster Lights: Dense, warm-glowing lights. I used 5 strands.
- Metallic & Glass Ornaments: A mix of gold, matte silver, copper, champagne, and glass ornaments, plus gold peace signs and white doves
- Pressed Metal Garland: Pressed Metal Dove Garland from Magnolia
- Patterned Trims: Two distinct patterned trims used as additional garland layering
- DIY Ribbon Bows: I made them with white velvet/cotton frayed-edge ribbon, vintage-style jewel buttons, and crafting wire.
- Tree Skirt Base: I used two cozy faux-fur throws wrapped around the tree base.
Final Thoughts: Finding Peace in the Glow
At the end of the day, holiday decorating isn’t about perfection or following any kind of design rules. I think it’s more about creating a space that brings you comfort, joy, and some peace for you and your loved ones. Taking the time to curate this Warm Neutrals & Mixed Metals Christmas Tree gave me exactly what I needed this season.
Whether you put your tree up in mid-October like I did or wait until December, I hope this post inspires you to slow down and create a cozy spot to sit back, exhale, and enjoy the warm glow.
Happy decorating!
Peace and Love,
-Libbie
You may also enjoy:
Reviewing My King of Christmas Tree- Yorkshire Fir Tree with Lights.
DIY Fresh Flower Christmas Tree
Shop My Christmas Favorites for 2026
