Want to learn how to copy the best leopard Christmas tree? Check out these tips for classy leopard decor.
This post is all about 7 tips for decorating the Best Leopard Christmas Tree without going overboard.
So, what actually makes the best leopard Christmas tree? NOT overusing the leopard print and finding the right ornaments and ribbon to compliment your animal print theme so you can make a classy and bold statement in your home this Christmas.
According to Architectural Digest, leopard print should be used sparingly in the home, or it can go from looking classy to tacky real quick. This is the same reason (outside of the Christmas season) you may see just one leopard piece in a home, such as a single chair or a stair runner carpet.
Placing an unexpected touch of animal print (even just one pillow, maybe two) to any room in the home can also add a unique and artistic flair. And, of course, the same logic would apply when decorating the best leopard Christmas tree. So, let’s dive in!
But first, I must address the word SPARINGLY here one more time. Less is more with ANY animal print. And the same rule applies when decorating a Christmas tree with leopard print, which is why this tree has a mix of non-leopard ribbons and ornaments.
Having the best leopard Christmas tree doesn’t mean the tree is flooded with this theme.
And interestingly, while leopard has never gone out of style, it recently has had a popular resurgence, which is all the more reason to include it in your Christmas tree decorations this year.
FYI, it’s essential to use quality leopard-themed ornaments and ribbons for your Christmas tree because the right print will add a classy, rich vibe to your home. Because certain leopard prints can look cheap, I made sure to share only the very best so you can copy this tree with ease.
The Best Leopard Christmas Tree To Copy This Year
1. The Best Leopard Christmas Tree Ribbon
This was the most challenging and expensive part of decorating the whole tree! I had the hardest time finding leopard ribbons that looked fancy with rich shades of black and tan until I came across Show Stopper Designs on Etsy.
I used exactly 10 yards on my 7.5-foot tree, and the cost came to $58. I know that sounds like a lot, but remember, the leopard won’t go out of style, so you can safely pack it away and use it on your Christmas tree for years to come. This ribbon is also wired, which makes it so much easier to make a beautiful tree-topper bow.
I used approximately 5 yards for the bow, and the rest of the 5 yards was used to fill in the tree by cutting three 4-foot pieces and one 3-foot piece. I then placed the ribbon pieces down the tree vertically, tucking the ribbon into its branches.
Because I didn’t want to spend more money on leopard ribbon, this technique gives the effect that there is more ribbon on the tree.
Here’s an EASY DIY 7-minute bow tutorial video to follow on making the BEST bow for the top of the tree.
Next, this gold mesh ribbon (one roll) was incorporated to break up the leopard and add a golden sparkle touch. Michaels sells it for around $10.
Again, I followed the technique I mentioned above, cutting the ribbon into strips, placing them vertically into the tree, and stuffing it into its branches.
If you want a solid gold glitter ribbon, check out this beautiful alternative.
P.S. if you’re on the hunt for premium Christmas ribbon (not leopard-related) to decorate wreaths, garland, or other trees in your home, check out Krafty Karen Designs. Her ribbon is premium quality and absolutely gorgeous!
2. The Christmas Tree
Now, of course, you don’t have to buy a new tree to have the best leopard Christmas tree, but hear me out for just a sec.
The reason I chose this flocked Christmas tree for my leopard decor had to do with CONTRAST.
I’m telling you, you can’t beat the dreamy look of its white, snowy branches, which allows the leopard and gold ornaments and ribbons to stand out perfectly.
I found this 7.5-foot tree on Amazon and fell in love with it immediately when it came! The trees’ lights are also so beautiful, and because of the larger bulbs, the tree looks classic and timeless.
Below is a close-up shot of the lights and branches.
I’m also going to include the link to King of Christmas artificial trees. They’re a bit more expensive than the tree I bought (and while I don’t think their 7.5 slim, flocked Christmas tree is necessarily better), the thousands of outstanding five-star reviews on every tree they sell make me want one for a future Christmas!
Fake Tree 101: Take the time to fluff the tree properly before adding the ribbons and ornaments or it will look lifeless.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read reviews on Amazon where customers complained that the artificial tree wasn’t full enough. Proper flocking of any fake tree could take 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on its size.
Here’s a 3-minute tutorial from the Rachel Ray show, which gives tips on how to fluff an artificial tree like a pro.
