You pull out the box of ornaments, hold up a few red ones, and something feels off. Too bright, too sharp, too much like a department store window. You want the tree to feel warm and grown up, but you’re not sure how to get there.
Burgundy and green is the answer a lot of people land on, and it’s easy to see why. Deep wine tones sit beautifully against dark evergreen, and together they feel like a library at dusk. Here are thirteen ways to pull the look off, whether your tree is a real fir, a flocked beauty, or a small one on a side table.
1. Velvet Ribbon in Deep Forest Green
Ribbon can carry the whole color story. Wide green velvet, draped in loose waves from the top of the tree to the bottom, adds softness and a vintage richness that glass ornaments can’t match. Burgundy balls placed in between look like berries on a wreath.
Tuck the ribbon into the branches every twelve inches or so, letting each loop dip a few inches before the next anchor. Wired ribbon holds its shape best and won’t sag as the days go on. Use any leftover ribbon for bows on stockings or gift wrap, so the whole room matches.
2. Textured Burgundy Ornaments in Mixed Finishes
When you stay in one color, texture does the talking. Mix matte, glossy, glittered, and faceted burgundy ornaments so the tree feels layered, not flat. A few carved or velvet-covered pieces add that handmade feeling people always ask about.
Group similar finishes lightly instead of spacing them out like soldiers. Hang larger pieces deep near the trunk and smaller ones toward the tips so the tree has depth. Keep the green in the branches dominant, since too many ornaments will bury the greenery you chose in the first place.
3. Gold Accents for a Quiet Glow
Burgundy and green can lean a little heavy on their own, and gold lifts them gently. Add brushed gold ornaments, thin metallic ribbon, and a few gold pinecones. The warm shine makes the dark shades look richer, like candlelight on wood.
Use gold sparingly, about one ornament in five, so it supports the palette instead of taking over. Antique brass looks softer than shiny yellow gold, especially next to velvet. A simple gold star on top ties everything together without drawing too much attention.
4. Plaid Bows for Cozy Cabin Style
Plaid brings a casual warmth that suits family rooms and homes with a fireplace. Bows made from burgundy and green plaid ribbon, pinned along the branches in a loose zigzag, give the tree a lodge-style charm. They look especially good with plain ornaments beside them.
Make each bow with long tails, about eight inches, so they fall naturally instead of sitting stiff. Finish with one oversized plaid bow on top instead of a traditional star. If the pattern feels busy, balance it with solid burgundy balls so your eye has a place to rest.
5. A Flocked Tree with Burgundy and Green Details
Flocking turns the tree into a snowy backdrop that makes deep colors stand out. Burgundy ornaments look like wine drops on a white tablecloth, and green ribbon or garland peeking through the flocking adds just enough life. The mood is wintry and a little romantic.
Choose faux greenery picks, such as cedar or pine sprigs, to push into the branches for natural contrast. Warm white lights keep the flocking from looking icy. Because the tree itself is pale, the ornaments will carry the personality, so choose them with care.
6. Dried Florals and Berries in Wine Tones
Real botanical touches make a tree feel as though it came from a garden. Stems of dried hydrangea, burgundy roses, and faux berry sprigs add softness and a bit of height. They look wonderful tucked into the upper third of the tree, where they can fan outward.
Cut stems to about twelve inches and push them deep into the branches so they stay in place. A little floral wire helps if a heavy bloom droops. Add eucalyptus or boxwood sprigs nearby, and the green will deepen the burgundy even further.
7. A Tree Skirt That Grounds the Whole Look
The base of the tree is easy to forget, yet it frames the entire display. A thick burgundy velvet skirt feels luxurious, while a woven basket collar brings in rustic charm. Either one hides the stand and finishes the picture.
Measure your tree’s width before you buy, since a skirt that’s too small leaves the stand peeking out. If you choose a basket, line it with fabric to protect the floor. Surround the base with presents wrapped in matching tones, so the whole corner feels like one scene.
8. Wooden Bead Garland with a Rustic Touch
Chunky wooden beads painted in burgundy and deep green loop around the branches with a handmade warmth that glass can’t copy. They’re light enough for thin branches, and they add rhythm as they swoop across the tree. The look is earthy and calm.
Drape the garland in loose swags, spacing each loop about eight inches apart. Mix in a few natural wood beads for balance. You can string your own in a single evening with a needle and strong thread, which makes this a fun project for a quiet night.
9. Warm White Lights Tucked Inside the Branches
Lighting changes how the colors read. Warm white or soft gold bulbs bring out the red undertones in burgundy and the depth in green, while cool white can make the tree look flat. Small, tightly spaced bulbs give the best glow.
Start at the trunk and run the lights outward along each branch, then back in again. That inside-out method makes the tree seem lit from within. Plan on roughly one hundred bulbs per foot of height, and add a timer so the tree turns on without you thinking about it.
10. Cream and Pearl for a Softer Balance
If burgundy and green feel too moody, cream is the fix. Pearl strands, matte ivory balls, and a few white ceramic-style shapes brighten the palette and give the eye somewhere gentle to land. The tree ends up feeling collected and a little elegant.
Wrap a strand of faux pearls around the tree, with loops spaced about ten inches apart. Add a few knitted or fabric ornaments for a cozy edge. Keep cream to about one in four ornaments, so the burgundy and green stay in charge.
11. A Mini Tree for Small Spaces
Not everyone has room for a full-size tree, and a small one can look just as polished. A two-foot evergreen dressed in tiny burgundy ornaments and a thin green ribbon works well on a console table, desk, or windowsill. It adds seasonal color without taking over.
Choose ornaments about an inch across so they stay in proportion. Set the tree in a simple pot or a small wooden bucket for a tidy base. Battery-powered lights keep things easy, because you won’t have a cord trailing across the furniture.
12. A Statement Topper in Burgundy Velvet
The topper sets the tone for everything below it. A big bow made from wide burgundy velvet, with long tails that fall down the sides, looks soft and handmade. It also repeats the color of your ornaments, which ties the top of the tree to the bottom.
Use about two yards of wired ribbon and secure the bow to the top branch with floral wire. Let the tails drape loosely instead of pulling them tight. If you prefer something metallic, a brushed gold star or an antique-looking finial also works nicely.
13. Presents Wrapped to Match the Tree
What sits under the tree finishes the story. Wrap boxes in burgundy paper tied with green velvet ribbon, or use kraft paper with wide plaid bows. The matching colors make even a small pile of gifts feel generous and planned.
Stack the boxes in different sizes for a mix of heights. Tuck a sprig of pine, rosemary, or a small pinecone under each bow as a final detail. If you want some contrast, wrap two or three gifts in cream or soft gold to break up the deeper tones.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the honest truth about a burgundy and green tree: it won’t look perfect on the first try, and that’s fine. The first pass of ribbon might sag, one ornament will land in the wrong spot, and the lights will probably need another round.
Still, the color combination forgives a lot. Dark green hides small mistakes, and burgundy looks lovely even when it’s a little uneven. Start with what you have, adjust as you go, and let the tree settle into itself over a few days. It usually ends up looking better than the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What ornaments go best on a burgundy and green Christmas tree?
Burgundy glass, velvet, and glittered balls look wonderful, along with a few gold or cream accents. Mix finishes so the tree has texture.
Q: What lights are best for a burgundy and green tree?
Warm white or soft gold lights are the best choice because they bring out the richness of both colors. Cool white can make the tree look flat.
Q: How do you keep a burgundy and green tree from looking too dark?
Add gold, cream, or pearl touches and use plenty of lights. A few lighter accents balance the deeper shades without changing the mood.