Christmas Tree Topper Ideas: Star vs Bow vs Angel (How to Choose)
Part of our guide: Holiday Party Decorations: The Complete Guide
The topper is the last thing you put on the tree, and it is the first thing people look at. Choosing one is easier when you compare them side by side. This guide compares 5 toppers, tells you the size to buy for your tree height, and gives you 4 questions to pick one in a minute.
Quick facts:
- Size rule of thumb: about 6 to 8 inches tall for a 6 to 7 foot tree, 8 to 10 inches for 7.5 to 9 feet, and 10 to 12 inches for 9 to 10 feet.
- Cost: from about $8 for a DIY bow to about $30 for a lit angel. These are planning estimates.
- Common choices: a star or a bow. If you are not sure, pick one of these.
- Safety: use LED lights on a lit topper, and tie heavier toppers to the top branches. Light fabric toppers carry the lowest risk with kids and pets.
Top Decor Picks for this Setup
Curated essentials on Amazon to help you recreate this setup easily.
Gold Star Tree Topper 8 inch Lighted
The classic star topper.
Red Plaid Wired Ribbon 2.5 inch 10 Yard
Ribbon for a bow topper.
White Angel Tree Topper 10 inch
The traditional angel.
Floral Wire Green 22 gauge
Wire to tie the topper on.
The 5 toppers compared
| Topper | Look | Best for | Cost | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star | Classic, bright | Most trees, any size | $10 to $25 | A heavy star can lean the top |
| Bow | Soft, farmhouse | Slim and medium trees, plaid or ribbon themes | $8 to $15 | Needs wired ribbon to hold its shape |
| Angel | Traditional, warm | Large trees and family heirloom style | $12 to $30 | The skirt can hide the top lights |
| Ribbon streamers | Casual, flowing | Modern and rustic trees | $8 to $15 | Tails can catch on branches |
| Ornament cluster | Custom, matching | Trees with a strict color theme | $10 to $20 | Needs wire to stay up |
Weight, base, and what each one covers:
| Topper | Typical weight | How it attaches | Lights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star | Light to medium (plastic is lighter than metal) | Slides over the tip | Often lit, cord runs down the pole |
| Bow | Very light | Wired onto the top branches | Not lit, so it does not block lights |
| Angel | Medium, fabric and resin | Slides over the tip with a skirt | The skirt can hide the top strand |
| Ribbon streamers | Very light | Tied to the top branches | Not lit |
| Ornament cluster | Light, if plastic | Wired onto the top branches | Not lit |
Weights vary by brand, so check the package.
A star, a bow, an angel, and an ornament cluster side by side.
Pick in 4 questions
1. How tall is the tree?
Choose a topper that is about 6 to 8 inches tall for a 6 to 7 foot tree, 8 to 10 inches for a 7.5 to 9 foot tree, and 10 to 12 inches for a 9 to 10 foot tree. A topper that is too big looks heavy, and one that is too small gets lost.
2. What is the style of the tree?
A classic red and gold tree suits a star or an angel. A plaid, farmhouse, or ribbon tree suits a bow. A white or flocked tree looks good with a star or an ornament cluster in two colors.
3. Do you have kids or pets?
Choose a light topper, tied on well. Skip glass, and skip toppers with small loose pieces. A fabric bow is one of the lowest-risk choices.
4. What is your budget?
A DIY bow costs about $8 for the ribbon. A ready-made star costs $10 to $25. An angel costs $12 to $30. If you want to save money, make the bow.
If you already own a topper you like, use it. If you are unsure, a star suits a classic tree and a bow suits a farmhouse tree.
How to attach a topper
- Check the tip. Find the top branch and see if it is straight. If it bends, tie it to the tree pole with a bit of floral wire.
- Match the base. Most toppers have an open base that slides over the tip. If the base is loose, wrap a small piece of cloth or ribbon around the tip first.
- Add height for a heavy topper. For a topper that weighs more than a pound, tie it to the two nearest branches with floral wire, so it does not lean.
- Run the cord. For a lit topper, run the cord down the pole, and plug it in at the lowest light strand. Use LED lights.
