4. Getting your decorations in order
Once you have all of your holiday decoration boxes out, it can be confusing to know what to start with. For Blackwell and her team of elves, the order is simple -- start with the lights, then follow with the treetop decoration, next the garland and, lastly, the ornaments.
Though putting your treetop decoration on when you start trimming, rather than as the crowning touch when you finish, can feel a little counter-traditional, it really does make sense. Decorating in this order means there is less risk for bumping or breaking your ornaments.
5. Let there be light
If you're struggling with one bulb blowing out then the whole strand going out, Blackwell suggests investing in a new set. "There are new strands of lights you can buy where this isn't a factor." Pre-lit artificial trees are also available.
So how many lights do you need? Blackwell recommends using 100 lights for every foot of your tree. She also says that she and her elves zigzag the lights in and out of the branches, from the tree trunk to the branch tips, rather than just going around the outer edge. The lights within the tree give it depth.
It also helps to have the lights on as you work so that you can see any dark patches and adjust accordingly.
6. Around and around the garland goes
According to About.com you will need approximately nine feet of garland per foot of your tree, but it's always a good idea to have a little extra on hand (you can always use it to decorate in another area of the house if you don't use it).
7. There is really no right or wrong way to put garland on your tree
It just depends on personal preference. Here are a few alternatives to just wrapping your garland around the tree:
• swag your garland on alternating branches for a more traditional style
• double or triple up the garland using different colours
• cut the garland into long pieces (using the height of your tree as a guide) and then anchor the pieces to the top of your tree and run them down the sides
• choose a different type of garland: ribbon, beads, tinsel, popcorn, etc.
Page 2 of 3 -- Bonus holiday tips for parents on page 3.
