It’s that time of the year already, and a lot of us enjoy having our Christmas tree ready to go on Thanksgiving.

I trim our 10 footer the day after Thanksgiving. But every year by the time Thanksgiving rolls around I’m going through trimming withdrawal. So I thought I would revisit the process and share some tips with you!

The key to a beautiful tree is layer, layer layer…

THE BASE

Don’t be afraid to break away from the traditional tree skirt. Putting the base of your tree in an urn or pot will give added height and a new look to a traditional feel.

Make sure the base is tightly secured and weighted down.

THE LIGHTS

It just doesn’t feel like the Christmas season without twinkle lights, and understandably, no Christmas tree is complete without that first ingredient. Start with soft white lights or get creative with color. Wrap the lights around the tree working from the top to the bottom, paying attention to consistent spacing throughout. The more lights = prettier!

THE ORNAMENTS

Dangling ornaments in silver and gold create a reflection of the light. Orbs and symmetrical shapes will add sophistication. The ornaments you choose will reflect a certain mood or theme to your tree, but how to place them?

Start by hanging your largest ornaments first, positioning them further down the tree branch, closer to the trunk.  Large ornaments are a good way to disguise the gaps spaces between branches. Smaller ornaments hang best when positioned farther out on the branch.

Sprinkle the smaller pieces throughout, but work in groups of three for impact. Cluster medium sized ornaments into pairs. When working on these small groupings, as long as the size is similar in each group, you can include a range of colors and textures to make things eclectic but still uniform.

And don’t forget the bottom of the tree.!

GARLAND * FLOWERS *RIBBON

Adding garland or swirling ribbon breaks up the tree visually. Weave in strips roped garland for a rustic look, or a snow covered berry garland for a wintry look. Whatever garland suits your style, a good rule of thumb is to incorporate it every 3 feet.

THE UNEXPECTED

Finally, add the unexpected! Whether its a picture framed or special ornaments that have meaning for you. Handmade ornaments by the kids, family heirlooms and other memorable finds you have collected can be attached to the ends of the branches so they are in the forefront, creating the unexpected!

That”s a wraps! Step back and enjoy your master piece.

Blessings,

Sandra Maddox