• Christmas Tree Decorating

    For most people, the only description for their Christmas tree decorating is "eclectic." They have a little bit of everything. There's the exquisite glass ornament that's been in the family for generations. Right next to it is a Rudolph with real lighting nose that you received as a gift. Around the corner is a popcorn ball.

    This is great. It's a look everyone understands, and people enjoy inspecting the tree closely and exclaiming over the details. But from a distance, the tree may not look like much. It doesn't have a style or theme or scheme that draws it all together as a single decoration. If that's something you want to do, here are 10 suggestions.

    Color

    Pick a single color or set of colors and stick with it. Hang a tree with all red balls, or all red and silver, or all green and gold. Remember there are lots of different reds and greens and blues out there; so it may take some work to make sure the colors truly match. But viewed at a distance of 10 feet, a tree like this can be a stunning, unified decoration.

    Bells

    Decorate your entire Christmas tree with bells in all different colors. Get strings of small bells to run along the boughs. Add larger silver or red bells periodically. The bells don't have to be functional. They can even be flat cutouts. But the bell theme can draw the tree together.

    Ribbons and Bows

    Ribbons and bows can make your tree look like a giant Christmas present all on its own. You can decide between satin ribbons and bows for a glossy effect, or cloth ribbons and bows for more of an old-fashioned matte finish. Get a large bow for the top piece.

    Snowflakes

    Turn your tree into a winter wonderland. Snowflake ornaments are easy to find and always look great. Or you can make your own, just like you did in grade school. Simple, handmade snowflakes are an inexpensive way to make your tree look fabulous.

    Stars

    Glimmering, glittering, beckoning stars are another great way to decorate your tree. This theme also makes it easy to have the top piece fit in with the rest of the theme.

    Santa's Workshop

    Elves and toys. A sleigh and eight tiny reindeer (or nine if you want Rudolph!) Trains and dolls and bears and rocking horses. All of these combine to make a great theme. You can even add in some glass balls and other traditional ornaments without breaking the theme.

    Nutcrackers

    Nutcrackers come in all shapes and sizes. They're all colorfully decorated and full of character. People your tree with nutcrackers for a charming look.

    Music

    Christmas is a time of music, and musical instruments look elegant. Hang your tree with trumpets and violins and drums and harps. Add some musical notes to complete the effect.

    Christmas Cards

    Do you hate to throw away those lovely Christmas cards each year? With a hole puncher and a bit of ribbon, you can turn them into ornaments and have a tree full.

    Words

    Hang the tree with strings of cut out letters to spell "Joy," "Noel," "Peace," and "Merry Christmas." Throw some ornaments in between as well.