| When it comes to Christmas, one of the most | | | | decorative touch. |
| important things to do is to make sure you have | | | | Lighting |
| a great tree that the whole family can enjoy. It is | | | | Check your tree lights work and start at the |
| therefore vital that you take some simple steps | | | | bottom of the tree. Arrange the lights around the |
| to make sure you create that warm feeling a | | | | base and work upwards in a spiral, then hook the |
| good tree can bring to your home. | | | | end to the top of the tree.Adjust the lights so |
| Tree positioning | | | | they look even. Next add any garlands or tinsel. |
| Decide where the Christmas tree will be | | | | Hang in a similar way and spread out over the |
| positioned, making sure there's enough space in | | | | tree. |
| your chosen spot for decorations and presents, | | | | Adding baubles |
| and of course a power source for lights. If you're | | | | Decide on a colour scheme and choose baubles in |
| planning on having a real tree, avoid putting it near | | | | a variety of shapes, sizes and patterns. We've |
| hot spots, such as fires or radiators. | | | | opted for bright red baubles with a smattering of |
| Artificial tree | | | | silver. For a more vintage look, you could choose |
| Fix the tree to the stand. Follow the colour-coded | | | | soft golds and rich creams. For a striking, |
| instructions and fix the branches accordingly. | | | | sophisticated tree, combine shimmering black and |
| Spread out the branches and decide whether you | | | | silver, or mix purple, navy and emerald hues for |
| will be viewing the whole tree or just the front | | | | jewel-bright contemporary chic. As a rule of |
| area - this will determine where you hang the | | | | thumb, put larger baubles nearer the bottom and |
| baubles. | | | | middle of the tree and smaller ones towards the |
| Real tree | | | | top. Be sure to distribute the baubles evenly if |
| We've used a 1.3m luxury pot-grown Christmas | | | | your tree can be viewed from all angles. |
| tree, which costs £18. Put the tree in a | | | | The finishing touches |
| waterproof pot, tin or plastic bucket. Cover the | | | | Fill any small gaps with chocolate coins and treats |
| pot with Christmas wrapping or brown paper and | | | | or home-made decorations, such as bows made |
| some ribbon, if liked. Secure with logs or gravel | | | | with ribbon. Don't forget the topper - whether an |
| and cover with compost. The weight will ensure | | | | angel or star, it's essential. Place presents around |
| the tree stands upright and straight. You can also | | | | the base and wait for Santa to arrive! |
| put pine cones on top to cover the soil for a | | | | |