Dr. Jessica Grimm, an expert in historical embroidery, demonstrates how to bead the edge of a tiny sampler motif needle minder. This will work quite well on needlepoint ornaments, too.
For the best look, you will need a thread color that matches your stitching. I think she's right that a very long length of thread is the best way to go. Starting in the middle of a side is fairly important but if your ornament is round, just start at the bottom middle. These appear to be size 11 beads (occasionally she calls them pearls but Dr. Grimm isn't a native English speaker) but you can use smaller size 14 or 15 beads for the second row for a more dainty effect.
If you are curious about making the needle minder, here is her tutorial.
UPDATE: Here is Mary Corbet's latest explanation on her way of doing a beaded edge.
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