How to Hang an Upside Down Christmas Tree

Looking at having an upside down Christmas tree this year? It might be helpful to know how to hang one. An upside down Christmas tree might also be a good idea for you if you have a toddler at home, in which case, a tree hanging from the ceiling, out of reach, would probably be a great idea. Just follow this guide to hang an ordinary (artificial) Christmas tree upside down from your ceiling

1. Measure the height of your tree and your topper (make sure your topper will hook on to the tree and not fall of when your tree is upside down.) Then measure the height of your toddler when his or her arms are stretched above their head. Be sure to add about 6 inches to this measurement, to be sure to keep the tree well above their heads. Add these two measurements together. Subtract this combined measurement from the distance between your ceiling and floor. The number you have left is the amount of chain you will need to buy.

2. Now it's off to the hardware store. Be sure you know about how much your tree and all the decorations will weigh, and take this into account when looking at the maximum weight loads of your chain, screw eye and quick links. You will need all of the items on the following shopping list: A sturdy chain in the length you determined above; 2 quick links and a screw eye that can hold the weight you estimated. The following are items that you might, but do not necessarily need: a long extension cord, stud finder, 1 ceiling hook, fishing line and multi purpose wire. Be sure that your two quick links are able to fit over the screw head, or you may run into some trouble down the road. Check this by unscrewing the quick link and hooking it over the screw head. Hook the quick links one to either end of the chain and head to the checkout.

3. Once at home, it is best to gather all of your tools into one area. If you have a flat ceiling and your stepladder does not reach, move your tree closer to the wall. If your ceiling, however, is sloped, use your adjustable ladder and place it under where you want your tree to hang. You will need your stud finder, chain, drill with an extension cord that can reach the ceiling, screw eye, pencil and screwdriver. Once at the top of the ladder use the stud finder to find a stud to stud to place the screw eye in. Once you have found one mark the spot with the pencil. Using a drill with a 1/8 bit or less, drill a pilot hole where you marked. Put the screwdriver through the screw eye and screw it in until the eyelet touches the ceiling. Attach one of the quick links to the screw eye so that you have a chain hanging from your ceiling. You can get off the ladder now. Use pliers and your multi purpose wire attach your base to the chain. Take the base off of the chain and hook the first level of your tree to it. Run the wire over the branches, attaching them to the base so that they will not close when you hang the tree upside down. Test it again. If it still works take it down and following the same procedure attach the rest of the branches. When you are done you should have your tree set up, as it normally would be, with the branches wired to the previous layer. Make sure all your lights work and put them on the tree, fastening them as you go. Be sure that your tree looks fine on the ground before hanging it up.

4. Now you are ready to hang your tree. With the help of someone else and the stepladder attach your tree to the quick link the same way you attached it when it was just the base. 5. Drill a pilot hole in the wall to place your ceiling hook. Make sure it is close to the wall, as it will be holding your extension cord. Screw the hook into the wall. You are now ready to decorate and put the finishing touches on your tree.

6. Enjoy!

Sources: http://www.ehow.com/how_4623581_christmas-tree-upside-down-ceiling.html