Holiday Tree Decorating Seminar

Why a Tree?
Which Tree For Me?
Panel Trees
Stick-in Trees (Individual Branches)
Hinged Trees (Umbrella Trees)
Assembly and Shaping
Lighting Theory
Mini-Lights
Choosing and Maintaining Mini-Lights
Lighting the Tree
Visualization
Garlanding
Bead Garland
Ornamentation
The Top
Theme Expansion


Why a Tree?

The modern American Christmas celebration is truly a representation of the diversity of our citizens. From Germanic Sata Claus to the Mexican Poinsettia, our holiday heritage is as much a melting pot as the American neighborhood.

At the center of our greatest national holiday is, of course, the Christmas Tree. Trees of different kinds have been decorated to celebrate a solstice holiday since Roman times and before. The evergreen is revered in many cultures as the symbol of the promise of rebirth and renewal in the new year to come.

In our diverse American culture, the decoration of a tree allows everyone to celebrate the holiday season together. More than any other symbol of the holiday season, the decorated tree brings us together in the spirit of brotherhood, while setting aside the concerns of religion, ethnic background, or economic status. The Christmas tree brings warmth and joy to everyone, mighty or meek.

Which Tree For Me?

To select the right tree for your home, several factors must be considered:
1. HEIGHT: How high are your ceilings? A 6' tree that looks tall and full in our showroom shrinks when displayed in a living room with vaulted 14' ceilings. Remember, a smaller tree can be elevated, but it is much harder to lower a tree that is too tall.
2. WIDTH: Measure the area you have available and stay within it unless you plan on putting your furniture into storage. Some types of trees (panel, branched) are somewhat adjustable and can be adapted to fit a narrower space.
3. POSITION within the room. Will the tree be placed in front of a window, in a corner, in the center of the room, etc. Some types of trees lend themselves to a particular viewing angle better than others.
4. Fullness: How much tree is actually there. Tip count and needle length determine fullness. For instance, "open trees" with lower tip counts and shorter needles, need more garland and ornaments to "fill it out" while fuller trees with higher tip counts require less garland and ornaments to look complete.
5. COLOR is often simply a matter of personal preference. Trees are available in several shades of green and blue. Also available are solid white, green with white frost, blue frosted, gold, silver, pink, and even an all black tree.
6. CONSTRUCTION: The least important factor is how the tree is actually constructed. all the modern tree styles assemble easily and quickly. Shaping and lighting take far more time than putting the tree itself together.

Panel Trees

This type of tree, now rarely available, consists of a steel pole (older models had wood poles) with one hub at the top. The hub holds the top of the tree and the panels that form the lower part of the tree. These panels (4 to 10, for most models) hook to the hub and extend down toward the floor. A spacer ring lower on the trunk holds the panels away from the pole at the proper angle to form the lower part of the tree. The width of a panel tree can be adjusted by raising or lowering the spacer ring on the pole. Moving the spacer up will widen the tree, while lowering the spacer will create narrower tree. Panel trees have little depth since the middle of the tree is hollow. The advantage of a panel tree is its simple construction. All of the branches are the same, so assembly time is minimal. Because you are only decorating the surface of the tree, fewer lights and ornaments are needed to get a full look. With little depth, however, it is hard to hang ornaments and the hollow interior is obvious when the tree is placed in front of a window. The panel tree's easy construction and moderate prove make it a popular choice among first-time artificial tree buyers.


Stick-in Tree (Individually Branched)

This is the best known type of artificial tree. It has a steel pole or trunk made of one or more sections depending on the height of the tree. Attached to the pole at various heights are slotted hubs which hold the branches. These branches of various lengths are color coded to correspond to the hub that will hold each row of branches. There are many variations of this type of tree. Some have simple branches with three to five tips. Others use a compound branch or bough with as many as 30 tips each. Even with the increase in the number of parts, assembly time is not a large concern. The advantage of the individually branched tree is its depth. More lights and ornaments can be placed all along the branches to the center of the tree to create an even fuller appearance. 


Hinged Tree (Umbrella Tree)

Identical in appearance to the individually branched tree, the hinged tree differs only in that the branches are permanently attached by means of a hinged hub. Hinged trees come in two to four sections depending on height. With few parts, assembly is quite rapid. With any of these trees, assembly time is not a major consideration. Shaping, however, is a different story.

