Trimming the tree

Whether it's a collection of angel ornaments you'd like to display or some simple, handmade ornaments from your children and grandchildren, Christmas trees tend to take on the personalities of the people decorating them.

Now is the time to find your decorating style and embellish your home with a fancy tree. Stacie Gills of Hobby Lobby in Cape Girardeau said many people are looking for a decorating theme for their trees, whether it's gingerbread men, Christmas cookie cutters or an Americana look.

And to get those looks and still decorate a tree with family heirloom ornaments, many people choose multiple trees set around their house.

Knowing that this weekend is the shopping rush for holiday buying and decorating, we asked the experts for advice on how to decorate a beautiful tree. Here's what we learned:

The tree

Start with a really good tree -- one that fits nicely into its location in the house. Don't use a really small tree in a large room. If you have a high ceiling, get a tall tree.

For artificial trees, the key is "fluffing," Gills said. The concept is simple: Make sure there aren't any gaps in your branches, and spread out the greenery so the tree has a full look.

Lights

Today many artificial trees come already lit. For trees that aren't, or for people who prefer real trees, that means winding strings of lights around the branches. The starting point is 100 lights for every foot of tree. After you choose either colored or clear lights, you have to test them. Plug the lights in so it's easier to string them on the tree. To give your tree depth, wrap the lights around the branches.

Here's how: Using a multiple socket extension cord or light controller, you can plug up to nine strands in one cord, which is controlled by a single switch.

Attach the light cord to the trunk of the tree with twine or green pipe cleaner. The cord runs vertically and with outlets spaced at regular intervals, you can string together multiple strands of lights from the top down.

Starting at the base of a tree branch, wrap the cord around the branch; as you work toward the tip, wrap back toward the base. You won't need to wrap every branch, but maintain some consistency.

You will need to be careful that your wires don't show and that you don't put the lights too close together, which will use more lights than you really need.

Garland, beads, tinsel

Gills said many people are shying away from traditional tinsel and instead choosing strings of beads, wooden garland or ribbons to decorate their trees. Cording, ribbon and lace in a variety of colors can match any decorating theme, she said. "And you can reuse them next year," even if it's not on your tree.

Hanging ornaments

Ornaments can be almost anything. Themed trees could be decorated with teddy bears, angels, handmade ornaments or craft pieces, a kitchen tree with tiny pots and utensils or even cookie cutters. Some people like to stick with a single color or a combination when decorating their tree.

To give your tree dimension, don't just place ornaments at the tip of a branch. Your tree will look better if there are ornaments everywhere from top to bottom. Don't hang ornaments from light wires.

Secure the ornaments by pinching the hanger closed after you've hung the ornament. For artificial trees, bend branches upward.

Finishing touches

No Christmas tree would be complete without a topper. Some people choose large bows, an angel or a star, or a blown-glass ornament.

A tree skirt is also an essential. "It's what finishes off your tree," Gills said.

With a variety of holiday fabrics now available, many people are choosing to make their own skirts, but stores also sell them.

Several yards of material can be bunched together under the tree to create a simple no-sew skirt.

For a country look, use a quilt or wrap a model train track around the base of the tree and then stack packages behind it.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126