insideKENT Magazine Issue 93 - December 2019 | Page 152

INTERIORS
OH CHRISTMAS TREE CONT.
insideKENT’s Top 10 Tree Trimming Tips
1: Invest in a high-quality tree
Whether opting for faux or real this year, take your
time to check the quality of the tree you select. For
artificial trees, those crafted from high-quality
materials will not only be more sturdy, and therefore
better for hanging your decorations, but also more
durable, meaning they will be an investment for
your future Christmases too. Look for ones that offer
easy set up and storage to prevent unnecessary wear
and tear. If going real, look for those that are well
watered and aren’t already dropping (see more tips
on pg140).
2: Prepare your branches
Preparation really is the key to an eye-catching,
beautiful overall look. With faux trees, take your
time to prepare each individual branch. Separate
each branch, the aim is to fan them out, positioning
and fluffing each one, to make your tree look fuller
and, in many cases, more natural. Don’t be afraid
to bend branches and change directions, and
remember to stand back to view your tree from all
angles. For real trees, don’t be afraid to trim branches
to ensure that it is a good fit and a good shape. But
remember Mother Nature is the best designer, so
don’t get too secateur happy! Although time
consuming, (and not the fun bit!), it will be worth it
when you end up with a perfectly shaped, tree-sized,
blank canvas for your embellishments, however
minimal or elaborate they may be!
3: Choose a Theme
Christmas is a time for colour, wonder and delight,
but many trees end up overdone and confused when
there is no clear theme. By choosing a theme before
your choose your decorations you will have a clear
idea of what you already have, and what you may
need to purchase to realise your vision, and can then
152
get inspired by new decor without going rogue on
the master decor plan. Check out our 2019 decor
trends on pg143.
4: Start with the lights
Unless you have opted for a pre-lit tree (which will
of course save you time and money!), you should
always start your decorating with the lights. It is near
impossible to add these properly after you have
added your decorations. The best way to hang your
lights is to start at the plug end (leaving enough slack
to reach the plug socket). Work upwards, centrally
from the base, wrapping around the trunk and the
sections of branches closest to the trunk, in a spiral
motion until you reach the crown. Once at the top,
spiral your way back down again working further
outwards along the branches. When weaving, the
aim is to have one light under a branch and the next
light over the branch.
5: Choose your decorations wisely
It is always easier to choose your decorations if you
not only have a theme but an overall Christmas
design in mind. Aside from traditional baubles, look
for those that have different shapes; such as ribbons
or drops, textures; such as beads or florals, and sizes,
to allow you the opportunity to harness each branch
and tie-in the decor in other areas of your home,
such as your table setting.
6: Hanging your baubles
Interior design follows the rule of three and tree
decorating in no exception. Don’t place all large
baubles at the base of the tree and small at the
top, it will look bottom heavy, instead cluster your
baubles in sets of three sizes to add to the overall
visual effect. Be adventurous and play with mixing
up colours and pieces for a more dramatic look.
Always start hanging your decorations at the top of
your tree and work your way down and out, to
balance the overall look.
7: Add ribbons, stars or shapes
An expert tip is to layer your Christmas tree with
decorative ribbons, or add larger decorations in a
different materials, such as wire stars, to add
contrasting textures, heights and widths to your
decorations.
8: Add tree picks
Picks are natural-looking decorations, that add subtle
decor accents to your branches to enhance the overall
look of your tree. Look for pre-made items such as
twigs, berries and pinecones, that have bendable
stems for easy positioning. Or embark on a family
Christmas scavenger and foraging hunt to find items
to add to your tree.
9: Crowning glory.
No tree is complete without the right tree topper.
Make sure you choose one that fits the overall theme,
Great Granny’s fairy isn’t going to cut it in and
amongst your contemporary theatrical baubles! Also
ensure that it is in proportion with the size of your
tree and the rest of your decor, a cute tiny star will
be instantly lost on an 8ft broad tree hung with
supersized baubles.
10: Find the right balance
Whilst its hard at Christmas, sometimes less is more.
Consider how many decorations you have, ensure
that they are well-balanced and well spread out and
don’t be afraid to remove some if the look is too
much. In the same vein if you have opted for a
minimalist approach, stand back to ensure that
the tree looks finished rather than half-done, be
brave enough to add a couple more decorations to
complete the look.