(Time required: 2 hours not including shopping)
This step is applying the garland or filler to the tree. It is important to have a large themed area of the tree that attracts the eye and makes it look organized. Otherwise the tree will look messy and the eye will not be attracted to any one area of the tree.
First locate all of the materials that you will be using for this stage of the decorating. Here are some samples of materials I could have used. You may need to go shopping before this step. Lay out all of your items on a table for each step so your materials are handy and no time is wasted going from room to room.
Symmetry is very important for any stage of decorating: remember this at all times. There are different trends different years for trees; any Christmas store will allow you to see this years trend, or simply look at the materials available at the nearest Hobby Lobby. This year the trend is Deco Poly Mesh which is featured on the long roll, and the front two piles folded in large squares. Ribbon, tinsel garland (out of style) beads or floral garland such as berries are all appropriate ways to dress the tree. Apply the filler first so the ornaments are not covered up unless it is so translucent that ornaments should be under the garland. Some individuals prefer a top-to-bottom approach for ribbon or garland. It is up to the individual, however I encourage you to change this part of the tree from year to year since it is inexpensive and will vary the look of the tree the most.
These are the three types of Poly Mesh I decided to use for this tree. (The other items which match the theme I will use on wreaths or garlands in the same room. Varying the materials but staying in the same color theme will make the room look more interesting. Use some ornaments from the tree to keep the theme continuous.) Start with the smaller mesh which in this case is the copper and gold on the right and middle. Weave them around each other so they look natural and so that both colors are evenly exposed. Start at the top of the tree in the back so the start area is concealed.
Secure the garland to the tree using the stems of the tree and use stems in the back reserving the front and longest stems for ornaments. Wrap the larger mesh around the smaller mesh so the style is varied overlapping at different points. Wrap the garland around the tree in a spiral fashion slanting downward like a candy cane stripe.
Secure the mesh every foot or two feet, keeping the length shorter towards the top of the tree and longer towards the bottom to match the width perspective as shown here in this picture of the finished product. This step takes practice so don't be afraid to attach some length and decide to re-do some of the garland. Next year it will be much easier and you will move right along.
Next post: Apply the large ornaments first.
