While some overly-enthusiastic Christmas-types may have already set up their Christmas trees, for most, 1 December marks a suitable time to set up your tree, especially if it’s artificial.
Looking for some inspiration on how to make your tree shine? Spotlight teamed up with Gemma Patford to share tips on how to decorate a tree that speaks to your personal style.
- Select a theme. You might like to experiment with a new idea. Once you’ve selected your theme, select your colours. Be specific, choose 3-4 colours and don’t go overboard (unless that’s your theme).
- If you’re using tinsel, always hang this first. Try and push it into the tree branches so it’s half hidden. I love how hidden tinsel makes your tree look fuller and gives it a subtle sparkle! If you opt to forgo tinsel, consider making fabric garlands out of strips of velvet. Simply braid or drape long garlands of fabric into your tree like you would tinsel. It creates a beautiful luxurious effect.
- Sort your decorations into colours, then, if you have the energy, sort them into sizes. Hang the largest decorations first. Emphasise the larger decorations with the smaller items. Go big or go home!
- Experiment with textures. Use fabric decorations next alongside shiny decorations. Pop some fake flowers into the mix!
- Lengthen the hang length of your baubles by replacing the existing string with beautiful long ribbons.
- Make it personal. Create a personalised decoration for each member of the household. My mother-in-law cut our initials out of cardboard and decorated them with plastic gems. It’s a nice sentimental touch.
- Tree toppers are such a personal choice. I use the paper angel I made when I was a kid. Moths have eaten most of it, but regardless of how styled my tree is, I like to roll it out.
- For a neat way to store gifts, consider reusable sacks. A few handmade velvet Santa bags under the tree will look amazing and will save you a few wheelie bins of recycling.
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