Decorating Tips
GLITZ AND GLAM
2007 CHRISTMAS SEASON
-A GUIDE ON HOW TO DECORATE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE-
FROM HOME DÉCOR OUTLET
It’s all about the “Glitz and Glam” this 2007 holiday season. Everything that glitters is not just gold anymore. Rich jewel tones are the newest colors for Christmas decorations. Bright reds with lime greens, and electric blues with copper and chocolate brown are the most popular colors in today’s retail market.
TIP#1: Exciting color combinations will make your Christmas tree look as if it were professionally decorated.
DECORATING TIPS TO ADD COLOR TO YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
1. A complimentary color scheme is two colors that are opposite on the color wheel like red and green. The secret to achieving this look is to pick out a duo-color combination at a ratio of about 80-20 or 90-10. For instance, the amount of green you put on your tree may be 80-90 and the red may only be 10-20 (or vice/versa). Using this ratio will allow you to make one color stand out more than the other and you will create a surprisingly, gorgeous Christmas tree that will knock the stockings off your family and neighbors.
2. An analogous color scheme is three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel like red, orange, and yellow. One of these colors is used predominantly verses the other two. The secret to achieving this look is to pick out three colors (next to each other on the color wheel) at a ratio of about 60-30-10. For instance, you may choose to use the colors red, rust, and gold on your tree. Any one of these colors could be chosen to be the predominant color. The ratio could be 60% red, 30% rust, and 10% gold. Just remember that color has visual weight. By choosing the correct amount of color, you will be successful in making your tree look as if it was professionally decorated.
TIP#2: The way ornaments and greenery are placed on your tree plays an important role in creating depth. Think of your tree as a 3-D image.
DECORATING TIPS TO CHOOSING AND PLACING ORNAMENTS AND GLITTER STEMS ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
1. Choose ornaments that are different shapes, colors, and textures. Ornaments come in all kinds of different shapes like round, finial-shaped, and even oversized. The bigger the ornament the less quantity you’ll need on your tree. When placing ornaments on your tree, wrap the loop of the ornament around the stem of the tree until the loop disappears. By doing this, you are showing off the ornaments, not the loops. The ornaments will be very stable as if they were tied onto the tree.
2. Choose a variety of sizes and shapes of glitter stems and you will be sure to add depth to your tree. We always suggest purchasing more glitter stems than ornaments because this adds multi-layers of glitz and glam that will cover your trees stems. This makes your tree appear to be loaded with decorations. Always place the glitter stems on your tree in order from longest to shortest. Leave the longer pieces of glitter stems sticking out of the tree further than the shorter pieces. Putting the longer pieces on first, will create layers and will not get covered up later by shorter pieces.
3. Lavish and colorful ribbon can also glam up your tree. For a 6’ to 9’ tree, I use two rolls of ribbon that are 10 yards each. You can certainly add more rolls of ribbon, but this is enough ribbon to make your tree look very glamorous. Try using a combination of different sized ribbon in colors that will compliment your tree. For instance, try a combination of a strong-colored, shiny, solid 2”ribbon with a heavy, textured 6”ribbon that has a pattern. I like to put ribbon on the tree first before anything else, but some designers will tell you that they like to put the ribbon on last. I guess it is just a preference. Wrap the stems around the ribbon to hold it on the tree. You want your ribbon to be loose, not tight so it pulls. It needs to be a very relaxed look. I always start at the top and work my way down swaying slightly back and forth. When I get to the bottom, I will then secure the ribbon by wrapping a stem tightly to hold and run the ribbon slightly tight (as not to hang) across the bottom of the tree and then run it up the other side. Next, I take my second kind of ribbon and start at the top in between the other two lines of ribbon and repeat the process.
4. Tree toppers are the focal point of your tree. This is where glitz and glam are of the utmost importance. Once you have chosen the glitter pieces for your tree, buy a few extra of two or three kinds of the glitter stems that you have chosen to create your tree topper. Use the same color ratio according to the color scheme of your tree for your tree topper. Creating your tree topper is definitely a separate entity when buying materials for your tree. Think of your tree topper as the icing on the cake. The longer pieces will create a light airy feeling while the shorter pieces will help achieve a layered look and fill in empty spots. This time, you need to put your shorter pieces on first and then add the longer pieces according to size. Use the stems of the tree to wrap around some of the heavier stems. Create your tree topper after you have finished decorating the rest of your tree. It is possible to create your tree topper before it goes onto the tree, but you may need a piece of heavy gage wire to help tie it on. Again, it is your preference. Using this technique will create a showstopper tree topper that you will want to leave up all year.
HOME DÉCOR OUTLET
WRITTEN BY TARINA BELLM
NOV. 2007
