Seven Simple Tips for Trimming the Tree - Southern State of Mind Blog by Heather

Happy Weekend! How is it less than two weeks until Christmas? I felt on top of things but I’m suddenly feeling very behind. Need to get in crunch mode! I bet many of you will be out and about finishing your shopping or hitting up Santa. I hope it’s filled with awesome finds for the hard ones on your list with plenty of time leftover to slow down and enjoy your Christmas tree.

Because everything is just better with the glow of Christmas tree lights! Can I get an amen?!?

By now most of you probably have your tree up, but today I am going to share seven helpful tips for trimming your tree. I am definitely no expert at this and I just make things up as I go, but I have discovered a few tricks along the way that you might find helpful!

In our 10 years of marriage, this was the first year we have ever used an artificial tree. I had it in the attic and just decided it was much easier! I imagine that in the coming years we will enjoy the process of the real tree, but for now we will fake it til we make it!

1. First up: Give it some height.
Our fake tree is 6.5 feet tall. Our ceilings are 9 feet tall. I just set this baby up on my old wash tub and it immediately filled the space SO much better. This tree at 6.5 feet would look pretty rinky-dink in the corner if it wasn’t on a platform. I just threw the tree skirt on top and none is the wiser!
Is it perfect? NO. Is it an improvement? Yes!
Money saving tip- grab one on sale after Christmas!

2. Lights. Lots of Lights.

I actually used regular tree lights as well as two strands of the big bulbs this year. I think the different sizes give it lots of added texture.

Money saving tip- stock up after Christmas for next year!

3. Use White for Contrast
I have never thought about this before but when I put this white pom-pom garland on the tree it immediately added so much interest. Makes sense! It really provides contrast to the green.
Money saving tip- use cute white scrapbook paper to make an inexpensive garland.

4. Ribbon, ribbon, ribbon for days!
Need I say more? I cascaded my ribbon down the tree but I also like it twisted around. Either way it just adds so much to any tree! And of course I used a different ribbon for the tree topper. Jury is still out on whether I like the mixed plaids, but hey- I had the ribbon on hand and it’s only for a month! 🙂
Money saving tip- this plaid is ribbon is actually FABRIC that I cut into long strips. I used pinking shears to prevent fraying. SO much cheaper than pricey fabric!

5. Tree Skirt
Now if you are all fancy, you probably have a beautiful monogrammed ruffled tree skirt. But if you are like me, anything goes here! I am using an old plaid throw. It has a couple holes but who cares? I have seen some darling table cloths used, or why not a cute sheet?
Money saving tip- Rummage through your closets until you find something that coordinates with your theme and colors!

6. Consistent Color Scheme
And that brings me to my next point. Even if you have a family tree with collected ornaments, you can have a consistent color scheme. Pick a color combo and add a bunch of those color bulbs and coordinating ribbon. This year I went with traditional red, green and navy Christmas colors. I have also done a retro aqua and red. The possibilities are endless!

7. Something unexpected
This year, I added a couple over-sized Nutcrackers to the tree. I painted them a bright white so they would stand out and give a little added interest to the Nutcracker theme. Again, think about your “theme” and look around your house… starfish? stuffed animals? If you have a collected ornament tree- why not stick a couple framed family pictures in the branches?

Most important! Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to try something new because after all- it’s only up for a month!
Tell me- do you have a themed tree?
Do you have anything unexpected in your tree?

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