by J.B. Doyle

Created on: November 01, 2009

Decorating a Christmas tree around a theme has become very popular in recent years. Entire decorating kits can be purchased around themes. If you're looking for something a little different, you can put together great themes yourself, instead of going on a hunt for a kit that matches your dream tree.

Clear glass ornaments work great for theme trees. The tops can be removed, and colored tinsel can be placed inside. Another great idea is to add watered down watercolor paint and swirl around the ornament. Place upside down to dry. After Christmas, the ornaments can be soaked in warm water to remove the color. You can add a different color next year.

Some people like to decorate in a single color. Artificial white trees are best suited for this decoration scheme, unless you're decorating in white. Flocking is certainly an option if you want a real tree, but it can be messy.

Are you feeling especially patriotic this Christmas? Pick a white tree, decorate with blue or red lights and garland. Small flags make great Christmas ornaments. Tie a string at the top of the little pole, and hang all over the tree, or simply set the flags in the tree branches. Add some star ornaments in red or blue.

If you want to design something eco-friendly, purchase a potted tree that can be repotted after Christmas. Popcorn strings are not only a Christmas tradition; they are an environmentally friendly garland. Cinnamon sticks make great Christmas ornaments. Bows can be fashioned from recycled Christmas ribbon. Ornaments can be cut from recycled cardboard and covered in Christmas wrapping paper or tissue from last year. Use Christmas shapes such as stars and bells.

A holiday treat theme is easy to achieve. Use cookie cutters as ornaments. Candy canes hang easily from trees as well. Loop string through Christmas ribbon candy. Gingerbread men can be cut out of salt dough with a cookie cutter, dried, decorated, and hung on the tree. Many candy themed garlands and ornaments are available to finish off the look.

Are your pets the center of your universe? Animal themed trees are easy to make. Cut thin strips of fake fur material, sew together, and wrap around the tree as garland. Cookie cutters are available in the shape of animals, and even dog bones. Hang pet toys from your tree as ornaments. Put pictures of your pets in small photo ornaments.

Gothic-themed trees can be created by utilizing those Halloween decorations you got on sale last month. Start with purple tree lights, or with Halloween themed lights, such as skulls. Wrap the tree in a black or purple. Push purple tinsel into glass ornaments. Victorian shaped ornaments can be repainted in dark colors.

A rustic theme is achieved by starting with a plaid garland. Christmas ribbon can be found in different widths and lengths, and make wonderful garland. Stick with wooden ornaments and items such as pine cones and dried leaves. (Maple leaves are perfect.)

Ornaments of any shape can be made from salt dough. Take two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of salt, and a half cup of water. (More water can be added if needed.) Mix the ingredients, roll out to about 1/8th inch thick, and cut out with cookie cutters or stencils made out of card stock. Poke a hole with a pencil if you're planning to hang them up. Allow to air dry for a couple of days, then paint them.

These are just a few of the endless ideas for a themed Christmas tree. Examine your interests and your favorite things in life. Then utilize your imagination to come up with your own custom Christmas theme.

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