When it comes to decorating for the holiday season, I'm a firm believer in the 'more is more' philosophy – especially for lighting. Apparently, Joanna Gaines thinks the same, as her latest Christmas decor setup features a grand tree decked out with the most intricate and impactful arrangement of string lights.
In a video posted to her Instagram page, the designer shared a glimpse behind the scenes of this elaborate Christmas decorating idea. Lit from bottom to top with several conjoined strands of Home Depot's Clear Incandescent Mini String Lights and no branch left unadorned, Joanna's Christmas tree is a sight to be seen. It may have taken her and her team a couple of hours to complete the look, but the results are absolutely magical – a Christmas tree that rivals New York's iconic Rockefeller Center tree.
These are the string lights that Joanna and her team used to decorate her Christmas tree. At just under 69ft in length, this strand of string lights features 300 incandescent mini lights. To make a grand display, you can connect up to three strands with one outlet. And for convenience, this set comes with 10 extra bulbs in case any burn out.
According to Joanna's visual assistant Liz, the best way to achieve this vivid Christmas tree light display is to start stringing the lights against the trunk at the base of the tree. From there, it's best to 'wrap each individual branch all the way up to the tip, and then you run it back all the way to the inside of the tree,' Liz explains in the video. After one branch is finished, continue to the next until you've finished the entire tree.
Because of the intricacy of the arrangement, this type of Christmas lighting idea might not be the quickest, but it is incredibly simple and effective. If you have a free afternoon, plenty of patience, and are eager to make your tree look as spectacular as can be, this idea is totally worth it. Each illuminated branch can make your tree look fuller, larger, and even more grand than it already is.
The amount of string lights you'll need depends on the size of your Christmas tree. Because Joanna's tree is so large, she and her team used several boxes of Home Depot's Clear Incandescent Mini String Lights. However, if your tree is smaller, you definitely won't need as many boxes, and it'll take you much less time to complete the arrangement.
Shop Magnolia Christmas Ornaments
Once your tree is complete with all of its lights, you can add your favorite holiday ornaments to finish the display. Below, find a few styles from Magnolia that'll bring character to your tree this holiday season.
Inspired by the iconic truck that's parked on Magnolia's grounds in Waco, Texas, this mini ornament is a festive touch to add to your holiday tree. Complete with a wreath on its hood and a tree on its roof, this truck is a charming representation of the holiday season.
I just love the elegant look of these pinecone ornaments. With their slightly sparkled edges, they'll shine against a tree lit up with an intricate arrangement of string lights. Sold in a set of six, these pinecones can add some natural appeal all around your tree.
This snowflake is as magical as they come. Made with delicate beads in various sizes, it's an elegant ornament to hang on your Christmas tree this holiday season. Plus, it's sure to sparkle in the glow of your tree's string lights.
This miniature stack of books is the perfect ornament for anyone who is an avid reader. It's a personal touch that can make your Christmas tree appear full of character and charm. Plus, the red and white ribbon tied around it adds a stylish, festive touch.
Shower your tree with classic Christmas charm with this set of 12 candy cane ornaments. Because of their light, handmade appeal, they have a nostalgic quality to them. Scattered around your tree, they can certainly add a level of character to its design.
This delicate frame is the perfect place to display a photo of your loved ones on your tree this holiday season. It might be miniature in size, but it can make a heartfelt impact on your Christmas tree this holiday season.
Joanna Gaines’ Christmas tree is a stunning statement, but the reason it’s such a showstopper couldn’t be simpler. Every tree needs lights, so why not try Joanna’s hack this year to make every branch glow and create the kind of impact you’d expect from the iconic tree at Rockefeller Center?
