A tree trimming party is one of the gentlest Christmas traditions: friends come over, the tree goes up, everyone adds an ornament, and the evening ends with mulled cider and the lights switched on. This 5 x 7 inch invitation captures that afternoon with retro glass ornaments hanging from a pine sprig at the top, a big red TRIM THE TREE headline, a potted tree on a wooden floor line, and a handwritten-style note asking each guest to bring one ornament with a story.
A Story Behind Every Ornament
The note card on the invitation says Please bring one ornament that tells a story. It is the heart of the party. Each guest hangs their ornament and tells the room why it matters: a bauble from a first Christmas together, a clay ornament a child made at school, a souvenir from a trip, a gift from a grandparent. By the end, the tree is full of stories, and the host has a collection of memories to bring out every year.
To make it work smoothly:
- Ask guests to write their name and the year on a small tag tied to the ornament.
- Go around the room once the tree is lit, giving each person a minute to share.
- Take a photo of every ornament on the tree.
- Offer spare ornaments for anyone who forgot.
Retro Ornaments on a Cream Page
The page is warm cream. From the top centre, a golden pine sprig holds four retro-style ornaments on fine dotted threads: pink, teal, plum and orange, each with a starburst or snowflake pattern, the shapes recalling mid-century glass baubles. Below them, Come help us in green Kaushan Script leads into TRIM in large red Abril Fatface capitals and THE TREE in spaced capitals. The date, time, and address follow in Lora, then a green italic line about mulled cider, cookies, and carols.
In the lower half, a white note card tilted slightly to the left holds the bring an ornament message in red Kalam handwriting. A potted tree stands beside it on a thin wooden floor line, and the RSVP sits under the floor line.
Planning the Afternoon
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3:00 PM | Guests arrive; tree is already up with lights |
| 3:30 PM | Decorating begins; music and snacks |
| 4:30 PM | Story ornaments are hung and shared |
| 5:30 PM | Star or angel goes on top |
| 6:00 PM | Lights off, tree lit, carols and cider |
Put the lights on the tree before guests arrive. Stringing lights is fiddly and best done in peace; decorating is the social part.
Personalising the Tree Trimming Card
- Click the date line and the family line to change them. The sample is Sunday, December 6, 3 to 7 PM.
- Change the green italic line to your menu.
- Edit the note card text if you want a different request, such as Bring your favourite Christmas cookie.
- Update the RSVP name and number at the bottom.
- The ornaments and the potted tree are editable vectors. Select them to recolour; matching the ornament colours to your real tree decorations is a lovely touch.
When to Host a Tree Trimming Party
Most families put their tree up in late November or the first weekend of December. In 2026, the first weekend of December falls on December 5 and 6, which is why the sample uses Sunday, December 6. An afternoon party suits families with young children; an evening party with mulled wine suits adult friends.
Food and Drink That Suit Decorating
Choose finger food that will not leave sticky hands on the ornaments: cheese straws, mini sausage rolls, popcorn, gingerbread biscuits and clementines. Mulled cider and hot chocolate are traditional; keep drinks on a separate table away from the tree.
Printing the Invitation
Download the PDF and print on cream or white card stock at 5 x 7 inches. The cream background prints well on home printers, so this invitation is easy to make at home. Print a few spare copies; they make nice gift tags for leftover cookies at the end of the party.
Texting the Tree Trimming Invite
Download a JPG for messaging apps. Add a line in your message such as Do not forget your story ornament, so guests have a reminder when they read it again on the day.
Keeping the Tradition Going
If the party becomes an annual event, keep a small notebook with each guest’s ornament story and add to it every year. Use the same invitation design and change only the year, so the cards themselves become part of the tradition.
Tree Trimming Questions
Can I use this for an office tree?
Yes. Change the family line to your office and the ornament request to: Bring an ornament that represents your team.
Can I remove the note card?
Yes, delete it and move the tree to the centre.
What if I have a real tree to pick up first?
Add a line such as Meet at the tree farm at 1 PM if you want guests to join the trip.
Making the Tree the Star of the Evening
Since the whole party revolves around the tree, give it the best spot in the room, with space around it for several people to decorate at once. Lay a tree skirt or blanket underneath before guests arrive, and set out the ornaments in open boxes on a nearby table so everyone can choose. Put a small step stool next to the tree for the top branches, and keep the star or angel aside for a ceremonial moment at the end. Play a Christmas playlist and take plenty of photos as the tree fills up. When it is finished, switch off the room lights, turn on the tree, and let everyone admire what they made together.
Keep a box ready for the empty ornament packaging too.
Gather the Stories, Light the Tree
Send the invitation, ask everyone to bring a story, and enjoy the moment the lights come on. It may become your favourite night of the season.
