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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

How To Prepare Yourself To Choose The Right Christmas Tree

The first thing you want to think about before choosing a Christmas tree is where do you want to put it. Don't place your tree near heating vents, radiators, sunny windows, or fireplaces. Place your tree in a more insulated spot but still where people can see it.

Next, using a tape measure, measure the height of your ceiling and the width of that space. This will help you to decide where a good place a Christmas tree will fit your home. Plus measure your tree stand to know the diameter of the tree trunk you can use, and measure the height of your tree stand and the length of your treetop decoration.

Remember to bring your tape measure with you when you go shopping for your tree, and bring the measurements you wrote down on paper.

You should also bring construction gloves for your hands protection. To protect your car, truck, or van from sap and pine needles use an old blanket. Unless the tree farm has one bring some rope or twin to tie your tree to your vehicle.
Tip! Make sure to know the measurement of the area where the Christmas tree will be place.

Make sure your tree stand is ready, get a bucket of warm water so your tree has water to drink right when you get it home. Check that your tree stand is strong and the right size. If you need a new tree stand the taller the tree the larger diameter of the trunk. Make sure the stand can hold lots of water.

Once the above steps are completed you are ready to choose your Christmas tree.

Nancy Fitzgerald helps you find the right Christmas tree for your home. Choose from artificial trees to real trees and white, aluminum, and pink trees.

How To Decorate A Christmas Tree

This article is a crash course in how to decorate a christmas tree. Your first step is to choose either a natural or artificial tree. Keep in mind that a natural evergreen tree only comes in one color - green. Artificial trees however are now sold in practically every color of the rainbow. Just remember, whatever color you choose will become your canvas for adding more color in the form of garlands, tinsel and decorations.

Your second step is deciding which color schemes go best with what color of tree. Green Christmas trees, both natural and artificial, look best with primary colors such as green, blue and red. White christmas trees look best with a red theme, pink theme, a gold theme or a silver theme or any combination of the above. Blue Christmas trees look best with gold or silver decorations. Red Christmas trees look great with green or pink decorations.

The third step in this course about how to decorate a christmas tree is about lighting. If you are going to buy a natural tree you will need to buy a strand of bulbs or diodes. Traditional strands of christmas bulbs come in a variety of decorative shapes and sizes including the vintage egg shape, tiny twinkling lights and rope lights. However if you buy an artificial tree you may be able to get one that is prelit. The prettiest prelit christmas trees boast fiber optic needles that give the tree a glow of its own. Especially gorgeous are the white christmas trees that boast fiber optics at their tips. These trees remind many people of angel feathers.
Tip! I know this article is supposed to be about decorating a christmas tree but let's start first with removing the decorations. Think back to last year.

The fourth step is investigating the types of decorations that are available to you. The most basic is the garland. A garland is simply any kind of strand of objects that can be used to circle the tree. You can make a garland yourself out of cooked popcorn, holly berries or candy. You can also use a long length of ribbon and attach bows to it. Of course there are all types of garlands available commercially on the market. Most popular are the garlands made of furry bunches of white or gold tinsel. Red and green tinsel garlands can look especially nice on white christmas trees.

If you are traditionally minded you might want to consider decorating your tree with glass christmas balls. These are either hand blown or created in a factory. Many of them are painted and decorated with glitter. You can buy these as globes, flutes, tubes and also in the shape of musical instruments, angels and other Christmas themes. However if you have small children, you might want to opt for the plastic versions of these decorative balls as they don't shatter if they fall off the tree.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree remember to make it uniquely yours by adding heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Another nice touch is Christmas cards or cookies and candies that you have made in your own kitchen.

An important tip to remember when decorating trees with glass balls is to place the larger ornaments at the bottom of the tree and the smaller ones at the top. This helps keep the total effect of the tree in a pleasing proportion to the decorations.

