If you just put twinkling lights on a Christmas tree, everyone can do it, but a really beautiful Christmas tree can lift the Christmas spirit of everyone who sees it. Make sure your Christmas tree looks charming and classic by paying attention to the elegance aspect in the decoration. You'll need some preparation time, funds for the decoration, and then a regular decorating technique.
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Part 1 of 3: Aesthetic Aspects of Design
Step 1. Get to know the different species of Christmas trees
Most people don't realize that not all tree species are the same as Christmas trees. Each species has characteristics that distinguish the way it is decorated, its durability in the home, and also the strength of its Christmas tree scent. In four seasons countries such as the United States, there are three clumps of trees that are usually sold as Christmas trees: fir, spruce, and pine. In Indonesia, it may be a bit difficult to buy real trees that are specifically cut to the size of a Christmas tree, but there's nothing wrong with increasing your knowledge by reading the information below. It's also possible to buy real trees online or at a large houseplant store.
- Consider pine trees which tend to be less expensive. This species has longer spines than others, and more specific species such as scotch pine are best handled with gloves on. The white pine tree has softer wood but the branches are a bit weak so they can't hang many decorations.
- Consider the more popular and expensive fir trees. This luxury tree species has soft, non-piercing thorns and a very strong and distinctive aroma compared to similar spruce species. This type of thorn grows in a row up at the end of the stem like a comb, not lined up in a circle. Types of fir balsams, Douglas and Fraser, are sold more than the noble and grand types.
- If someone is allergic to these trees, maybe the spruce type can still be tolerated. This type of spruce has a non-stinging aroma so it won't bother you. This species has spines lined around the stem; types of blue spruce quite a lot for sale.
- Find out if there are other tree species that are unique as well besides those already mentioned here. Usually Christmas trees use trees that are green all year round, but in tropical Indonesia we have more types of trees. Maybe you can get creative with other types of trees, ask an ornamental plant store about other tree alternatives that can be decorated, or find other alternatives online.
Step 2. Select the tree
Trees are like canvases for your creations, so choose accordingly. No matter how good an ornament, it would be strange to hang it on an ugly tree. There are those who like real trees, complete with their aroma, but there are also those who choose plastic trees because they are practical. The rules where you live (perhaps apartment management rules) should also be considered so that your Christmas tree is not blamed for a fire risk. Whatever your choice, consider the following:
- Choose a tree with a nice shape. If you are buying a real tree, make sure when buying you check the appearance of the tree without the protective netting. Look for a full shape, one that is evenly spaced between the branches, and one whose overall shape is symmetrical and conical at the top. The more branches the better. If you are buying a plastic tree with self-adjusting branches, try bending the branches a little so that the empty space between the layers of the branches is covered.
- Prepare the crutches and skirts for the Christmas tree cover. For real trees, there must be supports with deep enough water reservoirs (water is filled after the tree is finished). The cover skirt around the bottom of the Christmas tree is useful to catch if there are thorns that fall out so they are easy to clean.
- Consider using a lighted tree. If you choose a plastic tree, maybe you can also choose a type whose branches have decorative lights. Some argue that installing a series of decorative lights is the most difficult part, so if this part can be simplified, you save time and effort so that you can beautify other aspects of the Christmas tree.
Step 3. Choose a color theme
The color theme is used to make your tree look complete and unified. Remember that the Christmas tree color theme should not clash with the room colors and there may be some heritage or nostalgic decorations that don't match the color theme. Without ruling out the above, here are some examples of quite popular color themes:
- Classic Christmas tree colors: red and green. The green tree is given red accents in the form of decorations, strands of tassels, and ribbons. If you want a more wow look, try adding a metallic color, maybe gold or silver. As for the twinkling lights, red, green, or plain colors are better for this color combination.
- Winter colors like blue, silver, and purple. Decorate the Christmas tree so that it brings the impression of a snowy Christmas with shiny colors like ice. If you choose this color theme, avoid anything red, yellow, or golden. Choose light blue or plain to match. For a minimalist winter style, use a combination of white and silver trim.
