GLOWING CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING
My sister’s glowing Christmas tree and mantle decorating are meant to be seen by the world and I am happy she agreed to a Christmas home tour where she is sharing how she accomplishes some of her amazing Christmas decorating.
She and her family get a real tree each year now that the kids are older. May I present my sister Sandra who could easily be an interior decorator. My heart melts each year when I see her Christmas tree and I think yours will too. This is Part 1. Enjoy the show!
This is a real tree that is about 11 oar 12 feet tall. Of course an artificial tree can be used. Caution it must be a very strong tree to hold up all these lights.
Sandra, how do you get the lights to look so beautiful every year? How exactly do you do it?
First step is the lights. Start at the bottom of the tree. Wrap the lights around each branch starting near the trunk working you way out to the tip of each branch. Then, work your way back on the same branch or the one next to it, level by level around the tree until that level of branches are complete. Move up to the next level of branches at the trunk only. Never extend a string of light upwards unless you are at the trunk of the tree. This is so the following layer (steps) can be easily applied.
How many lights are there on this tree Sandra?
This year’s tree has 4,700 clear mini lights. The most I have done is about 5, 500.
Next step….Ribbon
Add Ribbon. I used Gold, Silve
Weaving the ribbon
Weave the ribbon through the branches in a wave-like pattern. Again, starting on the inside and working around the tree. You can move between levels as needed to create balance. Switch ribbon styles and colors to create balance as well. I don’t bring the ribbon out to the tips of the branches. This layer is an inside layer to this design.
Beads
Next add beads. I used clear and opaque clear strings of beads. These are shiny and create shimmer. They are hung in an overlapping pattern. Secure the string with a green twist tie or green wire. Hang from tips of the branch, let the string of beads drop without hitting any branches (so they hang freely and somewhat swing) and secure to another tip. Continue this top to bottom until you are happy with the look.
Next layer…add ornaments.
Start on the inside of the tree with basic glass balls. Gold and silver. I use tons of these! They create a lot of depth in the tree and with so many lights it helps the tree glisten. Then, add additional ornaments as usual. Gold, silve
There’s sweet Annabelle sleeping on a Christmas cloud of Comfort and Joy. Close up of some of the gold, silver, white, and clear ornaments.
Skirt the tree…
Skirt the tree with whatever you like and a tree-topper of your choice. This year I went with a huge bow and lit it up with a small bulb and a snow skirt.
“Huge bow Christmas tree topper lit up with a small bulb.”
Sandra’s Christmas tree makes the magic of Christmas come alive.
If you liked Glowing Christmas tree decorating, on Sunday, December 23rd, when you have a minute to kick your feet up on the recliner, stop back for Christmas Mantle decorating ideas. I promise not to disappoint and for now…
~ MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY ~
See Part 2 of Glowing Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas and How-To Guide – The Mantle
Wow…Look at all these kind comments. I cannot thank you enough. I enjoy sharing this experience with others. It definitely makes it all worthwhile. I hope to inspire others to change it up…if only for one Holiday Season. I have to admit it is a huge task.
Do I have the energy for it this year? Each season… The same question for me. My answer is always…Yes, I should. For one day I will be too old to hike up that ladder and dive into that tree.
Your dedication to your beautiful tree every year and how you decorate it is just one of the things I admire about you.
Wow! So many lights! The tree looks great! All that work definitely paid off.
Sandra’s tree is really quite something to behold each year, I agree. Have a nice day.
This is one of the prettiest trees I’ve ever seen! Truly an inspiration! I think this year I will kick it up a notch and add similar lights. Wow. thanks so much for sharing this lovely and beautiful tree!
Your welcome! Each year, Sandra’s Christmas trees are something special and I was so happy she shared it with us.
That tree is stunning when it’s lit up! And that cute little face laying under it, is to die for!
Merry Christmas Sue to you and your family, hope you have a great time these holly days!
Thanks for stopping Olga, I will be sure to visit you again.
Your sister’s tree is indeed magical! She must enjoy stringing the lights — that is my least favorite part of decorating the tree. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial and the beautiful end result.
Merry Christmas!
Debra
Hi Debra. I think one of your Dolls In The Looking Glass would look perfect on the cloud tree skirt. I will come over to visit you soon.
Merry Christmas
WOW! I can’t even imagine that kind of patience. It looks incredible though! How long does it take to take it all off?
Hi Alecia – Sandra says it takes about 4 hours to take down, so that’s not bad and about normal. Thanks for stopping in during this busy time of year.
Gorgeous!!! One thing I miss out on, being Jewish, is a Christmas tree – I love all the lights and sparkle of the holidays! And that song is the best, isn’t it? Merry Christmas to you, my new friend of 2012~ so glad we met (virtually).
I am the most thankful and happiest that I met you especially this year too. Looking forward to you new group now too. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah Sharon.
Yes your sisters tree is just amazing!!!! I think I need to add strings of beads next year i love that look. One of the pretties trees I have seen this season. She had great how to tips thanks for sharing. I just posted my tree, not as large or as many lights but still pretty too. Have a wonderful holiday, Laura
Hi Laura, I am so happy you enjoyed the tree and how-to guide. I am going to do a tree like this next year too. I am coming over to see your tree now.
Wow that tree is totally Awesome.
Nesxt year I will have to get a real tree and do the same. What a great how to do post.
Also I love that Merry Christmas Song you posted.
Great Job and Cheer.
Awe….love your comment Tim! The Jimmy Fallon Christmas video makes me happy every time I watch it.