Of course, christmas decorations don't have to be expensive. You can make your own out of paper that is cut into the shape of snowflakes and other xmas themes. Candies (especially the candy cane), apples, oranges and cookies (especially gingerbread cookies) can also be used as xmas decorations. Red christmas trees look especially good decorated with white shortbread cookies decorated with glitter. White christmas trees look great decorated with home made presents made from tiny boxes wrapped in shiny foil.

Another decoration to consider is tinsel. Strands of tinsel can be hung from the branches to simulate icicles. One tip when hanging tinsel is to hang it in clumps from the edges of the branches. Hanging single or just a couple of strands all over the tree makes it look messy.
Tip! Artificial Christmas trees fold up compactly for storage and are easy to transport - unlike a tall real tree that can be a struggle to fit into the car and squeeze through the door.

The fifth step when it comes to decorating a christmas tree is to choose some kind of tree topper. Commercially you can buy tree-toppers in just about every Christmas motif imaginable including angels, snowmen, teddy bears and of course, the Christmas star. You can buy christmas tree toppers that glow with fiber optic diodes that twirl, play tinkly music and blink on and off. However it is not hard to make your own christmas tree topper. Perhaps the simplest version is a cardboard star that is wrapped in tin foil. Sometimes the home made decorations and tree toppers have more sentimental value than the store bought ones.

The sixth step in this crash course on how to decorate a christmas tree is to make sure you disguise the base of the tree with some kind of Christmas tree skirt. This is simply a mat that is draped around the base and on the floor. It can be made out of shiny or velvet fabric or you can buy commercially made ones that feature xmas motifs in stores and online. Some tree skirts can be quite ornate, decorated with sequins and embroidery. However their original function was to catch the candle drippings from candles on the tree and catch any dropping needles from natural christmas trees.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree make sure that you unsnarl the lights before you try to drape them around the tree. It is also safest to make sure all the bulbs are working before you try to do this too.

Another interesting addition, especially if you are a Christian is to place a small nativity scene beneath the Christmas tree on the mat. You can buy Christmas nativity scenes made of wood, metal or plastic. Also popular is a toy train set that runs in a circle around the Christmas tree.

A seventh and final consideration when it comes to how to decorate your christmas tree is a practice called flocking. Flocking is fluffy white stuff, kind of like silly string that is sprayed all over the tree to simulate snow. This gives just about any tree a real 50's or country style feel and it is very unique to tree decorating traditions in the United States and Canada. However it is not recommended for artificial white christmas trees as the effect would be a little bit of overkill.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

Reduce Holiday Stress with a Revolving Artificial Pre-lit Christmas Tree

The holiday season is stressful enough without having to worry about tangled lights, fallen needles and branches, and three generations of family arguing over whose homemade decorations should be displayed in the front of the tree and whose will be relegated to rear, hidden from sight. An artificial pre-lit revolving Christmas tree can solve these problems as well as add a touch of grace and elegance to your family holiday tradition. An artificial pre-lit revolving Christmas tree, as the name implies, is an artificial (i.e. PVC or other flame retardant material—not a live tree) xmas tree with the lights pre-installed that is placed in a revolving tree stand.

Installing a pre-lit artificial revolving Christmas tree is easy and can save your family from some of the problems associated with live, non-rotating trees. Since the tree is artificial, you will not need to worry about messy needles and branches, disposal problems, and watering. One of the most onerous chores faced every xmas is unraveling last years lights and then hunting down which individual dead bulbs have killed the entire string. This is not an issue with a pre-lit tree. Incorporating advanced fiber optic and LED technologies, pre-lit trees can provide astounding lighting effects without you having to untangle a single cord or replace a single bulb. Using a tree stand that revolves adds another elegant dimension to your holiday celebration. Since all faces of the tree are now visible, all ornaments are equally showcased and you won't have to pick and choose which family treasures will be seen.

If you are seeking to add a little style to your holiday festivities while reducing hassles, an artificial pre-lit revolving Christmas tree might be just the thing for you.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best Christmas trees. Read expert information here.