- Metallic colors such as gold, silver, and bronze. The advantage of this style is that the colors are easy to combine so you can use one to three colors. This style should be combined with plain lights.
- Warm or cool colors. For a more colorful Christmas tree, choose between a cool mix (tones of blue) or warm (tones of red). For example, a "warm" tree can be a combination of red, orange, and gold; a "cold" tree with a combination of green, purple, blue and silver.
Step 4. Define a theme (optional)
Sometimes the Christmas tree brings up a specific theme, such as the theme of angels, snowflakes, or nutcracker soldiers. You can also collect typical decorations from a region, city, or country to serve as a theme. Themes can make the appearance more unified and unique than most Christmas trees.
- If your hobby is collecting ornaments with a certain theme, this is a great way to decorate your Christmas tree as well as expand your collection.
- If you don't like collecting themed decorations, don't worry, as long as it makes a Christmas impression, it's fine!
Step 5. Buy decorative balls
Maybe you have a collection of decorations from several years ago and will use them. If not, it's time to buy a set so that your Christmas tree will look elegant and classy, even for years to come.
Step 6. Locate the packaging decoration set
Usually Christmas decorations are sold in packs of 6-12 pieces at a fairly affordable price. It's okay to buy more expensive unique decorations to add to the combination, but packaging decorations are usually the "foundation" of Christmas tree decorations. You can also create your own combination by choosing decorations from the same material; the principle is the same as collecting ornaments in the form of crystals, wooden toys, knitted snowflakes, or ornaments made by a particular artist or set from a brand.
- Glossy or dim (matte)? There are no exact rules, but feel free to mix and match to make it varied and interesting.
- Christmas balls and other decorations that are often used as a base are usually sold in packages according to the designer with various colors, textures, and designs in one set. As a base for decoration, choose one or two colors. Reds and greens, either glossy or matte, or one color matte and the other glossy. Silver, gold, and other metallic colors are good neutral choices. Feel free to add new colors and/or decorations to the combination of the two basic colors as long as they match the color.
- You can also use different colors in a specific theme, such as a luxury gem color theme, earth tones, or all-in-one pastels. Feel free to experiment with color combinations, accents, and textures on one Christmas tree.
- If you want to try a monochromatic (one color only) themed Christmas tree, try combining different intensities of the same color. You can play with a mix of shades, values, gradations, and color intensities. It can also be all the shiny ornate balls combined with ribbons of different textures. If there is no variety, a monochromatic Christmas tree becomes boring.
Step 7. Look at the Christmas tree decoration lights
Now the choice of decorative lights is just getting livelier, more and more shapes, shapes, and colors. Before deciding to buy an expensive light set, keep in mind that later it may be difficult to find a replacement bulb. Small decorative lamps that are commonly used are still the best choice for many people, but there are also those who prefer large old-fashioned lamps or lamps with certain shapes. If using big lights, arrange them like decorative balls, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the tree. There are also small lamps with various unobtrusive shapes that can be combined with normal size lamps.
- Take advantage of a variety of LED string lights and decorative lighting techniques. Do you have a lamp in the shape of melted ice? The wire can be looped around the tree and each lamp tied to a nearby tree branch or even some fruit left untied. White LED string lights combined with green trees can be shaped like lace at a wedding, icing on gingerbread, or snow on a tree. LED string lights that are shaped like tassels or strands can be worn on trees like ribbons or tucked in tree branches.
- As much as possible avoid musical or flashing decorative lights; just follow the selected theme. If you insist on choosing a flashing or patterned lamp, choose one that is stable so it doesn't look too complicated and flashy. Don't get dizzy. Not all lights on a Christmas tree need to flicker. Instead of musical lights, it's better to just play your favorite Christmas carol with a cassette, CD, or MP3. Now also on sale sophisticated tools that can adjust the lights and music playing from the radio or MP3 player so that it is more festive for holiday parties.
- A safe choice of lamps is white or light beige.
