As November draws to a close, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. If you're preparing to deck the halls, check out our interior design
top tips for Christmas tree decorating, for a look that wows this festive season.
Location, location, location
First things first, location is key. Finding the perfect spot to showcase your tree is the first step in ensuring it looks its best. Find a location that's near a socket to avoid leads and wires cluttering your floor and rearrange furniture if necessary. If you've opted for a real tree, choose a cool corner, away from sources of heat to avoid it drying out.
Up to measure
Once you've decided on a spot, measure the area, to ensure your tree has enough room to hang freely. If choosing a real tree, this will help ensure you opt for one which is the correct size for your room. If your tree ends up being too tall, trim it from the bottom, rather than the top to help it keep that classic rectangular shape.
Fluff it up
With faux Christmas trees spending 12 months squashed into a confined space, they'll need a little TLC when unfolded. Once erected, spend some time tending to its branches, fluffing it up in order to maintain its fullness.
Light it up
It wouldn't be Christmas without oodles of fairy lights, so it's time to trim that tree. Spending a good amount of time getting your lights just right, will go a long way in ensuring your tree looks flawless. When adding lights, start from the top and work your way down. Weave them around every branch to ensure an even finish.
When it comes to lights, we say, the more the better. For a 6 foot tree, opt for approximately 1000 lights. Just don't forget to check they're working before you add them!
And if you need to invest in new lights, go for copper wire lights, which tend to be durable, clean and crisp and their wire is more discreet on the tree.
Choose your colour scheme
Give the colour scheme of your tree some thought. If in doubt, stick to the classics; red, gold and green. For something that stands out, pink, blue and purple are striking, while white and silver tones are ideal for those who prefer a minimalist approach.
Continue your chosen colour scheme throughout the rest of the decorations in your home for a consistent look.
Garnish with garland
When choosing garland, you really can go all out. Whether you choose tinsel, ribbons or garland, up the ante and add some texture to your tree. It's best to carry out this step before you add the final decorations.
Add beautiful baubles
Now the fun really begins. When it comes to adding baubles, start from the middle and work your way out. Use cheaper, plain baubles for the inside and back, and keep your more decorative baubles for the outside and front, allowing them to take pride of place on your beautiful tree.
Skirting the issue
Not essential, but proving more popular in recent years, adding a skirt to your tree is the perfect way to disguise leads and the stand. Plus, if you've got a real tree, this will catch the needles that fall.
Top it off
For the pièce de résistance, add your carefully chosen topper. In keeping with tradition, choose a star or angel, or for something different, there are a wealth of options available. This year, expect the unexpected, with peacocks and flamingos topping the tree topper trend. Just remember to choose one which isn't too heavy.
Happy decorating!
Or of course, if you want some help from an experienced interior design to achieve the perfect Christmas decorations for your home, call Pam at Home and Contract Design in Belfast on: 07710 742612.
