Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a beautiful Mexican tradition that brings families together to remember and celebrate relatives and loved ones who have passed away. Through photographs, favorite foods, flowers, decorations, and family stories, we can keep their memories alive and share them with younger generations. A Day of the Dead Celebration Tree is also a meaningful way to teach children and grandchildren about their family roots, introduce them to the ancestors who came before them, and remind everyone that the people we love continue to be part of our family story.
DIY / personal elements
Print approximately:
- Six larger photographs for the front of the tree
- Eight to twelve smaller photographs
- Several circular images for inexpensive DIY photo ornaments
Use cardstock, photo paper or regular printer paper mounted to thin cardboard. Secure them with miniature clothespins, floral wire or ornament hooks.
OR
Buy Plastic Tree Ornament Picture Frames to place the photos on the tree.
Shopping List
This colorful Day of the Dead Celebration Tree is a delightful mix of sugar skulls, cheerful ribbons, radiant marigolds, and easy-to-use yellow touches. You don’t have to go overboard with special decorations—just a few standout pieces can really make the tree pop and stay within your budget.
| Item | Suggested Product | How to Use It | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar-Skull Sign | 11-Inch Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Sign — Craft Outlet | One large sugar skull creates more visual impact than several small ornaments. Place the sign near the center of the tree to create a strong focal point. | One sign |
| Day of the Dead Wired Ribbon | 2.5-Inch Purple Day of the Dead Ribbon, 10 Yards — Craft Outlet | This ribbon features colorful sugar skulls and flowers against a purple background. Use it to create several bows and short ribbon cascades throughout the tree. | One 10-yard roll |
| Fiesta or Sarape Ribbon | Two-Roll Mexican Fiesta Wired Ribbon Set — Amazon | The colorful stripes and coordinating floral pattern complement the sugar-skull ribbon. Combine this set with the purple ribbon instead of purchasing several different specialty ribbons. | One two-roll set |
| Artificial Marigold Garlands | Artificial Marigold Garlands — Walmart | Use one garland vertically on the tree. Cut or separate the remaining strands into smaller flower clusters to fill open spaces. The marigolds can later be reused on a wreath, table, mantel, or family remembrance display. | One set with at least four garlands |
| Yellow Wired Ribbon | 2.5-Inch Satin Wired Ribbon, 10 Yards — Michaels | Choose the bright-yellow color. The solid ribbon breaks up the busy patterns and repeats the cheerful yellow of the marigolds. It can also be reused for spring, summer, Easter, birthday, school, and fall Celebration Trees. | One 10-yard roll |
Budget-Friendly Decorating Tip
Start with the large sugar-skull sign, one roll of themed ribbon, and the marigolds. Then fill in the tree with colorful ornaments and solid ribbon you already own. Purple, yellow, orange, pink, turquoise, and green decorations can all work beautifully with this theme.
Product prices, colors, and availability may change. Similar items can easily be substituted without changing the overall look of the tree.