A beautifully decorated artificial tree usually follows a particular colour scheme and theme. All of your trim or Christmas tree decorations should coordinate with each other such as Christmas tree lights, top, Christmas tree ornaments, trim and tree skirt.
Artificial Christmas Tree Assembly
The first step would be to assemble your artificial Christmas tree.
Follow the manufacturer instructions that are included inside the box.
After the tree is assembled you will need to shape the branches or limbs.
The rows should be even and spaces between each row of branches should be kept to a minimum. The branch tips should be curved according to the instructions of the tree so that the tree looks as natural as possible. The needles of the tree become crushed due to packing and shipping to fluff the needles so that they look lively and lush clasp each branch in your hand and run your hand against the grain and this will fluff up your branches. Over years of storage and use the branches will appear more crushed. To remedy this use the same method as above only holding a hot cloth in your hand as you run your hand over the branch.
Christmas Tree Lights
The tree is assembled and your next step would be to add the lights.
Many of the artificial Christmas trees on our site come pre-lit, which means that the lights are already on the tree for you and all you need to do is assemble the tree and plug the lights in. If you purchase an unlit Christmas tree you will need to add the lights yourself.
A good rule to thumb for the amount of lights needed based on the size of the tree is as follows: 4 to 5 feet add 200 to 500 miniature lights, 6 to 6.5 feet add 500 to 700 miniature lights, 7 to 7.5 feet 600 – 800 miniature lights, 8 feet to 9 feet 800 – 1200 miniature lights.
To install lights on the tree first step is to test each strand by plugging them into an outlet to assure they work. If they do not then you will need make sure each bulb is securely inserted into the light socket as the light strand will not work if even one bulb is not secure in it’s place.
To put the Christmas lights in place on your tree, run an extension cord from an electrical outlet to the centre or the tree or trunk of the tree. Plug the first set of Christmas lights into the extension cord and run the lights to the top of the tree. Twist every other light around tip of a branch working from left to right on the branches, wrapping lights in a clockwise manner.
Wrap the cord around each branch, placing lights as you work around and downward.
Repeat with remaining light sets, always working them upward to the point where the last light set stopped, before wrapping. Continue from the inside of the tree branch to the outside and then back in again. Hide the light cords by winding them around the branches and nestling them in the needles. Do not hang light bulbs in mid-air between branches.
Place lights near the ends of the branches, so that the lights outline the shape of the tree. If lights with reflectors are used, you can reduce the number of lights on a tree as reflector lights generally are both brighter and more decorative. For the greatest impact, always use the same style light set to cover the whole tree in the basic lighting. Decorative light sets or theme light sets should be added after the basic lights have been installed and should be evenly space around the tree or grouped in sets for focal points on the tree.
It is important to always follow the instructions printed on the box of Christmas lights.
Installation of Christmas Garland to an Artificial Christmas Tree
The amount of garland needed based on tree size is as follows: 4 to 5 feet add 40 – 55 feet, 6 to 6.5 feet add 70 – 75 feet of Christmas garland, 7 to 7.5 feet 84 – 98 feet of Christmas garland, 8 feet to 9 feet 120 – 150 feet Christmas garland.
Swagging Christmas Garland: Start in the back of the tree with the bottom row of branches. Twist one piece of garland around a branch tip to secure it. Swag garland to centre tip of next branch and continue around the tree. Use 12” to 20” swags, depending on the width of the tree. Let swag fall freely and naturally.
Cut or break garland when you have reached your starting point, or swag up to the next layer on the back side of the tree. When using bead garland you may not be able to cut this at the starting point, as some garlands may come apart. You can either tuck the balance into the tree or go up to the next starting point for the next swag.
Start second row in same manner as first, making sure the peaks of the new row are centred over the valleys of the previous row. Swags should not touch the row below. Continue draping in same manner to top of tree, with smaller swags as you go up. The more uniform the swag, the more formal the look. To create double swags begin with two strands.
Spiralling Ribbon for Garland: Anchor 4-6 strands of ribbon to top of tree. Separate the strands and spiral down around the tree, spacing evenly as you go down. Bottoms can be anchored or left spiraling to the floor
Adding Christmas Tree Ornaments
Attach Christmas tree ornament hooks to each ornament. Hang larger or more dominant ornaments on the lower part of the tree for balance.
Shiny finishes should be hung on the tree before matte or soft finishes, bright colours before muted colours and larger sizes before smaller sizes.
Ornaments look better if they hang suspended rather than touching branches.
Distribute ornaments in an overall pattern. This can be evenly spaced on branch tips as focal points, evenly spaced in the tree to add dimension, irregularly spaced cluster and groups as focal points.
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