Everyone is capable of putting on a few lights, but a beautifully decorated Christmas tree can ignite the Christmas spirit of anyone who sees it! Decorating it with elegance allows you to obtain a classic and refined look. You will need to plan time and money for the decorations, and finally arrange everything in a specific order.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: The Choice of Aesthetics
Step 1. Choose a tree:
it will be the canvas of your masterpiece, so opt for a good quality one, real or fake. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Buy one that is in good shape. If you buy a real one, check it out first. The branches must be full and with a symmetrical distance. Have you chosen an artificial tree? As you shape the branches, try bending them so that the gaps between them aren't too big.
- If you buy a real tree, you will also need to get a support and water it after placing it. Place a Christmas-themed rug under the tree to make it easier to collect fallen needles and clean up right away.
- Consider pre-lit trees if you plan to buy an artificial one. Arranging the lights is the most hated part of people, and if you can skip this step, you can spend more time and energy on decorations.
Step 2. Choose a color scheme, it will allow you to obtain a complete and homogeneous result
Make sure you opt for shades that don't clash with the walls, and remember that you may need to allow some space for your children's or family ornaments. That said, here are some possibilities:
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Red and green are classic Christmas colors. The balls can be gold or silver and the lights red, green or clear.
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Blue, silver and purple are winter colors. Use them to mimic ice and create a Christmas atmosphere in the snow. Avoid mixing these colors with red, yellow or gold and go for blue lights. For a minimalist look, use only white and silver decorations.
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Metallic colors, such as gold, silver and bronze, are easy to combine but are particularly enhanced by light shades.
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Cool colors (with blue undertones) or warm (with red undertones)? The trees with warm colors are characterized by shades of red, orange and gold, while those with cold colors are characterized by green, purple, blue and silver.
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Step 3. Choose a theme (optional):
angels, snowflakes … in this way, you will make the tree look uniform and make it stand out.
- If you collect certain items, take the opportunity to choose them also to decorate the tree, so you will expand your collection as well.
- If, on the other hand, you don't have a particular predisposition, that's not a problem - Christmas itself is thematic enough for almost any tree.
Step 4. Buy the lights (optional)
If you already have them, then repurpose them. Otherwise, take this opportunity to make your tree even more elegant. Here are some factors to consider:
- Buy a six or twelve pack at the mall - these lights will create the base; then, if you want, you can add more expensive ones.
- Choose between the matte and shimmering effect. If the lights are only one color, you can mix the two effects. If this is not the case, it is better not to overdo it.
- Choose your size wisely. To be on the safe side, opt for fairy lights that are roughly the same size. If you are confident in your decorative skills, you may want to buy them in various sizes for a more interesting visual effect. Just make sure you mix them up so you don't create unlikely clusters of large or small ornaments.
Step 5. Small lights add a touch of elegance to the tree
Remember that the function of the lights is to emphasize the appearance of the tree, without being too obvious.
- Try to choose lights that aren't musical or flashy, and opt for colors that fit the overall scheme.
- In order not to make mistakes, focus on white lights.
Part 2 of 2: The Tree Decoration
Step 1. Hang the lights
This is usually the part that requires the most work. If done right, however, it will create a magical atmosphere. Follow these tips:
- Arrange the lights from top to bottom, hiding the strings in the branches.
- Leave an even space between the lights. If you don't know how to do it, move a couple of meters away from the tree to see it in its entirety and take note of the points that are too bright or dark.
Step 2. Put on the wreaths or bows
The choice depends on your tastes, but consider the following points:
- Avoid decorations that fall soft: typical of the 1950s, they are now out of use. But if you love this style, use smaller garlands supported by the metal inside.
- Also avoid ornaments that imitate ice - they too are no longer so common. If you've used them successfully in the past, you probably know how to fix them without noticing the plastic. Otherwise, opt for something else.
- If you like popcorn garlands, go for white ones. For a more elegant look, make the popcorn yourself, so it will look less yellowish.
- Garlands made of metal or plastic beads are always fine; the important thing is that you choose a color and a size that adapt to the other decorations. Distribute them evenly on the outside of the branches, similar to arranging the lights.
- Use a bow that has wire inside. Choose one of medium width, so that it can be seen from a distance, but not too large.
Step 3. Add the tip
Putting it before the decorations might seem odd, but look at it this way: if something goes wrong, your finely decorated tree won't be affected. The choice of the tip depends on the theme and appearance of the tree. Here are some popular options:
- A star.
- An angel.
- A bow.
- A poutpourri of holly leaves and sprigs.
- A big snowflake.
- A cross.
Step 4. Since the decorations are delicate and move easily, add them at the end, from top to bottom and spreading them evenly
Remember to place some between the inner branches of the tree to create a visual effect of depth.
- If you use a mix of fairy lights and decorations, put the fairy lights first - they will be your base. You can then distribute the ornaments to blend in with the rest of the tree.
- Consider the bottom of the tree. If you have pets or children, do not place valuables in accessible places. Instead, fill the area with other lights and garlands.
- You can also use items that aren't strictly intended for a tree, such as candy, treats, pine cones, and fruit.
Advice
- Place the tree near a window to spread the holiday spirit on the go.
- Store the special decorations in a special box so they won't break.
- You don't have to load the tree - minimalism is elegant.
- Buy decorations for next year right after Christmas, when they cost less.
- Another way to keep a tree cool is to put it in a bucket of water. Cover it with a themed fabric.
- Buy a tree whose branches have intact tips - if they aren't, the tree may look less natural and lose more needles.
Warnings
- The most beautiful ornaments are often even more delicate. Don't hang them on brittle or too low branches (especially if you have young children or pets) or on the ends.
- To prevent fire, do not use too many lights. If you live in a dry climate area, discard real trees.
