It seems like there are no rules when it comes to decorating a Christmas tree. After all, if you and your family are happy with it then there’s nothing wrong with it. However, if you really want to make your tree look Instagram-worthy then you have to avoid doing certain things that just don’t work from an aesthetic standpoint. Some mistakes can even invite pests!
Since you’re putting a lot of time and effort into decorating your home to make it as festive as possible, it pays to understand some of the things to avoid. This will give you a tree you are proud of and can build on it every year after. In this article, we will go over some of the biggest Christmas tree decorating mistakes that people tend to make.
1 – Using Cheap Ornaments
Although you don’t need to spend a fortune on ornaments and decorations, you also don’t want the tree to look cheap. It can look elegant even on a budget so avoid using ornaments that look like cheap plastic or are not in good shape.
A blown glass ornament is going to look elegant and classic for years to come and will never go out of fashion. That Space Jam decoration that came with your favorite cereal? Not so much.
This is also the perfect place to personalize the tree by adding ornaments with a meaning for you. If you are crafty then you can make your own and show off your skills. Whatever your hobby is, there is an ornament that looks good and will highlight something important to you.
2 – Hanging The Lights Last
The lights are an integral part of the design of the tree. When the lights are hung properly it is what makes the tree look elegant and dazzling. This is the reason that the lights should go on first. With nothing getting in the way, they can be draped well on the branches.
Starting at the base and working your way up, the lights should go on the inside of the tree so they create shadows and play with effects on the ornaments placed after. Also, make sure to plug in the lights before placing them on the tree in case some of them don’t work.
3 – Going Overboard
In most cases, it is better to go minimalist than to go over the top. When you go overboard it will look haphazard and messy which is what you don’t want. The idea is for the tree to look balanced and well thought out.
For instance, try to go with only one ribbon and one garland to drape on the branches. If you go for too much then the ornaments aren’t as visible and it looks messy. When using ornaments, try to make sure that they are evenly distributed around the Christmas tree. There shouldn’t be bunches of ornaments and bare spots. If you put too many ornaments it will be far too busy and distracting when looking at the tree.
