CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TIPS - JUST FOR FUN!

Tree decorating themes vary widely according to individual tastes. For instance, many people like to decorate with a specific color or color combination. Here are a few basic tips, which may be helpful to you.

The suggested sequence for decorating a tree is as follows:

  1. Lights
  2. Garland
  3. Tree Trims
  4. Ornaments
  5. Tree Top and Skirts
    6.

Tree Trim Tips

Tree Height
Miniature Lights
# of Bulbs
Feet of
Garland
Novelty Tree Trim
& Ornaments
2'

35 to 40

24" to 3'

30 pieces
3'

70 to 80

36" to 4'

42 pieces
4'

200 to 400

50' to 55"

35-50 pieces
6'

400 to 600

85' to 90'

50-75 pieces
7'

500 to 700

100' to 110'

75-100 pieces
8'

600 to 800

130' to 145'

175-225 pieces
10'

800 to 1000

185' to 200'

200-300 pieces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Garland Decorating
Garland
Required
  

Regular Doorway

18' to 25'

  

Double Doorway

20' to 35'

  

Small Picture Window

18' to 25'

  

Large Picture Window

20' to 35'

  

Fireplace Mantle

18' to 25'

  

Ceiling Decorations

50' to 100'

  
 

C-7 & C-9 Lights*:

To calculate the amount of C-7 and C-9 lights for your tree, you may want to do the following:

Height X Diameter (divided by 2) for trees up to 7 feet.
Height X Diameter (divided by 3) for trees 7 1/2 feet and up.

For example, a 6 foot tree with a diameter of 45 inches would be as follows:

6 X 45 (divided by 2) = 135 lights

*Not all C-7 and C-9 lights are approved for artificial trees, but Cool Bright by GE is a good choice. Always check packaging.

Do's and Don'ts of Lights:

Never hook mini lights and C-7s or C-9s end to end. Connect only the same light sets together. They must be on their own outlet. This is also true when hooking your treetop to your light sets. The 3 outlet cords work very well in this situation. Do not hook more than 3 sets of lights together end to end. This can cause overloaded to circuits and may blow fuses in your light sets. Some lights are commercial grade and you can connect up to six lights together. (Check packaging). Discard damaged sets (broken/cracked sockets, frayed/bare wires or loose connectors). Turn off all indoor lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

Use Your Artificial Tree Year-Round

No need to put your tree away after the Christmas season! Here are some ideas for year-round use of your artificial tree. Use your imagination and create.

Valentine's Tree: Red heart-shaped lights (or miniature red or white lights) along with heart garland, silk roses, baby's breath, heart-shaped ornaments, cherubs, red and white ribbon.

St. Patrick's Tree: Green shamrock garland or ribbon, shamrock ornaments, shamrock-shaped lights (or green miniature lights), leprechauns, Irish ornaments.

Easter Tree: Eggs of course! Also egg-shaped lights in pastel colors (or pastel miniature lights), baby "chick" feathered birds, nests, bunnies, egg-shaped ornaments, Fill clear plastic egg containers with jelly beans for ornaments.

Patriotic Tree (for Memorial Day or 4th of July): Stars and stripes garland, twinkle star lights (or miniature red, white or blue lights), star-shaped ornaments, red-white-and-blue ornaments, bows and flags.

Halloween Tree: Pumpkin lights, cats, brooms, orange and black ribbons, orange and black ornaments, clear plastic ornaments filled with candy corn.

Harvest/Thanksgiving Tree: Berry picks, gold lights, fall leaves, sheaves of wheat, ornaments made of straw, assorted fruit and nut ornaments.

Collectibles Tree: Showcase your favorite collectibles by decorating your tree with collectibles and coordinating trims.

Nature Tree: Decorate with birds, nests, raffia and flowers. Our natural looking trees are an excellent addition to a log home, a rustic great room, den or patio.