Tips for Decorating a Palm Tree for Christmas

Christmas is a holiday full of traditions. However, sometimes it is refreshing to break from tradition and try something new for a change. Instead of a traditional evergreen, consider decorating a palm tree this Christmas. Not only will decorating a palm tree allow you to celebrate Christmas from a tropical perspective, it will also help relieve some of the winter blues. Here is a complete guide to selecting and decorating your Christmas palm tree.

Selecting a Palm Tree

If you live in a place like Southern California or Florida, you can easily find a small palm tree at your local home improvement store or greenhouse. However, this could be quite a challenge in many parts of the country. Not to worry. For those who live in cooler climates, an artificial palm tree is the perfect solution. This can also be a great idea for warm weather dwellers since it can be easily packed up and stored away. There are many places to find an artificial palm tree for Christmas. Sites like Nextag let you search and compare prices on artificial palm trees. On average, a 5 to 7 foot tall palm tree costs about $150 to $200. Most come pre-lit and ship for free.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Selecting the perfect location depends entirely on your home and preferences. Think of where you normally put your Christmas tree every year. Be sure to select a spot close an electric outlet so you can plug in the lights. The best thing about a palm tree is its small size compared to the typical Christmas evergreen. This will give you more flexibility as you decide on the perfect place to showcase your tropical holiday masterpiece.

Selecting Decorations for your Palm Tree

Now that your palm tree is in the perfect place, you can spruce it up with some tropical decorations. If you have decided to go with an artificial tree, you will first need a get a tree skirt to hide the ugly metal or plastic base. You may have a hard time finding one that goes with your theme. Instead, consider making your own out of a sand colored fabric from a craft store.

The great thing about decorating a palm tree is the limited number of branches to adorn. You will only need a handful of ornaments. When selecting the perfect palm tree ornaments, think of the things that remind you of the beach like seashells, flip-flops, sunglasses, and sea life. Here are some ideas for ornaments:

- Drill a hole in some large seashells that you collected on your last family vacation. Run fishing line or ribbon through the hole to make a loop.

- Find a pair of toddler-sized flip-flops. Spray paint them a bright tropical color and decorate them with glitter or colored Sharpie markers. Use fishing line or ribbon to tie a loop for hanging.

- Visit you local dollar store or the party favor aisle of a department store for cheap pairs of brightly colored sunglasses. Fold the legs in and tie a loop around the center of the glasses.

Creating a Tropical Atmosphere

Now that your palm tree is decorated, you can expand your beach theme by add some finishing touches. If you have room, add a couple of beach chairs on either side of the tree. You can also add some other props like an inflated beach ball or beach toys. Enhance the mood of your Christmas beach theme by playing an oceans sound CD softly in the background.

Decorating the Presents

It certainly isn't Christmas without presents. Of course, typical wrapping paper will not work. Instead, purchase some light or ocean blue wrapping paper. Spruce up the presents by letting your kids decorate them. For a mess free project, put beach themed clipart into a word document and print. You can then let your kids cut out the images and stick them to the outside of the wrapped presents with a glue stick.

Decorating a palm tree this Christmas can offer a fun alternative way to celebrate the holidays. Not only will this provide a great way to enhance your holiday experience, but it provides a exciting interactive way for you kids to become more involved in preparing your home for the Christmas season.

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