Christmas Tree Decorating Made Easy

 Decorating our Christmas tree every year is usually an all day affair, but as much as I love Christmas I’d rather spend less time decorating and more time playing with my kids in the snow. So I’ve come up with a few time saving tips that will have your tree decorated in almost no time at all.

The most essential component of being able to rapidly decorate your Christmas tree, is that the tree itself must be artificial. Not wanting to get into an argument about which tree is better, more traditional, or looks better, the simple fact is that with an artificial Christmas tree you can string the lights so that when you take your tree apart, you can actually leave the lights on. This is very important for those who like to have lots of lights on their tree. Our tree practically glows with close to 3,000 lights. This comes out to a full strand of 100 lights each on the larger, lower branches, and smaller strings of 50 lights on the smaller upper branches. Now, when I assemble the tree, all I need to do is run the cords down the trunk and plug them in – instant lighted Christmas tree.

Now that the tree is up and lit, start adding your ornaments. Ornaments generally fall into one of two types, decorative and filler. Christmas Decorations can be either collectible (think Hallmark or Radko), personalized ornaments or simply ornamental (shaped, multi-colored, fabric, or even hand painted). The best way to think of what a decorative ornament is, is also to know what it is not. It is not filler. Filler ornaments are the plain round balls, typically in a single color. They can also be any single colored basic ornament, such as apples (we have both regular and miniature sized apples which add a nice red background to our other ornaments).

So the first ornaments to hit your tree are the decorative ones. Keep these to the ends of the branches where they will be most visible. Next, add your monochrome filler ornaments. These solid colored balls are used to give depth to your tree by adding color to the interior of your tree. This will be made even easier if you store your ornaments in large bins, by type, so you don’t need to have every ornament box you own open while you randomly decorate your tree.

Now that all the ornaments are on, add your garland, working from the top down. If your tree sits in the corner of a room, like ours does, no need to contort around the tree to make sure the garland gets where no one will see it. Simply string it across the front, then loop it back around. By not decorating where no one will see, you’ll use less garland, and spend less time decorating.

The only thing you now have left to do is wrap the stand with a Tree Skirt (be sure to cover all the power strips for your lights) and put all the empty boxes away because your tree decorating is done. Now go outside and play with the kids.

About the Author

Christmas Roofline Lights

20 Green Dog Shaped Bone Christmas Holiday Stocking $5.73 These festive holiday season stockings are sure to brighten up the Christmas season for you “other” loved ones! A great twist on a holiday staple, these large 20″ stockings are specifically shaped like dog bones, but you can fill them with toys, treats, and well, of course, bones! Great on their own and even better with the Christmas costumes, accessories, toys, and Christmas decorations in our …

Denver Broncos Christmas Tree Skirt $39.95 Denver Broncos soft plush Christmas tree skirt in vibrant football team colors and embroidered NFL team logo. Perfect for the holidays and game room decor. Made by Forever Collectibles….

Cleveland Browns Christmas Tree Skirt $38.95 Cleveland Browns soft plush Christmas tree skirt in vibrant football team colors and embroidered NFL team logo. Perfect for the holidays and game room decor. Made by Forever Collectibles….

Fashion Thickening Embroidery Christmas Tree Skirts Accents $10.69 Beautiful Christmas ornament is sure to impress your guests! The Christmas tree skirt with hand embroidery is perfect for Christmas decoration every year.This kind of fashion red Christmas tree skirt can let your Christmas tree more attractive and wonderful. Unique Christmas ornament brings your family more happiness and will surely leave good memory for you. Made of high quality, the material of this Christmas ornament is environment friendly for you to deal with in daily life. This personalized tree skirt with hand embroidery decoration creates a warm and elegant look under your Christmas tree. It will bring full festive atmosphere to your home. The red Christmas tree skirt adds another kind of strong Christmas atmosphere to you. The Christmas tree skirt is water washable and it is easy to dry after you wash it. The festive letters with shiny color can bring you good luck and happy feelings. You can dress the Christmas tree with this elegant skirt. No matter what time is it, you can attract people’s attention with this excellent Christmas ornament. You can buy one as a nice Christmas gift before the Christmas Eve. Take this Christmas tree skirt home. You will really surprise your families with this Christmas ornament. It will bring good luck to your home and is a perfect compliment to any classic holiday decor!

38 Christmas Tree Skirts With Designs(Pack of 72) $8.99 38″ Christmas Tree Skirts With Designs. This product is not available for shipment to Calif. Due to the seasonality of this product, all sales on this holiday product are final and cannot be returned.

