If you haven’t already, it’s time to decorate that tree!  I’ve decorated many, many trees over the years (and even taught a class or two!) – so here are my top tips for making your faux tree look like it was decorated by a professional interior designer!

Tip 1: Make it Full
Even really pricey artificial trees can have bare spots, and the inexpensive ones can be really sparse.  After you “fluff” your tree (making sure you open up every sprig all the way to the trunk) step back and see how full it looks – you should never be able to see through the tree.  If it looks light on foliage, you can wrap it with evergreen garlands or stuff it full of green deco mesh to make it look bushier.  Whatever you choose, make sure you keep from mid-branch to the trunk – you need the tips for ornaments!  PRO TIP: You can also pop in evergreen boughs (real or faux) for extra texture and fullness.

Tip 2: Give it Depth
When you look at a professionally decorated tree, you’ll notice the ornaments aren’t just on the ends of the branches; they are layered all the way through.  This creates dimensions that guide your eye through. It’s also a great way to manage ornament size; large ones to the inside, with smaller ones on the outside so you can see each one.  PRO TIP: This is possibly my favorite tree-decorating tip of all time.  Purchase a big tub of inexpensive, shatterproof balls (in whatever color fits your theme) and hang them as close to the trunk as possible. They’ll help reflect the light and give incredible dimension!

Tip 3: Make it Pretty
Christmas trees need garland, and loads of it!  Garlands give your eye a “road map” through the tree, making everything look finished and cohesive.  I’m a big fan of deco mesh, but you can also use ribbons, beaded garlands, or non-conventional options like cozy scarves.  Add your garland before ornaments, working with it until it’s exactly the look you are going for.  PRO TIP: Instead of winding around and around the tree, I like to add garland in sections (three for a slimline and four for a regular tree).  Start at the top and “swirl” towards the bottom, going around the tree once and finishing on the opposite side.  Do this 3 – 4 more times; it’s a much more polished look, and it accentuates the height of the tree.     

BONUS TIP: Always decorate your tree with the lights on.  This allows you to spot problems (nothing is worse than trying to re-light a decorated tree!) and ensures you have enough lights.  If you need to add more, it’s easiest to do before all the ornaments are on.  And don’t bother circling the tree until you are dizzy; just wind the lights back and forth over the visible sides of the tree.  It’s easier and takes fewer lights!