My favorite part of Christmas is setting up my Christmas Tree. I always do it the weekend after Thanksgiving. I learned how to put together an awesome tree from working at the department store Dillard's back when I was in college. I get lots of compliments on my tree and I've had several friends and family members ask for tips on how to make their tree look like mine.
I think it helps to have a theme. Mine is red and gold. The majority of my ornaments are this color and I have a few that are crystal. I only buy my ornaments when there are on super sale after Christmas is over. I always forget what I bought the year before so it makes it fun to pull out the new ornaments next Christmas.
I also highly recommend an ornament box. I think I got mine at Lowes or Target. It's a plastic box with cardboard separators. You can store all your ornaments in this box and it makes super easy to clean up and store at the end of the season.
I prefer a fake tree because I can use it every year. We always had a real one when I was growing up and I have great memories of going to cut our own tree. It's really your preference. If you get a real tree you need a tree stand and to remember to keep it watered. If you have a fake tree fluff all the branches by pulling them apart. They are all crushed when you pull the tree out of a box or from storage. I keep my tree in an enormous Chrismas tree bag. I bought it around the holidays a few years ago and it's much easier than trying to stuff the tree into the original box.
Add your lights or turn them on. We have a few branches that burnt out so I added an additonal string of lights. It was a much cheaper alternative than buying a new tree. They are expensive!
Add ribbon or garland. I used two rolls of 30 ft ribbon. The ribbon adds more dimension to the tree. If you can't find 30 ft ribbon you can combine some shorter rolls to make a long piece. You can also add a beaded garland in place of the ribbon.
Load your tree up with ornaments. I like to start with plain round "filler" balls first. Then I add the more interesting ornaments. I try to keep my two colors evenly spread out through out the tree. The last ornaments I put on are crystal and gold icicles. They add a sparkly touch.
The tree is looking pretty good right now but to add another layer of interest I add two different kinds of flower pics. You should be able to find them at any craft store.
I place them wherever I feel there are "holes" in the tree.
Now finish it off with a tree topper and skirt. Voila! Ready for presents.
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One more shot with the lights off.
I may be linking up to these parties:
