If you are new to owning an artificial Christmas tree, you may discover that decorating it with lights is done a little differently than when you put strands of lights on a live Christmas tree. Although it generally takes more time to put light strands on an artificial Christmas tree, the benefit is that once you have placed them on the branches, you won’t have to remove them again. Below are some ideas for selecting the right lights for your Christmas tree and some tips on how to decorate with them.
Use 50-foot light strands to decorate your artificial Christmas tree. According to Better Homes and Gardens, 50-foot light strands are less likely to have electrical problems or burn out. If you want subdued lighting, their website suggests 12 boxes of 50-foot light strands for a 6-foot tree, or 20 boxes for an 8-foot tree. If you prefer moderate lighting on your Christmas tree, use 20 boxes for a 6-foot tree or 30 boxes for an 8-foot tree.
Check the Christmas light strands before you start putting them on the tree. Make sure all the strands are untangled and that none of the light bulbs are loose. Plug each strand in to an electrical socket separately to ensure that they actually works and that none of the bulbs are burnt out.
Begin stringing the lights from the bottom of the Christmas tree near the trunk. Select a branch at the bottom where you wish to begin. Wrap the lights around the branch starting at the trunk and moving outward to the tip of the tree. If you want the lighting on your Christmas tree to have a more subdued look, you will wrap the strand loosely around each branch. Allow plenty of slack in the strand and gently drape the strand as you wrap it around the branch. If you prefer more moderate lighting, however, wrap the strand tighter and closer together. Remember to allow for some slack in the strand as you want the branches to look natural and not overly stiff.
Repeat the wrap on the same branch moving the light strand back towards the trunk. Move to the next branch and repeat the process. Once again wrap the branch by working your way out to the tip and then return the strand back to the trunk continuing to wrap it around the branch.
Continue the same process of wrapping each branch as you go around the bottom branches of the Christmas tree. Work your way up from the bottom level and repeat the process until you reach the end of the first 50-foot strand.
Attach the end of the first 50-foot strand to the beginning of the next 50-foot strand. Continue wrapping each branch as you did with the bottom level, moving up each level as you go. Continue adding more strands of lights as you continue the level moving upward.
Wrap the final strand around the branch at the top that usually supports the tree topper. You are now ready to place the ornaments on your tree.
– Linda Knighton writes for Christmas blogs where you can find out more about Santa’s Quarters and other Christmas boutique sellers.
