There are many ways to decorate your Christmas tree, so it can be a tricky decision to decide on the style, colours and materials you would like to use to create a truly perfect Christmas tree for you, your family and friends who visit over the holidays. From lights to hanging decorations, even tinsel and toppers, we've put together some ideas for you below.
'Christmas Harmony' Theme - Image courtesy of Kaemingk
First and perhaps foremost are your Christmas tree lights. They will be put on your tree before you add all of the other decorations and with so many different types to choose from, have a think about what style you would like. Or browse what's available and decide on the spot! There are Basic LEDs, Compact LEDs, Cluster LEDs, flashing lights (many have settings so you can choose the pattern), warm white, cool white and multi-coloured. There are also various shapes, from the traditional bulb to stars, cherry lights and icicles. How many lights you need depends on the size of your tree and how sparse or dense you want your lighting to be. One of the leading brands in Christmas Lights, 'Lumineo' recommends the following as a guide:
| Tree Size | No. Basic LEDs | No. Compact LEDs | No. Cluster LEDs |
| 4 - 5ft | 180 | 350 | 1128 |
| 5 - 6ft | 240 | 500 | 1512 |
| 6 - 7ft | 360 | 750 | 2040 |
| 7.5 - 10ft | 480 | 1000 - 2000 | 3000 |
There are many ways to decorate a tree, so this will give you some ideas. If you use giant baubles, use them sparingly so each one can be admired. Using smaller baubles means you could also have room for other hanging decorations, including sparkly reindeer or stars. You could go big on colour or stick to a theme such as white, pink, or green. Think of your tree as a personal expression of yourself. What colours do you like? What colours are your home or other festive decorations? You could skip the baubles and make your own natural decorations from collected pine cones, twigs and leaves. Using dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and sprigs of garden foliage works well also. You could even use a combination of both with very ornate decorations standing out against a more natural backdrop. This year we have a number of 'Themes' that may even inspire you, which you can check out on our Christmas page online or on display at one of our stores.
Again, the number of decorations you need will depend on how full you want your tree to look. Leading brand 'Everlands' recommends the following for a very full looking tree:
| Tree Size | No. Ornaments/Decorations |
|
3ft |
60 |
| 4ft | 90 |
| 5ft | 120 |
| 6ft | 180 |
| 7ft | 200 |
| 8ft | 300 |
| 10ft | 400 |
Don't forget the Christmas tree topper for a finishing touch. Tinsel may be a bit outdated no but it can still give your tree a whole vintage vibe, so pick your colours and go for it. You can also use other accessories, such as shiny beads or ribbons. Remember to layer the ornaments and accessories to ensure the tree looks perfectly balanced. Don't forget to top the tree with a big star, fairy or even a big show-off bow. Make your Christmas tree your own.
It's not just the branches and needles that can be used to decorate your tree, as it all comes down to the base. Firstly make sure the tree is standing in the correct size base and then wrap it in a fake snow blanket or ribbon or even add a Christmas scene at the bottom. With your base decorated, you're all ready for Santa to deliver the presents. There are also a number of tree skirts and rings you can buy to hide a dull metal foot.
Visit our Christmas store to choose from our selection of festive decorations for your tree.
'Woodland Magic' - Image courtesy of Kemingk
