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 How to decorate your Christmas tree

14 November 2018

For many of us this is possibly the most favoured of Christmas traditions and tasks. Collecting the tree, or digging the artificial one out of storage, and unearthing all those baubles and decorations – some of which might have special memories, or come with sentimental value.

Indeed decorating the Christmas tree is a joy to do, especially if you approach it with a method or plan of action. To save getting tangled in fairy lights, or stressed out by baubles, here’s our step-by-step guide to decorating the tree, with some different style suggestions too.

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Top tips for setting up your tree

For fresh

Before you consider any of the decorations it’s best practice to leave the tree standing in a bucket of water to drink for 24 hours and for the branches to settle, naturally. The last thing you want to do is have a fight with branches and try to force them into position. It will settle by itself, if you give it some time. Keep topping up the water throughout the festive period, making sure your tree has plenty to drink. This will keep the branches looking fresher for longer. Keep your tree away from any radiators or living room fires, as this will again help it stay fresher for longer.

Positioning

Decide where you want the tree to be before putting the tree up in situ. This will save any hassle of having to move it once it’s up – they are, by nature, bulky, and so inherently they are not easy to move once they are decorated.

Plan ahead and decorate in stages

Lay your lights and baubles out before you begin to add any to the tree.

It’s worth having a think about what baubles you really love so you can consider positioning them in obvious areas (eg not at the back of the tree). We think it’s best to position your lights on the tree first, manoeuvring them and tweaking them if necessary, and then add your baubles.

Apply a healthy layer of presents underneath

For best results, wrap some gifts before Christmas and leave them sitting under the tree. Try not to leave it all to Christmas Eve. Not only will this make your tree look even more Christmassy, but it will also save you the potential stress of a mammoth wrapping stint at the last minute. Explore our wrapping paper selection.

Style ideas for decorating your Christmas tree

Fancy changing it up and choosing a new Christmas tree style this year? Or, maybe you want to just add some new decorations? Here are some of our favourite looks to choose from for Christmas this year.

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Dark Timeless Wonder look

You have possibly been keeping ahead of the trends already, and have read our Timeless trend feature? Well, even if not, this look is inspired by Timeless and Decorating with Dark Tones, and it’s really easy to achieve the look at home. Deep colour is on trend this year, and this is a clever way of making your tree trendy too. Choose from a selection of dark jewel-toned baubles, such as navy blue and emerald green, and mix them with some luxury metallic ones too.

Try the Encrusted Beaded Bauble and Geo Diamond Bauble to start with, and add to the collection from there.

Red and white craft theme

This is a safe and faultlessly attractive bet in terms of decorating. Simply opt for the classic red and white Christmas theme and continue to collect decorations in the same style. Look for decorations which are all-things traditional, for example Santa, snowmen and reindeer motifs. Our Wicker Heart and Spice Tin Bauble are particularly nice additions for the tree. You can roll this look out year-upon-year and it’s always considered to be in-vogue.

Pretty Salvage style

Feeling luxe? This style suits those who like to be extra and aren’t afraid of a bit of glamour. Does that sound like you? Shop our Set of 12 Large Gold Hand Decorated Baubles and Set of 3 Wire Reindeer Baubles. They are both metallic and have a nod to the reclaimed, salvage look.

Frost

As pretty as a winter wonderland scene, the Frost trend will turn your Christmas tree into a fairy tale in metallic pink and silver tones.

Great for those who are looking for a look that’s both contemporary and stylish.

Try the Pearlescent Unicorn and explore more Christmas baubles here.

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READ OUR NAVY BLUE TIMELESS TREND FEATURE

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