Decorate A Christmas Tree Like A Designer. How? 'Or' What ?

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

We all want to have a unique Christmas tree with handmade baubles, quirky garlands and perfectly coordinated lights in a festive and elegant scheme. In reality, however, it is easier said than done. Decorating a tree is not a big deal, especially if you are perfectionists. So many people confide that they are lost on how to set up their decor in a way that makes them happy and excited for the holidays to come. Our editorial team comes to your rescue with tips and tricks that will help you install and adorn your tree like a professional in no time!

Decorate a Christmas tree step by step like an interior design expert

Invest in a high quality artificial tree

Christmas trees made from premium materials really provide a strong and reliable support for your decorations. In addition, these items are generally more durable and can withstand repeated use every year, while still maintaining their good looks.

Our advice is to opt for a traditional Christmas tree rather than a trend-oriented copy so that it does not go out of style next year. And remember, to avoid wear and tear, consider models with advanced features that offer easy setup and storage.

Shape the branches of your tree

Adjusting the branches helps make your tree look more natural. It can really take a long time but trust us the end result is worth it. So, separate each strand so that it spreads out and covers as much area as possible. Also feel free to bend the individual branches to fill in the gaps. Keep in mind that a properly formed tree is an attractive and lavish sight.

Color scheme

Decide on the overall color scheme you want to use for decorating your tree. It could be all green, red and gold, red and silver, pink and white, aqua and turquoise, or any other shade combination idea you like. However, take into account that the colors you select should complement the decor of the room.

Design the decor around a theme

In fact, a professional looking Christmas tree has a central element that ties the decorations together. That is why, it is advisable to choose a theme before choosing ornaments. The main idea can be, for example, angels, nature, snowflakes, etc.

First put the topper

Putting the topper first before starting to arrange the ornaments on the tree indeed lets you know exactly how to proceed. It really cuts down on the reorganization and consequent adjustments. A designer top is a great way to complete the look of your tree. Make sure you select the one that best matches your theme and proportion of your tree, otherwise you can make your own custom topper.

Light up the tree

The most important thing when decorating a Christmas tree is to always add the lights first (after the topper). It is harder to do this after adding ornaments like balls and garlands. As a rule of thumb, lighting experts recommend using 100 bulbs or 5 meters of lights per 0.60 meter of Christmas tree.

Begin wrapping around the tree trunk, working your way up from the center of the base. Continue to wrap the lights evenly around the branches closest to the trunk, then weave them up from the middle of the crown. When you reach the crown, step back, arranging the lights further on the branches. Keep clouding the lights until you hit the ends. And don't forget that the bulb should be positioned under a branch and the next light above.

Garlands / ribbons

Indeed, there are many creative ways to add a garland or a ribbon to your tree. One option is to let go from the top to the bottom, wrapping the tree about every 2 feet. Another option involves passing the decorations in a circle around the outside of the tree. The third option is to wrap the garlands or ribbon in a circle just around the tree trunk.

Sort your ornaments

Before you start to decorate a Christmas tree, it is very important to put all the inventory you have in front of you and decide in advance what you want to use according to the preferred theme. First sort by similar items. Ornaments that are the same go in a stack. Also group by color by putting all these piles of similar objects in the same area. This will make decorating your tree easier by allowing you to space the elements better.

Choosing accents that match your theme helps you achieve a cohesive design. Whether it's hanging pieces, garlands, ribbons, or giant flowers, go for items that will complement the overall look of your tree. Many sets of balls include different shapes, sizes, finishes, and designs. Combining them with traditional balls will give you more freedom to develop your main idea.

Next, decorate the tree with ornaments in your selected color palette. Slightly oversized ornaments are preferred over standard sized ones - this is especially important if your tree is over 7 feet tall. Ten large balls per foot of height generally work very well. In addition, a nice visual effect can be achieved by using multi-pack items (painted in different shades of the same color, with different shapes and / or textures).

You can also use natural elements to decorate a Christmas tree, such as pine cones, flowers, feathers or twigs, birds or butterflies. For another touch of style, get 5-7 oversized accent ornaments that don't have to be real tree ornaments, but other captivating decorations like dolls, gift boxes and all that makes the difference.

Start by placing your generic ornaments on the tree towards the middle, then place the unique pieces outward. Larger generic adornments should go down and smaller ones up for a more traditional look. If you are using multiple colors, start by putting one color on the tree at a time and make sure that each color is evenly distributed across the branches.

Work from large to small, by color and texture

First, you need to lay out your biggest ornaments on the tree. Having in view their size, they will take up more space. To make sure everything is placed evenly, you should store all the same items at the same time. Hang them up using the triangle method for a nice visual look. In addition, you can also group together three balls of contrasting colors.

The Triangle Method: Creating triangles in tree branches is a professional's best kept secret. Using this method when beautifying your home (not just limited to your Christmas tree) is one of the best and easiest ways to improve the overall design of your decor. In fact, when we catch something, our eyes move in triangles to process and visualize it as a whole. So the triangle decorating method is all about designing and decorating with that in mind in order to create a space pleasing to the eye. It certainly takes a bit of practice.

Another method of arrangement involves choosing 3, 6 or 12 balls and hanging them in the branches in a "Z" shape. You should place the larger ones near the center of the tree to give it more depth and use small ones towards the end of the branches. Hang the delicate glass balls from the top to prevent breakage. How many balls will you need? Normally, decorating a 7.5 foot tree requires putting in about 80.

After you have placed the first set of the larger "identical" ornaments on the tree, you will move on to the next set of the same color or texture. Once you're done with one shade, move on to the next. (If you have larger embellishments in another colorway, put them in place BEFORE you move on to the smaller embellishments.) So essentially you're working on size, color, and texture simultaneously as you go through your decorations sorted to ensure you sprinkle them evenly.

Put on a tree skirt

Indeed, decorating a tree also includes hiding its base. A Christmas tree skirt is the finishing touch with many benefits - from covering the unsightly backing to protecting your floor and carpet from fallen pine needles (if you have a real tree). Plus, it's the perfect backdrop for beautifully wrapped Christmas presents.

Alternatively, if you have a potted tree, opt for garlands to hide it instead. In case you have skillful hands, consider making a red and white tulle tree tutu tied with string yourself. It's a nice accessory to hide the bottom of the tree that the skirt does not cover.

If, on the other hand, you succumb to the trend of woven baskets, fill the empty space with fir balls, pine cones and cotton balls.

Photo credit: ahostinghome.com

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