Interior Designer Explains Why Your Christmas Tree Looks Unfinished

Whether you’re looking to amp up your current décor or waiting to decorate your tree and in need of some expert advice, there are many reasons why your Christmas tree might not be meeting your expectations. You can check out this site if you need some advice regarding trees, tree care and etc.

To help you spruce up your Christmas tree or turn even the cheapest of Christmas trees into a showstopper without breaking the bank, follow my top tips below if you’re tree is a little lacking this Christmas…

You’re not hanging your lights vertically

For years, we’ve wasted time going in circles around Christmas trees as we painstakingly string festive lights.

But going vertically will not only save you time stringing your tree, but it’ll also help you to spread your lights more evenly, giving you a more professional look to your tree.

Best of all, going in vertical zigzags will make it easier to reposition lights if you notice any gaps and avoids annoying de-tangling when it comes to taking trees down in the New Year.

You’re not fluffing your tree properly

Fluffing your branches is essential to making artificial trees look fuller and avoiding them looking cheap.

The best way to fluff your Christmas tree is to work through each section as you assemble your tree. Start by fluffing the inner branches of your tree and moving outwards, taking care to position each branch in different directions to achieve a realistic-looking tree.

A good pattern to follow is the two out, two up rule which ensures you get full coverage.

Be sure to pop on a pair of gloves and a long sleeve shirt to help protect your skin from scratchy branches.

You’re not using garland to fill your tree

Whether you’re a lover of real or fake trees, adding some extra artificial greenery can make all the difference when it comes to having a show-stopper tree.

While sparse trees are a style some love, introducing garlands and a variety of faux festive foliage is a great way to achieve the bushy tree of your dreams.

You can even add foraged plants such as spruce, fir, pine or holly cuttings to make fake trees look more realistic and add that delicious Christmas-tree smell. Just be sure to pop any real foliage into your compost bin when it comes to taking the tree down.

You’re not mixing different-sized pop baubles

Just sticking to one style and size of bauble will make your tree décor seem flat and unfinished.

However, introducing a variety of sizes will add instant interest and help fill your tree. So, don’t shy away from adding some extra-large baubles where you can.

And don’t think you just have to stick to baubles to adorn your Christmas tree. Miniature figures, festive signs, candy canes and personal trinkets can help make your tree look more diverse and feel special.

You’re not using filler décor pieces

One of the biggest reasons Christmas trees end up looking a little incomplete is that you’re not using extra materials to fill bare spaces.

Wire ribbon is a must-have for those that want that professional tree look. There are a wide range of ways you can easily include ribbon on your tree to add volume.

The easiest way is by simply cutting small strips – roughly 20 inches long should suffice – and inserting them in diagonal downward angles, hiding the ends in the inner centre of the tree. You can make these random to fill gaps or you can cleverly position them to create the illusion of ribbon weaving throughout the tree.

You’re not screwing on your Christmas tree topper

If you’ve ever struggled to get a Christmas topper to stay neatly on your tree, the chances are it’s because you’re not using the coiled part of the topper properly.

The true way to attach a Christmas topper is by screwing it onto your top branch. Be sure to use some pressure and keep screwing until you feel the base of the branch. Doing so should keep your topper securely in place without any slanting or risk of falling off.

If all else fails or your topper coil doesn’t fit your tree, use green coloured pipe cleaners to help discreetly secure your topper to your branches.

By Anne Haimes, Design Director and Founder of Anne Haimes Interiors