7 common mistakes when decorating an artificial Christmas tree – and how to avoid them
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An artificial Christmas tree offers many advantages: It doesn't shed needles, is beautifully designed, and can be displayed in a new way every year. But here, too, the rule applies: Only with the right decorations can its full splendor be appreciated. Unfortunately, mistakes often creep in – even among experienced Christmas enthusiasts. Here are the 7 most common pitfalls and how to cleverly avoid them.
1. Don’t “pluck” the tree
A common mistake is simply putting the tree together without carefully aligning the branches. "Plucking" is crucial here: Shape each branch tip slightly outward and upward to create volume. This makes the tree appear denser and more natural.
2. Attach the fairy lights last
Many people decorate with baubles first and then hang the string lights on top. This not only makes handling difficult but often leads to uneven lighting. Tip: Always attach the string lights first – from the inside out, in spiral paths.
3. Too much or too little decoration
An overly cluttered tree looks cluttered, while one that's too empty looks unfinished. Rule of thumb: A medium-sized tree (180 cm) needs about 40–60 decorative elements plus a string of 200–300 LED lights. Vary the size of the balls and combine glossy and matte finishes for depth and texture.
4. No color strategy
Simply mixing colors can quickly lead to chaos. Decide on a color scheme (e.g., gold & cream, red & natural, blue & silver) and stick to it consistently. Add a maximum of one accent color for highlights.
5. Decoration only from the front
Especially with artificial trees in a room (not on the wall!), it looks disharmonious if only the front is decorated. Tip: Lightly decorate the back and sides as well – especially with models with a panoramic view.
6. Not paying attention to proportions
Large baubles should be placed lower on strong branches, while smaller ones should be placed higher. Heavy ornaments should also be hung low to ensure the tree remains stable and doesn't appear top-heavy.
7. Forgetting the tip
A tree without a top looks incomplete. Whether it's a classic star, a bow, or a modern shape, make sure it's firmly anchored and that the upper branch segment is strong enough. Many ArtiTree trees have specially reinforced tops for this purpose.
Conclusion:
By following a few basic rules, you'll get the most out of your artificial Christmas tree – year after year. This way, your tree will not only be decorated, but also stylishly displayed.