Assembly and Shaping

TREE STANDS: Some trees come with simple slide-in legs. The unassembled metal stand provided with most trees is worth discussing. First, check to be sure that you have all the parts. On a flat surface, slide the legs through the large round tray. Position the notch on the leg at the slot on the saucer. Next, slide the top center hub onto the top of the legs and insert the screws but don't tighten all the way. After the screw are into all the legs check the stand for misalignment and levelness.
CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF "OUT OF THE BOX AND READY TO GO" IS A FALSEHOOD. All artificial trees will require some shaping. Naturally, the fewer branches and tips, the quicker the tree can be shaped. Conversely, the more branches and tips a tree has, the longer it will take to complete.
SHAPING PANEL TREES: Panel type trees are the easiest to shape. After assembling the tree, space the branches evenly around the spreader ring. If, however, the tree is to go in a corner or against a wall, the panels can be pulled to the front to create a fuller appearance. Once the panels are positioned, begin shaping the tree. Grasp one of the panels by the large center stem and, starting at the bottom, pull the smaller branch tips out and away from the main stem. This is to fluff the tree out from any compacting that occurred during shipping or storage. After fluffing, pull some of the branches to the side to fill in any gaps. NOTE: The more panels a tree has, the less fluffing and spreading will be needed.
SHAPING STICK-IN TREES: First, check to be sure you have all your parts. Then assemble the stand and pole. Next, shape each branch, starting with the longer (lowest) branches. Install each branch into the corresponding hub on the pole as you complete shaping them. Work your way up the tree, shaping and installing. Finally shape the top and install into the tip of the pole. There are many ways of shaping a tree. For instance: outswept, downswept, upswept, star, V-swept, random, and finger style are all ways of shaping trees that we use in our showroom displays.
SHAPING HINGED TREES: Hinged trees are shaped in the same styles as the stick-in trees. We find it easiest to pull the branches down as you shape them. This will give you some elbow room as you shape each branch. Install the next section of trunk when you complete the section below, finishing with the top.


Lighting Theory

At this time in the tree decorating experience other factors come into play. Color of lights and decorating style are now your main concerns. We have found that trees lit with clear or white lights need fewer bulbs to create that "full" look most people find so pleasing to the eye. Solid color lighting, such as red or blue require extra strings of lights to achieve the same look.
Here's a tip on accent lighting that we have used on our showroom trees for years. Light the interior of the tree sparsely with clear lights. Add your accent color (red, blue, etc.) mostly on the outer branch tips. This gives a "full" look while still promoting your choice of solid color accent.
Other, more advanced lighting techniques include striped lighting and candy cane (spiral lighting). For these, simply mark off your design area with garland or string. Tie strings to the top of the tree, then circle the tree in a spiral motion, top to bottom. Light between the strings with the colors you have chosen. HINT: During lighting, step back frequently and squint at the tree. Areas needing more lights or areas too heavily lit will become amazingly obvious to you.
MOTION LIGHTS create excitement and a sense of movement if not over done. They are most effective when used in the interior of the tree or on the exterior as a light accent.
BUBBLE LIGHTS(now rarely available), candle lights, and other novelty lights are added after basic lighting is completed. Use them at branch tips, standing or hanging. Use floral wrap to secure them to the branch.

Mini-Lights

Miniature lights MUST be used on ALL artificial trees. The main reason for this is safety. While all modern artificial trees are flame resistant, there is still cause for concern. The glass surface of large, screw-in lights (C-7 and C-9) can get hot enough to melt and disfigure the needles of the tree. The smaller wires of miniature lights are easier to work with and conceal. You also get more bulbs per watt with miniature lights. This means more points of light to spread over the tree for that magical holiday mood. The first question people ask when shopping for lights is "If one bulb burns out will the rest of the bulbs stay lit?" The answer is YES. Years ago, mini-light manufacturers solved this problem by adding a bypass circuit below the filament in each bulb. This means that when a bulb burns out the electricity can still continue along to keep the rest of the strand lit. If the burnt out bulb is removed, the rest of the strand will go out because the circuit has been broken. Most times when a light set won't work it is due to one of the bulbs being loose in its socket. To help overcome this problem, light manufacturers have begun to add retainers or "bulb locks" to keep the bulbs from working loose.


