Decorating a Christmas tree is surely in the top 5 list of universally fun things to do. Although it can be a hefty job, it need not be intimidating. A little imagination can go a long way in helping you devise a look, theme and color scheme that will not only reflect your interests and personality, but will also give your guests the best possible experience.
Your taste might be modest or extravagant, but that should not stand in the way of you creating a look that is congruent with what you love. Particularly when it comes to Christmas lights, you should not skip the planning phase, as this could result in you spending more money than you need to on Christmas decorations than what would actually have been necessary.
If you do your preparation and planning thoroughly, you will know exactly how many lengths of lights you will need, and you will be able to predict what you are able to spend on it. Once you have enough of the right supplies in place, the fun can begin!
Be as unique as you like
A Christmas tree that you love is the base of any Christmas design. You should love it, because it is the center point, and as such, should fit in with your aesthetic. After that come, the different types of Christmas tree decorations – ornaments, baubles, ribbons, bows and other items to hang from your tree and surface in your house, to make your Christmas dream come alive.
When considering the type of Christmas tree you might want to use, you will have to make the decision between a real tree and an artificial one. Many people argue that they prefer artificial over real, as these last longer and do not shed their needles. Conversely, another group believes in the authenticity of a natural tree and the feeling that natural foliage brings. Whichever your preference, make sure that you buy a tree that is the right size and shape for the space into which you intend to put it.
The key to making an artificial tree work, is to make sure that the branches are evenly spaced and sufficiently fluffed to give a lush look with presence. Many people feel quite perfectionistic about their tree, but don’t forget, the human touch holds far more charm than perfection, so don’t worry if it’s not 100% symmetrical or balanced!
A bit of light
Although artificial trees come in both the standard version and a lit version (where the lights are built into the branches) a lot of people still prefer to add their own lights to their Christmas display. When you do decide on the right tree, the Christmas lights you choose will bring you close to completing the final project. Remember that when it comes to Christmas lights, you have the option to choose between LED or old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. The drawback of the traditional bulbs is that they tend to become quite hot, which is also an indicator of the fact that they use far more energy than LED. This is problematic for two reasons: one is that higher usage means that it runs at a higher cost, and secondly, it limits the amount of strings you can join together without putting to heavy a load on your power supply.
Bring the outside in
A bit of foliage adds a special touch to any decor display, and it’s no wonder that garlands and wreaths have enjoyed the historical significance they’ve had – there is just simply something special about bringing nature indoors. Any significant piece of architecture, like a stairway or a fireplace, will immediately be highlighted by adding greenery. Plants also bring that special outdoor scent into a room, so head for those pinecones and evergreens for the authentic Christmas smell.
Whether your theme is rustic, classic, modern, childlike, or sophisticated, picking a theme will help you narrow down your decor choices and prevent you from feeling lost in the process. Let your theme guide the additional items you bring in to include as Christmas tree decorations or home decorations, and use your color scheme to link everything and create a cohesive appearance.