Do You Really Need Tinsel? - Tips for Trimming Your Tree

When it comes to decorating your tree, there is such a thing as too much. How can you achieve an elegant, festive look without sacrificing fun? How many lights should you use for a 9-foot tree? And what's tinsel for? Here are some tips for trimming your tree to perfection.

How Many Lights Do I Need on My Tree?

The way you place your lights as well as the amount and style of lights you use can greatly change the appearance of your evergreen beauty. Whether you are using an artificial tree or the real deal, you need to start with the lights. Save yourself trips to the store by doing a simple calculation. To find out how many strings of lights you need, you should measure the tree's width at the fattest point and multiple that by 8; take this answer and multiple it by the height of your tree. This will give you a rough, but fairly accurate number that will help you figure out how many strands you will need before you are in the middle of the project and find yourself coming up short.

Choices for Lights

Many trees come pre-lit, but if you are the ambitious type, or always buy live trees, than choosing lights can become quite the decision. If you want shaped lights (e.g. poinsetta shaped lights), than you should stick with just those. If you are using mini lights, you can string them in doubles around your tree, by alternating the multi, clear, and blue ones in a pattern that suits your sense of style the best. It's generally not possible to over-do the lights, but make sure you push them into the branches sufficiently so that you can see their glow without making it difficult to hang ornaments.

Ornaments

The best effect is achieved by sticking to themes. Many people just slap on all of the ornaments they have available, including homemade ones that have long lost their decorative touch. Toss away broken ornaments, and clean off ones that have gotten dusty during their hibernation. Even though green ornaments may look nice alone, when you place them on a green tree, they are basically lost. So think ahead when taking out your ornaments and leave the ones that will likely not add to the tree's glory.

When working with a theme, you can stray from the standard look a little by adding a few random ornaments that you love in your collection. You don't have to hang up all the ornaments you own every year; it's good to rotate their use and thus create a completely different looking tree each year.

Tinsel

Tinsel is probably the worst invention since light-up shoes. It presents a choking hazard to small children and pets, and falls apart very easily. If you love tinsel, than make sure to use a higher-quality type that will stay together, and spare it from the lower branches.