Decorating Real Christmas Trees: The Ideal Waiting Period

There's nothing quite like a real Christmas tree to get you in the festive spirit. But how long should you wait before decorating it? Well, that depends on a few factors. Firstly, real Christmas trees have a lifespan of around four to five weeks, so it's best not to put them up too early. Many people opt to buy their tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, giving them plenty of time to enjoy it throughout the holiday season. Another factor to consider is the type of tree you choose. Fir and cypress trees tend to last longer than pine and spruce trees, so keep that in mind when making your selection. Once you've got your tree home, it's important to care for it properly to ensure it stays fresh. This includes cutting the trunk before putting it in water, keeping it away from heat sources, and using LED lights to avoid drying out the branches. As for the decorations themselves, most people agree that lights should go on first, followed by garlands or ribbons, and then ornaments. So, if you want your tree to look its best, follow these simple tips, and your real Christmas tree is sure to be a dazzling display!

Fluff and shape branches

Fluffing and shaping the branches of your Christmas tree is an important step in achieving a full and natural look. This process can be time-consuming, but it is worth the effort for the final result. Here are some tips to help you fluff and shape the branches of your real Christmas tree:

• Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from scratches and grazes.
• Separate each branch, fanning them out to cover as much area as possible.
• Don't be afraid to bend individual branches to fill in gaps and create a well-shaped tree.
• For real Christmas trees, be gentle to avoid needle drop.
• Start at the bottom of the tree and work your way up, ensuring you take your time with each branch.
• Push each branch down slightly to minimise the gap between the tree collar and the bottom of the tree.
• If you notice any blank spots or gaps after adding lights and ornaments, go back and fluff those areas, even if it means adjusting decorations.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a beautiful and full Christmas tree that is the perfect backdrop for your decorations.

Choose the right lights

Choosing the right lights for your Christmas tree is essential to achieving the perfect look. Here are some tips to help you select the most suitable lights for your tree:

Types of Christmas Lights

The two main types of string lights are incandescent and LED. Incandescent lights are the traditional, warm, and classic Christmas lights. They are less expensive but less energy-efficient than LEDs. LED lights, on the other hand, are energy-efficient, safer, and longer-lasting, making them ideal for indoor use, especially with real trees.

Bulb Size

After deciding on the type of string lights, you need to choose the size of the bulb. The three main types of bulbs for Christmas trees are:

• Mini string lights: These are the smallest lights, usually candle-shaped, and they give the best twinkle and glow.
• Large lights: These bulbs are at least 1.5 inches long and are often used for a vintage or retro look, both indoors and outdoors.
• Novelty lights: These lights feature unique shapes and colours, adding a touch of whimsy to your tree.

Light Colour

You can choose between clear or coloured lights. Clear lights give a classic, elegant look, while coloured lights add variety and a playful touch.

Light Intensity

Consider the brightness you want for your tree. A luminescent, super-bright tree will showcase the lights, while a less flashy tree will highlight the ornaments.

Light Quantity

As a general rule, plan for about 100 lights per foot of the tree. So, for a 6-foot tree, you would need around 600 lights. However, you can adjust this based on your desired brightness and the density of your tree.

Smart Lights

If you want to take your Christmas tree to the next level, consider smart lights. With these, you can easily program your tree to display various colours and patterns using a simple app on your phone.

Safety

When choosing lights, prioritise safety, especially if you have a real tree. LED lights operate at a low voltage, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire. Additionally, avoid plugging more than two strings of lights into a single power strip, and always opt for a surge protector.

By following these guidelines, you can select the right lights to create a beautifully lit Christmas tree that suits your unique style and preferences.

Add garlands

Garlands are a great way to add a festive touch to your Christmas tree. Here are some tips to help you add garlands to your real Christmas tree:

Choose the Right Garland: Select a garland that complements your Christmas tree and fits your desired theme or colour scheme. You can choose from a variety of materials, including fresh or artificial flowers, eucalyptus, tissue paper, fairy lights, or ribbons.

Determine the Placement: Decide where you want to place the garland on your tree. Garlands can be draped or wrapped around the tree, or they can be hung vertically from the top of the tree. You can also use garlands to fill in any gaps or sparse areas on your tree.

Add the Garland: Start by placing the garland on your tree from the top down. You can wrap it around the tree loosely, ensuring it is secure and doesn't slip. If using multiple garlands, layer them for a fuller look. You can also intertwine the garlands with your tree lights for a cohesive look.

Personalise and Embellish: Garlands can be customised to express your creativity. Add decorations like bows, ornaments, or ribbons to your garland. You can also incorporate sentimental touches, such as monogrammed tags or small photo frames.

Finish with Final Touches: Once you're happy with the placement and styling of your garlands, step back and admire your handiwork. Make any final adjustments to ensure your garlands are secure and visible. Remember to take a few steps back to ensure the garlands are evenly distributed and well-balanced on the tree.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated real Christmas tree, and don't forget to take lots of pictures to capture the festive cheer!

Hang ornaments

Hanging ornaments is an exciting part of decorating a Christmas tree. Here are some tips to help you hang ornaments and achieve a beautifully decorated tree:

Pick Your Ornament Hangers

Decide on the type of hanger you want to use. Ornament hooks are a popular choice as they are cheap and easy to use. If you have pets or small children, consider using ribbons or strings for at least the lower ornaments as they may be safer if they come into contact with them.

Create a Balanced Look

Consider Ornament Placement

Place heavier ornaments deeper into the branches and closer to the trunk where the branches are sturdier. This will improve the visual depth of your tree. Hang more valuable and sentimental ornaments on higher branches to keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

Start with heavier ornaments towards the inside of the tree, near the trunk, and work your way outwards. This will ensure the branches can support the weight of the ornaments.

Use Consistent Hanging Material

While your ornaments can be different, using consistent hanging material like heavy gold yarn, black cord, or metal wire will make the overall decoration look cohesive.

Hang Lightweight Ornaments

For lightweight ornaments made from ribbon or paper, place them closer to the ends of the branches. You can use ribbons to hang these ornaments, but secure them with wire to prevent slipping if the tree is jostled.

Hang Fragile Ornaments

For fragile or antique ornaments, instead of hanging them from a hook, use floral wire to secure them to the branches. This will prevent curious children or pets from knocking them loose.

Finish with a tree topper

The tree topper is an integral part of your Christmas tree. It is the icing on the cake, the final flourish, the perfect finishing touch. Your eye will naturally be drawn to the top of the tree, so you want your chosen design to round off your decorations and festive theme in style.

Traditional Toppers

A shining star or angel at the top of the tree is a classic Christmas tradition. Stars symbolise the Star of Bethlehem in Christian faith, while angels convey the idea of a magical character looking down on your holiday celebrations.

Contemporary Toppers

If you want to modernise the traditional star or angel, consider using trending materials and abstract styles. A decorative copper star or a fairy embellished with sequins are fun alternatives.

Creative Toppers

There are no rules when it comes to Christmas tree toppers. In recent years, people have been embracing the weird and wonderful. From novelty ornaments to unique trends such as paper decorations and tinsel, your Christmas tree is the perfect place to get creative.

Natural Toppers

Natural materials like wood, ceramic, and clear glass can help create a contemporary look and work wonderfully with farmhouse Christmas decor.

DIY Toppers

You can also make your own tree topper. For example, you could use twigs, craft wire, and hot glue to create a rustic star, or pipe cleaners for a glittery, low-cost topper.

The Finishing Touch

Whatever tree topper you choose, it's best to add it before you finish decorating the rest of the tree. This will ensure it's secure and not overcrowded by other decorations.

Frequently asked questions