You know that feeling? You sit on the couch, you look at your newly decorated tree there is something wrong. It’s missing that magical touch that makes everything special: the lights. If they are not arranged in the right way, the tree remains dull, lifeless. And this is a shame, because they are the ones who create the atmosphere that makes Christmas so unique.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert to make your tree shine. In this guide you will find simple and practical ideas for turning your tree into a masterpiece that everyone will love. At the end, it will be impossible not to say “wow”!
Lighting the tree: the secret is to start well
Lighting a tree isn’t just a matter of stringing a string of lights and hoping it works. It takes a little planningbut nothing complicated. Before you get started, take a moment to imagine how you want your tree to look. Do you like an elegant and minimalist style? Or something more cheerful and colourful? This decision will be the compass for everything else.
If you have a real tree, a winning idea is the method a zig zag. Imagine your tree divided into three triangles. Starting at the tip, go diagonally down to the base of one side and up the other. This trick will help you avoid those annoying dark spots or, conversely, areas overloaded with lights.
However, if you have an artificial tree, the method branch by branch it’s perfect for you. It takes a little more time, but the result is fantastic. Simply wrap the string of lights around each branch, starting at the trunk and working outward, then working your way back. In the end, your tree will look almost alive, with every corner well lit.
First of all, though, remember to test the lights! You don’t want to find out that a string doesn’t work after you’ve already decorated half the tree, do you?
Which lights to choose for the Christmas tree
Not all lights are the same, and choosing the right ones can dramatically change the final effect of your tree. There are tons of options, but don’t panic: I’ll help you find your way.
Here are some types of lights that make the difference:
- Mesh lights
If you’re always in a hurry, these are for you. They are very practical: lay them out on the branches and you’re done. They create uniform lighting and save you hours of work. - Mantle lights
This system is a little genius. There is a ring that is placed at the tip of the tree, from which luminous threads cascade down. Easy, quick, but with a super elegant effect. - Classic wire lights
The most traditional, but also the most versatile. You can use them to create custom designs and adapt them to any type of tree. If you want to avoid a tangle of sockets, choose extendable lights: you can connect them together without complicating your life.
And the colors? The warm white lights they give a refined atmosphere, while the multicolored ones are perfect for a party full of energy. If you have children, they will surely prefer a riot of colors!
Some tricks for a tree that makes you dream
Now that you’ve chosen your lights and decided how to position them, let me give you some extra tips to really make a difference:
- Always start with the lights: Before adding baubles and decorations, arrange the lights. This way you can distribute them without obstacles.
- Play with depth: Place some lights near the trunk and others on the outermost branches. This trick gives a three-dimensional effect that will make your tree look even fuller and brighter.
- Calculate the quantity carefully: As a rule, use approximately 100 lights for every 30cm of tree height. A 2 meter tree? You will need at least 700 lights for a wow effect.
- Don’t overload with decorations: The lights must be the protagonists. Too many decorations risk covering them and ruining the final effect.
- Try different combinations: Alternate steady and flashing lights to create movement and a little extra magic.
With these precautions, your tree will become the protagonist of the holidays. It will be impossible not to stop and look at it every time you pass by it.
Lighting up the Christmas tree is one of the most beautiful moments of the holidays, an opportunity to leave room for creativity and make the house even more welcoming. The lights are the soul of the treethe touch that makes it unique and special. By following these tips, you will be able to create a magical atmosphere that will make your home shine and warm everyone’s hearts.
And you? How will you decorate your tree this year? Try one of the methods we’ve seen or try something new. And, above all, have fun. Because the true spirit of Christmas is all here: enjoying every little moment, perhaps together with the people you love.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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