Obviously the most important thing about decorating a tree is to make sure it's secure and is not going to wobble, move or worse -- fall! Using the tree stand that comes with an artificial tree is the best move. Be sure the tree is completely in the stand, tighten the screws accordingly. Sometimes the tree might be secure, but still feels like it could topple over. In this case, consider using eye bolts in the wall and attaching wires to hold the tree in place.
REVOLVING TREE STAND
I was pretty skeptical about a revolving or rotating Christmas tree stand, until I bought one five or six years ago. It works perfectly, handles a fairly heavy load and always gets positive comments from guests.
Check Prices
Disclaimer: Be careful where the stand and tree are placed. Learn from my experiences -- The Curtains that ate the Christmas Tree
LIGHTS
Check lights before using is an obvious statement, but here is how I do it. I check the lights while they are still in the box or taken out of storage. I leave the lights on while putting them on the tree. That way if one bulb pulls loose, it's immediately apparent which one it is.
When lighting an large artificial tree, I do it a bit differently than suggested. I have one set of lights and wrap them around the branches (CAREFULLY) while still plugged in. Again, this is to let me know if a bulb loosens from the socket as soon as it happens.
Starting at the bottom, (large artificial trees) I wrap every second branch from the trunk out and then back to the trunk. When I move up a row, I try and stagger the branches that are wrapped. I do this as I am assembling the tree. Several heavy duty power strips are taped to the tree trunk on the back side to plug the sets of lights in. Two or three sets can be linked together then plugged in.
Keep to the manufacturers guidelines when stringing several strands together. Don't go over the recommended amount. The new LED lights allow many more strands to be strung together, sometimes as many as 20! Check out the new warm whites, they've helped me start making the switch.
Decorative light strings can make a nice addition to the tree, but they're best used as an accent, not as the main light on the tree. Although I've used them several times, I find them especially hard to display.
DECORATIONS
As mentioned on elsewhere, almost anything is fair game on our Christmas trees, so don't be afraid to add those different things to your tree.
Even when doing a traditional tree, be sure to reach into your collectibles cabinet and find some of your favorite pieces to help decorate the tree.
One thing that most people forget to do is decorate the inside of the tree. Don't forget to hang or nestle some larger pieces towards the trunk of the tree so that when you look at the tree your eyes will be drawn into the tree also.
If you love a glittery look use glittery garlands inside wrapped around the trunk, along with small mirrored pieces inside to reflect outward. Try and position the mirrored pieces so that they will reflect the lights.
SECURING THE ORNAMENTS
There are many different ways to secure the ornaments on a tree and a lot depends on what you are hanging.
For my special glass ornaments I've used an inexpensive green plastic hook found at Walmart. The ornament slips onto the small end of the loop and the larger end clips onto the tree branch. If a glass ornament is very heavy, I will find an extra ornament loop/wire from my stash of broken pieces and put in a double loop to help hold it. Depending on the ornament, sometimes a drop of glue, under the metal top, makes me feel better -- although not all glass collectors agree with doing that.
Another method is the inexpensive pipe cleaner found in the craft departments. They come in loads of different colors and will hold those fragile pieces quite securely. I've used white glittery ones on the white tree and red or gold pipe cleaners on the large tree.
One very pretty method is to individually tie the ornaments on with a piece of ribbon or gold cord.
When hanging Hallmark or similar ornaments I use the standard wire ornament hook, but after putting the ornament on the tree I squeeze the top of the ornament hook together so it does not slip off.
Fancy decorative hangers are an option for something like a feather tree, where the ornament hangs straight and the piece doesn't need extra security.
GARLANDS
Garlands or tinsel can add so much to a tree and you can never have enough of them. Put them on individually covering the branches then go back and put another layer on crisscrossing the first. In effect you are creating several different layers of the garlands either the same colors or multi-colors.
There are some very pretty glass garlands that are not very long, but also expensive when trying to do decorate an entire tree. Use these special garlands as a highlight along with a strands of plain garlands that are similar in colors, textures or materials.
TREE TOPPERS
You probably have a very special family tradition for as your tree topper, but when doing an unusual tree, don't be afraid to use a top that is a bit different. I have used everything from Annalee dolls, great big bows, cowboy hat, large gold cardboard spheres, as well as traditional angels on the trees. Large glass ornament balls turned upside down and used with large "florist picks" can also create a stunning and different tree topper. Other suggestions include a cowboy boots on a western tree, an antique toy, crown or tiara, wizard hat -- the list goes on. Just make sure the item is light weight enough that it won't break or hurt something if it falls off.
