I am so excited to work with Taipan Trading for my home office Christmas Tree. I have been shopping with them since they were wholesalers, open only to the trade. They opened to the public years ago (YAY) and they continue to add new locations. Taipan Trading has such an amazing selection of unique decor, they also have an awesome selection of high quality trees. I buy all of my client trees from them every yr.
This yr, I decided to use my 10 foot long needle flocked tree (purchased 3 yrs ago at Taipan Trading) in my office. I love it so much, I ended up purchasing a smaller version for my family room. I’m told it’s one of their best sellers.
Today I thought I would do a “How to” post on decorating a tree. I get alot of questions about whether or not I use a process. The answer is yes, sort of…. I always try to be creative with my trees, but I do use similar steps with each tree so I’ll share those today. Hopefully you’ll be on your way to decorating your tree like a pro!
Step One- Set up and fluff branches of tree. You can make any tree feel a lot more full if you take the time to fluff each branch.
Step Two-Add ribbon, in this case I used a metallic fabric from JoAnn I bought several yrds of fabric then cut it in half lengthwise. Then I tucked the unfinished edges under and tucked it in the tree. I never wrap ribbon around the tree. I start at the top, tucking it in and out of the tree. It looks best if it’s a little random. I use ribbon pieces that are differing lengths so they aren’t all cascading from top to bottom, rather some starting in the middle.
Step Three-Add Large ornaments, I separate all of my ornaments into like piles. That way I can add them in groups, which makes it easier to make sure they are evenly spread around the tree. I start with the largest ornaments first, then move to whichever ornaments I have the most of.
Step four-Add florals and picks. Florals make great fillers, they also add visual interest to the tree. I tuck them in anywhere that the ribbon is tucked into the tree. Try using a flower and a pick with cascading stems where your ribbon tucks into the tree it creates focal points on your tree, it can also help your ribbon stay in place. I occasionally use garlands that have added flowers, they are a perfect way to fill your tree. Use the same concept as the ribbon and tuck it in as you go, winding a bit so its not vertical or horizontal. Once you have it in and your ornaments on, you shouldn’t be able to see that it’s a garland or where it stops and starts.
Step Five-Now you’re ready to add the rest of your ornaments. Step back and see where you have openings, making sure you don’t have two of the exact same ornaments next to each other. I also try to put some on the outside branches and some deeper in the tree if possible.
I ended up adding more ribbon after I used all of my ornaments because it felt a little sparse to me. I should follow my own steps because it was definitely more difficult! I hope you learned a few tips, now you’re ready to decorate your tree!
Happy Holidays!
Jen
This tutorial is exactly what I needed today! I have been struggling with my ribbon, any more tips.
Thanks Desiree! One thing I don’t think I mentioned in the post is, I sometimes use wire to secure my ribbon, but more often than not, I use the tree branches and manipulate them to hold items in place. I’ll be posting alot more Christmas, I still have three more trees to put up and post so make sure you check back 🙂
Jen,
Your tree is beautiful, I love Taipan Trading, but we don’t have one. Every tree I see (that I love in pics) are always from there. Love the color scheme too. You are like me. Sounds like you have a whole lot of christmas going on over there. I have 6 full size trees this year. Gotta love it!
Jenn
Hi Jenn, Thanks! I love Taipan trading, they need to open more locations so everyone can enjoy 🙂 I do have a ton going on here, not quite 6 trees though :0 I’ll have my hands full with 4 trees here plus the 5 client trees I am working on. Oh and I’m in charge of our christmas party at church aaagh! I think I’ll need a vacay from christmas when it’s all over! Enjoy your trees, it’s such a short amount of time to have them:) xoxo!
Hi! Thanks for the “how to” and inspiration! This is absolutely gorgeous, I love your style! Can you please share more about your ornaments (where you get the large size balls and pine cones)? Thanks!
Hi Amanda, thank you so much! The oversized balls and glitter Pinecones are from Taipan trading as well. I have had several people ask who aren’t close to a Taipan, I’ve directed them to Hobby Lobby, or At Home. I haven’t found any at either of those stores that are quite as large but they are close. I hope that helps!
Your tree is gorgeous! Great tips! I saw this post and a few other Christmas posts of yours however one question I had is how to use a planter for your Christmas tree. Are these artificial Christmas trees that you’re putting in these planters? How are you securing the trees in the planters?
I also love the tradition of the poinsettias in memory of your mother. I just lost my mother in June. There is nobody like your mother and you never forget them.
Hi Sue, Thank you so much for stopping by for my tours! I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I hope you have things around you that serve as reminders of her, you’re right, theres no one like your mother. The answer to your question, is yes, they are fake trees that I put in my planter. It took some finagling, I had to try several different ways to get it to stay. In the end, the tree is pretty much wedged down in the pot, the bottom branches aren’t folded down all of the way. I actually still have dirt in the pot and the pole is in the dirt. So I can pretty much say I planted my fake tree lol! If it were something I planned to do every yr, I think I would figure out a way to pour some ready mix concrete in the planter and put a pipe down in that would hold the tree pole. I hope that helps a little! Happy Holidays!