10 TIPS FOR CREATING A DESIGNER CHRISTMAS TREE
When I was little, my Mom and I decorated the Christmas tree together. Everything was much more…empirical back then! Indeed, there weren’t many options for our Christmas decorations, and we used traditional decorations because trends were not there yet. Despite this, we always created a beautiful tree and a nice Presepe, the Italian reproduction of the Nativity. Over the years, I experimented more with themes and colors, and I think I’ve perfected the “Art of Christmas tree Decorating.”
These 10 tips will help you decorate your tree like a designer.
First and foremost, get the right tools, and prepare your work ahead to make the process easier and faster.
Line up all the decorations, and have cotton gloves, scissors, and a sturdy ladder handy.
- Invest in a high-quality artificial tree
There is all kind of tree out there, and there are huge differences between them. The main thing is that a good quality tree comes with good lights and is more durable, so it’s an investment you can reuse year after year. I am a fan of traditional green or flocked trees because they give you the perfect base to layer and decorate. This is the first time I have used a pre-lit tree…and it has been life-changing! Hanging lights is the job’s most time-consuming and challenging part, so skipping that leaves more time to focus on the actual decorations. Choose your tree according to the space you will put it in. Do you have high ceilings? You might want a 9′ or even 12″ feet. A standard tree is 7′ or 7.5′ feet. The shape is essential as well. If you don’t have much space, you can choose narrow pencil design trees that might be the perfect fit for your room.
2. Fluff and shape branches.
This is why you need gloves! It takes a while to do this job well, but the final look can be dramatically different. Separate each branch so they can cover as much area as possible. Step back a few times to see if you have gaps, and fill them by moving and bending the branches. Also, if your tree has sections, make sure to fluff the areas where the sections meet so that the shape will be perfect.
3. Choose a theme
A designer tree has a look that ties the decorations together. Decide on a theme before getting started. You don’t necessarily need to change all the decorations yearly, but you can make variations on a base. For example, I have gold, silver, white, black, brown, and red ornaments. I choose a base; then, I purchase unique ornaments yearly to create a different theme.
4. Choose a color palette
Once you’ve decided on your theme, curate a color palette to bring it to life. For example, you can stick to gold, red, white, and silver for a traditional look. Stick to two, max three colors to keep it cohesive. Once you have the color base, you can start choosing the “special” ornaments, and here you can play with shapes and textures. For example, velvet and silk baubles are perfect for a traditional, formal look, while paper, burlap, and wooden decorations are perfect for a rustic look.
5. Balance the décor
Divide your ornaments by color, size, and style. Start with the base, making sure you get an even look (step back every 20 decorations so you can see if you left any gaps). I start with the small baubles. Then begin adding the bigger ornaments. You need just a few “oversized” baubles. Hang them up in a zigzag pattern, ensuring the edges of the tree are evenly covered.
At last, add the “special” ornaments with different shapes and textures. You must hand-pick the perfect spot for each one. Keep stepping back to check your work.
6. Fill up the tree with picks:
Your tree should already look pretty full, but now it’s time to overload it a little. Designers’ trees tend to be very full. Choose the color of your picks to match the theme, even though silver, white, or gold usually fit any theme. Insert the picks in between the branches in a circular motion.
7. Layer and style ribbons
The ribbons will elevate your tree’s aesthetic and will be very helpful in filling any gaps. It would be best if you had a ribbon with wired edges, at least 4 inches wide, to keep the shape. Cut 6 inches stripes, and gently insert them into the branches. You want to give the idea that a long ribbon goes in and out of the branches, so place it accordingly.
8. Place your topper, and frame it with more picks. Make sure to choose the topper that fits your theme and the proportion of your tree, and consider the height of your ceiling too. Sometimes, I skip the topper and create a fan of long, soft picks that give the tree a dramatic look.
9. Finish off with a tree skirt or a tree collar. I have always used tree skirts, but my pups like to chew them, so I started using tree collars instead, and I have to say that I like them very much. It’s a personal choice, but it leaves plenty of space to place the gifts under the tree. You can create your tree skirt using a blanket instead. I am thinking about plaid for a traditional tree or plush for a white-themed tree.
10. The last recommendation is … to have fun while you are working! Set up a festive atmosphere. Play Christmas music and keep hot cocoa (or champagne) handy. Also, be proud of your work. A Christmas tree brings joy and warmth to the house; it shouldn’t be only a task or a chore. Your job won’t be graded either, so make something with your hands that will make you happy every time you look at it!
Also, I created an ornament calculator to see how many ornaments you need to get the desired look. Happy decorating!
