Uncovering the Decorator's Secret: How to Use Christmas Tree Picks and Sprays

Dec 12th 2024

gold sprays add elegance to a green Christmas tree

Professional decorators have a secret weapon when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree. Their repertoire of Christmas decor includes items that add texture and interest, to make the tree come alive.

The secret? Christmas tree picks and sprays. If you’re unfamiliar with these diverse decorations or have seen and admired them but wondered how to use them, Christmas Central’s tree decorators offer some insight.

What are Christmas Tree Picks?

The term Christmas pick or Christmas spray defines Christmas tree decorations that have long stems, rather than a hook or string for hanging.

Christmas picks and sprays come in various styles, colors and designs that bring glamor, shine, color and texture to your Christmas tree decor.

woman adding berry picks and white sprays to a Christmas tree

How to Use Picks in a Christmas Tree

Christmas sprays and picks can be used anywhere on the tree, from top to bottom. Simply insert the long stem of your Christmas picks into the branches of your Christmas tree. Twist a small interior branch of your artificial tree around the pick to secure it in place. For real trees, a twist tie or zip tie can anchor your pick in place.

Use your pick or spray to:

Bring attention to an interesting ornament
Add a new color to your tree decor
Complement your Christmas tree decorating theme
Introduce sparkle and texture
Fill in bare spots
Add height to your Christmas tree
Enhance a bow

glamorous flocked Christmas tree with mirror ornaments and silver sprays

How to Coordinate Christmas Picks

Since there are so many Christmas floral picks from which to choose, how do you know which one will complement your tree?

Find designs that coordinate with your tree’s theme or your own decorating style. For instance, twig and berry picks, pinecone picks and decorations featuring birds and forest creatures might appeal in a rustic or woodland-style tree. For a glamorous Christmas tree, lean into the bling with glittery picks in silver and gold.

Feel free to mix different types of picks within your style. Pair twig and berry sprays on your woodland tree, for instance, or magnify the bling with crystal branches and glittery gold or silver leaves and flowers.

Tips for Using Christmas Sprays

Our Christmas Central designers offer the following advice for decorators interested in using Christmas tree picks and sprays.

Items compacted for shipping may need a little care before use. Most picks and sprays have internal wiring, making them easy to bend and shape as desired.
Some picks and sprays can be delicate. Pack them gently to use again next year.
Stems on Christmas picks can be two feet long or more. Don’t pay for length you don’t need. For instance, if you’ll be using the decoration in a garland, rather than a Christmas tree, save yourself time, trouble and money with a shorter pick that doesn’t need trimming.

Common Christmas Tree Pick Styles

Berries

Berry picks and sprays add lovely color and texture to a tree and especially complement a woodland or natural theme. Use berry sprays in clusters throughout the tree or in a few strategic spots. Frosted berry branches combine a rustic feel with a bit of sparkle, while glittery berry branches add a dash of glamor.

close up of berry picks in a Christmas tree

40-inch red berries artificial Christmas spray

23-inch set of 6 artificial glittered berry Christmas sprays

29-inch lighted pinecones and berries Christmas spray

29-inch silver glittered berries with ornaments spray

Branches

Twig or branch-like Christmas picks can bring unexpected texture and movement to your tree. Designers often allow twig sprays to extend beyond the branches of the Christmas tree. For a truly dramatic look, insert several twig sprays vertically near the tree's peak to add height, or to frame or completely replace your tree topper.

blue, silver and gold picks and sprays accentuate the top of a a Christmas tree

24-inch pink and white pom pom Christmas spray

36-inch champagne gold glittered twig Christmas spray

34-inch eucalyptus artificial Christmas spray

18-inch green glittered leaves artificial Christmas branch

Flowers & Leaves

Christmas sprays depicting flowers and leaves are some of the most glamorous Christmas pick designs. Florals can be found in velvets, sheers, burlap and other fabrics. Use florals and leaves to fill in bare spots, accent a bow and add femininity and elegance to your tree.

glittered gold poinsettia and geometric curls provide visual interest

22-inch pearl white glittered poinsettia Christmas stem

39-inch pink velvet dogwood artificial floral spray

37-inch red glittered leaves artificial Christmas spray

25.5-inch champagne gold glittered leaves spray

Playful & Whimsical

Have fun with your Christmas decor! If you like your Christmas decorations on the playful side, you’ll find plenty to appreciate in Christmas picks. From whimsical swirls to charming Santa gnomes to eye-catching iridescent snowballs, playful Christmas picks can carry a theme and elevate your hanging ornaments.

Ssanta gnome Christmas picks add a touch of whimsy to a Christmas tree

17-inch candy cane lollipops decorative spray

24-inch red and white striped candy cane curls Christmas spray

30-inch green and red ball ornament spray

27-inch white iridescent snowball Christmas spray

Sparkle & Swing

Because lights are integral to a Christmas tree, it’s always nice to add some ornaments that glimmer and gleam. There’s no shortage of Christmas picks featuring glitter, crystals and other embellishments that play off your Christmas tree lights. Add additional dimension to your tree with shimmery Christmas picks that drape and dangle.