subject: Tips on Decorating a Christmas Tree [print this page] Tips on Decorating a Christmas Tree Tips on Decorating a Christmas Tree
Keep your Christmas tree fresh and green!
Some people prefer the look and smell of a real tree, others like the reliability of a fake one. If you buy a real Christmas tree, get it stand with the deepest water reservoir you can find. Another way to keep a tree fresh is to put it in a bucket of water. Make sure the tree is securely wedged into position. Add the water only after the tree is in place.
Choose a Christmas Tree Theme!
Choosing a theme and sticking with it gives you the most fashionable looking tree. For instance, a silver theme can use silver ribbons, silver ornaments, and garlands of silver beads. A country theme would make use of raffia, cookie cutter ornaments, popcorn and cranberry garlands, and wooden toys.
Don't skimp on lights!
Sparkle and shine comes primarily from the tree lights. Faceted glass bulbs will refract more light and appear brighter. Either incandescent or LED lights are fine, but get small ones, as their purpose should be to accent the ornaments, not be ornaments themselves. string lights around the trunk and the branches. And don't be afraid to mix and match lights.
Place a crowning glory for tree topper!
Every traditional Christmas tree is topped by a star or angel. If you have a family heirloom that has been passed down from generation to generation, use it even if it doesn't "match" your tree decorating theme. Traditions are an important part of Christmas. If you don't have any thing special, buy or make one and wire it to the top of the tree.
Use a variety of garlands!
For every vertical foot of tree, use about two strands of garland from plain to fancy -- to avoid a busy look. Start at the top, stringing less garland, and work your way down, increasing the amount of garland.
Avoid using ornaments with too much glitter!
When selecting ornaments, use an interesting variety, there are so many fabulous ornaments for sale now so be sure to get some including icicles, teardrops, squares, triangles. A little variety can really separate your tree from the rest. Candy and other treats are a traditional addition and are popular with kids. Also try natural objects, like pinecones and fruit. Don't hang all your ornament on the tips of the branches. Place ornaments and other decorations 'inside' your tree to add depth and interest.
Add a Christmas tree skirt!
Without a Christmas tree skirt, you will find yourself staring at a very ugly base or tree stand. You skirt should be large enough to cover the tree stand but not be so long that people trip over it.
Too much is a good thing!
You can never really have too many decorations on the tree. As long as they're evenly spaced and carefully selected, choose the more the better.
Pay attention to the proportion!
Decorating Christmas trees is ultimately all about proportion. Try to put the largest sized decorations at the bottom and the smallest one at the top when hanging decorations. The effect is just more pleasing to the eye.
