| There's nothing quite like decorating the Christmas | | | | 2. Make sure you have enough lights to create |
| tree to mark the start of the festive season. | | | | the effect you want. You can go with all one |
| Whether you've decided to have a real tree or an | | | | color or have a contrasting multicolored effect. |
| artificial one, everyone can enjoy the ritual of | | | | Your other decorations will reflect the lights to |
| hanging the lights, draping the garlands and swags | | | | create a dazzling display. |
| and trimming the tree with your favorite | | | | 3. Try to distribute the lights evenly across the |
| Christmas ornaments. | | | | tree to avoid a 'bunching' effect. You can find |
| So as the moment approaches to bring out your | | | | lighting sets that are arranged as a net that can |
| favorite ornaments from their year-long storage, | | | | be draped over the tree. These can produce a |
| it's time to decide what sort of tree decoration | | | | very regular distribution, although this kind of |
| you want. For some people, trimming the tree | | | | wiring can be harder to disguise within the |
| involves a carefully thought out design. Perhaps | | | | branches. |
| your theme will be a single color this year -- | | | | 4. If you like to use garlands, beads or tinsel, |
| maybe all white, silver or gold. On the other hand, | | | | work from the top of the tree downwards. Once |
| your decorations and ornaments may represent | | | | again, try to space them evenly and avoid a |
| an eclectic mixture of shapes, patterns and styles | | | | 'layered' effect. |
| to create an effect that's uniquely you. | | | | 5. Hang your ornaments last. That way, you'll be |
| One rule about choosing Christmas tree | | | | less likely to knock delicate items from their |
| decorations is that there are no rules! Don't let the | | | | branches. |
| style police dictate the way you deck your holiday | | | | 6. Think about the effect that different |
| evergreen: this is one time, at least, when you're | | | | arrangements would create: for example, you |
| free to let your personal taste and style reign | | | | could distribute your larger pieces evenly across |
| supreme. | | | | the tree and then fill the spaces in between with |
| Whatever your choice, there are some basic | | | | smaller items -- or perhaps create clusters of |
| principles to help you decorate your tree with | | | | shapes and sizes in areas that will be more |
| pizzazz. Once it's safely set up on its stand, have | | | | prominent. |
| your ornaments, lights and accessories ready to | | | | 7. Don't forget to crown your tree with your |
| one side. Here's an order of steps to make the | | | | favorite topper - an angel, a star or some other |
| task easier: | | | | special ornament. Then stand back and admire |
| | | | your handiwork! |
| 1. Put the lights on first. Don't try to wrap a cord | | | | Whether you're young in years or simply young |
| of lights around a tree that already has | | | | at heart, the magic of dressing a Christmas tree |
| ornaments hanging on it. Placing some of the lights | | | | never ceases to bring joy and wonder to mark |
| further back on the branches will emphasize depth | | | | the start of the holiday season. |
| and leave more room for other items. | | | | |