How to Create a Jewel Christmas Tree with Paper Decorations
There’s something magical about a Christmas tree that feels a little different from the norm. While traditional reds, greens and golds will always have their place, this year we’re leaning into a more playful, collected look — one that feels rich, layered and full of personality.
Enter the jewel Christmas tree.
Think deep pinks, inky blues, warm golden yellows and delicate paper decorations, all brought together to create a tree that feels festive, stylish and just a little bit unexpected. It’s colourful without being chaotic, elegant without being too formal, and perfect if you love a home that feels individual.
If you want your Christmas décor to feel more curated and characterful this year, here’s how to create a jewel-toned Christmas tree with paper decorations.
1. Start with a colour palette
The secret to a beautifully styled tree is not necessarily having matching decorations — it’s having a clear colour story.
For a jewel-inspired look, focus on shades such as:
- rich pink
- deep blue
- golden yellow
- berry tones
- soft blush accents
These colours work beautifully together because they each bring depth and warmth. The darker blues ground the look, the pinks keep it playful and slightly whimsical, and the yellow or gold tones add that all-important festive glow.
If you’re using paper decorations, these colours are especially effective because they give softness and texture while still feeling vibrant.
2. Keep the tree itself quite natural
A jewel tree works best when it has a slightly softer, more relaxed base rather than looking too stiff or overdone.
Choose a tree with plenty of natural texture and begin with warm white lights. Avoid anything too cool in tone — jewel colours are much more flattering against a warmer glow. The lights should feel soft and twinkly rather than harsh, helping your decorations look cosy and luminous in the evenings.
Before you add any ornaments, take a step back and make sure the lighting is evenly spread throughout the tree. This creates the glow from within that makes everything else look more special.
3. Layer in paper decorations first
Paper decorations are what give this look its charm.
They soften the tree and make it feel less “perfectly polished” and more interesting. Honeycomb baubles, folded stars, paper fans and sculptural ornaments all add shape and texture in a way shiny baubles alone simply can’t.
Try using paper decorations in a mix of sizes:
- larger honeycomb ornaments to create impact
- mid-sized paper drops or fans to fill gaps
- paper stars to add structure and detail
The key is to space them out so the tree feels balanced. Don’t cluster all the large pieces at the top or all the bright ones together. Move around the tree and place them where the eye naturally wants a little interest.
Because paper ornaments tend to have a matte finish, they also pair beautifully with more reflective “jewel-like” decorations.
4. Add jewel-like ornaments for sparkle
Once your paper decorations are in place, layer in ornaments that catch the light.
This is where your tree starts to feel truly “jewel” inspired. Look for decorations with a slightly faceted, coloured glass feel, or pieces in rich glossy finishes that echo gemstones. Pinks, ambers, blues and greens all work wonderfully here.
These more reflective ornaments bring contrast to the softness of the paper decorations and stop the tree from looking flat. They add sparkle without taking over.
A good rule is to think in layers:
- paper for texture
- glass or glossy ornaments for shine
- ribbon or bows for softness and movement
5. Don’t be afraid of a little whimsy
At Skinny Pig, we’re always drawn to Christmas styling that feels joyful rather than too serious, and this is the perfect tree style for that.
A jewel Christmas tree doesn’t need to be overly formal. In fact, it often looks better when it has a slightly quirky edge. This might mean adding unusual hanging decorations, mixing in unexpected shapes, or using ornaments that feel collected rather than perfectly matched.
This is also where our felt mice come into their own.
Tucked into the branches, perched near wrapped presents or dotted around a festive shelf nearby, felt mice add that lovely storybook feel that makes Christmas decorating so much fun. They soften the look and stop it from feeling too “styled”. Instead, the whole scheme feels warm, personal and full of charm.
6. Use ribbons and finishing touches sparingly
With a colourful tree, it’s easy to be tempted to keep adding more and more. But often the most beautiful trees are the ones where each element has room to breathe.
A few well-placed velvet or satin bows in a pink or berry tone can look stunning, especially nestled among paper decorations. Gold stars or delicate metallic details can also help tie the look together.
Try to resist filling every single branch. Leaving a little space allows each ornament to be seen properly and gives the whole tree a more considered, elevated feel.
7. Style the space around the tree too
A beautifully decorated tree will always look even better when the surrounding room supports it.
To make the whole scheme feel cohesive, bring a few of the same tones into the rest of your space. You could do this with:
- pink or blue candles
- jewel-toned cushions
- soft throws
- paper decorations on a mantel or shelf
- coloured glass ornaments in bowls or trays
This helps the tree feel connected to the room rather than like a stand-alone decoration.
A few glowing candles, a garland with soft lighting, and some carefully placed seasonal accessories can make the whole room feel magical without having to go over the top.
8. Embrace a collected, layered look
What we love most about this style of tree is that it doesn’t need to feel rigid or overly themed. It works best when it feels slightly eclectic — as though the decorations have been gathered over time.
That’s very much the Skinny Pig way.
Mixing paper with glass, colour with texture, and elegance with a touch of playfulness creates a tree that feels both festive and full of personality. It’s less about perfection and more about creating something that makes you smile every time you walk into the room.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh way to decorate this year, a jewel Christmas tree with paper decorations is a beautiful place to start. It feels rich and cosy, colourful and festive, while still having that softness and individuality that makes a home feel special at Christmas.
By combining deep pinks, blues and golden tones with sculptural paper decorations, sparkling ornaments and a few whimsical touches, you can create a tree that feels stylish but still full of warmth and joy.