Choosing and Maintaining Mini-Lights

Our experience has been that light sets of 50 to 100 bulbs are best. Anything smaller will require added numbers of sets to light the tree with more extension cords. Anything larger is cumbersome and difficult to work with. Look for quality. Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approval. This means that the light set has been tested and found safe. Look for a guarantee. This is a good indication of the makers confidence in the set. Test the lights before buying them (we do that for you at holidaysathome.com). Save your receipts. Before you remove the lights from their packaging, plug them in. Often a bulb can be pulled loose while you are pulling them free. Leave the set on when lighting the tree. If the set goes out, it is usually a loose bulb in a socket you have just placed on the tree.
REPLACING A BULB is easy. But first be sure you are using the right replacement bulb. Mini light bulbs all look the same BUT THEY ARE NOT. Check the original box for the correct voltage. If the box is not available count the bulbs on the set and divide into 120V. This will give you the voltage of the proper replacement bulb. For example, a 10 light set needs a 12 volt bulb. A 50 light set needs a 2.5 volt bulb and so on. As with most rules, there are exceptions. A 100 light set may be made up of two 50 light sets or five sets of 20 lights (DO NOT CONNECT MORE THAN THREE SETS OF 100 LIGHTS TOGETHER!!). With this in mind, we advise saving the box or writing the voltage on a bit of masking tape and attaching this to the set. Remember to save the bulb base. Usually replacement bulbs are sold WITHOUT a base. You want to avoid being in the position of having to buy a new set simply because you can't repair the one you have. When replacing a bulb or working on a non-functioning set, NEVER TWIST THE BULB. Miniature lights are ALL push-pull assembly. Twisting the bulb will cause more problems. You may short out the bulb or blow a fuse. NEVER TWIST THE BULB. Pull the bulb and base from the socket. If the bulb needs to be replaced, straighten the wires at the bottom of the bulb base. Pull the bulb up, out of the base. Next, install the new bulb into the old base. Be sure that the two copper wires are separate and only one goes through each of the holes in the base. Bend the wires up on either side of the base. Make sure you bend the wires up the side of the base that will contact the copper plates in the socket. Replace the bulb and base into the socket.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS: Beyond bulb replacement, there are few troubleshooting procedures that should be attempted. You may find that you have a light set that has replaceable fuses in the plug. Be sure you have the proper fuse before replacing. If you find you have a set that has loose, broken or frayed wires, discard the set. If you salvage the bulbs for use in other sets, place them in an envelope with the voltage noted on the envelope. If you are unsure of the voltage of any spare bulbs you have, discard them. They can cause damage if placed in a set of a different voltage. NEVER attempt to re-wire or shorten a light set by cutting the wires or removing sockets.



Lighting the Tree

LIGHTING PANEL TREES: There are two methods of lighting panel trees. The first is used on panel trees with low tip counts (open, skimpier trees). Starting at the bottom of the tree, wrap the light string in a circular motion around each tip, being careful to leave a bulb at the end of the tip pointing up or out. Continue around the bottom of the tree. When you reach your starting point, move up a bit and continue until the tree is totally lit. On higher tip count (fuller) panel trees, each panel can be lit separately then placed on the pole. Each panel should have a minimum of 20 tips to allow total use of each light string. The tip will be lit separately. This method allows the panels to be stored without removing the lights, saving set-up time the next season.

LIGHTING STICK-IN AND HINGED TREES: The quickest and best way to light these trees is as the tree is being shaped. Start on one of the lowest branches where it attaches to the pole. Attach the first bulb (the one closest to the male plug) to the branch using floral tape or wire or simply wrap the light string around the branch a couple of times. Then wrap the lights in an elongated spiral out to the end of the branch tip. Put a couple of turns in the wire to secure it near the branch tip. Reverse direction, running the wire back down the same branch to the center of the tree. Run the wire over to the branch beside the lit branch and repeat the procedure. When the bottom row of branches is lit, shape and light the next row. Repeat, moving up the tree. Starting from the bottom makes it easier to deal with any extra lights left over when you reach the top of the tree. Simply wrap any lights down around the trunk toward the bottom of the tree.