3. The Best Tree Skirt For A Leopard Christmas Tree
Who doesn’t LOVE some fancy sparkle?!
This champagne (sparkly) tree skirt was an exciting piece to wrap around the tree. The golden tones match perfectly with the leopard tan, and the sparkles on the material highlight the tree’s lights.
In the beginning, I had my heart set on finding the best leopard tree skirt to make the ornaments and ribbons pop, but I was having a hard time finding a print that didn’t look cheap.
The leopard skirts I came across in my search never looked right in the photos, and the reviews were never spectacular. After I finished my tree, I came across a nice leopard skirt on Amazon.
But if I had to do it over, I wouldn’t change one thing about the tree skirt I bought because it’s stunning! Here’s a pic I took of it while I was in the middle of decorating. My little Yorkie, Bob, loves it too.
In 2022, I was looking to change the look of my leopard tree a bit and bought this black velvet and gold snowflake tree skirt. Don’t get me wrong the sparkly gold is beautiful! I was just looking for a change.
4. The Best Leopard Ornaments
These leopard ornaments are AMAZING! They’re made with a velvet leopard print fabric and were the most high-quality leopard ornaments I came across.
I actually bought mine from Hobby Lobby. They sell the same ones on Amazon, but at a higher price.
Keep your eyes wide open in the Fall for deals! In October, Hobby Lobby usually starts a Christmas sale at 50% off, and because of this, I only paid around $30 for all of mine.
To decorate my 7.5- foot tree, I used one dozen large-sized leopard balls, one dozen medium-sized, and one dozen small-sized ornaments. But, you certainly do not need to purchase this many ornaments to achieve the best leopard Christmas tree.
Design tip: Larger ornament balls are best for filling in holes and gaps.
And, you can always use more ribbons to make up for fewer ornaments. Remember, decorating a tree is a form of art, and there is no right or wrong way.
Check out this Leopard Christmas DIY Crafts tutorial if you’re feeling crafty or need to stick with a budget. The leopard ornament designs start around four minutes.
5. Non-Leopard Christmas Ornaments
Earlier I explained that the key to having the best leopard Christmas tree is using the leopard print ornaments and ribbons SPARINGLY.
Here are the contrasting ornaments I used to achieve the best leopard Christmas tree:
White Ornaments
Black Ornaments
Sparkly Gold Ornaments
Unfortunately, these Hobby Lobby sparkly gold ornaments are sold out at the moment. But don’t worry, I’m linking some beautiful gold alternatives below that are just as stunning. While some are larger in size than the ornaments I used, I’m thinking about getting bigger ones next year.
Gold glitter 8-inch ball ornaments
6. Leopard Bonus Ornaments For The Best Christmas Tree
If you’re looking for some FUN leopard ornaments to put on the tree, check out these:
Wooden leopard ornaments
These cute wooden ornaments look fun!
Leopard print high-top sneaker ornaments
I love these fun, copycat chucks in leopard!
Leopard and gold ball ornaments
These ornaments are super classy, and I plan on buying them for my Christmas tree next year!
Black or Champagne Berry Stem Picks
I updated the tree in 2022 to include black and champagne berry stem picks.
7. Bonus Leopard Christmas Decor
The room to the right of my leopard tree has a touch of leopard and traditional Christmas red. And, the leopard personalized stockings are a gorgeous touch to any room regardless of your tree theme.
The pre-lit garland across the fireplace is decorated with leopard Christmas ball ornaments, and to tie in the red from the stockings, I made a bow for the garland that extended slightly into its branches.
Leopard stockings from Ballard Designs.
Pre-lit garland from Ballard Designs.
Chevron red and white ribbon from Amazon.
Black Velvet Ribbon from Amazon.
Gorgeous Wrapping Paper And Bags To Complement The Tree
Hallmark Reversible Black and Gold Christmas Wrapping Paper
Black and Gold Elegant Christmas Gift Bags
Final Thoughts On The Best Leopard Christmas Tree
I hope you enjoyed reading these 7 tips for having the best leopard Christmas tree, along with a few bonus ideas! I realize some of these items are sold out at the moment, but restocking for Christmas items usually begins in September/October. Feel free to comment below if you have any tips or leopard Christmas decor questions.
And remember, the key to having the best leopard Christmas tree is NOT to overdo the leopard theme. Happy Holidays and cheers to a New Year!
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