Top Tips on Decorating Your Christmas Tree

Madingley Mulch will have Christmas trees for sale at its base on the outskirts of Cambridge this year. Here we look at the traditions behind decorating this festive centrepiece, some practical advice on the best ways to do it – and provide more details of the trees we will be stocking this year.

 

The History of Christmas Tree Decorations

Although the modern Christmas tree has its roots in 16th Century Germany, when it was used as a religious symbol and hung with apples, candles, wafers and cookies, it wasn’t until three centuries later that the festive tradition was popularised thanks to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

A picture in the Illustrated London News of the Royal Couple and their family at Windsor Castle also included a large tree adorned with glass ornaments hailing from Albert’s native Germany. After this, the tradition really caught on in homes across the country.

But what is the best way to decorate your tree now in the 21^st century?

 

Think of the Position

You don’t want the tree to be on a major ‘through route’ so it gets knocked about by people entering or leaving the room, whether it’s in the lounge, kitchen or another part of the house. Also, try to avoid placing it near sources of heat – not just open fires but radiators as well. This will help the tree to survive the Christmas period and hopefully flourish afterwards, if you want to replant it in your garden.

 

Lights First…

You should always sort the tree lights out first – if only to discover if they work or not, and if there are any bulbs missing. The lights will also be one of the major features of the tree, so you don’t want to cram them on last of all.

From an aesthetic point of view, the overall effect is much more striking if the bulbs are positioned reasonably deeply within the tree, so that there is no glare from the lights, and they just peep discreetly through the branches.

 

…Then the ‘Topper’…

Like the lights, the decoration at the top of the tree shouldn’t be left until the very end; if you do, you run the risk of knocking off other decorations when you are putting it in position. A star or an angel is the classic choice, but you can opt for anything which reflects more of your personal taste.

 

…Then the Other Decorations

Again, any tinsel should go on reasonably early in the decorating process, because it’s much longer and bigger than individual ornaments. Try to ensure that all the baubles are evenly distributed on the branches, even if that means some of them are ‘behind’ the tree or not immediately visible.

Generally, it’s better to put the bigger pieces on first, and deeper on the branches so they don’t fall off or bend the branches too much, and then you can use the smaller ones to fill in any gaps. As with the lights, it’s a good idea to stand back occasionally and check you are happy with the tree’s overall appearance.

 

Finish with a Skirt or Collar

You won’t necessarily want your bucket (or whatever you have planted your tree in) to be visible, as it can ruin the overall effect. So once all your ornaments are in place, fit it with a skirt or collar. This need not be shop-bought – it can easily be homemade or adapted from some of your spare fabric, linen or even spare wrapping paper.

 

Christmas Trees for Sale in Cambridge from Madingley Mulch

At Madingley Mulch we will be stocking Nordman Fir and Norwegian Spruce trees this year. The Nordman Fir has glossy foliage and soft needles, which won’t drop all over your carpet. The Norwegian Spruce is the ‘classic’ Christmas tree which has full green foliage and a more structured shape. Both species are available in a variety of heights, from 1.25m to 2metres and above.

You can order your Christmas tree from us by calling 01954 212144. If you want it delivered on its own, then there will be a minimum £5 delivery charge.

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