The Christmas tree is undoubtedly the centerpiece of any festive setting. However, with all the fun that decorating a tree brings are the often tedious chores that make it as beautiful as possible. First on the list (and arguably the most notorious of all) is hanging string lights.
It's certainly not uncommon to find hanging lights a chore – one that even the likes of Martha Stewart is not immune to. With that said, in true Stewart style, she has found a solution that makes the whole process easier, and it involves breaking conventions you've likely followed for years. That's right, she starts at the bottom of the Christmas tree.
'You'll need six strands of 100 lights [like these from Amazon] for a six-foot tree,' Stewart begins in the footage below.
'Start at the bottom of the tree. Draw the strand of lights from the trunk out to the end of the branch, wrapping around, then back down the branch, then back up another branch.' She recommends doing this same technique right to the top of the tree and drawing the extension cord right down the trunk. Lastly, you can crown your tree with a beautiful topper. 'It's the most beautiful way to illuminate your tree,' she comments.
Shop the essentials
A proven Amazon best-seller and well deserving of its glowing reviews, these lights are an easy win for your Christmas decor. If you’re decorating a larger tree, the connectable strands let you create a seamless, radiant glow from top to bottom.
Simplicity at its finest. We recommend using these lights to subtly enhance your tree, creating a discreet base that allows your ornaments to shine. If you prefer to keep your decor limited to lights only, the brass finish adds a simple, polished touch that feels both impactful and effortless.
These beautiful lights feature a neutral string base and a warm, twinkling glow that looks gorgeous on a minimalist tree or works perfectly as a subtle foundation for a more maximalist style. Each set includes 150 lights that hang from the main wire in clusters, creating an intricate icicle effect.
These classic LED light sets offer a clean, seamless look, with green wiring that disappears into your décor while illuminating trees, garlands, wreaths, and architectural details with soft, festive light.
The ideal holiday tree is one that shines without demanding constant attention, and this artificial evergreen from Target delivers just that. Boasting lush, lifelike branches, built-in lights, and effortless assembly, it provides a stunning, low-maintenance centerpiece that brings festive charm to any living room.
For a minimalist touch, choose a pared-down tree topper from Wayfair, whose simple, classic design offers timeless elegance year after year. It'll pair effortlessly with any string lights.
This year, more than ever, we're seeing celebrities decorate their tree with lights and lights alone. While we're certainly not against ornaments (because we will emphasize how there are no rules when it comes to Christmas decor), we can't help but love this minimalist look.
If you're following this design trend, the placement of your lights is more vital than ever (since they will take center stage). So, if there's ever a winter to follow Stewart's method, it's now.
'This Christmas, décor trends are shifting towards simplicity, rustic charm, and handmade touches. We usually dress the tree with baubles collected over the years, but this year, I’m going to fill the tree with white lights and maybe add branches and foliage from the garden to fill it out and add volume for a more sculptural effect,' comments designer Matthew Williamson. 'It will be a bit of an experiment, but I’ll try layering in pine tree and olive tree branches from our garden in between the bows of the tree to bulk it out to create more interest. Where needed, I'll secure the branches in place with thin wire.'
This holiday season is the year of festive minimalism – and Stewart's trick is the failsafe starting point.
