I adore holiday decor of all kinds. I have an entire category dedicated to holiday decor year round. This is my blue and gold Christmas tree I decorated this year. See the full post here with more details. Today I want to share my tips for decorating your Christmas tree!

What You’ll Need

1. Ribbon
2. Tree picks. These make great filler for holes and add extra “oomph”. Look for picks in your chosen color palette. If you’re someone who changes your scheme each year, then look for picks that are generic (think gold sprays, pearl sprays, pinecones and greenery.)
3. Wire, wire cutters and scissors.

General Pointers

• Pick one color palette. This will create a cohesive look for when you add the personal ornaments.
• Use tree picks as alternative to a star. This creates a great “poof” at the top.
• Hang ornaments as close to the branch as possible. It will create a cleaner look.
• Add picks as filler.

Ribbon

• Use a few types. For maximum color, use two of the same shade. Use two coordinating for a subtle look.
• Wired ribbon a must to move best.
• For a 7′ tree a 2″-3″ ribbon is fine. Any taller, use at least 5″ ribbon for scale.
• Attach ribbon with wire. This creates a tighter pull to create full, voluminous loops than the limbs do.
• Tie wire around ribbon two times pulling it very taught and twist it to hold. Then tie it to the tree with the ribbon.
• Layer ribbon.
• I prefer to tie them together just as described and pull them apart to create a wide ribbon effect.
• Take a step back and look for holes. Put the picks in those spots. It will add fullness, color and a catalog worthy look to your tree.

Ornaments

• Hang ornaments as close to tree branch as possible.
• If ornament is on ribbon, loop it around the branch a few times.
• If ornament is on a wire, pinch it so it’s shorter and not as long.

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If using an Artificial Tree

Tip #1

• Fluff branches like nobodies business. Flip up every single branch either up or down all the way to trunk of the tree. The trunk part being crucial for fullness.
• Flip branch tips up or down so it looks more real.
• There’s no rhyme or reason. Just pull branches apart and use the flexibility built in to create movement. Doing this on every piece is what creates the finished look so don’t overlook it’s importance.

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Tip #2

• If you choose to commit to one ribbon and want to reuse it every year, spend one year ribbon on VERY carefully. Then keep it on for storage so you don’t have to redo it year after year.
• When you assemble the artificial tree put the base down first. Cover the top of it with a blanket so you know where that section ends.
• Add the middle section, again add a layer of blankets.
• Add the top.
• When you tie on the ribbon put it on each layer individually.
• When you take the tree down the ribbon stays on each section for easy storage.

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Storing Artificial Tree

• Since ribbon was applied in layers, you can easily take tree apart in segments.
• Put bubble paper in ribbon to keep it fluffed.
• Push down branches as usual so it fits easily back into the bag.

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more pics of blue & gold tree!

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