Part of the fun of decorating a Christmas tree is the haphazard way everyone does it.  I’m a bit of a perfectionist myself, but my daughters have definitely not taken after me. One of them likes to clump all the ornaments together, while the other puts all the best ones at the bottom so there’s nothing left for the top.

For the last few years my wife and I have let them have their fun and then fixed it after they went to bed, but now we just get them their own so they can decorate it exactly as they please and enjoy it all season long.

If you’re ok with a disorganized tree, then by all means, go for it and enjoy. But for anyone who’s like me and wants it to look perfect, I offer you the following advice.

How to Decorate the Perfect Christmas Tree

First things first – check out my Christmas Trees 101 post to get all the info about how to choose a tree and how to keep it healthy and fresh.

Christmas Tree Lights

Ideal number: 100 lights for every foot of tree height

When stringing Christmas tree lights start at the trunk and wind your way up. Everyone has a different method, but I like to wind them around the tree and push the lights in a bit so you don’t see the strings. That way it looks like the tree is glowing from the inside out.

Also, I highly suggest plugging the lights in first so that you can see exactly how it will look and adjust accordingly as you go. There’s nothing worse than turning them on once you’re done only to discover that they don’t look the way you thought.

Christmas Tree Garland

Ideal length:  8-9 feet for every foot of tree height

Not everyone is into Christmas tree garlands, but if you are I suggest keeping it pretty loose and starting at the top of your tree. Gently wind your way down and lay it on the branches, and avoid pulling it too tightly.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Ideal number: 20 ornaments for every foot of tree height

• It’s always best to hang your favourite ornaments first, then backfill with the plain, or less beloved pieces.
• Once your favourite ornaments are in place, hang all of the larger ones you’ve got, and space them evenly around the tree. Then fill in the leftover areas with smaller ones.
• Make sure to hang them on different parts of the branches – close to the trunk as well as close to the tip in order to create depth.

As far as I’m concerned, that’s all it takes to decorate the perfect Christmas tree. But I know that some of you out there might have some other ideas. Feel free to leave your own tips and suggestions in the comments. I’d love to hear them!

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