Christmas tree season is here, and we can help you tackle every step, from cutting down a fresh spruce to topping off the tree. Many people set up their tree the day after Thanksgiving. That’s perfect timing for fresh trees, which will last for six weeks with proper care. From there, it’s all about decorating. Our Christmas tree decorations, handmade ornament ideas, and Christmas tree themes will give you plenty of ideas for your tree.
Decorate With Garland
Garland instantly adds pops of color and rich texture to trees, banisters, even mantels. These festive strands can also act as miracle workers concealing those inevitable bare spots that you swore weren’t there when you picked out the tree. Start by committing to one color palette. Choose something with depth, like a deep crimson, and then soften it up with complementary tones in pale pink, charcoal grey, and creamy ivory. As long as you stick within the same color family, you can play up the fun, unexpected factor like wrapping branches with pom poms, mittens, and mini ornaments. When it comes to the technique, it’s all in the wrist: softly drape (note: avoid firmly stuffing) the strands along the branches.
Decide on a Theme
Examine your collection closely and ask yourself: Is there an ornament that is particularly meaningful this year? Is there something that must (out of tradition) be present every year? How do you envision your tree to look? For example, are you leaning towards bold and bright or would you prefer to keep the mood soft and serene? Then focus on your favorites and set aside the ones that naturally belong together. Commit to pulling this look together from top of the tree to bottom. Here, we worked snowflakes in all shapes and sizes (big, small, round) and went with shimmery silvers and golds to keep the look warm and sophisticated.
Mix the Old With New
For starters, remember this is not a competition of old versus new. Thankfully, these ornaments can hang in harmony. In order for this to look just right, you’ll need to decide which favorites complement—don’t compete with—one another. Take it slow and go through your selection one by one. Start with a vintage pick like a beautiful golden owl, and then work in a modern find like the hot pink filial to balance it off. Continue with this process until your tree is complete.
Decorate Wih Pets in the Home
Consider a tabletop tree that can stand out of harm’s way. (For the record, tabletop trees can be just as beautiful as their seven–foot siblings.) Shop for ornaments that are shatter–resistant (cotton, felt, wool) and made of non-toxic materials because there’s no telling when someone—who shall remain nameless—will go in for a licking.
Decorate on a Budget
Here’s a trick: Skip the classic evergreen and pick a tree in an unexpected color like a winter white. The more untraditional the color, the bigger the impact it will make, which gives you the flexibility to go a little smaller on the size. When it comes to the ornaments, your existing collection should more than cover what this tree needs. Stick to one bold color so it really pops like red, magenta, or turquoise.
Make the Most of Limited Space
Yes, a six-foot tree might not feel quite right, but a tabletop version can be magnificent without invading every inch of your living space. And these days there are mini decorative elements of just about everything. Time to get those creative juices flowing.
