With the first weekend of December coming up, it's around this time that you'll probably start to think about decorating your home for Christmas. The focal point is no doubt the Christmas tree and if you're thinking of new ideas of how to decorate then hopefully this post will get you thinking outside the box! Tradition says that Christmas trees are topped with a star but I've rounded up some original ideas of what else you can put atop your tree for a fun alternative.

The  Lily Pad Cottage has added a santa hat to her Christmas tree - not only is it suitably Christmas-sy but it also co-ordinates with the colour of decorations on the tree.

Christmas is all about family, right? So put your family front and centre with your family name initial on top of your tree.  Brooklyn Limestone explains how to create your own letter.

A Southern Blossom chose to decorate her tree with a top hat for a formal twist on her Christmas decor.

I'm a big fan of ribbon and adding it to your decor (no matter what the occasion) as it is can transform your party with very little effort so I'm definitely a fan of adding a bow atop a Christmas tree. For a monochrome style Christmas, I love the idea of using  black and white striped ribbon like Kristin Jackson has for Home Depot.

What do you think of these alternative ideas? Do you have your own alternative to a star for your Christmas tree? We'd love to hear about it!