Selecting a Christmas Tree

by Ardith Beveridge, Tastemaker in Residence

Selecting a tree:

• Select the proper size for the area
• The more branch tips the fuller looking the tree and the more places to hang ornaments
• Long needles are more of an informal look
• Short needles are more formal
• Upswept branches and sparser tree more informal
• Down swept branches symmetrical and full more formal

 
What to look for:

• Amount of tips-strength of branches
• Color
• Shape
• Sturdy

 
Lighting the tree:

• Check lights before stringing the tree
• Do not exceed manufactures recommendations on quantity of lights per extension cord—usually 300 lights
• String lights when lit for easier placement
• End cords in the same place
• String throughout tree, way in to the center and to the tips to illuminate ornaments
• Put all cords into one power bar for ease of turning on and off

 
Choose a theme:

• Dominate color or subject
• Keep in a basic motif; nature/outdoors, country, romantic, traditional
• Balance texture shape size and color; have one thing dominate

 
Theme ideas:

• Glittery
• Country
• Southern Belle
• Sherlock Holmes
• Black Tie
• Childrens
• Owls
• Santa and reindeer
• Nostalgic
• Cardinals
• Sugar and spice

 
Decorating:

• Repeat multiples of the same ornament or by using different shapes in the same color or texture
• Keep the size relationship to the room, area and surroundings
• One item is dominate, the others are subordinate
• Interact combination of ornaments
• Choose symmetrical or asymmetrical, stay with the one you choose for visual and physical balance
• Place lights and ornaments deep inside the tree and out on the tips
• Keep ornaments about the same size, larger on or near base, smaller on top, medium in-between
• To make small ornaments appear larger, group them together
• Encourage the eye to move around the tree by repeating shapes, colors and textures

 
Ornaments:

• Depends on size or tree and how dense you like the ornaments
• You may use up to 40 per foot of tree
• 7 foot tree =280 ornaments
• Mix some expensive unique ornaments with some less expensive
• Utilize some items that are not meant for ornaments. As cookie cutters, ribbons and bows
• Larger scale has more visual impact
• In darker area glitz and bling works

 
Hanging Ornaments:

• Start with largest ornaments or largest quantity first
• Distribute size shape and color throughout the tree
• Larger ornaments near the bottom, smaller to the top
• Use green enameled hooks
• Use green zip ties to prevent ornaments from falling

 
Tree Skirt:

• Tie the skirt into the theme

  
Removal:

• Place a large tree bag under the tree for easy removal
• Take inventory of ornaments; perhaps take a picture of each for your records
• Remove large and fragile ornaments, place in a box
• Label everything
• Recycle the tree

HAVE LOTS OF FUN DECORATING!