FAMILY TREE TIME

A: There’s nothing quite like the wonder and excitement of kids at Christmas. And decorating the tree always put my children over the moon when they were little.

Decorating the tree is a group effort (as much as possible). Here are a few tips to guarantee a lovely effect.

 

Have your children come up with a theme that would be fun to build around. Make suggestions based on what you already have and check out what’s in stores.

 

Place your tree securely in a stand close to an electrical outlet and start with the lights. Some artificial trees are already strung, which is helpful. If you are stringing the lights yourself, work from top to bottom. Position a few lights so that they will show off the tree topper.

 

Tuck some inside of the branches as you work around the tree to add sparkle and depth.

The tree garland is next. I like to use wire ribbon as it is easy to place around the branches and holds its shape. Choose a ribbon that matches your theme.

 

Now for the ornaments. I divide my collection into three groups: solid coloured balls that act as background, accent ornaments in different shapes such as cones or stars, and the theme ornaments.

 

The last group may change each year or you might have more than one tree. The theme ornaments tell the story of the tree. It could be a winter theme featuring miniature snowmen, sleds, skates and icicles, or a toy theme with rocking horses, toy soldiers, tiny teddy bears and dolls, or a theme built around colour.

 

The tree shown has red and white colour scheme that I used throughout the house. The theme also features soft toys and figures that children love. Hang soft toy ornaments on the lowest branches so children can touch, remove and rehang them. It really brings the tree alive.

 

Placing kid friendly toys and blocks under the tree also helps fill the days until Santa comes.

 

You can make a tree topper from colourful picks, sprays and sprigs gathered together and secured with ribbon. Sprays are good for filling in any spaces, as are fat ribbon bows.

 

Continue your tree theme onto a table, buffet or mantel. Build up a story with green garlands, holly and winter figures. How about a snowman and Santa lying on their tummies looking over the edge of the mantel, waiting as expectantly as the children?

 

Take advantage of a wall mirror to double the impact of a beautiful wreath. Look for suction cup fasteners instead of wire to secure to the mirror. Complete the scene with candles. Buy and place all candles in safe, heatproof containers, and only light them when you will be in the room.

 

Have a safe, happy and loving Christmas.