Decorate your Christmas tree like a professional

WE all want to decorate the perfect Christmas tree. Here, we give you easy steps to follow.

Invest in a high-quality artificial tree

Christmas trees crafted from premium materials provide sturdy and reliable support for decorations. You will find that high-quality trees are generally more durable and can stand up to repeat year after year, all while maintaining its beautiful look. Opt for a traditional tree rather than a trend-led one so that it does not go “out of date” after a few years.

A traditional design gives you the perfect base to layer and decorate as you wish. Pre-lit Christmas trees are a firm household favourite because it saves time in untangling all those lights, but on the other hand, a benefit of buying an unlit tree is that you can choose whatever lights you want.

Fluff and shape branches

Fluffing the branches helps to make your Christmas tree look fuller and more natural. This can be a very time-consuming task, but trust us, the end result is more than worth it. Separate each branch so they fan out to cover as much area as possible. A properly shaped tree is an appealing sight, however minimal or lavish your embellishments may be.

Design around a theme

A professional-looking Christmas tree has a central look that ties the decorations together. Deciding on a theme before choosing your decorations sets the tone and gives you a clear idea on how to decorate your tree.

Start with the lights first

While pre-lit Christmas trees are popular and will save you time (and money), you will need Christmas tree lights if you have a plain tree (real or artificial). The first, most important thing you need to do when decorating your Christmas tree, is to always add the lights first — it is more difficult to do this after you have added decorations like baubles and garlands.

Choose the right decorations

Choosing accents that fit your theme will help you achieve a cohesive design. Whether it is hanging tree decorations, garlands, ribbons, or floral picks, opt for Christmas tree decorations that will complement the overall appearance of your tree. Many bauble sets include different shapes, sizes, finishes and designs. Combining these with traditional baubles will give you more freedom to play up your theme.

Balance the décor

Given the many Christmas tree decorations you are likely to have, you have to ensure that everything is well-balanced and spread out to your liking. Arrange embellishments from the top of the tree and then work towards the bottom. This way, you can easily check your design as you dress up your tree.

Cluster your baubles

Balsam Hill’s design consultant, Brad Schmidt, recommends clustering three baubles of different sizes to add flair and visual appeal. You can either put the same pieces together or choose contrasting ones.

Others suggest you should hang larger baubles closer to the centre of the tree to give it more depth and use small ones towards the end of the branches. Dangle delicate glass baubles at the top of the tree to prevent any breakages, and add special ones last to ensure they are in the perfect position.

Layer and style ribbons

Another expert tip is to layer your Christmas tree with decorative ribbons, which will elevate your tree’s aesthetic. You may use one type of ribbon or pair ribbons of contrasting textures and different widths to create more impact.

Use tree picks

Tree picks and floral sprays come in many forms, such as decorated branches, twigs, berries, or even pinecones — use them as subtle accents to complement the entire look of your tree. Grouping picks together using floral wire is a creative way to elevate the visual appeal of your tree without overpowering other decorations.

Choose the right tree topper

A eye-catching Christmas tree topper is a beautiful way to complete the designer look of your tree. Make sure to choose one that best fits your theme and the proportion of your tree, and take into consideration the height of your ceiling too. You can also choose an alternative design, like a giant bow rather than a gold star, or you could make your own topper.

Finish off with a tree skirt

Often overlooked, a Christmas tree skirt is the finishing touch to your decorations and serves to balance the overall design of your Christmas tree. Tree skirts have many benefits too, from covering the unsightly ‘legs’, trunk or stand of a tree, to protecting your floors and carpets from any fallen pine needles (if you have a real tree). — housebeautiful