my top tree lighting tip...

this photo may be a bit of a surprise after my last post...
before we get to the merry & bright colorful decor,
i have a tree-lighting tip to share with you that is guaranteed to up the sparkle factor
on any tree you decorate!

continue reading to see what my no-fail tree lighting trick is...
all you need for this is one EXTRA strand of mini lights!

simply match them to the lights you will be using on your tree:
green foliage on your tree? green wires. white or flocked foliage? white wires.

you are going to take that one light strand and run it up the front of the trunk of the tree.

1. first, set up your tree. (fake or real, it works on both!) fluff the branches.
trust me - it's much easier to do this on a vertical tree.

NOTE: because these lights run right up the trunk, 

you can add this strand of lights before or after you light the rest of the tree.
you DO have to add it before you add ornaments, though.

2. you will be holding / working with the non-plug end of the light strand.
make SURE that the plug end is left on the ground under the tree! 

3. start under the largest lowest branches at the front of the tree,
and work the strand of lights from the base of the tree straight up the trunk
between the inner branches - up to the top.

4. attach the light strand at the top of the trunk with a zip tie or wire, to hold it in place.

5. then run the rest of the strand down the back side of the trunk.

if the tree can be seen from several angles, i run two strands of lights -
one strand running front to back,
and one more strand running up and down both sides of the trunk.

before and after:

 

the extra lights glow deep INSIDE the tree branches, 
getting rid of dark shadows and 'holes'!

Once you hang your ornaments on it, the extra light will make them sparkle and shine

even more than they usually do!

I've used this simple trick for years on the thousands of trees that I have decorated 

in retail stores & windows, wineries, hotels, and executive residences... 

everyone comments on how bright and sparkling they are!

TIP: if you also plan to use novelty lights on your tree - shaped or bubble lights - 
add the light strands BEFORE you add ornaments. 
after the ornaments are on the tree, insert the bulbs or pop on the bulb covers
on the novelty light strands. 
this reduces the chance of them being broken as you work on the tree.

another quick tree trimming tip:
you can use skirts, aprons, and petticoats as tree skirts!
this ruffled sheer petticoat adds layers of vintage charm to this white vignette.

my next post shares the first project of this year's colorful holiday theme!
(yes, it has to do with the tree ;) ) 

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