Whether your tree is a natural beauty, or a
manufactured everlasting tree, make certain it is secure in its stand. If
positioned against a wall, or in a corner, you may want to secure it to
the wall with wires; decorating just the front of a tree can cause it to
topple over. (A lesson learned after losing two dozen precious family
ornaments one Christmas.)
An everlasting tree needs to be "fluffed"
– meaning that each branch and twig needs to be shaped and
separated. Not only does this help the tree look more natural, but each
exposed branch end provides an opportunity to hang one more
ornament!
Place light strings on the tree evenly so there are
no "hot spots," or "black holes." When applying, have
light strings lit. It’s easier to deal with electrical problems
before the lights are on the tree.
If putting up a pre-lit tree, work by section to
"fluff" and ensure everything is plugged in and working before
starting to decorate.
After the basic light strings are all lit, it is time
to add any optional novelty light strings to the tree. Place them evenly
across the tree.
Attention Getters
Traditionally, stars or angels have adorned the tops of
trees. But a tree topper can be more than just on the top of your tree; it
can be over-the-top. Think of taking a "Carmen Miranda" approach.
Create an "arrangement". A combination of fruit, flowers, fabric,
feathers, large decorative picks or glitter branches – anything
imaginable. This kind of topper can not only beautifully reinforce or
create a theme for your tree, but can have a jaw-dropping effect.
Adding some oversized elements to your tree can also
provide a "wow" factor. Such things as a real snow sled, big
bare tree branches, large-scale toys, dolls or stuffed animals, wrapped
boxes, large foam candies, huge snowflakes – whatever enhances the
theme of your tree. This could be just one giant element toward the top of
the tree (even worked in with the topper extravaganza), or several large
items spaced across the tree. Make certain they are secured so they
won’t shift or fall. This year I used an electrified chandelier near
the top of one of Al’s trees – it is unusually
spectacular!
A wonderful thing to do, if decorating a woodland or
outdoor theme tree, is to place snow blanket or batting to form patches of
snow on the tops of the tree branches. Form into clumps at the mid-point of
each branch. Finish with a dusting of clear glitter.
Consider using large tinsel or ribbon garland to
enhance the look of your tree. Garland also enables you to fill a lot of
space, so fewer ornaments are needed to make a tree look abundantly full.
Garland should be in place prior to hanging ornaments.
Staging with Solids
Using solid colored pieces, like inexpensive
ornaments, is a cost effective way to ensure your tree looks full, while
it enhances and showcases your very special ornaments. This is especially
good if you are just starting your collection and have but a few treasured
items.
Decide on what color or colors of solid color
ornaments would enhance your room, or your ornament collection. They can
be shiny or matte finish, or a combination of both. Then purchase two
sizes.
Large - 4" or 5": Use these nestled back
into the center of the tree. They will provide the backdrop for everything
else, and will add depth to the tree. These go on first.
Medium - 2 ½" to 3": Use these after
you have placed your more special collected ornaments. They will fill in
the visual gaps, making your tree look fuller and more finished.
Showcasing Your Collection
It
seems to me the only truly good reason to put up a tree at Christmas is to
bring out those wonderful memories that are attached to the precious
collected ornaments stored away for the previous eleven months. Of course,
it is also a way to show off the wonderful new additions you found this
year!
Organize your ornaments so they enhance each other,
and special ornaments stand out. Group like ornaments together: by
material, color, theme, motif, size, etc.
Now place those most special of ornaments, the real
memory catchers, in very focal locations. Hang them at eye level, on the
tips of the branches, so that they will attract attention as family and
friends approach the tree. I like to do this with two very old ornaments
that were among the first few my parents owned.
Next, decide which ornaments need to be hung in close
proximity to each other.
Keeping in mind to maintain a visual balance, place
the other ornaments. Start with the largest, hanging them low on the tree,
and deeper into the tree. Save the smallest for last. These go on the tips
of branches, and toward the top of the tree. I like placing all the small
birds in my collection perched at the top of the tree.
Unless you believe, as my father did, that a
Christmas tree is not finished without a myriad of tinsel strands hanging
from each branch (which he, each year, took a week to expertly
apply), you have done it! Pour that glass of eggnog, and with the
room lights low, bask in the glow of the Christmas memories that radiate
from your lovely tree. May your Holidays be Merry and Bright!
All it takes is a bit of imagination – some
outside-the-box thinking – which is what I try to do when
approaching each of Al’s trees.