The Popular Artificial Silver Tip Christmas Tree

The silver tip is a very popular Christmas tree choice in the Pacific Northwest. This hardy, high elevation member of the fir family is treasured for the uniformity of its branches and overall pleasing appearance. However, the range at which these trees can be grown is quite limited and they can take more than a decade to mature. This ultimately means higher costs at the tree stand, particularly if you live far from the Northwest, the primary habitat of these trees. Purchasing an artificial silver tip Christmas tree is a cost-effective way to incorporate these majestic trees into your xmas celebrations. The price of an artificial silver tip Christmas tree is comparable to that of a fresh cut one, and has no shedding needles, watering requirements, and can be used year after year.

An artificial silver tip Christmas tree is an ideal component in a traditional family Christmas celebration. Multicolored bulbs, shiny tinsel, and handcrafted ornaments all complement the stately nature of this tree. The fact that you don't have to throw it out and buy a new one next year is simply a bonus.

Of course, no matter how lovely the tree, the final arbiter of holiday ambience is the tree decorator. Strings of multicolored lights, individual handcrafted holiday heirlooms, as well as the traditional candy canes and tinsel are the elements that truly make a holiday celebration special. The internet is a treasury of knowledge, and the aspiring holiday designer can find a plethora of tips on decorating xmas trees using search engines.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best pre lite Christmas trees and more. Read expert information here.

Don't Miss the Variety of Large Angel Christmas Tree Toppers

Your large angel Christmas tree toppers may be going to the dogs. If you have a yen to honor your favorite pooch you can adorn the top of your Christmas tree with a large angel with a decidedly doggie countenance.

One such large angel Christmas tree topper has the beautifully dressed white gown and body of an angel but the head of a golden retriever. 17 inches tall, this is certainly meant to become a keepsake for the canine companioned household.

One of the newest of the large Christmas tree toppers is a lighted porcelain black angel. 12 inches tall, these topers have porcelain hands and head.

These gorgeous black angels are adorned in ivory and gold long sleeved dresses, with sleeves and bodice made of gold lame. These bodice and sleeves of these beautiful black angel tree toppers have pearl and sheer lace appliqués as Christmas decoration. They also come with ivory satin pleated skirts and short overskirts that are decorated with magnificently festive pearls and sheer lace the color of ivory.

These porcelain black angel Christmas tree toppers, lighted for the holidays, have shoulder-draped shawls made of sheer ivory. This fabric flows beautifully down the skirt front. Each of these Christmas angels carries a light in each of its hands, and is adorned with acrylic wings that are clear but with highlighted edgings.

Other choices in large angel Christmas tree toppers are figurines of green or cream colored angels, adorned with two faux fir strips along their organza dresses. These tree topper angels have green shawls as well.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best 8 foot artificial Christmas tree and more. Read expert information here.

White Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas

Everywhere you look this time of year you'll see Christmas tree decoration ideas. The good news is that there are many different options available when it comes to decorating your tree. Even better than the multitude of options is the fact that there really is no wrong way in which to decorate your Christmas tree. Decorate your tree the way you see fit. However, there are some that simply seem to blank when it comes to inspired and innovative decorating ideas. For you, we are here to help.

The place to start when it comes to decorating your Christmas tree is with the lights. What kind of Christmas tree would it be without lights after all? There are many styles, colors, and types of lights to consider when it comes to your Christmas tree be sure to choose the lights that strike your fancy and not the lights you think will drive your family batty (you have to live with the lights you choose too).
Tip! Find out more about Christmas decorations, Christmas gift ideas and more at Christmas Craft Ideas.

In addition to the many choices of lights, there are also quite a few different styles of tree from which to choose. One choice in Christmas tree that is growing in popularity is the white Christmas tree. If you elect a white Christmas tree for your decorating pleasure, a good idea for decorations is to go with a dual-colored theme for your ornaments and lights. Doing this can create a very lovely and elegant Christmas tree.