- How many lights are needed? This depends on personal taste, the Christmas tree available, and the size and brightness of the lighting set; it doesn't really matter how many bulbs it has. The basic rule is about 25-50 bulbs per 300 cm2, but again this is up to personal taste. Use your own judgment and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
Part 2 of 3: Starting with the Most Removable Ornaments
Step 1. Hang the lamp first
Decorative lights should be installed first so that the wires will not cover other decorations and become unsightly. Looping the decorative lights is the most tiring part of decorating a Christmas tree. It's a good idea to do this part right because it can really do wonders to make your Christmas tree look magical. Follow these instructions to maximize your lighting setup:
- String the decorative lights from top to bottom and the wires are slightly tucked in the branches to hide them.
- Spacing evenly. If you have trouble determining whether the distance between the circles of lights is even, try moving 3 meters away from the tree and squinting your eyes slightly. See if any part is too light or too dark.
Step 2. Use ribbon or tassel strands
If loose embellishments are hung before ribbons or fringes, there is a risk that they will catch and fall. After installing the decorative lights, attach other decorations that need to be looped without covering the loose decorations. It's up to you what kind of circular decoration you want, but consider a few things below:
- Avoid tassels of tinsel. This type of decoration was indeed very popular in the middle of the last century, but now it is not the time. If you like or want a shimmery look, try tiny tassels of wire that are smaller in tinsel and are usually shaped like stars or trees.
- Plastic ornaments in the form of melted ice filled with lamps are difficult to arrange. These decorations used to be popular as well as tassels of tinsel, but not anymore. If in the past you were able to arrange it neatly without looking too obvious the fakeness of the melted plastic ice, maybe this time you can repeat it, but if not, you should choose other decorations. Melt-ice decorations are now also made of glass or tin, both of which can make your Christmas tree more sparkling.
- If you like popcorn strands, choose plain ones. It's best not to use buttered popcorn. It's best to cook the popcorn yourself so you can be sure it's plain white without yellow stains.
- Another great option is a string of beads or a metallic one. Match your color theme and choose a small size, then these two types of strands are sure to add to the appeal of your Christmas tree. Wrap it evenly on the outer layer of tree branches like installing a lamp decoration. You can also use used beaded necklaces, colorful string, and strings of pompons in a suitable color.
- Use wire-framed tape. If you want to wear ribbon strands, make sure the shape is still beautiful and not limp. Choose a medium-width ribbon so it's visible from a distance but isn't too difficult to loop on the tree. Add cute bowknots along the strands at even intervals for a more beautiful look.
Step 3. Install the Christmas tree top decoration
Installing the top decoration before the individual decoration may seem strange at first, but imagine if after the Christmas tree is almost finished decorating, you try desperately to put the decoration on the top of the tree, then an accident happens and the tree falls. The type of top decoration depends on the theme and appearance of the tree, but here are a few choices of shapes that are often used:
- Star
- Bird
- Flowers (choose your favorite flower)
- Angel
- Ribbon knot
- Holly (Aquifoliaceae) leaves and fruit
- Snowflake
- Cross
- Crown or tiara
Part 3 of 3: Installing Unit Decorations
Step 1. Group all the individual decorations before hanging
Collect all the decorations that are sure to be used in a pile or in a box according to its category. Categorize each batch by color, material, or theme (eg snow theme, religious theme).
- If you have a complete decoration set (perhaps a "Happy Winter" themed set) that are all made of glass, it's a good idea to keep them categorized into very specific small groups. For example, you can group all the small balls with a similar pattern or all the decorations in the shape of people. Use this method if you have lots of similar decorations, for example, a bunch of snowflakes, a bunch of gold balls with the same texture or pattern.
- Imagine your Christmas tree is divided into several sides, maybe two, three, or four sides. Place one decoration from each category on each side so that it is evenly distributed when viewed from any angle.
- Attach the decorations from top to bottom and try to distribute them evenly. Remember, some decorations must be placed slightly in between the branches so that your arrangement looks like there is depth. Along with the decoration, you can create patterns or shapes so that the whole thing looks unified and looks like the work of an expert.
