Christmas Decorating Tip #6

The saddest thing ever ... a decorated Christmas tree that has crashed to the ground.

There are several reasons this might happen.

1. The base is too small and lightweight for the heavy tree.
2. Tree is unbalanced with ornaments and decorations only on one side of the tree.
3. Unprotected location.
4. Puppies, kittens and little kids.

Solve #1 by purchasing a heavy duty base, don't use a cheapy base from a discount store for a tree with hundreds of dollars of treasures. Look at online retailers or local decorators who specialize in Christmas decor to find the best available. I actually bought two 40lb sand bags that sit on the base of the top-heavy upside down tree. It does not move. At all.

Bolts in the wall or ceiling may sound extreme, but an eye hook with a strong wire are also used by decorators to keep a tree from toppling.

Always decorate the tree on all sides balancing it as you go along. e.g. don't decorate one entire side and then go to the other side of the tree.

Tuck the tree in a corner or in a spot that is not in a traffic pattern. If it is in traffic pattern area, take extra precautions, such as wires attached to the walls.

It's hard to keep pets away from the tree, but you know your animals, so decorate accordingly!

^{©Getty Images}