Decorate a Christmas Tree Elegantly

See also: How to Decorate a Christmas Tree

When Christmas comes around, we all look to get the largest and best tree to decorate. However, the decorations are ultimately what makes a successful Christmas tree. Here's how to shape your tree properly and decorate it in a way that looks elegant and outstanding.

Get Ready To Decorate Your Tree

 * 1) Pick your tree. Some people prefer the look and smell of a real tree, while others like the reliability of a fake one. Other traditional alternatives to "real" options are feather trees and tinsel trees. They can have a lot of old-fashioned charm, but may not work with all decor.
 * 2) Look at the shape of your tree. When buying a real tree, make sure you see the tree out of its netting. Look for a full tree with evenly spaced branches and a symmetric, tapered shape. Get a tree that still has the tips of its branches intact. A sheared tree is cheaper, but it looks less natural and will have more loose needles.
 * 3) Get a Christmas tree stand. You want to select one with the deepest water reservoir you can find. Make sure the tree is securely wedged into position and only add water after the tree is in place.
 * 4) * Another way to keep a tree fresh is to put it in a bucket of water. You can use bricks to lift the tree high enough so that the bucket doesn’t interfere with the lower branches. Cover the stand or bucket with a brightly colored throw or scarf.
 * 5) Decide on a color scheme. Common color schemes for Christmas include all green, red and gold or red and silver. The color scheme you choose should also complement the color scheme in the room that your tree will be in. You can also consider using non-traditional ornament colors to give your tree an updated look.
 * 6) Decide on a theme for your tree. This could include something such as angels, nutcrackers or snowflakes. However, this part is optional.
 * 7) Shop for decorations. This includes ornaments, garland, feathers, ribbons and beads. You can also purchase different styles of multi-pack ornaments.

Decorating Your Tree

 * 1) Buy white or off-white lights. Make sure that do not play music or flash.
 * 2) * Either incandescent or LED lights are fine, but get small ones since their purpose should be to accent the ornaments, not be ornaments themselves.
 * 3) * Hang the lights from top to bottom, pushing them partway into the branches to hide the cord.
 * 4) * Use them sparingly and space them evenly.
 * 5) Utilize ornaments. Remember that they should enhance and not dominate the tree. Avoid using anything with too much glitter.
 * 6) * If you use tinsel, use sparingly and add each strand separately, making sure each hangs straight down. You could also try metal or glass icicles instead of tinsel.
 * 7) * Plain balls are another traditional, elegant ornament shape.
 * 8) * For a truly minimalist look, use only white or silver ornaments. Otherwise, use a simple color scheme or use color sparingly.
 * 9) * If you use ornaments other than glass balls, find a theme such as birds, antique toys, boating, etc.
 * 10) * Ornaments can make a tree individual and personal. A collection might take a few years to acquire, but you can use your imagination.
 * 11) * You can even use things that aren’t strictly for the tree. Candy and other treats are a traditional addition and popular with kids. Also try natural objects like pine cones and fruit.
 * 12) Wrap ribbon around your tree. Mesh ribbon usually works best for this. Make sure to scrunch the ribbon and wrap a branch around that part. Start at the top and work your way down. Make a poof of about 12 to 16 inches and scrunch again, wrapping a branch around it. Go all around the tree.
 * 13) Finish off your tree with a bow topper. Make a bow using three different ribbons. When you have made as many loops as you want, tie it off with a chenille stem or a piece of wire. Fluff out your bow by adding streamers to it and tie your bow on to the tree using the chenile stem.
 * 14) *You can also red glittered berries into the tree to add a little extra height to your tree.
 * 15) Make the most of your best pieces. To really make a statement about your Christmas tree, start with the most important ornaments by hanging the largest ones first, spacing them evenly apart. You will then want to fill in the spaces with any medium and small sizes to balance the overall look of the tree.
 * 16) Don’t forget to decorate the bottom of your tree. You can add more depth by hanging ornaments closer to the trunk. Use an interesting variety since there are so many fabulous ornaments for sale now. Be sure to get include ornaments such as icicles, teardrops, squares, triangles. A little variety can really separate your tree from the rest.
 * 17) *Place ornaments and other decorations 'inside' your tree as well as on the tips of branches to add depth and interest.

Tips

 * Place your tree close to a window. This will help add Christmas cheer to the outside of your house
 * You do not have to use every decoration available. Sometimes less is more.
 * Buy ornaments for next year after Christmas, when they’re cheapest.
 * Have your children make something for the tree. You can even look up elegant homemade ornament ideas on wikiHow.
 * If you are worried about using a real tree because of the tendency to shed needles, keep the tree well watered and keep it indoors for a minimum of time.
 * If you are worried about using a real tree because of the environmental effects, remember that most trees are farmed and are not coming from wild areas. You can also sometimes find trees that are thinning from powerline ways and other areas that are going to be cut and unused otherwise. Also consider a live potted tree.
 * After the holidays, many areas offer special services that will remove your tree to have it chipped and composted. Ask your local city government about this.
 * For those very special ornaments, put the ornaments in boxes so they won't break when you store them away for the year.

Warnings

 * A bucket of water (in addition to the bricks) is very heavy and should hold a fairly tall tree, but if it seems unstable or your tree is very tall, you may need a proper stand.
 * Some of the better ornaments are easily breakable. Don’t hang them on weak branches, branches low to the ground (especially if you have children or pets) or too close to the edge.
 * Christmas trees are known to catch fire. Don't use a massive amount of lights and don't use a real tree in dry areas.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make a Christmas Wreath
 * How to Care for a Bromeliad
 * How to Care for a Christmas Cactus
 * How to Celebrate Christmas
 * How to Buy a Christmas Tree from a Tree Farm
 * How to Make a Christmas Card Star
 * How to Care for a Christmas Tree
 * How to Dispose of a Christmas Tree
 * How to Care for Orchids
 * How to Make a Decoration That Looks Like a Tree

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.christmascentral.com