- Step back. Look at the tree from across the room and turn the topper to face the front.
If the topper still tilts: tie it to a third branch, or add a topper stabilizer rod. If the top branch is weak or too thin, tape a short stick, such as a chopstick, along the tip with floral wire, and slide the topper over it.
How to make ribbon streamers
Cut 3 pieces of wired ribbon, each 24 to 36 inches long. Tie them to the top branches with floral wire, and let the ends fall about 12 inches down the tree. Mix two colors, such as red and gold. It costs about $8 and takes about 5 minutes.
How to make a bow topper
A bow topper costs about $8 and takes about 15 minutes.
- Ribbon: about 3 yards (9 feet) of wired ribbon, 2.5 to 4 inches wide.
- Wire: a 12 inch piece of floral wire.
- How: make 4 loops of about 6 inches each, pinch the middle, wrap it with wire, then add two tails of about 18 inches each. Leave the wire ends long, to tie the bow onto the top branches.
A wired ribbon bow with two tails, tied onto the top branches.
For the rest of the tree see our Christmas tree decorating ideas, and for the room see our Christmas coffee table decor ideas and Christmas entryway decor ideas.
Mistakes to avoid
- A topper that is too large. Keep it to the rule of thumb.
- A heavy topper on a thin tip. Tie it to two branches.
- Colors that do not match. Pick one of the two main colors on your tree.
- A cord that shows. Run it down the pole and tuck it into the branches.
- A loose base. Wrap the tip with a bit of cloth first.
- Glass or small pieces with kids or pets. Use fabric or plastic.
Safety
- Use LED lights, which stay cooler than old incandescent bulbs.
- Keep the tree away from heaters, fireplaces, and candles.
- Use a stable step stool, and ask a helper to hold it.
- Do not put a lit topper on a tree with damaged cords.
FAQ
What is the best Christmas tree topper?
A star is a common choice and works on most trees. A bow suits a farmhouse or plaid tree, and an angel suits a traditional tree. Choose by tree height, style, and if you have kids or pets.
What size tree topper should I buy?
Buy a topper about 6 to 8 inches tall for a 6 to 7 foot tree, 8 to 10 inches for a 7.5 to 9 foot tree, and 10 to 12 inches for a 9 to 10 foot tree. A topper that is too big looks heavy, and one that is too small gets lost.
How do you attach a tree topper so it does not lean?
Check that the top branch is straight, and tie it to the pole with floral wire if it bends. For a topper that weighs more than a pound, tie it to the two nearest branches with wire. Wrap the tip with cloth if the base is loose. If it still tilts, tie it to a third branch or add a stabilizer rod.
How much does a Christmas tree topper cost?
A DIY bow costs about $8, a ready-made star costs $10 to $25, an angel costs $12 to $30, and an ornament cluster costs $10 to $20. These are planning estimates and vary by store.
How do you make a bow tree topper?
Use about 3 yards of wired ribbon, 2.5 to 4 inches wide. Make 4 loops of about 6 inches, pinch the middle, wrap it with floral wire, and add two tails of about 18 inches. It takes about 15 minutes and costs about $8.
What is a good tree topper for kids and pets?
A fabric bow or a lightweight plastic star, tied on well, are lower-risk choices. Skip glass and anything with small loose parts, and keep the tree away from heaters and candles.
Related articles
- Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
- Christmas Coffee Table Decor Ideas
- Christmas Entryway Decor Ideas
- Christmas Party Decorations
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Recreate This Look: Complete Supply Checklist
Every prop, decor item, and material identified in our styled photos, linked directly to top-rated supplies on Amazon.
Cluster-style topper.
Big ornaments for a cluster.
Gold ribbon streamers.
Farmhouse bow.
A slim tree for a small topper.
Lights for the tree.
Stable stand.
For reaching the top.
To tie loose parts.
Keeps a heavy topper straight.
Tree skirt.
More stars for the tree.
Snowflake ornaments.
Light for a topper without a cord.
Hide the cord down the pole.
Cut ribbon tails.
