KAY ELLEN | DESIGN: November 2011

Hello Friends!

Have you started your holiday tree?

I thought it would be fun to write out a few questions I have received by email and share them with you all as the holiday time is upon us.

Helpful hints to decorate a custom feeling detailed Christmas Tree.

Questions & Answers

How many lights should I use on a 8ft tree?

If you are using small white twinkle lights, I personally like 100 lights per foot of the tree...My suggestion would be if you have an 8ft tree I would buy 8 boxes of lights = 800 lights.

If you are mixing different size lights to your tree cut the formula in half, 400 smalls and 400 large lights...alternatae the lights as you add them to your tree.

Some of you may like the new LED twinkle lights...I am not a fan of them because they give off a strange blue tint in the house....so I would strongly suggest if you like these lights or already own them I would use them outdoors.

Would you share a step by step to complete a holiday tree?

Of course, we just talked about the lights and the next element I would add would be some sort of netting or fabric to the tree.

I start at the top of the tree and weave fabric like garland in a zig zag motion, side to side until I reach the bottom of the tree. I would say an artful zig zag not percise.

Be creative as you add your elements. It's your house and your tree. Follow the other questions below and you will be able to have an overview of the way I design holiday trees.

I love bows but I am not sure how to add them into my tree?

I would add bows right after the lights and fabric element is added in to the tree.

I like to make "tail bows" for my trees. This consist of three loops and two tails. You can save alot of yardage and money making this style bow for your tree.

The best resource for ribbon is Costco and Sams Club. They have great holiday ribbons in large bolts all season long. I like to use 2-3 different ribbons to make bows and vary their sizes in a tree. Try to set aside extra ribbon for garland or wreaths for the mantel and presents for under your tree.

For the placement of the bows you can use the same concept as the fabric idea I shared above. I start at the top of the tree and artfully zig zag and place the bows as you make your way down to the bottom of the tree.

What size ornaments should I put on the tree first?

You should always place the largestest items first on your tree after the lights, ribbons, fabric and bows are installed.

Large scaled items can be anything you want them to be....silk poinsettas, branches, grapevine wreaths, large scale candy canes, birdcages, musical instruments~~~whatever your hearts desire is for the theme of your tree. Make sure you have enough large scale items to make a statement. For an 8 ft tree I would suggest six to twelve pieces. If you only want to focus on one large item I would place that piece at the top of the tree to make it your tree topper.

After all your large scaled items are added to your tree start mixing in your meduims then last but not least your small oranments.

I do not own a tree skirt, what do you use at the bottom of your trees at your home or for your customers?

If you do not own a tree skirt you can use anything to cover the bottom of your tree. I like the base of the holiday tree to compliment the decor theme.

Here are a few examples....like this photo above I used gold fabric and shimmering gold netting. A very simple and elegant solution. A few yards of burlap would work great for a garden themed tree. A lace tablecloth for a vintage tree. A wonderful quilt or a great plaid blanket for a tradition feeling Christmas Tree.

I can't handle a large tree anymore, they are to big and bulky for my little condo. What kind of trees do you use in small areas?

Have you consider a tabletop tree? I have several clients that love this concept.Very easy to put up and the elements are on a small scale. You will not have to move the entire room around to accommodate this sort of tree.

If you want the smell of a live tree you can purchase fresh mini trees or ready to plant small trees at any gardening center. Some super store locations will deliver and set up any size tree for a fee. You can scout out and shop at a vintage or thrift store for a second hand silk tree. Forget Me Not Antiques in Riverside has several trees for sale for the holidays. If you want to buy a new silk tree Lowes, Home Depot, Ikea and Target have a nice assortment.

These trees are usally 2-3 feet tall and are great for smaller scaled themed items and show off nicely on a tabletop area of your home.

Here are a few suggestions on placement of ideas for a mini tree...Tea carts, pedestals, buffet or credenzas... they look great on a staircase landing, just make sure where ever you place a mini tree you have electricity.

I personally love the idea of small trees. I have a few in my home. A Partridge in a Pear Tree themed tree on a pedestal in my guest bathroom, a Scottie Dog tree sitting on our kitchen island and shown above is my Paris Tea Tree greeting friends on a music table in the entry way.

I bought a flocked tree last year and my decorations disappreared on the branches. What did I do wrong?

Flocked trees have a bolder look before you add any adornments to the branches. My suggestion if you are looking for a striking look add bold colored ribbons and large scale ornaments so they will stand out on the tree. My other thought would be to keep the tree sparse only add creative one color ornaments and go over board on the twinkle lights ~~~ this will add extra sparkle on the flocked branches.