Light it up Tree-trimming tips will make your Christmas shine
Decorating Christmas trees goes back for many centuries and is a Christmas tradition for many homes and families. When it comes to holiday decorating, the tree often sets the tone and the other holiday decorating follows suit. Some trees are colour-matched and themed, while others are filled with homemade decorations, and family mementos carried down from generations, and others are a combination of both. There are many homes that have more than one tree, and each tree has a different story behind it.
When decorating a Christmas tree there are a few basic steps to follow which will help in creating a tree that is just right for you.
The first thing to do is decide where the tree is going to go as this will also dictate the size of the tree. Stay clear of areas where there are heat sources, as this can be a problem.
The next choice would be choosing a fresh tree or a life-like tree. Both have different attributes. Fresh trees are traditional and have that tree scent. Some families like to go out and cut their own tree (make sure that it is an area where you are allowed to cut down trees) while others enjoy going to the garden centre in a temperaturecontrolled area to choose a tree. Look for a healthy, full, evenly-shaped, symmetrical tree. If you have opted for the fresh tree, don’t forget to get a tree stand with a large water reservoir.
The life-like trees are long-lasting, no mess, no maintenance, and can be left up for weeks if you choose. They often come pre-lit which is one less job to do.
When the tree has been chosen the next step is deciding on a colour scheme and/ or theme. Choose a few colours that work with each other. For example a traditional tree often is red and gold with clear lights. Other options would be white, silver, and clear ornaments. Themes include snowmen, birds, nutcrackers, wilderness, etc. In the end, the tree is what you want it to be, so have fun with it.
When the tree has been placed in the chosen area, it’s time to add the lights. There is a wide array of different colours and types of lights to choose from including our favourite 1-2-glow. You want to choose lights that go with your colour theme – white is the popular choice. Make sure there are enough lights, generally 100 lights per each vertical foot.
When the lights have been placed in the tree, the next addition would be ribbon, sinamay or garlands. Start from the top of the tree and work your way down. Ribbon and sinamay is an easy and cost-effective way of changing the colour theme from year to year without changing the ornaments.
Finally it is time to hang the ornaments. Before hanging the ornaments, do an inventory and separate the ornaments into groups of the same type/colour. This will make it easier when you decorate. To add depth to the tree place some of the ornaments closer to the trunk of the tree. These can be larger, or perhaps less interesting than some of the others. Save your favourite ornaments for the best viewing areas. When hanging ornaments create a pattern so that the tree has a cohesive look.
For added interest, place silk flowers, berries, feathers, lanterns or pine cones into the tree. For the traditional look, batteryoperated candles can be placed in the tree, and add a classic touch.
The tree topper can be either added before the ornaments are placed on the tree or at the very end. The tree topper can be simple, such as a star, angel or snowflake. Or, you can add a spray of silk flowers/ cones/berries or a large colourful bow.
Let your imagination go free – it is your tree, so have fun with it.