Decorating a Tree Like a Professional

by AMANDA HENDERSON • www.cultivatecreate.net

Long before the holiday season approaches, I’ve been dreaming up a winter wonderland, planning how I’ll make my home festive for my family and friends. It’s about more than just perfunctory decorations or obligatory adornments. It’s about capturing the spirit of the season, holding the meaning dear, and allowing that to spill over into my home. Decorating a Christmas tree can mean more than merely going through the motions, it can mean encapsulating the wonder and excitement of a newborn baby being laid in a manger. It can mean creating something that makes a child’s eyes light up in amazement, a means to which we share the reason for the season, and a symbol in which we gather around together; friends, family, and neighbors. 

Step 1: After assembling, fluff your tree branches, making sure there are no visible holes and the shape looks uniform. Also, if your tree isn’t pre-lit, add lights. Make sure to secure lights on outer branches as well as further into the tree.

Step 2: Start adding in large floral picks, branches, or floral garlands. Work with the largest items first, then medium and small items. Allow for some branches and picks to cascade from and stick out from the tree a bit to give dimension. In this case, we used flocked and snowy branches, pine cone garlands, and pretty white berry picks.

Step 3: Add your tree topper. Begin by adding a base layer of floral picks, then ,layer other textures and variations that tie in with the rest of your tree. 

Step 4: Now, add Christmas balls starting with the largest first. Space the largest ornaments out throughout the tree. Once finished with this step, you have a beautiful, neutral and simple, winter white tree. 

Step 5: (Option 1: Preppy and Plaid) Let your ribbon choice be the focal point and dictate what ornaments you use. Add your ribbon to your tree, starting by wiring a large bow to the base of your tree topper. Then, add smaller bows throughout the tree by wiring into the tree or by simply gathering the bow in your hand and then using the wire branches to hold the bow in place. 
Step 6: (Preppy and Plaid) Lastly, add in smallest ornaments that coordinate with your ribbon. In this case, simple navy blue ornaments were added. 

Step 6: (Winter Ski Lodge) Add your ribbon, starting by wiring a large bow to the base of the tree topper. Then, add cascading sections of ribbon, tucking about every two to three feet to create gathers. Secure by using wired branches of tree to hold ribbon in place. 

Step 7: (Winter Ski Lodge) Next add large focal items, like the ski set and the sled. This will give visual interest to your tree. 

Step 8: (WInter Ski Lodge) Lastly, add small ornaments to fill in any holes or gaps like the ice skate ornaments and red ornaments pictured. ​