Decorating your tree is one of the most cherished Christmas traditions. With a little planning and creativity, you can turn your tree into a stunning centrepiece for your home.
Our Seasonal, Home & Visual Experience Manager, Mark, and his team are responsible for our fabulous trees in the garden centre, here are some of his expert tips to help you decorate your Christmas tree:
1.Choose a high-quality tree – Whether you opt for an artificial or real tree the quality is very important. With artificial trees you will want one that is durable and can handle being packed away and re assembled for years to come, as well as looking beautiful once decorated! We have different sizes and styles currently in store, so you can choose a tree that fits your space and doesn’t leave you feeling cramped. You want to spend time fluffing and shaping the branches for the best result – a pair of gloves and long sleeves always help to protect your arms!
If going for a real tree, consider non-drop options for minimal hoovering!
– Positioning your tree – The placement of your Christmas tree is crucial. Position it where it can be the main focus of your space without overpowering the room. This will allow the tree to shine and be admired from multiple angles. Consider areas with ample space and a good backdrop, such as near a large window or in the living room corner.
– Adding lights for depth and dimension – Lights are essential for creating a magical and inviting tree. Here’s how to do it right:
Cover all branches: Start from the bottom and work your way up, ensuring you cover all the branches.
Push lights inside the tree: This technique adds depth and makes the tree glow from within.
Gently cover leads with branches: Hide the electrical leads with branches to maintain a natural look.
Don’t forget the bottom: Ensure the bottom branches are well-lit to maintain the tree’s height and overall balance.
– Checking light placement – After placing your lights, step back and squint your eyes. This simple trick helps you see if the lights are evenly spaced. Adjust as necessary to ensure a uniform glow throughout your tree.
– Decorating all sides – Remember; your tree has a front and sides. Make sure to decorate all around and across, not just the visible front. This will give your tree a full, balanced look from every angle.
– Child-friendly decorating – If you have little ones, make sure to hang special decorations at their eye level. This adds a personal touch and ensures your children feel involved and delighted by the decorations they can see up close.
– Themed and colour-coordinated trees – For a professional finish, decorating with a running theme can make all the difference. To simplify the process, we’ve grouped our decorations in-store into themes and colour stories! Here are some tips for achieving a beautifully coordinated tree:
Triangle pattern: Hang baubles and ornaments in a triangle shape to create a visually appealing pattern. It can be easier to start with larger decorations and then group with a variety of smaller pieces. Create depth by placing some decorations further into the tree.
Consistent colour scheme: Stick to a consistent colour scheme to maintain a cohesive and elegant look, 3 colours (you may want different shades and tones of the same colour) max is ideal, focus on balancing the colours used across the whole tree to help create symmetry.
– Theatrical and dramatic trees – If you prefer a theatrical tree, don’t hold back on decorations. However, be mindful not to lose the natural shape of the tree. Balance bold ornaments with strategic placement to maintain its form.
– Supporting your tree topper – For those with artificial trees, bend the top branch over to support your tree topper. This simple trick ensures your topper stays in place and provides a perfect finishing touch to your masterpiece.
– Make an evening of it – Get some nibbles from our Farm Shop then stand back and admire your work with a glass of something you enjoy!
