December 6th, the tree is up!  It’s a little late for us but will be enjoyed all the same. After decorating five other trees for clients before mine, I know a little about making the process simple.

A little history for fun, the Christmas Tree started in Germany with fruit, nuts & cookies as decorations.  Candles were added by Martin Luther after seeing a grove of pine trees with a backdrop of twinkling stars.  Thankfully, electric strings of lights replaced lighted candles & glass balls replaced apples on trees.  Now, anything goes for Christmas tree decor.

Sometimes it’s hard to keep your cherished ornaments fresh or keep your tree from looking lopsided.  Try these simple steps to make trimming your tree as easy as opening presents Christmas morning.

    Staging  Use tables to stage Christmas decorations, sorting all like ornaments together by type & by color. Elf Tip: Cover tables to protect them from fairy dust, glitter & scratches.

    Basics  Hopefully you have a pre-lit tree, but if you choose a real tree, string on lights or add extra lights to your pre-lit, then add decorative ribbon and/or strings of beads.  Finish these basics with the tree topper.  Elf Tip:  This step is a 2 Elf job with sturdy ladder unless the Abominable Snowman lives with you.

    Fillers  Place solid color balls deep within branches of your Christmas tree to create a 3-dimensional, lush look.  Elf Tip:  Enlist Elf’s-in-Training to place hooks on balls to create a whole family experience & memories.

    Specialty  Take extra care to hang your memory ornaments, the ones with special meaning, on exterior limbs of tree .  Elf Tip:  Take a break before starting this step to refill eggnog & hot coco.

    Clean-Up  Move empty boxes back to storage, then quickly run vacuum to pick up glitter, needles and other debris.   Elf Tip:  Have a Christmas movie waiting to turn on once you are done.  Then refill your glass, put up your feet & enjoy your beautiful tree.

More tips & ideas to come through this week’s posts on the Styled & Organized Living Facebook page, @StyledOrganized on Twitter & the Styled & Organized Living Pinterest page.  These Daily Tips will show you how to gain more control over your life through organization because Life is Better Stylishly Organized!