Assuming you have some red and green ornaments lying around the house it is quite possible to create a beautiful theme by placing these ornaments on a white Christmas tree. You could use red bows and green ornaments or some sort of combination of the two. Of course you could do with any colors you would like. Silver and blue ornaments look quite lovely on a white Christmas tree, as do many other colors. White is neutral and looks pretty good with almost any other color on the market.

When you select a white Christmas tree, you are giving yourself a clean palate upon which to create a Christmas decorating masterpiece. Any color scheme has the possibility of looking beautiful and the fewer colors you use on your tree, the more elegant and less crowded it will appear. Then again, it's your tree and like I said before, there's no wrong way to decorate a Christmas tree.
Tip! Regardless of which type of Christmas decorations you allow your child or children to make, they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if you participate as well. For a child, there is nothing like seeing their Christmas drawings hanging on the walls or their Christmas ornaments hanging on the tree.

Rob Buenaventura is a successful webmaster and publisher of GetChristmasShopping. He provides tips on Christmas decoration ideas, unique xmas gifts, and other Christmas ideas. For more tips on Christmas Decorations, check out http://www.getchristmasshopping.com

Kids Christmas Decoration Ideas

If you are a parent or a grandparent, uncle or aunt you already know just how excited kids get when the holiday season approaches. And this is a good thing as their enthusiasm is contagious and helps us get into the holiday spirit. For many of us remembering what it was like to hear our parents talk about the Christmas tree or getting out the outdoor holiday lights was like giving a child a five pound box of chocolate…our anticipation got the best of us but we soon were let down when we had to stay out of the way when the Christmas home décor decorating process began.

Today, however you should let your kids help decorate the home for Christmas by allowing them to place some ornaments on the tree or even help hold the lights while dad strings them on the bushes out front. Besides helping with the decorations, encourage your children to make their own special handmade decorations for the home or to give as gifts. This part does take a little pre planning in making sure you have the materials for your kids to use and choosing items suitable for their age, however the benefits associated with this are far greater than the temporary burden of planning. As an example while your kids are busy making decorations you will have free time to put up other decorations you really do not want your children's' help with or to simply take a few moments and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Easy Craft Decoration Ideas

The Christmas tree is the focal point in almost every home at Christmas time; in fact many families now have more than one each with a different theme. Kids love ornaments on the Christmas tree and always feel the tree could use more ornaments. Making ornaments for the tree can be made with items found around the home such as paper, uncooked noodles, popcorn or baked dough in various shapes. If you do not have the time to prebake; almost every town has a local craft store where ornament cutouts, patterns or undecorated ornaments can be purchased and ready for your children to paint. Crafting Christmas tree ornaments is a great craft project for kids that have never made a decoration as well as small children.

Other than creating decorations for the Christmas tree, another easy and low cost idea is to have your child use his or her markers or crayons to color or paint a holiday themed picture to be displayed as part of the holiday home decor. Try placing your child's' artwork on the refrigerator for all to see or frame it and display it on a sofa table or coffee table. This will enlighten your children and teach them what Christmas is all about. Pictures of your child with Santa Claus could easily be highlighted by crafting a simple picture frame out of popsicle sticks that your child could decorate with glitter, buttons or paint. Another fun project for your children to participate in would be to create a collage from family photos including the family pet; accented with red ribbon and use as a Christmas wall décor.
Tip! One final type of outdoor Christmas decoration is a pre-made statue or figure of some type that has lighting capabilities. These come in many shapes and sizes from religious figures and nativity scenes to popular characters like Santa Clause or cartoon characters dressed in festive gear.

Decorating for Christmas with your children does not have to be expensive and can be a fun way to have your kids spends quality time together. The easy craft decoration ideas mentioned are just a few ideas however there are numerous craft ideas for children found in kids craft magazines, libraries, school and craft projects for kids online. You may also find that your children have lots of suggestions for crafts they would like to try and some you never even thought about. Some of their ideas may require your help and dads assistance for making their craft plan a reality. As an example your children may wish to create a wood snowman cutout for the front entrance or something along those lines. Allowing your kids to become apart of decorating for Christmas will reward you with family unity.
Tip! A lot of the increase in the use of Christmas decorations has come from the desire to impress friends, neighbours and family with the decorative display, as well, of course, for one's own enjoyment.

