| Now that it's the holiday season everyone is | | | | your garland from the top to the bottom, and |
| busy thinking about his or her Christmas | | | | also around the back of the tree. The swag of |
| Trees. There are tricks and tips to help you | | | | your garland will depend on the width of your |
| create a unique look that fits in your home | | | | tree. Twist the garland at the tip and it |
| and adds sparkle to your holiday | | | | should be smaller as it reaches the top of |
| celebrations. Whether real or artificial, a | | | | the tree. Another style is to double swag |
| little imagination can take that blank canvas | | | | your garland and form it into a spiral |
| and turn it into something really magical | | | | garland. Some prefer using ribbon that falls |
| that will brighten your whole holiday season. | | | | from the top of the tree down along to the |
| | | | bottom. |
| You can start by looking for ideas on the | | | | |
| trees you see in public places like malls or | | | | 5.Use fillers. You must use fillers in order |
| hotel lobbies. These are great places to get | | | | to give the tree an enchanting look. Some |
| ideas that you can easily bring to your own | | | | people don't do this but it is a great way to |
| tree. | | | | give your tree a new look. |
| | | | |
| Here are some great tips for creating a | | | | 6.Choose a color scheme. Use a single color |
| beautiful tree | | | | or two complimentary ones to give your tree a |
| | | | coordinated, decorator look. Try traditional |
| 1.Your tree will stand in you room till the | | | | choices such as red and gold, or something |
| holiday season ends so it should have a | | | | different like pink and white. Use ornaments |
| visual impact. The space in your room will | | | | of these colors and keep the garland in the |
| determine the size of the tree you can have. | | | | same color family as well. |
| This is important to consider especially if | | | | |
| you want to enhance your ornaments. | | | | 7.Dare to be different. Decorate according to |
| | | | what you like, even if it isn't the |
| 2.Decide on the overall look you like. The | | | | "traditional" way. Use your favorite hobby, |
| more branch tips your tree has, the more | | | | ornaments collected on vacations, or old |
| ornaments and decorations are needed. If you | | | | style bulbs to create a look that's truly |
| want your tree to have an informal look, | | | | your own. This will create a unique, personal |
| select a tree that has long needles and | | | | holiday expression that is sure to be a |
| upswept branches. If you want something more | | | | conversation starter. |
| formal, select a tree that has down swept | | | | |
| branches and with short needles. | | | | 8.Don't forget the handmade ornaments. No |
| | | | matter what style you are trying to achieve, |
| 3.Pay attention to lighting. There is a | | | | the hand made ornaments of your own |
| general rule in deciding the number of lights | | | | childhood, or those of family members can be |
| for a tree - a one foot tree should have | | | | wonderful additions to any tree, and |
| about 40-50 lights. The simplest thing to do | | | | compliment any style. |
| is buy a pre-lit tree, no mess and easy | | | | |
| storage. But if you do the lights yourself, | | | | 9.Cover the base of your tree with a colorful |
| hang them inside the tree, for a twinkling | | | | tree skirt so that the gifts underneath will |
| effect. Stringing the lights on the outer | | | | rest on a pretty background. This makes the |
| edges, over the tips of the branches won't | | | | packages look even more festive, and looks |
| look right. Remember to keep the amount of | | | | good after the presents are unwrapped too. |
| light uniform, without and unfilled spaces. | | | | |
| | | | 10.Top it off. Use a star, an angel or a |
| 4.Add garland. Whether you choose traditional | | | | large bow - whatever suits your individual |
| garland or beaded garland, you can get a | | | | taste. |
| great look. If you want traditional, swag | | | | |