Tree Logic

Gary emphasizes that in his cheerful holiday decorating scheme, one Christmas tree is never enough. This view from the hall shows some of his eight full-size artificial trees and half a dozen smaller ones, and he’s counting. They’re all different but appo

Think in Themes.

Individualize your trees by incorporating each one with a personal theme or dominant idea, such as prized heirlooms, handmade baubles, children’s toys or a favorite color palette. One of Gary’s trees is appointed with his extensive collection of Shiny Brite ornaments. Another is dressed entirely in red, black and white.

Seek Sameness.

Employ a common element or two from tree to tree to show continuity throughout the disparate trimmings. Many of Gary’s trees are draped with twisted burlap ribbon for garland or dotted with snowflake ornaments—or both.

Get to the Bottom.

Age your trees gracefully by covering the bases in everyday household items from earlier times. Gary’s top choices are washtubs, buckets and plaid blankets. “They give you that farmhouse look, but they are old and easier to deal with than a tree skirt,” he says.

Give it Character.

Think of your tree topper as a piece of statement jewelry that expresses your personality, traditions or sense of fun. Gary crowns the grand tree in his living room with a black top hat and the tree in his front room with a Frosty the Snowman head as a tribute to the jolly fellow.