- If you combine ornate balls and unique shapes, put the balls first. Let's just say the decoration of the balls forms the base layer. More striking decorations can then be considered where to place so that they are easily visible and blend in with the rest of the tree.
- Think of the base of the tree. If you have pets or small children, try not to install expensive decorations in low, easy-to-reach areas. In that section, it might be better to multiply the lights or strands and make sure it is really wrapped so that it is not easily pulled off.
- You can also use decorations that are more general and not just for the Christmas tree. Candy and snacks are choices that are widely used since ancient times and are liked by children. You can also try natural decorations such as pinecones or plastic fruits.
Step 2. Highlight the advantages of each decoration
Shiny and shimmering decorations can reflect light from the depths between the branches. Translucent or translucent decorations will look more beautiful placed in front of decorative lights. House-shaped decorations can be placed under the lights so that it looks like an illuminated house. Hide animal or bird-shaped ornaments between the branches so you can surprise people when they see the depths of the Christmas tree! Decorative colored balls can be more striking if placed next to colored lights.
- Place the large ornaments slightly in between the branches, near the tree trunks, so that there is a game of dimension. Smaller ornaments can be placed on the outside of the tree. Large decorations may be on the outside as long as there are not too many. Heavy and bulky ornaments are better placed low and inward near the trunk of the tree while light and threaded ones on the outside so that the tree is balanced.
- You can combine decorations that are close together, for example, those that are of the same color, those of a nearby house that are in the shape of a snowman, or those of a bird that are close to the shape of a fruit so that it looks as if the bird is eating a fruit. Plain decorations are placed slightly inward while the unique ones are more on the outside. If your Christmas decorations are divided into two mismatched groups, try placing them so that there is regularity, for example, star and angel shapes on top and house and reindeer shapes on the bottom.
Tips
- For a very valuable decoration, put it in a box so it won't be damaged during storage until next year.
- Place the Christmas tree near the window. In this way, the Christmas atmosphere will radiate to the outside of the house.
- Remember, not all existing decorations need to be used. Sometimes using just enough is even better.
- Choose a tree with the ends of the branches still intact. Shaved trees are cheaper, but they don't look natural and have more thorns to fall off.
- The real tree will not fit its shape, so it will need to be pruned slightly. If you don't want to prune, it's better to just use a plastic tree.
- After the holidays, there may be people who want to buy a real tree that was used as a Christmas tree to use as wood or to make compost. Just ask the gardener or the nearest ornamental plant shop.
- To keep the original tree fresh, it can also rest in a bucket filled with water. The tree can be raised with a brick so that the bucket does not disturb the branches at the base of the tree. Cover the tree support with a wrapped scarf or cloth.
- Buy Christmas ornaments for the following year after the holiday period is over so it's already discounted. There are also many decorations that are exactly the same but different in price.
- If you are bored with the usual decorations, such as those made of glass or plastic, try other alternatives. Pinecones, plastic fruit, and cloth balls are examples. Snowflake decorations made of plastic or glass can be replaced with knitted versions which are not only beautiful but also durable.
- If you're tired of the flashy modern Christmas tree style or the mundane decorations, take a look at pictures in old Christmas interior magazines or books. These ancient ornaments can be found at bargain shops, craft bazaars, or thrift stores, or you can even make your own.
Warning
- Valuable ornaments are often glassware. Ornaments like this don't hang from fragile branches, don't go too far on the outside of the tree, and don't go too low (especially if you have small children and pets).
- There is a risk of burning Christmas trees. Don't use too many decorative lights and don't install real trees in dry places. LED lights are a good choice because they don't heat up and save electricity.
- Plastic ornaments over time can become brittle and break. Careful! Sharp plastic is just as dangerous as sharp glass. Some types of plastic will also smell metallic and chemical. Some cheap metal trims are just as bad.
- Make sure all the long ornaments (strand lights and string decorations) are wrapped properly! Don't stick the ends of the strands out of the tree as small children or pets could get tangled or could pull them, ruining the arrangement or knocking the tree down!
