THIS BLOG SHOULD BE READ FROM DATE OF FIRST POST This is a blog to chronicle my process of decorating a tree from beginning to end in order to give the best advice for creating a professional interior designer looking Christmas tree that will be the envy of anyone that sees it.

 (Time to complete today's task - 30 minutes).

This process will be time consuming; not a “one night” job so give yourself plenty of time either over weeks if you spend an hour a day or a 3 day weekend spending 8-10 hours a day.  It usually takes me 10-20 hours to complete a tree for the entire process depending on the size of the tree.  You may do something and dislike it and start over too.

First assemble the tree according to the directions and plug in all of the lights into the extension cord usually provided within the tree.  These cords have a fuse in them to prevent fires due to overloading the cord.  It will only accommodate as many lights as the tree comes with.  Any other cord you buy at the store with a “switch or button” will have a fuse too and only handle about 1000 incandescent miniature lights.  (That’s 10 sets of 100)  Shape the tree in general so the branches are separated and the lights can be easily wound around the stems.  The tree will need additional shaping after the lights are applied.