Berri Rannells is an Interior Decorator who enjoys offering home decorating ideas, advice and solutions. Rannells also maintains a home and garden decor website which provides lots of ideas to visitors. For ready made Christmas Decorations please visit: www.decorativevisions.com.

Christmas Decoration Ideas for Kids (and Parents)

As a parent you already know just how much kids love the holidays. One of the things they love is helping you decorate for Christmas. Most children love to make their own handmade Christmas decorations, and there are a number of fun and exciting Christmas decorations that they can easily make.

There are a number of ways to make Christmas ornaments. Christmas ornaments can be made from regular paper or any other type of material. In fact, you can purchase a number of Christmas ornament cutouts or guides from your local craft store. These ornament pieces are likely plain, but already shaped like something, such as a star or a cross which the child can then paint. This type of Christmas decoration craft project is great for small children or those who may be making their own Christmas decorations for the first time.

Your children can also easily make their own Christmas paintings or drawings, often with the supplies that can already be found inside your home. You can then put it on your refrigerator or you could even frame the picture and hang it up somewhere else or give it to a grandparent as a Christmas gift. You can also have the child draw on a large sheet of paper or stamp it and use it as wrapping paper. This makes a double gift. This type of Christmas decoration craft project is ideal for children of any age and is a great way to save money since you likely already have all of the needed supplies. Many newspaper offices will sell end rolls of blank newsprint which is ideal for making wrapping paper.
Tip! Keep your Christmas presents out of sight until Christmas morning. For many of us the Christmas decorations are not complete until we place the gifts under the tree.

Another fun Christmas project that your children could do is to make a centerpiece for your dining room table, or individual place cards. You children will be thrilled if you use that centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. The children can create a somewhat elegant centerpiece, with artificial flowers, a large bowl or vase, some Christmas balls, as well as other decorative items. Your children can easily arrange these items to create their own unique centerpieces for your dining room table. If your children are a little older, they may be able to create a centerpiece in the shape of an Angel, a Santa or a Christmas tree by using construction paper and a few other small supplies.

Making a gingerbread house together is also fun. It is important that the house be constructed the day before so that the icing will have a chance to harden, but the children can have a wonderful time decorating the gingerbread house. It can even be used as a centerpiece for a Christmas display and then the children can eat it later.

Another similar idea is to take Social Tea Biscuits and make them into a small house, putting a ribbon between the seam of the roof top. It takes 7 cookies to make a house, a little Royal Icing, a ribbon loop long enough to hang over a tree branch, and some imagination to decorate it. These can be take home or eat gifts for children who visit your home around Christmas. Hang several on the Christmas tree.
Tip! Christmas involves house redecoration and repairs, clothes, Christmas decorations, the entire list of Christmas shopping, maybe a quick Christmas vacation and also the delicious Christmas preparations. To enjoy all these exciting aspects of a very Merry Christmas, one thing that you have to have is - money and that too enough of it.

There are a number of places online where you will be able to Christmas craft projects for kids. You can find a collection of ideas by performing a standard internet search. Also, your local library will no doubt have some Christmas Craft books. Your local book stores will also have a collection of Christmas craft books for children. These books tend to outline the supplies needed, as well as give detailed directions on how to make the Christmas decorations. These decorations may include Christmas drawings or paintings, tree ornaments, table centerpieces, and much more.

Regardless of which type of Christmas decorations you allow your child or children to make, they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if you participate as well. For a child, there is nothing like seeing their Christmas drawings hanging on the walls or their Christmas ornaments hanging on the tree.

Fran is a mom and grandmom who currently works as a Career/Employment Counsellor while establishing her online business. You can find more about her on her website http://www.franwatson.ca, and you can pick up a special gift at http://www.franwatson.ca/Memories.html