TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Decorating a Christmas tree might have seemed easy as a child—just hang the ornaments, put in the lights, and you're done. It's a different story when we're adults and managing our own Christmas trees. We start to realize how many details need to be considered, such as the overall look, matching colors, enough lights, and even those annoying little holes in the tree.
To make the process easier, check out these tips from Kim Garner, Macy's State Street designer and the person behind the Great Tree lighting in Chicago, to make your Christmas tree more aesthetically pleasing:
1. Decide on a Christmas Tree Style
Before purchasing ornaments, decide on the style of tree you want. Garner usually asks for a few adjectives to start with, such as:
Classic traditional: red, white, checkered patterns.
Elegant: metallic ornaments and round glass.
Modern cheerful: unique colors or a specific theme.
Use these keywords to find inspiration on Pinterest or Google Images, such as "rustic Christmas tree" or "discoball Christmas tree."
2. Determine a Color Scheme
You're free to use any colors, but establishing a "color story" will make the result more aesthetically pleasing. Garner recommends a maximum of three to four colors to enhance the beauty of your Christmas tree.
For example, if you've chosen red and white as your primary colors, Garner says gold accents can help complete the look of your Christmas tree.
Or, you could opt for something more luxurious and modern, with a color scheme of gold, silver, black, and white. If you want something a little softer and less traditional, Garner recommends pastel colors, like light blue, purple, or pink, paired with silver.
"Think about what colors appeal to you and best complement your furniture, style, and other decor," Garner says, as quoted by Real Simple.
3. Trim the Christmas Tree Before Decorating
Make sure the tree is in good shape and fluffy, whether it's a real or artificial tree. If your Christmas tree is a little crumpled from being tied to the roof of your car or stored in a storage box, trim it to freshen it up. Also trim any drooping or bent branches to give the tree a fuller appearance before adding ornaments.
4. Decorate the Entire Christmas Tree
Don't just decorate the front of the tree. Garner emphasizes the importance of filling the entire perimeter and inside of the tree to add visual depth.
"I recommend placing round glass ball ornaments inside the tree to add color and sparkle," says Garner. Add ribbon from the inside of the tree outward for texture.
5. The Bottom of the Christmas Tree Is Ornamental-Free
The bottom of the Christmas tree is an exception to the rule of decorating the entire tree. Why? To maintain a clean appearance and reduce the risk of ornaments being damaged, avoid hanging ornaments below the lowest branches.
According to designers, this also helps the tree appear more lifted, rather than drooping. A tidy bottom area will make the overall tree decorations appear more aesthetically pleasing and balanced, especially when viewed from a distance or in photographs.
6. Use a Sturdy Christmas Tree Stand
A stable tree stand prevents the tree from looking lopsided or toppling over. Hide the stand with a Christmas tree "skirt" or "collar." For small trees, you can even place a stand inside a basket for a more aesthetic look.
7. Personalize According to Family Traditions
The best Christmas tree is one that reflects you and your family. Add ornaments that have sentimental value, including gifts from loved ones, homemade decorations, or annual traditions like candy canes or dried oranges.
Read: 10 Iconic and Most Beautiful Christmas Trees Around the World
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
