7 tree decorating mistakes you should avoid at all costs, according to designers

Gather the lights and ornaments—Christmas tree season is here. But before you start making fun of yourself tannenbaumthere are some tree decoration Being aware of mistakes.

Without knowing what they are, you may feel like your tree is defoliated, but you can’t tell why. To catch any mistakes before they happen, we enlisted the help of two interior designers who are passionate about Christmas and making sure you bring your vision for your tree to life. Here are common errors and some smart ways to avoid (and fix) them.

Mistake #1: Bad lighting

There’s no shame in needing a refresher How to decorate a Christmas tree– After all it only comes once a year. But what often causes the demise of your cedar is Lamp,

“Lights are the foundation of your tree, so start at the trunk and work outward, wrapping each branch,” says interior designer Magda Calleri.

Without paying attention to where the rays of light fall or trying to get the job done quickly, you can end up with a tree that looks half-finished and disheveled.

“When it comes to shine, more is more,” says Calleri. “Think ‘mini winter wonderland,’ not ‘half-lit motel sign.'” If there are empty spots, don’t be afraid to add another bunch of bulbs.

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Mistake #2: Not fluffing your artificial tree

still best artificial christmas trees If you don’t inflate them properly they may look sad. Interior designer Tammy O’Malley explains that new trees (and those in storage) are compacted and flattened, so they need a little TLC before decorating.

“You need to take the time to fluff each branch individually,” she says. “It may seem tedious, but this step is vital to a tree that looks full and realistic.”

Doing this not only increases the aesthetic appeal of your tree, but also makes it easier to decorate. “Arrange each branch with space between them to allow your decorations to shine,” says O’Malley, otherwise you may find that ornaments and lights may have a hard time fitting in between the branches.

Mistake #3: Using exactly the same jewelry

Buying a pack of ornaments seems like a fail-proof and convenient way to create a cohesive tree, but relying on baubles that are all the same color, texture, and size can make your tree “look like it’s polka-dotted.” Wearing dots,” says Callery.

O’Malley agrees, and notes that this leads to a tree that appears “flat and dull”.

In addition to choosing a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes, O’Malley recommends bringing in “natural materials or unique ornament shapes, such as dried flowers, woven textures, or rattan ornaments.”

Calleri says you can also consider positioning, and “hang ornaments to create depth in the tree, like layers of glitter on the tree.”

Mistake #4: Putting large jewelry near the top

Sticking to the conical shape of the tree ensures that it won’t look top-heavy, which means you should avoid placing large, heavy ornaments at the highest points of the tree. Instead, choose a grouping of small decorations on these branches.

In doing this, O’Malley says you “create a natural flow and ensure the tree feels balanced.” When you get to the bottom of the tree, she recommends using larger ornaments to “ground the design.”

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Bottom

The middle and top part of your tree usually gets the most attention, but don’t forget to pan down and make sure the bottom gets enough attention and an even share of lights and ornaments.

If you skip this part, you risk having a tree that looks incomplete and a bit broken.

“Your tree is not a mullet,” Calleri says. “It shouldn’t be business on top and party on the bottom. Make sure you’re decorating evenly all around!”

Mistake #6: Using up every piece of jewelry you own

If your family collects jewelry or you receive gifts frequently, it may be difficult to leave some in the box. but hang up Everyone Whatever you have, your tree may look like a hodge-podge of conflicting styles.

“Your tree is not a scrapbook of Christmases past,” says Calleri. “Stick to a theme or color palette for a consistent look.”

If you’re having trouble choosing between ornaments, create a rotational schedule and choose a different look each year so every little thing gets its time in the spotlight.

Mistake #7: Forgetting the skirt or base

Just like forgetting to decorate the bottom half, you don’t want to forget the base of your tree.

“A bare tree base can ruin the ambiance,” says Calleri. “Whether it’s a festive tree skirt or a rustic basket, don’t leave the bottom looking like you forgot to dress it up.”

It doesn’t need to be complicated, even a simple fabric or pile of fake snow can create a tree that looks perfect. For artificial trees, this is even more important to create something that looks realistic.

Tips for a Perfectly Decorated Christmas Tree

Here are some tips to help you get the perfect Christmas tree look and avoid any decorating mistakes:

• Plan your design in advance: Before you get into decorating, think about the theme you want to go for this year. Calleri says that “sticking to a plan keeps your tree looking shiny rather than messy.”
• Decorate in layers: Don’t apply everything at once. Start with your lights, then some garland or ribbon, then your ornaments. O’Malley says that this way “you get depth, beauty, and a tree that really feels complete.”
• Take a step back: As you decorate, take time to step back and look at the overall picture to spot any mistakes in progress. “It’s like proofreading but for decoration,” Calleri says. “This helps you catch gaps or worn-out jewelry sets.”
• Fill Patch: When all is said and done and you still see some sparse areas, Callery says fill these spots with flowers, berries, or fake snow spray.
• Mix your decorations: O’Malley says to use a mix of matte, shiny, and bright ornaments so you have a beautiful but cohesive mix of decorations that will give depth to your tree.
• Have fun with: At the end of the day, decorating your tree should be fun. “If you mess up, just call it ‘charmingly generous’ and pour yourself some eggnog,” says Calleri. “problem solved!”