The glittering tree rightly gets all the attention, but not without some thoughtful planning on your part. Plus you can make wreaths and other adornments to help create a festive scene. Even if you stick with your own perfected-over-time traditions, there are always new things to try.
decorate the Tree
No matter how lovely the adornments, the success of this holiday harbinger starts with the tree itself.
buying considerations
When looking for your ideal tree, consider these features: height, silhouette, density (important for decorating), and aroma.
See the chart on page 348 for a description of the more common types. Always measure the designated space (away from fireplaces and heaters) for height (leaving room for the topper!) and girth.
Visit a farm to cut the tree yourself if possible. The National Christmas Tree Association lets you search by ZIP code for tree farms in your area. The first trees to get picked over tend to be the ones near the parking lot, so head to more remote spots; as you browse, tie same-colored ribbons on those you like so you can find them again.
tree-trimming tips and techniques
Now that you’ve procured your tree, you’ll want to decorate it to the nines. There is a method to making it as beautiful as can be.
1. Leave a good stump on the tree you buy or cut, and trim a half inch at home before putting it in the stand; this will allow the tree to drink up water (and replenish as needed).
2. Prune any small protrusions that jut straight out from the top and bottom of the branches; these make it hard to decorate.
3. String the lights on the tree (see page 349 for the how-to). Stop every so often to make sure your spacing is even.
4. Start by laying your ornaments out before you begin hanging them. Sort them by color or shape or motif so you can achieve the proper balance on the tree.
5. Hang your primary ornaments (or those more simple ones that you have multiples of, such as dozens of shiny teal balls or silvery snowflakes) first to establish a rhythm, then use others to fill in the gaps. Or just start by hanging all of one assortment around the tree before starting on another type, and so on. Place antique and fragile ornaments near the top of the tree, where they will be less likely to get knocked off by pets and passersby.
6. Continually take a step back while decorating to see which areas need filling. Hang ornaments inside the tree—not just near its edges—for added dimension, and don’t neglect the back of the tree if it’s visible from any part of the room or outside a window.
Martha Must
Each year, I love creating a different theme for my grandchildren’s Christmas tree, mixing old and new ornaments and carrying the motif (woodland, for example) into the wreaths, stockings, and gift-wrapping.
