Trim a Tree

 I have said that  I have a  hard time decorating for Thanksgiving  because I LOVE decorating for Christmas. Well, I was not exaggerating.  I put up both of our trees this past week and love them!

        Now,  I realize that to many decorating a tree may be a no brainer... But to others, a  little help wouldn't hurt. So here is a little step-by-step breakdown.
     First things first, put on the twinkle lights, and make sure they are evenly distributed.

 * Remember, if the back of your tree is not exposed,  you do not need to decorate it! Lights                included,  I simply go back and forth and  save  myself lights and trouble of going around the back. 
 * Remember to know where your power source is, and plan  accordingly.

You can use traditional spray snow, from a can, (only a few bucks at Walmart)  OR you can do what  I did, I took extra boughs from an old tree and spray painted them white.

Adding the white  I think make a huge difference,  it creates contrast and I like it.

      Do not under estimate the impact that  ribbon can add  to a tree! It can cover a lot of space for just a few bucks.  It also breaks up the space, you want a variety of sizes, textures, and shapes,  ribbon helps achieve this!

   At Sam's Club you can get a 50 YARD roll for $7.00!  In the event you don't price ribbon, you should know this is an amazing deal!  They have a ton of colors and patterns to choose from.  I had MORE than enough to cover my entire tree, a few garlands and still had extra.

I also  used the  new popular product  wide mesh ribbon.
     *Instead of using the mesh as ribbon,  I actually  cut it into sections (a few feet each), and then   gathered the ends with pipe cleaners.  Then wired the pipe cleaners into the tree.  It created the illusion of going around the tree,  with  using a minimal amount.

    When you add your large decorations, make sure you spread them out evenly.

(That is why  I add all my large pieces all at once. It is easier to make it balanced.)

  I got all of these decorations for only a dollar a peice.  If you price large ornaments,  you know that even the cheapest ones are easily $5.00 a peice.
 

 These are also Dollar Tree Ornaments!

   This is my favorite part, adding   the accent color. I  suggest  using three colors when decorating your tree.  I would use two classic colors that can easily be used year to year.  Then for your "Pop Color"  you can go trendy and not need to replace your entire tree as trends or styles change.

Each of  these were  a dollar or less each. When you are willing to put in a little elbow grease you can really  add the WOW factor to your tree.

    Ok, so NOW is the time to use the normal size ornaments!  You can get these sleeves for only $1, again at Dollar Tree!  Go through and fill in all the small gaps, don't be afraid to layer as well.



EXTRA CREDIT:
     If you feel like being a little ridiculously over the top,  you an add decoration that extends out beyond the tree.  I think  this last step can really  take the tree to the next level!

 The end result ?  A picture perfect tree!

  Have fun, and enjoy preparing for the Holiday Season! 

                                                                              Corey