Creating the Perfect Christmas Tree

Christmas trees can be very spectacular, very solemn or totally personal. It all depends on what you want to do. Here are a few ideas to get you going.

Creating the perfect tree, Suggestion One: If you have a whole load of keepsake ornaments, by all means, use them! It speaks of your family, heritage and personality.

Creating the perfect tree, Suggestion Two: Theme decorations can be lots of fun. If your main interest is animals, there is no shortage of animal ornaments everywhere you look. Dollar stores have an impressive selection. You can hang cats, dogs, birds, fish and every other creature you can name on the perfect tree for you.

Creating the perfect tree, Suggestion Three: Color themes can be quite stunning. You can use the colors of your home in your ornaments and create a colorful blend. If you have knotty pine walls, for example, there are lots of wooden ornaments that will fit right in. If you have a fireplace, dark red ornaments can set the color of bricks off in a very attractive way. You can also hang the stockings by the fireplace and hang miniature ones on the tree. Tiny wrapped packages also make an easy and festive décor.

Creating the perfect tree, Suggestion Four: Colors can be very important to your decorating scheme. Lights come in every color from white to red to blue to yellow, etc. With sparkling strands of light, you can either add ornaments of a similar or contrasting color or just tinsel to create the desired effect. White lights with red ornaments look great. Blue lights with silver and blue ornaments are very attractive, too. Yellow lights with gold garlands can be quite stunning as well.

Creating the perfect tree, Suggestion Five: Small pine cones make wonderful ornaments. If you have pines in your own yard or somewhere close by, a collection of them will add a woodsy touch that can't be beat. A light spray of anything clear (hairspray leaps to mind) and a sprinkle of glitter in different colors can make an impressive display.

Creating the perfect tree, Suggestion Six: Candy canes make a festive addition to any tree. You can use them alone with tinsel or garlands in any color you choose, or add them to a collection of bright, round ornaments. They make a wonderful accent.

Whatever you decide to do, the colors and textures are entirely up to you. Make your Christmas tree a statement about who you are or where you're going, or how your family celebrated Christmas. Enjoy the holidays more as you personalize the tree.