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Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

By Rachael Stone

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 15Dec2009 Word count: 759 Viewed: 825 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

A traditional Christmas tree is the ultimate seasonal decoration. Not only does the presence of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree bring the spirit of the season into a room, but it also creates a center for festivities. Christmas tree decorating ideas should involve all of the family. It's the perfect time to spend time together and to give your kids some responsibility.

Before you get to the fun bit, you need a good tree. Choose a healthy, green tree that is the right size for where it's going to be placed. It should be big enough to look impressive, but not so large that you can't get it through the door! Too large a Christmas tree won't give you enough room to move around it. Pick carefully.

Place the tree's stump in a supply of water, straight after freshly cutting the base. This will optimize the longevity of the tree's life and reduce the number of pins dropped from the branches. The water will need constant checking and topping up for the first couple of days. Let one of your older kids have the job of maintaining a full water reservoir, to give them a taste of responsibility.

Once your Christmas tree is in place and being well looked after, it's time to get decorating! Always start with the Christmas lights. White LED lights can be purchased as long strands of static bulbs, or with options to make them twinkle, fade etc. The difference in price isn't huge and the lights with different settings provide a bit of extra fun for the family.

Check that all the bulbs are working before putting the lights on the tree. Start winding the lights around the tree, working out from the inside. When you're finished, the lights should be spread evenly around the tree and looking very festive.

Now is the time to get the kids properly involved in Christmas tree decorating ideas. A perfectly decorated tree might look amazing, however it's far more important to let your children feel they have had a role in preparing the house for the holidays. A beautiful tree is achievable even with the help of many little hands!

Choose Christmas tree decorating ideas that will suit the room. Traditional Christmas colors are red, green and gold. If red and gold doesn't go with the decor of the room, consider a scheme that incorporates either silver or gold, with red, purple, silver or blue. You may even choose a silver and gold theme, although decorations often look best with one metallic mixed with a brighter color.

Keep it simple. More than two colors detracts attention from the actual ornaments and can become quite an eyesore! The decorations you will need for your Christmas tree are: garlands, 'filler' ornaments, special ornaments and a Christmas tree topper. Depending on the visibility of the base of the tree, you might decide to also decorate the stump with ribbon.

Garlands should be put on the tree after the lights. As with the Christmas lights, spread them evenly among the branches. Consider which angles need to look good on the tree. For example, if your Christmas tree is in a window, the entire tree needs to be decorated evenly and look beautiful. However, if your tree is backed into a corner, don't waste ornaments by placing them right at the back where no one will see.

Ornaments are ideal for children to place. Just be sure to watch they don't pull over the tree or try to climb up furniture to reach higher up. First, place the cheaper, bulk ornaments, such as baubles or mini stockings, on the branches. Advise your kids not to place them too near the lights or too low down, especially if you have toddlers or pets about the house. Again, make sure these are evenly spread. Don't just hang them on the ends of the branches. Reach inside the tree to make it look fuller and richer in decoration.

Special ornaments are the unique or collectible decorations you acquire over the years. Place higher up the tree so they catch the most attention and are at least risk of being broken. These are the last touches to the tree, so spend time moving them about to find the best spots. Finally, the tree topper needs to be placed.

Whether a sparkling star or a glowing angel, after the topper has crowned your Christmas tree, it's time to stand back and admire your Christmas tree decorating ideas. Maybe with a mince pie and mulled wine in hand!

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