Every year when Christmas rolls around, I get so excited to pull out my tiered trays. They’ve become one of my favorite ways to decorate because they make even the smallest space feel festive. I love how a few simple pieces can turn into something beautiful with the right mix of colors, textures, and balance.
This time, I’m sharing how to style a Christmas tiered tray using the Walmart decor kits that so many of you have been asking about.
These kits are affordable, easy to use, and filled with small accents that look charming on any tray. If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to start or how to make your tray look cohesive, this post will help.
Start with a Good Foundation
A strong foundation makes everything easier. Choose a two-tiered tray that has enough space between the top and bottom layers. Walmart, Hobby Lobby, and Target all have great options, but Walmart’s holiday trays are especially practical for this season.
Before you start decorating, check how tall your items are. Some trays have a lip or spindle that limits space, so it’s good to test placement before you begin. I love two-tiered trays, but if you have one with equal heights or three levels, the same styling tips apply.
Gather Basic Essentials
Begin with small, sturdy pieces that fill space without feeling crowded. You can add a matching sugar and creamer set, mugs, or even a few mini canisters. These are perfect for the top tier since they don’t block the view of the items behind them.
Add a touch of greenery or a floral accent. A clip-on Christmas stem or small bunch of faux florals works beautifully. To make your florals fuller, combine two or three stems by removing the backs and layering them together. This gives them more volume and helps the petals open naturally.
Wood bead garlands are another favorite.
Use neutral tones like beige or white for a soft look, or natural jute for a rustic touch. You can drape them over the tray or loop them around the spindle to create flow and movement.
Add Decorative Orbs and Background Pieces
Decorative orbs instantly fill gaps and create depth. You can use ceramic, wood, or metal ones for texture. Greenery orbs also work well, especially during Christmas. Boxwood and pine styles add natural color and help balance the space.
You can raise smaller items with risers or little wood blocks. Even leftover Jenga pieces work if you need quick height adjustments. The goal is to vary levels so everything is visible and layered.
For a festive look, use ornaments as decorative orbs.
Yarn-covered or glittered ornaments add warmth and softness. Mix in one or two larger ones and tuck them in between greenery.
Build Around Seasonal Accents
Once your base pieces are in place, add seasonal details. Walmart’s Christmas kits come with small signs, mini trees, gnomes, and wooden spoons, all great for filling space. You don’t have to use every piece in the set. Pick the ones that fit naturally and leave room for your essentials to shine.
If you have a sign you love, you can place it on the top tier and support it with a small cube or block to raise it slightly. Add greenery around the edges to soften the look. Little accents like bottle brush trees or pine picks make it feel festive without overwhelming the tray.
Use smaller items like wooden spoons, candy canes, or tiny garlands to fill open spots. These create balance and connect the pieces together visually.
Keep the Basics Year-Round
The best part about tiered trays is how versatile they are. Once you build your base with neutrals and essentials, you can swap seasonal accents without redecorating from scratch.
Your core items, like mugs, florals, garlands, and orbs, can stay the same. Just change the signs, small figures, or color palette for each season.
This makes decorating simple and affordable while keeping your tray fresh and updated.
Mix and Match Walmart Kits
You can mix different Walmart kits together to create unique combinations. Each set has a few signature items, like a garland, mini signs, or themed accents. Choose one or two favorites from each kit and layer them with your existing decor.
For example, if your kit includes candy canes and a hot cocoa sign, use those with your neutral pieces. If you prefer a farmhouse look, mix in wood tones and beige or white accents. The pieces are small enough that you can easily switch them out when the season changes.
Add Warmth with Light and Texture
Once your pieces are arranged, step back and check how the colors and textures flow together. You can add fairy lights, small LED candles, or even a strand of battery lights around the base for warmth.
A touch of greenery or a soft doily under one of the tiers adds texture and makes it feel more complete.
If your tray still feels empty, tuck in a pine branch, a small bow, or a cluster of ornaments. Every small addition helps tell the story of the season.
Final Look and Giveaway Details
Each tray you create will have its own personality, but the process stays the same: start with your foundation, add essentials, then build with color and theme. Don’t overthink it. Once you trust the formula, your tray will come together beautifully every time.
If you want to join the Christmas giveaway, all the details are on my Instagram. You’ll have a chance to win a dark brown tiered tray and a hot cocoa kit that includes mini signs and wooden candy canes, perfect for your holiday setup.
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