Ever wonder how those big, beautiful Christmas Trees you see at the Festival of Trees come to life? I did and then a friend of mine who has made many prize-winning Christmas Trees over the years told me how.

Start With Lights

Once ou have the perfect tree for your home you need to add some lights. Depending on how big your tree is you will need between 4 – 6 strands. Ish.

1. start at the bottom and wrap a couple of strands close to the trunk of the tree. One time around in the center of the tree should be sufficient.
2. next, you will need to start weaving some lights towards the center of the branches. Push some forward and some back to get a good variation.
3. continue wrapping and weaving unti you run out of lights. Have some at the edge of the brances is a great way to give sparkly ornaments some extra shine.

Move Ahead With Garland

Garland comes in many sizes but don’t be dismayed. If you have short garlands you will want to weave them in and out a little closer to each other to make it look continuous.

1. start at the top and work your way down.
2. push the garland in toward the middle of the branches and then back out.
3. weave them above one branch and below the next. this gives a fuller look
4. don’t be stingy with garland variations. I always use at least 2 complimentary garlands for my tree.

Add Some Ribbon

Get out that Cricut, if you have one, and make a themed ribbon! We used some sparkley, red vinyl on a wide cream ribbon with a red banding. It says Special Delivery and I just love it!

1. cut your ribbon into varying lengths and push them just past the edge of the brance so they sit in a wavy pattern on the tree.
2. stagger the lengths and the placement
3. tie some in bows if you like and shove them into the branches in between the ribbon stands.

Go Big

I want you to step outside of your comfort zone and grab a decoration meant for the wall. Now take it to the tree and shove it in! This feels odd but it makes such a great impact. Make sure it is light enough to sit within the branches (especially if this is a live tree) and put it at angles when you can. I have used letters to spell JOY, signs, and giant snowflakes in mine.

Add Those Ornaments

We are finally at the stage where the traditional ornaments need to start making an appearance. Place them in and around the ribbon and big ornaments. Don’t hide these but don’t be afraid to push them in a little bit either. It gives the tree more depth and it is nice when someone “discovers” one within anther part of the decor.

Finish it off

Toppers. These can be just about anything you want them to be. We use a deer head made out of twigs. A friend of mine uses a Frosty Hat; it can be whatever you want it to be. Get creative!

That’s it! See, it isn’t hard at all once you know the basic process. There is no wrong way and less is definitely not more! Have fun and then let the magic of the season take over.

Happy Tree Trimming!