The Christmas Tree

    One of the most central parts of Christmas decorating is the Tree. Of late years I have had 4 Trees, but there is always one main, central Tree--the traditional family tree, just like Mom used to put up.

The theme of the Main Tree is predominately red and white; a tradition Mom started.

Helpful Tree Tips:
    When putting lights on the Tree, try to bury the wires into the branches by wrapping the strings around each large branch in a spiral.  This also allows for light bulbs to be on both the top and bottom of the branch.  For the Tree above, I have used white lights on the branches and red lights wrapped around the truck of the Tree and buried into the very middle of the top.  This gives it a subtle red back-light.

      If possible, use plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of decorations on the Tree! Pick a theme and build around it.  This can be a theme of a certain type of ornament or "look" (gingerbread men, snowflakes, etc.) or a color scheme.  If you have some special or meaningful pieces, by all means, work those in even if they don't strictly follow the theme.

    Use strategy and a bit of restraint so that the Tree won't appear junky or cluttered. In order to do this, do not hang ornaments of the exact same color or type together and don't hang everything out on the tips.  Scatter similar ornaments all over the Tree so that those pieces can be seen from every angle.  Fill the empty spaces "inside" the Tree.  This is especially helpful if the Tree is one that has large open spaces where the branches and boughs are not full enough.  In a sense, you will be "layering" the ornaments--those back on the "inside" of the tree; those in among the branches; and those out on the very tips of the boughs.  Layering allow you to use more ornaments without the tree looking cluttered  See next photo.

A layered look makes a tree look balanced

A cluttered Tree can happen because of placing ornaments of awkward sizes in the wrong place.  Generally, it is best to place large ornaments near the bottom of the Tree or in the "inside".  Large pieces make great "fillers" which can be used in the blank places on the Tree where the branches leave gaps.  Most of the smaller ornaments should be used at the top of the Tree.  This also helps them to show up better since they are more at eye level and are not lost among the branches as easily.
    If possible, purchase some acrylic icicles (see below) and place them on the tips of the boughs as much as possible.  It will give an unexpected sparkle.

Acrylic icicles give a finishing sparkle

    Use ornaments and decorations of differing textures and styles to create an interesting appeal.  And don't forget the sentimental pieces from Christmases gone by.

A sentimental piece on our Tree that was given to Mom years ago by her mother as a decoration on a gift.  He gets a place of honor.

Miniature sun catchers which allow the lights of the Tree to reflect.

Cardinals nestled into the branches have been a part of the Tree for as long as I can remember.