Designer Christmas Tree

Add panache to your holiday decor and give your tree an updated look!

Click on the image above to see a full view of a completely decorated tree.

All About

Product Ideas

Have you decorated your Christmas tree the same way, with the same ornaments and lights for years? Why not turn your creative self loose this year! The holidays are the perfect time to try something new, without letting go of all your favorite ornaments. We'll show you how to add panache to your holiday decor and give your tree an updated look that's better than ever.

Materials:

Christmas tree (ornaments and lights based on a full-size 7 1/2 -foot tree)
miniature white lights, 25 sets of 70 lights
floral wire or twine
ribbon, 9 yards per bow
36 glass balls--small, medium and large for traditional tree
36 ornaments, additional medium and large for designer tree
15 additional accent ornaments (minimum)

Additional materials for designer tree:

floral for clusters and topper--42 stems, 3"- 5" diameter
ribbon, 20 yards for swag
10 oversized ornaments--angels, violins, etc.

Lighting the Tree

Don't skimp on the quality or quantity of the lights you purchase--the more lights you have, the more spectacular your holiday tree will be.

Figure A

If you need to buy lights anyway, or are willing to invest in some new ones for a fresh look, purchase the miniature all-white lights. They are the most popular because they complement any decorating scheme. When shopping, look for decorative lights that are spaced seven inches apart rather than the standard three inches; they 're easier to wrap around the limbs of a tree. For a seven-foot tree, we recommend 25 sets with 70 lights per strand. Be sure to test the lights by plugging them into an outlet before you begin.

Start at the base of the tree. Wind the strand of lights around the trunk, then around and along each limb as shown (figure A).

Figure B

Wrap the lights around the small limbs as well as the large ones, and then work your way back to the trunk ( figure B). Continue this process until you have covered the entire tree.

Variation 1: Traditional Tree

After you've hung the lights on the tree, it's time to decorate.

Steps:

Visually balance your tree by using small ornaments near the top (where the tree is smaller), medium in the center and large at the base. Work from the inside of the limbs to the outside.
Begin decorating with solid color ornaments that have similar shapes. Glass balls in different sizes work well. Begin at the top of the tree with the smallest ornaments.

Figure C

Hang the small balls on the inside of branches near the trunk, then move to the middle of the limb and alternate the ornaments on the branches as shown (figure C). You can add dimension by placing the decorations near the trunk of the tree, then halfway out the branch. Work your way down the tree using progressively larger ornaments.

As the limbs get longer, add larger ornaments and more of them. Continue to place decorations on alternating branches. When you've hung all your glass balls, take a break and walk away for a few minutes. When you return, take a fresh look at the tree. Stand back and view your work from all angles. If the decorations look awkward to you, they will appear imbalanced to others. Adjust ornaments that look too close together or too far apart.

Now you can add the decorative or theme ornaments. Leave six to seven inches undecorated at the top of your tree for your favorite star or angel. As before, start with the small ornaments near the crown of the tree, medium ornaments in the center and large ones near the base. You can create balance by placing ornaments on every other branch as shown.

Figure D

The finishing touch is the addition of an angel, bow or star to the top of your tree (figure D). Then stand back and admire your work!

Variation 2: Designer Tree

A coordinated color scheme, large topper and oversized ornaments are the secrets to designer Christmas trees. Try using ornaments and ribbons in shades of gold, silver and white or a combination of copper, tan and silver to add style and sophistication to your holiday tree. When you have determined your color scheme and made your purchases, the fun can begin!

Light your tree using the instructions above.
Next, create decorative sprays. For the front of a full standard tree we recommend no fewer than five clusters, and seven works the best. Bundle three stems of artificial flowers, fruits or leaves together and tie the stems with string or floral wire. Eye-catching ideas include:

silk poinsettias in pink, gold, purple or red
white magnolias
ivy, ferns or magnolia leaves
silk oak leaves dipped in copper, gold or silver
fruits and berries
cheery yellow star sprays.

Leave six or seven inches at the top of the tree for the topper. Tuck a floral spray in the upper left side of the front of the tree (below the topper area) by inserting the stem into the branches. Secure by wrapping twine or floral wire around the stem and branch.

Figure E

Move to the right side of the tree and insert another cluster into the branches; secure and then return to the left -- creating a tilted zigzag across the front of the tree as shown (figure E).

Next, drape garlands of ribbons, beads or pearls and connect the clusters. Don't be afraid to twist two or more ribbons together. Be bold and mix unexpected patterns and colors or twist plaid and check ribbons or gold and silver beads together. French-wire ribbon works best because you can bend and twist it into shape.

Next, add solid color glass balls. Place medium and large ornaments (usually reserved for the middle) near the top of the tree. The trick is to nestle them into the tree so that they don't jut out and look awkward. If you have a live tree you can trim the branches to create a niche for the ornament. If it is artificial, bend the branches down or toward the back of the tree. Begin at the top of the tree and work your way to the bottom. Hang decorations within the branches, near the trunk of the tree to add dimension.

You can also add oversized decorations such as large angels or violins in gold or white. These can be as tall as 12 inches. Secure them to the limbs with floral wire. Hang ornaments on alternating branches so they aren't in straight rows across or down the tree. Finish decorating the tree.

Note: If you want to use additional decorations on your designer tree, use items that are similar in size and finish--for instance, three-inch snowflakes and icicles made of cut glass, or French horns and stars of brass. Hang them near the ends of the branches and don't skimp on the quantity. More is better for a designer tree.

Figure F

Toppers

Like the name implies, toppers sit atop a holiday tree in place of or in conjunction with a star or angel. They are large and sometimes outrageous. You can't go wrong creating a topper as long as you follow this rule: More is better! Toppers are accented with long feathers, stars on wire, glitter sticks or netting and ribbon.

Steps:

Once you've hung all the decorations, it's time to top your tree. Toppers look more complicated to create than they are. If you aren't an accomplished bow-maker, pay to have them made when you purchase the ribbon. Floral supply houses and Christmas specialty stores may have a minimal charge for this service. If your tree stands in a corner and you decorated only the front, you'll need only one bow. Use two bows if you decorated the entire tree, and three if you like the extravagant look of a huge topper. Secure the bows to the top of the tree with floral wire.
Around the bow or center of the treetop, insert and secure decorative glitter sticks and/or long feathers (figure F). There is no hard-and-fast rule about how many you should use, so stand back from the tree and continue adding until you get the look you want.

Shopping Tips

The cost of purchasing a tree, several strands of lights and a variety of ornaments may be more than your holiday budget can handle. Here are some money-saving tips that will help:

Purchase basic glass ornaments at discount or outlet stores.
Shop yard sales for unique items that you can use for ornaments. Often you can find an artificial tree too.
Create your own ornaments--stuff lace or kid gloves with holiday potpourri, make decorations from foam balls or tin.
Request ornaments as gifts from family and friends.
Many stores sell last years' ornaments and artificial trees at reduced prices.
Purchase expensive ornaments after Christmas when the markdowns are best.

And remember, what makes the season perfect isn't just the Christmas decor but what's in your heart. Happy holidays!