As Christmas is fast approaching, setting up and decorating your Christmas tree is probably one of the most anticipated activities. Whether you’ve been doing it for years or it’s your first time, you want your tree to look its best.
And while it may seem like a daunting task, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to set up and decorate your Christmas tree.
How To Set Up Your Christmas Tree?
Before we proceed to decorating your Christmas tree, let us first check how to set up your Christmas tree.
Choose A Location
To ensure the optimal placement of your tree throughout the season, it is advisable to set it up in its permanent location from the start and avoid unnecessary relocation. According to Cregg, an expert in the field, it is crucial to keep the tree away from heat sources, particularly fireplaces and wood stoves.
If possible, refrain from positioning the tree near a heat vent and make sure to close the louvers to minimize warm airflow around the tree. Additionally, take into consideration the availability of nearby power outlets to eliminate the need for an extension cord. Taking these precautions will help enhance both the safety and enjoyment of your tree during the holiday season.
Choose A Healthy Christmas Tree
To avoid needles filling your home while transporting the evergreen from your car to its stand, it is important to choose a healthy tree. According to Cregg, an expert, the tree should have a deep green color. To test the tree’s condition, gently pull on the shoots using your thumb and forefinger. Your hands should not have any needles coming off.
Additionally, before bringing the tree home, examine the trunk carefully to make sure it is free of any splits or cracks. Taking these precautions will help ensure a successful and hassle-free holiday season.
Set Up the Stand the Right Way
To begin, it is important to set up your tree stand properly as it serves as the foundation for the rest of the process. There are different types of tree stands available, such as two-piece steel or plastic stands, or one-piece fold-up stands.
For two-piece stands, simply slide the two pieces together and apply slight pressure to the center hub until it clicks into place. On the other hand, for one-piece fold-up stands, open the legs to their locking position and tighten the bottom thumbscrew for added security. In case you have a one-piece stand, no assembly is required at all.
It is crucial to ensure that your tree stand is stable and durable. If you find that your stand is wobbly or flimsy, it is preferable to discard it and invest in a high-quality Christmas tree stand. Look for stands that are made with sturdy materials and exhibit superior craftsmanship. Additionally, stands with wheels can greatly facilitate moving and storing the tree.
Assemble The Tree One Piece At A Time
Firstly, start the assembly process by carefully positioning and leveling the tree. It is crucial to exercise patience during this step.
Next, securely insert the bottom section of the tree into the stand. Ensure a firm hold by tightening the thumbscrews. Allow the hinged branches to gracefully descend into their natural and horizontal position.
In the case of a multi-section tree, proceed by adding the remaining sections. Exercise caution while lubricating the pole ends. This will facilitate easy insertion and removal at the conclusion of the joyful holiday season.
Shape The Tree Like A Pro
There are two primary methods to shape a tree: the traditional “V” shape and the “upswept” shape.
To achieve the traditional shape, begin by separating all the small limbs from the main branch. Proceed to work from the trunk outward, carefully positioning one limb upwards and another downwards to form a prominent “V” shape. Repeat this step with the second set of limbs, angling one to the left and one to the right to enhance the overall symmetry.
On the other hand, to create an upswept tree shape, simply angle the limbs outward and upward, mimicking the effect of a gentle wind blowing from the bottom.
By following these techniques, you can effectively shape your tree to your desired aesthetic, ensuring a visually appealing outcome.
How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree?
Before diving into the steps of decorating a stunning Christmas tree, it is important to take a moment to discuss the importance of selecting a color scheme or decorating theme that suits your personal taste and style preferences.
Some individuals prefer to adorn their trees with homemade ornaments for a cozy and nostalgic feel, while others may opt for a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Additionally, some may choose to have a monochromatic tree in all gold or silver tones, or may opt for a specific color scheme. Remember, your decorating style can evolve year after year or remain consistent over time.
Once you have decided on your desired style or theme for the year, it is crucial to gather all necessary decorations in advance to streamline the decorating process. By having your chosen ornaments and embellishments prepared and readily available, you will be able to effortlessly adorn your tree.
Implementing these preliminary steps will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the decorating process, ensuring a visually striking and cohesive final result.
Fluff Your Tree
When choosing between a real tree or an artificial tree, it is important to find one that is full and does not have any large bare spots. After securely placing your tree in its stand, take a few moments to fill out and fluff up the branches to ensure it looks its best.
