Have you always wanted a tree that brings about a chorus of “ooohs” and “ahhhs” when people enter your home? Below are some tips that can get you headed in the right direction. Decorating your tree shouldn’t be stressful, but a fun and meaningful activity for the whole family. So grab your hot chocolate, turn on the Christmas carols, and get to trimming that tree.
1. Choose a Color Scheme.
To begin your tree decorating adventure, the first step is deciding on your color scheme. You can go with a more traditional and elegant design, like red and gold, or go for a more contemporary look by using color combinations such as deep purple and lime green, blue and silver, or dark blue, turquoise, and gold. It’s really up to you based on what colors you prefer, but once you choose your color palette, try to select all of your tree decorations based on your scheme (except of course for those special ornaments, like Baby’s 1st Christmas, etc).
2. Make Use of Large Ornaments and Bows.
Big bows, flowers, and ornaments are a great way to fill in space and add nice focal points to your tree. For the bows, choose a few different large ribbons and layer them together in different combinations. For the ornaments, use a mix of solids and bulbs with different designs and textures, using varying sizes. This is also where you can add lots of glitter and glam.
3. Light It Up.
The classic white/clear mini-lights will typically best compliment most color schemes, without detracting from the rest of the tree’s décor. If you choose to go with colored lights, you may consider a solid color, such as gold, green, or blue. A general rule of thumb is that you’ll need 300 lights for every foot of your tree’s height. According to Better Homes & Garden, “instead of wrapping the lights around the tree in a maypole style, mentally divide the tree into three triangular sections, from top to bottom, around the tree's cone.” First, plug in the lights and nestle the last bulb on the string at the top of the tree next to the trunk. Then weave the lights back and forth across the triangle until you reach the bottom. Repeat this process for the remaining triangles.
4. The Tree Topper.
Angel, star, bow…what goes on top? The trend for tree toppers is moving more in the direction of bows, feathers, or eclectic collections of metallic berries, twigs, and shoots. Bows with cascading ribbon make a grand display, or feathers (anywhere from exotic peacock to white plumes) can give your tree a glamorous look. If you’re like me, and it almost doesn’t seem right not to have an angel or star on the top of your tree, there are decorative angels and stars that can keep your tree in style while still holding their symbolic meaning (try Hobby Lobby or Pier 1 for a great assortment of tree toppers). Of course, if you have a tree topper that holds special meaning or a family heirloom, that takes precedence over the design aspect.
5. Don’t Forget What’s Under the Tree.
Your Christmas presents are an extension of your tree, so try to find wrapping paper that compliments your color scheme. Pick 1 or 2 patterns and a couple solids. There are all sorts of fun ribbons and bows to embellish your packages, and you may even try layering a thin ribbon on top of a thicker ribbon. Angle and lean the boxes to show off their best sides. And don’t forget the tree skirt. If your tree skirt is old and outdated, many home stores have a wide variety of beautiful tree skirts (again we suggest Pier1 or Hobby Lobby).
The most important things about decorating your tree are to enjoy the experience and make it a reflection of your own personal style. These are simply guidelines to help get you inspired, but add your own creativity and flare.
If Christmas tree decorating is just not your forte, go see our friends at Blushing Blooms by Brennen Farlow, and get a fabulous tree with none of the fuss.
1. Choose a Color Scheme.
To begin your tree decorating adventure, the first step is deciding on your color scheme. You can go with a more traditional and elegant design, like red and gold, or go for a more contemporary look by using color combinations such as deep purple and lime green, blue and silver, or dark blue, turquoise, and gold. It’s really up to you based on what colors you prefer, but once you choose your color palette, try to select all of your tree decorations based on your scheme (except of course for those special ornaments, like Baby’s 1st Christmas, etc).
2. Make Use of Large Ornaments and Bows.
- Oversized Ornaments Add Volume to this Valencich Tree
Big bows, flowers, and ornaments are a great way to fill in space and add nice focal points to your tree. For the bows, choose a few different large ribbons and layer them together in different combinations. For the ornaments, use a mix of solids and bulbs with different designs and textures, using varying sizes. This is also where you can add lots of glitter and glam.
3. Light It Up.
The classic white/clear mini-lights will typically best compliment most color schemes, without detracting from the rest of the tree’s décor. If you choose to go with colored lights, you may consider a solid color, such as gold, green, or blue. A general rule of thumb is that you’ll need 300 lights for every foot of your tree’s height. According to Better Homes & Garden, “instead of wrapping the lights around the tree in a maypole style, mentally divide the tree into three triangular sections, from top to bottom, around the tree's cone.” First, plug in the lights and nestle the last bulb on the string at the top of the tree next to the trunk. Then weave the lights back and forth across the triangle until you reach the bottom. Repeat this process for the remaining triangles.
- Tree Topper Designed by Blushing Blooms
4. The Tree Topper.
Angel, star, bow…what goes on top? The trend for tree toppers is moving more in the direction of bows, feathers, or eclectic collections of metallic berries, twigs, and shoots. Bows with cascading ribbon make a grand display, or feathers (anywhere from exotic peacock to white plumes) can give your tree a glamorous look. If you’re like me, and it almost doesn’t seem right not to have an angel or star on the top of your tree, there are decorative angels and stars that can keep your tree in style while still holding their symbolic meaning (try Hobby Lobby or Pier 1 for a great assortment of tree toppers). Of course, if you have a tree topper that holds special meaning or a family heirloom, that takes precedence over the design aspect.
- "Giftscape" featured in Real Simple magazine
5. Don’t Forget What’s Under the Tree.
Your Christmas presents are an extension of your tree, so try to find wrapping paper that compliments your color scheme. Pick 1 or 2 patterns and a couple solids. There are all sorts of fun ribbons and bows to embellish your packages, and you may even try layering a thin ribbon on top of a thicker ribbon. Angle and lean the boxes to show off their best sides. And don’t forget the tree skirt. If your tree skirt is old and outdated, many home stores have a wide variety of beautiful tree skirts (again we suggest Pier1 or Hobby Lobby).
The most important things about decorating your tree are to enjoy the experience and make it a reflection of your own personal style. These are simply guidelines to help get you inspired, but add your own creativity and flare.
If Christmas tree decorating is just not your forte, go see our friends at Blushing Blooms by Brennen Farlow, and get a fabulous tree with none of the fuss.
