Tree Trimming Tips: 8 Ways to Improve the Look of Your Christmas Tree

Maybe it’s because a Christmas tree is the focal point for all our hopes and wishes for the holiday season. Children and adults alike find Christmas magic in its boughs.

When it comes to Christmas tree decorating, beauty definitely is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone has their own image of the “perfect” Christmas tree.

First of all, let’s agree that there really is no wrong way to decorate a Christmas tree. Your Christmas tree reflects your own very personal sentiments for the holiday, whether that feeling is expressed in mellow monochromes or exuberant color, with a few simple decorations or decking the boughs to excess. Many an argument has arisen between family members with differing Christmas tree decorating styles.

You may be perfectly happy decorating your tree the same way year after year. It’s also possible that you have never been entirely satisfied with the final look of your decorated Christmas tree. Something about it just seems humdrum.

If you’ve been questioning your Christmas decorating skills, we offer potential fixes for eight Christmas decorating failings that may keep your tree from reaching its true glorious potential.

Can you actually have too many Christmas decorations? The “perfect” number of ornaments on your tree is a totally personal decision. Some people go easy on the ornaments. Others don’t stop until every branch is full and every gap is filled with ribbon, bows, ornament picks and feature decorations.

Whether you hang many or a few ornaments, aim to use decorations that vary in color, shape, size and finish. Distribute them evenly throughout the tree, with a balance of space in between. When decorating with a lighter touch, make sure to leave some open branches peeking out.

You can add even more pizzazz by tucking ribbons and Christmas picks among the ornaments.

Some design experts recommend hanging small ornaments toward the top of the tree and large decorations near the bottom. The larger ornaments visually “anchor” the base of the tree. When you’re decorating a live Christmas tree, this is also a practical rule, since small branches often can’t support large, heavy ornaments.

Admittedly, not everyone agrees with this approach. However, if you’ve been unhappy with your tree in the past and never considered the visual weight of an ornament when decorating, you may appreciate this decorating tip.

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Many people tuck their Christmas tree in a corner or close to a wall and then “forget” to decorate behind the tree.

That’s a shame. Why? Unless your Christmas tree is as dense as a primordial forest, ornaments hung behind the tree, as well as those tucked near the trunk, add sparkle and depth.

So, hide your least favorite ornaments and those sentimental “scratch and dents” against the wall, but don’t neglect the back of your Christmas tree!

Choosing a theme for your tree is another personal preference. A theme isn’t necessary, but if you haven’t been happy with the look of your tree in recent years, it’s worth considering decorating with a particular look or style in mind.

Just as the tree topper finishes off the top of your Christmas tree, a tree skirt provides the foundation for your tree decor.

First off, a tree skirt serves a very practical purpose - to hide the base of the tree or the tree stand. However, your tree skirt also completes the look of your tree by complementing your theme or style.

Size is also key. Choose a tree skirt large enough to cover the tree stand but not so large that it extends far past the bottom branches of the tree.

Another option to hide the base of your tree is a decorative tree collar. Tree collars tend to have a more modern style. They're also perfect for tight spots, since they leave more open floor space around your tree.

Before buying your tree top decoration, measure the space between the tree top and the ceiling for a perfect fit.

Your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of your holiday festivities, reflecting your sentiments and personal style.

However, if you’re ready to boost your Christmas tree decorating game, paying attention to lighting, balance, color, theme and style can bring your look to the next level.

By understanding some common Christmas tree decorating pitfalls, you can create the magnificent Christmas tree you’ve always envisioned.