A step by step guide to creating the most enchanting Christmas tree

Christmas trees have become a central symbol of the holiday season, adding a touch of festive magic wherever they stand. Whether it's in the home, office, or school, they serve as a beacon of holiday cheer, bringing people together and setting the tone for the celebrations. A Christmas tree stands as an essential part of the festivities. While some may choose to go all out with candles, wreaths, and decorations, others may prefer a simpler approach, yet the tree remains the centerpiece that unites the holiday spirit. But it's not as easy as picking out a tree and bringing it home with some decorations in tow. Everything from the space in your house to the decor theme needs much consideration. But there is no need to feel overwhelmed; here we list some tips that will help you do up your Christmas tree and make it your own in style and warmth. 

Design fundamentals to keep in mind

Choose a theme

Even if you want to steer away from the picture-perfect professional looking tree, there are plenty of ways to make your tree a talking point and a fun project. By choosing a colour palette and repeating key colours or motifs, your tree will look cohesive and tied into the rest of your holiday decor or your home. The theme could be anything from vintage Christmas to Galactic gala.

Choose a tree for the long run 

Celebrations can be wasteful and it’s important to take a moment to consider the impact you will have on the planet. Ask yourself if Christmas is going to be an annual celebration for you or a one-time indulgence and shop accordingly. Choosing a tree wisely also means considering its size and shape and how that will complement or crowd your space. A good design always considers scale and volume in addition to material.

Tree-trimming 101 

Make sure to fan out each branch of the tree properly for a full look, though it sounds obvious and is quite time-consuming, you’ll be surprised how much a tree can stretch, and how much it can affect the overall appearance of the tree. Then, start with lights. This is a pro-tip. it's more difficult to do this after you've added decorations and garlands. It’s best to start closest to the plug and weave the lights along the branches closest to the trunk of the tree, working upwards to the crown. Once you’ve reached the crown, weave your way back down, arranging the lights further out on the tips of the branches. Drape the treelights in a particular chosen pattern; it could be concentric rings spiraling down the tree, waves, or vertical lines emanating from the top. All that matters is that it is in a pattern, and for extra charm, choose twinkling lights. You’ll need about five metres of lights per 2ft of Christmas tree. 

Gather your decor 

Apart from the host of ornaments that you can choose from, a topper, a tree skirt, wired ribbons, tree picks and dried flowers or foliage could add great mileage and still keep your tree in theme. Tree skirts give presents a soft place to land and add a polished look. Wired ribbons of varying widths and textures can be sculpted and twisted into bows or trail down the tree like a sash, adding colour and solid volumes to break up the haze of branches and ornaments. Use tree-picks such as subtle accents to complement your theme. They are available in a variety of forms such as pine cones, berries, or pearls. A topper is mandatory, but instead of the usual star, it could be a hand bouquet of dried foliage or a pair of antlers. Anything really, that gives a proportionate focal point and a crown to the tree, cementing that the tree is fully dressed. 

For an opulent appearance, a balanced distribution of large and small ornaments throughout the tree is necessary. Another tip is to vary hanging depths, with some larger ornaments peeking out from deeper within the branches, while some smaller ones hang from the peripheral branch. Clustering or grouping ornaments together also add visual appeal. You'll need about 65 average sized ornaments for the 6ft tree.

When decorating, begin with the larger elements, preferably ribbons, and fill in the gaps with the smaller elements. This will ensure a balanced outcome.

Pro tip: When adding the ribbon as a sash or garland, start 1/5th of the way from the top of the tree and cut into approximately 10” strips. Place it on the tree in a large zigzag pattern covering one whole side of the tree rather than spiralling it around the tree. Turn the tree around and make a large zigzag on the other side as well. Tuck the top of each strip into the tree, leaving 5-7” exposed, then tuck in the bottom. To secure the ribbon, use floral wire or wrap using the artificial branches. Alternatively, you could let the roll flow, tucking or twisting it every 12”. You’ll need about 2 rolls of ribbon for a 6ft tree.
 
For a final flourishing touch, add scented ornaments. These can be nestled into the tree for a freshly cut, festive fragrance.
 

Lead image: Pexels

Also read: The best classic Christmas movies of all time

Also read: 6 homegrown candles to light up your christmas spirit!