Additionally, if you happen to come across a small bare spot that cannot be entirely hidden by ornaments or garland, consider repositioning the tree so that the spot is less noticeable from prominent viewing areas.
Put Lights On The Tree
Once your Christmas tree is adequately adorned with ornaments, it’s time to add the lights. Before proceeding, consider the type of strand that best complements your tree to ensure inconspicuous wiring. Strands are available in white or green, so choose accordingly.
When selecting the lights themselves, you have the option of all white, mixed colors, or a combination. This decision is vital as it contributes to your desired color scheme or decorative theme.
To efficiently hang the lights, start from the base of the trunk and progressively work your way up towards the top. As you wrap the lights around each prominent branch, follow the movement from the trunk to the branch tips and back to the trunk.
While you hang the lights, don’t overlook the importance of re-fluffing any branches that appear flat or irregular. This ensures a well-distributed and visually appealing light display.
How Many Lights Do You Put On A Christmas Tree?
According to the general rule of thumb, it is recommended to use approximately 100 bulbs for every foot of the Christmas tree. Thus, for a 6ft tree, you would require around 600 Christmas tree light bulbs.
When it comes to Christmas lights, there are three commonly used types available. To help you make an informed decision based on your decor preferences, here’s a comprehensive overview of each type. This will assist you in selecting the one that suits your needs best.
The most popular style of lights for both indoor and outdoor use are the ones that come in a variety of colors and sizes. These lights add not only a visually pleasing aesthetic but also emit the natural pine scent of the tree into the room. However, it’s important to note that when using these lights on a live, dried-out tree, there is a risk of creating a fire hazard due to their heat release.
On the other hand, a newer option available in the market is LED lights. Although they tend to be more expensive, they offer several advantages. One significant advantage is that they do not produce heat, making them much safer for decorating purposes. LED lights are also fireproof and flameproof, ensuring an added level of security.
When it comes to LED lights, round-shaped bulbs are commonly available in a variety of sizes. While they may seem softer compared to mini lights, each bulb covers a larger area of the tree, resulting in a more illuminated appearance.
Overall, considering the style, safety, and lighting effect, both traditional incandescent lights and LED lights have their respective merits. It’s important to carefully choose the one that suits your preferences and requirements.
Put Garland On The Tree
When it comes to Christmas tree decorating, the question of whether or not to use garland arises. As an advocate of using garland, I believe it adds a sense of completion and polish to the overall look. Without garland or an equivalent element, achieving a professional appearance for your Christmas tree decorations can be challenging.
To achieve the desired effect, it is recommended to use 2 strands of garland for every vertical foot of your tree. Begin at the top of the tree and carefully weave the garland through the branches as you progress downwards.
For this year’s tree, I decided to try something different – an easy crochet garland. This choice adds a unique touch to the overall decor.
Add Your Ornaments
To create a sense of balance on your Christmas tree, it is recommended to utilize your ornaments strategically. Generally, a guideline of 10-18 ornaments per vertical foot of tree is suggested. However, the specific number may vary based on the tree’s visibility. If the tree is placed in a corner with limited visibility, opting for a lower number around 10 would be suitable.
Conversely, if the tree is viewable from all sides, a higher number around 18 would be more appropriate. Keep in mind that achieving the desired balance is subjective and it is advisable to step back and assess the tree’s appearance once the ornaments are in place, making any necessary adjustments.
To achieve a balanced and professional look for your Christmas tree, please follow these tips:
- Begin by hanging your favorite ornaments in prominent and highly visible locations on the tree.
- Next, carefully hang your larger ornaments, ensuring they are evenly spaced around the tree.
- Utilize small and medium-sized ornaments to fill in the gaps around the larger ones. For added visual interest, consider hanging some ornaments closer to the tree trunk.
- Complete your decoration by incorporating any specialty items that make your tree unique, such as icicles or handmade ornaments.
By incorporating these suggestions and following a thoughtful approach, you can create a visually pleasing and professionally styled Christmas tree.
Final Verdict
Setting up and decorating your Christmas tree is a tradition that many look forward to every year. It is an opportunity to get creative and showcase your personality. We hope these tips will help you in setting up and decorating your tree and inspire you to make it a memorable experience. Remember, the most important part of this process is having fun and enjoying yourself!
