Your Christmas tree is without a doubt a focal point of your Christmas festivities, so it is essential to set the tone of your decorations around it and truly make it something you love. Whether you are in the market for a picture-perfect tree, following a unique color scheme, or designing something with a personal touch, there are dependable steps you can follow to create the perfect tree and seasonal atmosphere.
Before you set up the decorations this season, have you ever thought about why you are doing so? Putting up a decorated Christmas tree kind of seems like a must-do decoration around the holidays, but this wasn’t always the case. Evergreen trees were first brought into homes as a symbol of life during long and cold winter days, providing a reminder of spring to come. These trees weren’t considered a Christmas decoration until the 1500s though, when decorated trees began to appear in nativity plays. Liking the look of this, people adapted this idea to their homes and started decorating trees of their own. Initially, candles were used to light up trees, which are thought to look like stars, and this later evolved into putting up Christmas lights and ornaments.
Although a real Christmas tree may seem more authentic, there are many reasons to like artificial Christmas trees! These trees allow you much more control over your decor, last for years, and don’t make a mess. And there’s no reason you can’t get the best of both worlds. A simple hack for utilizing an artificial tree is to invest in a pine-scented air freshener or candles to implement the traditional Christmas tree scent into your space.
Regardless of what kind of tree you select, shaping is the first, and arguably the most important step. With a real tree, you can trim the branches to be the perfect fit for your space. With a faux tree, you can move the branches to create a full and life-like appearance. There are also self-shaping tree options that cut back on set-up time and hassle.
There is no one right way to utilize Christmas tree decorations, but there are some tactics you can take to ensure you’ll create something you’ll love. As your tree is likely the center of your decor, be sure to implement the theme of your tree within the rest of your decorations. Some of our favorite timeless, yet trendy decorating trends are listed here:
Typically, the most exciting part of tree setup comes when it’s time to decorate! After the tree selection and trimming are done, you can move on to decorating with lights, ornaments and more! This is the part where you get the most freedom, but we still have some advice to help you out along the way:
There are so many fun ways to decorate your tree, and we’d encourage you to branch out and try something new! For instance, a fun way to create a new look in your space is to choose a flocked tree, or flock it yourself. You can buy an artificial flocked Christmas tree, or try a DIY method. Flocking would go especially well with a traditional, metallic, or white-themed tree!
Arguably the most important part of any tree is the topper. You can find fun and unique tree toppers that will pop, or look for something classic such as a star or angel. Bows also make a beautiful addition to the top of your tree, and they are an affordable and easy DIY option, with the purchase of some new ribbon and the help of a few video guides. Get more Tree Topper ideas.
Don’t forget a tree skirt or collar either! This is another unique method to incorporate colors into your decorations and add a cleaner look to the bottom of your tree. You can find tree skirts in nearly any color or pattern, so don’t be afraid to try something a little out of your comfort zone—whatever gets you into the Christmas spirit!
Christmas decor does not stop after your tree is up! Utilize the same theme throughout the rest of your decorations to create an immersive space that is sure to fill you with Christmas cheer. If you are looking for Christmas decorations to add beyond a tree, try adding ribbons, wreaths, stockings, lights, and more to enhance the colors you utilize and the theme you’ve selected. Happy decorating and Merry Christmas!