Christmas is my most favorite time of the year. Between the music, parties, shopping and decorating...it just puts me in a happy mood all the time. For me decorating begins the second weekend in November, however, according to the hubby's rules, I am not allowed to put the tree up until the the weekend after Thanksgiving. Therefore, Saturday is usually dedicated to completely decorating our tree.
Our tree was bought 7 years ago from Menard's at the beginning of the Christmas Season. I think we paid $150 for it. I was a college student at the time and Dave just moved into his own place with a roommate. It is 7.5 feet without any lights, because I hate dealing with pre-lit tree when the lights don't work...plus it was cheaper for this at the time college student.
Step 1: Fluff tree
About three years ago we started to leave our tree assembled all year...but in the basement. If you do not have the option to do this....make sure all of your branches are fluffed and spread out to cover any holes that allow you to see inside the tree.
Step 2: Add lights
Every year I add more lights. Four years ago it was 800, the year after that was 1000, last year 1200 and now this year....1700! When putting the lights on my tree, I untwist the cords and slide them on the branches of the tree. This helps the lights stay on plus you can add a few rounds to certain branches
Step 3: Ribbon
This year, thanks to Pinterest and a scarf-buddy friend, I tried out a new technique. ZIP TIES! By using zip ties and securing the ribbon to the branches it allowed for the pretty consistent pattern throughout the tree, plus helped to keep it where I wanted it.
Step 4: Add all the fixings
Ornaments, ornaments and ornaments galore. When doing this try and add as many different shapes and textures as possible and load it up! Also feel free to add fun, spikey pieces that pop out of the tree. This gives the tree some added texture and dimension, which then brings your tree some extra character.
Step 5: Tree Topper and Skirt
There are so many different options out there for tree toppers and tree skirts. My current topper has been used for my tree the last four years. I was given it when we moved into our new house right before Christmas time and was working on my tree. I honestly love it and have not found anything that beats it. My house (I will debut in a later post) is very much a farmhouse vibe and it just goes perfectly. My "skirt" this year is new....it's a blanket. Over the last few years I had an actual tree skirt that I found at TJ Maxx. I love it and its very pretty looking....however I decided to change up this year and this $5 blanket that I found looked pretty good to me.
I hope as you decorate your tree this year, or in the future, these steps and tips help. If you have any other great tips please send them my way!
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