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How to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro

Expert advice and secret tips. - by Dora Papas
  • 05 Dec 2018
How to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro
Getty

Stylists will tell you the secret to decorating a Christmas tree is simple: style it in layers!

Here are four tips for success.

1. Lights

Upgrade to an artificial pre-lit tree if your preference is for tidy, tangle-free insta-illumination. Alternatively, run fairy lights up the trunk and wrap the length of each branch. Wrap once on the way back to the trunk.

For every 30cm of tree height, you’ll need a 100-count string of fairy or seed lights. Yes, that’s quite a few strings of lights but it’s worth the effort – a tree all-a-twinkle at night is a sight to behold.

Illustration of Christmas tree lights

2. Ornaments

When hanging your tree decorations, start deep within the tree branches and work your way out. Showcase your most favourite pieces in a prime position. Space the biggest and best evenly around the tree then fill any gaps with medium and small-size baubles.

Attach each ornament to your tree with ornament hooks. Look out for these at supermarkets, variety discount stores and anywhere Christmas decorations are sold. An excellent alternative is either florist’s wire or paper clips.

Christmas baubles

3. Tree topper

Tree tips can be a bit spindly so double it over to thicken it then attach your topper. Depending on your tree topper, you might be able to use fishing line to anchor the topper to the branches.

Christmas tree

4. Tree base

Disguise the base of your tree with a tree skirt. Alternatively, leaving one side open, cover a large cardboard box with Christmas wrapping paper. Choose a wrap to suit your colour scheme.

The box should be tall enough to cover the base of the tree but not so tall it touches the lower branches. Before slotting your tree together, place the base of the tree (with feet) in the box then finish erecting and decorating the tree.

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Dora Papas
Dora Papas
Dora is the editor of Better Homes and Gardens. An experienced and passionate decorator and maker, she loves any kind of makeover from an entire home right through to simply rearranging furniture or creating gorgeous vignettes. Homewares shopkeepers know her by name!

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