If you celebrate Christmas, more than likely you decorate an evergreen tree (real or artificial) with ornaments and lights. It’s a Christmas tradition in our home. 

When the days are short and evening arrives early, there’s just something happy about twinkly lights on a Christmas tree that lifts my spirits and warms my heart this time of year.  

As a member of the Michaels’ Makers blog team, I recently had an awesome opportunity to participate in a dream tree challenge. Bri and I spent quite a bit of time browsing the aisles at Michaels to come up with creative ideas for the challenge. Finally, a glittery shimmery succulent wreath is what inspired the succulents & spruce theme. We both really love the natural/botanical vibe that succulents and plants add to just about any style of decorating. 

Today I wanted to share a few tips for setting up and decorating an artificial tree, some that help make it look more ‘real’ and full.

Tip #1 Set the Mood

This is completely optional but nothing sets a Christmas tree decorating mood like cranking up the Christmas tunes. Pair that with a cup of hot cocoa and you’re all set! I like to set my boxes of ornaments and decorations in the same room to have everything within easy reach. 

Tip #2 Pine Scent

Making the tree not only visually “Christmas” but smelling like pine contributes to the magical feel of the holiday season. In the past I’ve lit pine scented candles. Michaels also sells pine or cinnamon scented ornaments. This year, we’re really loving our essential oils. So we’re diffusing essential oil blends like Christmas Spirit, cinnamon and/or pine, creating a seasonal scent without the harmful chemicals.  

Tip #3 Ideas for Under the Tree

Get creative with the area under the tree. For my dream tree challenge, I simply added a burlap table runner for a ‘skirt’ and displayed potted succulents. here are some past ideas we’ve done too:

• no sew ruffled ombre tree skirt tutorial
• faux root ball
• SUPER easy faux tree trunk cover (you probably have the supplies at home!)
• add height but placing tree in a crate or old trunk

Tip #4 Lights 

Tip #4: Pre-lit is the way to go but in the past I’ve also used a 9 outlet Christmas tree extension cord for adding strings of light. I like that the outlets are spaced along the extension cord. One plug into the wall outlet and an off/on switch for the Christmas lights, the outlets up along the back of the tree for adding strings of lights.

I was surprised that not many Facebook fans knew this tip, so I’ll share here too: I add my lights to the tree vertically {up and down} rather than around. I can’t tell the difference and when the tree is in a corner, it’s a lot easier than trying to get around it’s width. Not a fan of pulling it out from the corner, moving a ladder all around while trying to “lasso” the tree with strings of lights and pushing it back into place. 

 Tip #5 Filling in the tree & decorating

If your artificial tree isn’t as full as you’d like it to be, add faux pine garland or silk flower bunches to fill in the gaps {large faux poinsettias help to fill in space and look pretty too}. Even dollar store green garland pushed near the center of the tree will help hide seeing the “pole” through sparse branches. Try larger ornaments and use wide ribbon or tulle as a garland to help fill the empty spaces.

We chose items that had more of a natural theme rather than specifically traditional. By adding in mixed metallics with a bit of glitter along with natural elements, we were able to create an enchanted evergreen vibe. 

Bonus tip: Cat Proofing the Tree. I recommend an artificial tree if you have a cat to prevent possible poisoning from ingesting pine needles or tree water (things to consider with a real tree). You may want to set up the tree but hold off on decorating until cat is a little less curious. Choose a safe location in the event that the tree is knocked over. Use a citrus spray, Bitter Apple spray to help discourage cats or spritz pinecones with citrus/citronella and display near the base. Make sure the tree has a wide/secure/heavy anchor. Tape down electrical wires or wrap exposed wires in foil. Artificial trees also eliminate the temptation to sharpen claws where as your cat may find a real tree trunk irresistible. Thankfully our cat doesn’t climb the tree but I’ve heard that tin foil around the trunk may help to prevent it. Ours will bat at lower ornaments though. Be sure to bend the ornament hanger securely around a branch or display unbreakable ornaments lower on the tree. 

I really don’t feel there is a wrong or right way to decorate a tree. Decorating in layers is what works best for me. Materials I used: (Find materials and decor that you feel fit a succulent & spruce/enchanted evergreen theme at Michaels) .

• 7 1/2 foot pre-lit Willow Pine Christmas tree
• succulent garlands
• packs of matte orange Christmas bulb ornaments
• grapevine orbs 
• mini mossy fairy/gnome houses
• lighted grapevine star tree topper
• assorted pheasant feathers
• large pinecones
• glittery floral pics in copper
• assorted floral pics: one with mini pinecones on branches, one with gold berries, gold/green ferns, gold glittery spiral branches, etc. 
• clip on burlap poinsettias 
• assorted potted succulents – for the ones hanging on the tree, be sure to use hot glue to ensure succulents are extra secure in foam base/pot as well as to adhere an ornament hanger to the pot so that rather than set on it’s base, it hangs like an ornament. 
• burlap table runner for use as a tree skirt
• birch wood slices for displaying succulents under the tree

Before blogging, I decorated our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. During blogging, the season starts a bit earlier. My tree was up and decorated by Halloween. I’ve been asked if I take it down or leave it up for two months. I definitely keep it on display the entire month of November and December and a little into January too. How about you? 

Get more Christmas tree tips from the entire Michaels’ Makers team:

·        If you haven’t seen all of the Dream Trees yet, stop by The Glue String to see all 30 – be prepared to be inspired! See the full Succulents & Spruce Christmas tree reveal here. 

·         You can help spread some holiday cheer by sharing a photo of my dream tree or any trees that inspire you this year on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, tag your friend, use the hashtag #TagATree and encourage them to do the same! Thank you!!! xo

·         Looking for some creative holiday ideas? Michaels has a variety of Make it Merry projects for you and your family to work on this season!

·         All Michaels stores are hosting a Holiday Pinterest Party tomorrow, Saturday Nov. 15 from 1-4pm – come in and create a fun holiday project with the help of a Michaels associate!