Visualization

After shaping and lighting the tree, sit back and mentally prepare for decorating. At this point you have a cone shape with lights. It is helpful to break this basic shape into smaller sections to help visualize your task. The top, middle and bottom of the tree each have unique spatial qualities worth mentioning. The bottom represents the largest area but is mostly out of the area of greatest visual interest. The middle is the main area of interest. This is the area people will look at first and should lead interest upward to the top of the tree. The top section, or crown, tends to concentrate the good or bad aspects of the overall design. The top area leaves the strongest impression on the viewer and will be what is remembered most about the tree. The illustration at right indicates these areas. While we want the entire tree to be perfect, these would be the areas to pay special attention to. This is where showpiece ornaments or ornaments that help define the them of the tree should be concentrated. Keep these zones in mind as you proceed with garlanding and ornamenting.


Garlanding

The next step in decorating the tree is choosing what type of garland you should use. Consider what type of tree you have. A thick, wide garland can be used on a tree with large open areas. This will add fullness to an otherwise skimpy looking tree. Wide garland used on a very full tree will not hang properly and will bulge away from the tree. This ruins the crisp cone shape of the tree. Using a smaller diameter garland on a fuller tree allows the garland to hang properly. When using garland (tinsel or bead) in a formal design, clean crisp lines are critical. Sloppy, nondescript garlanding can destroy what would otherwise be a striking display of symmetry. On the other hand, random placement of garland can add charm to an informally styled tree. HINT: Try using ornament hooks to attach the garland to the bottom of the branch rather than draping it over the branch tip. This will allow a sharper angle of drape and make it easier to use multiple rows of tinsel or bead garland.


Bead Garland

You may have noticed the extensive use of bead garland on our showroom display trees. The reason for this is that we have found that bead garland produces clean, crisp lines and is easier to work with. The more open, airy look bead garland exhibits serves to highlight the other ornaments and lights rather than covering or hiding them as tinsel garland might. Where a thicker line is needed to complete a "look," several strands of bead, braided or twisted together into a rope is quite effective. Several types and colors may be used, allowing even greater creativity with a wider selection of choices. Several strands, each hanging slightly lower than the next, suddenly takes on an elegant, ornate look and feel of an intricate pattern (see diagram). Bead garland, cut into graduated lengths and hung from branch tips like icicles, can be a strong color contraster or reinforcer. Crystal beads add a special sparkle to the tree, reflecting points of light throughout the tree, illuminating dark areas, and adding to the effect of the lights. Remember to use floral wire or ornament hooks to attach bead garland to the bottom of the branch for a sharp angle of drape.


Ornamentation

The lights are all on and the garland is hung. It was quite a challenge but the next part is fun. If you are decorating your tree in the "traditional family informal" style, there are few rules to follow. Just hang what you want where you want. If you are creating a more formal design or theme tree, you need to keep the idea of scale in mind. This simply refers to placing larger ornaments lower on the tree. Then work your way up the tree with your smaller ornaments nearest the top. Even on casual designs this technique leads the eye from the bottom to the top of the tree. Clusters of balls can be used in place of a single large ball low on the tree. If a formal garland style is used, a ball, ball cluster, or accent bow at each peak will serve to highlight the pattern. Sometimes you may want to center a large ornament high on the tree. This could be a nativity, miniature village piece, or other theme related item. The break in scale will draw attention and feature the object. Objects used in this manner should be strong theme reinforcers and be placed just below eye level.


The Top

The tree is shaped and lit. The garland is hung and ornaments bedazzle the eye. All that remains is to crown your creation and enjoy its beauty. Although the last step in the decorating process, it is perhaps the most important. The viewers eye, having been led to the top of the tree, must see that the journey was worthwhile. Whether reinforcing the design of a theme, or simply topping a traditional tree, you choice of tree top is critical. Many people choose to top their tree with a simple electric top. If this is your choice, keep in mind the size of the tree and the color of the lights. Pick a top that compliments those choices. However, light-up tree tops are not the only option. Large non-lighting angels, bows, or even plush Santas or teddy bears can be used for an eye-catching crown that will help define your chosen theme.


Theme Expansion

Any tree decorated with a central unifying idea is called a "theme tree." The theme can be as simple as a color choice: red, blue, gold, etc. Using lights, garland, and ornaments of the same color will create a specific look. Decorating with related ornaments, like all Santas, all snowmen, all birds, etc. are also theme ideas. Theme ideas are limited only by your imagination. A little planning will produce a beautifully decorated tree with unique appeal. If you have decided to do a theme tree, try expanding the theme to include the entire room decor. Coordinated wreaths, mantle and banister treatment, table centerpieces, tablemats, snowglobes, musicboxes, and novelty statuary will strengthen the overall impact of your tree's theme.