How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
Chances are that decorating a Christmas tree is no mystery to you. But wouldn't you like to know a few designer tricks? How about ways to get more lushness and drama? The secret is in the layers.
First, the Lights
Sparkle and shine comes primarily from the tree lights. Faceted glass bulbs will refract more light and appear brighter.
Small twinkle lights and colored lights also have impact when you layer several strands and pair them with ornaments having reflective surfaces.
To illuminate the tree from the inside out, string lights around the trunk and the branches.
Starting at the base of the trunk and working up, wrap the lights around every major branch, moving from the trunk to the tip and back.
Don't skimp on lights! For every vertical foot of tree, use a strand of 100 lights.
And don't be afraid to mix and match lights. There's no rule stating that you can only use one kind.
A "background" of white or clear lights can be highlighted with strands of colored lights that wrap the outside of the tree.
Experiment with different lighting schemes until you get one you like.
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I learned these techniques 24 years ago, and use them every year. If you use the miniature lights on the branches, try wrapping a string of C-7's or C-9's up the trunk. Amazing how much light they put out. Also, you can fill in spaces with baby's breath, and if you make or buy small red (or whatever color you want) bows and tie them onto the tips of branches in a random pattern, they kind of outline the tree.
12/22/2009 04:52:09 PM Report AbuseGreat tip. All the family enjoyed decorating the tree. It was nice to have a plan on how to do it.
11/30/2009 07:55:54 AM Report Abusenever sure when to put on the garland thanks Linda
11/28/2009 11:16:37 AM Report AbuseClear and simple and made sense.
11/28/2009 07:52:17 AM Report AbuseThanks. The "light" went on in my head.
11/20/2009 02:20:43 PM Report Abuse