THIS BLOG SHOULD BE READ FROM DATE OF FIRST POST Illumination: 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 this step: 4 hours)

Be sure to remove the unsightly tags from the lights before applying to the tree.  This will make the appearance of the tree better since the lights can reflect off of the tags. 

I always recommend a formula of lights that will “load” the tree with illumination for the best professional result since many of the decorations will cover the lights.  This way there is still sufficient illumination despite many of them being covered up.  Plan on multiplying the height in inches by 33.33 to find out how many lights are needed for a slim tree, a standard wide tree will be 44.44.  Most trees are 7.5 feet or 90 inches so for a slim tree 3,000 lights or a wide tree 4,000 lights are needed.  You can count the lights already on the tree as part of the total.  

 

Shape the stems in a star pattern so that they are evenly distributed facing out and each stem is perfectly straight.  Use the picture on the box as an example for the type of pine for best results since some pine trees are different such as the Hickory Pine or the White Pine.  Nearly all artificial trees follow this pattern though.  Additional re-shaping will be required after the lights are applied usually.

Untwist the lights if they are a new set as they come bundled like this.  Simply pull the lights apart while untwisting until they remain straight enough to work with.  This will avoid any bunching on the tree which will create a clumping of illumination.

Work the lights onto the branch starting at the back and move across the branch and then at the front of the branch wrap the lights around each individual stem 2 or 3 times to ensure an evenly distributed and heavy application.  Always apply the lights while plugged in to avoid applying a dead strand and to avoid any bald illumination spots.  Only plug up to 8 sets of 100 end to end to avoid blowing out the fuse in the first set.

When completed adjust any branches to close bald spots and your tree should be brilliant compared to any you have illuminated in the past.  I used the white lights that came pre-strung on the tree and then applied amber colored lights for my theme.  I connected the white lights to a dimmer so they would not overpower the amber and the effect is stunning.  The warm glow against the yellow wall is also quite nice.  Remember to choose tree colors that compliment your already present décor.  I would reserve multi-colored lights for trees with multi-colored ornaments such as a blown glass theme which can be quite lovely.

Stay tuned for the first layer of ornamentation next; applying the filler and garlands to the tree.