Personalized Family Tree Throw $59.95 A tree is only as strong as its roots . . . and as beautiful as its branches. A personalized family tree is woven into a fringed, forest green and ecru cotton throw. It’s a warm memento, sure to become an heirloom. Please specify family name up to 11 letters, and as many as 12 individual names, up to 11 characters/spaces each. Allow four to six weeks for delivery; sorry, express delivery not available. Machine washable. Made in USA. 48″ x 70″.

Personalized Family Tree Standee Each $55.99 The Personalized Family Tree Standee is a great family reunion activity! Our Personalized Family Tree Standee is a perfect way to add some fun to your family reunion. The standee can be personalized with your family name at the top, and includes a package of 24 Tissue Autumn Leaves so that you can add your family members names onto the tree. Additional packages of leaves sold seperately. Family Tree Standee’s are made of free-standing sturdy cardboard and are over 4 feet high x 6 feet wide. Easy assembly.

Kwik Sew Tree Skirts, Stockings, Mantle Runner Pattern $11.49 For the Tree Skirts, Stockings, Mantle Runner, & Letters For Embroidery we suggest cotton, cotton types, jacquard, velveteen, satin. Click here for pattern back.

Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Notepads Personalized Notebook Each $1.79 Our exclusive Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Notepads feature a white Christmas tree and swirl design on a green background. Each Trendy Christmas Tree Notepad measures 2 1/2 inches wide x 4 inches tall includes sixty sheets of unlined, white paper. You can customized the Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Notepads with your own wording to match your party! Give your guests Trendy Christmas Tree personalized notebooks to write down the good times they had at your party!

Go Green, Personalized Tree Eco Friendly Reusable Shopping Bag $25.49 Go Green, Personalized Tree Eco Friendly Reusable Shopping Bag

Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Coaster Personalized Coasters Pkg/100 $34.99 The Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Coasters feature a white Christmas tree and swirl accents on a green background. The custom Trendy Christmas Tree coasters measures 3 1/2 inches square and are made from pulp board. The Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Coaster are a great way to keep your party tables dry or a terrific keepsake.

Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Travel Mugs Personalized Travel Mug Each $3.99 The exclusive Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Travel Mugs features a white whimsical tree on a green background. Each of the Trendy Christmas Tree mugs measures 6 inches high and holds 14 ounces. Best of all, it can be personalized with your wording. The Trendy Christmas Tree travel mugs make great holiday party favors and simple gifts for those last minute holiday parties.

Personalized Tree Memorial Candle $33.5 Candle measures 9" tall and 3" wide   Memorial Candle can be personalized to honor the memory of a loved one Available in White or Ivory Note Due to the high temperatures between May 1 Sept 1 we recommend that all candles be shipped using our express method Any melted candles shipped by ground will not be accepted for returns

Lush Tree $39 Lush Tree: Tall and proud, a beautiful olive tree stands out on these crisp white invitations featuring your personalized invitation message below.

Personalized Tree Of Love Print With Wood Frame $59.98 Remember the old days when lovers would carve their names in a tree trunk? With our Tree of Love image, you can enjoy that tender experience without the tree! This whimsical framed and matted image is a great gift for the newly engaged, the wedding couple

Brocade Tree $132 Brocade Tree: A traditional Christmas tree design in a lovely brocade on shimmering Crystal white cardstock creates a simple and elegant holiday statement. A Swarovski crystal adorns the top of the tree design. The brocade will print in the same color choice as your personalized message, and turquoise-green, Bermuda envelopes are included with your cards.

Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized Cookie Tin Personalized Cookie Tin Each $7.99 Surprise someone special with this spectacular cookie tin. Fill the Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized Cookie Tin with your favorite recipe treats and the tin may be reused to store more cookies or special mementos afterward. We’ll print the design on the lid of the cookie tin. Each of the 3 1/4 inch high x 9 inch diameter cookie tins allow you to add your own personalization.Cookies not included.

Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Cookie Tin Personalized Cookie Tin Each $7.99 Surprise someone special with this holiday cookie tin. Fill the Trendy Christmas Tree Personalized Cookie Tin with your favorite recipe treats and the tin may be reused to store more cookies or special mementos afterward. We’ll print the design on the lid of the cookie tin. Each of the 3 1/4 inch high x 9 inch diameter cookie tins allow you to add your own personalization.Cookies not included.

Free Shipping. Tree of Love Personalized Gallery Wrapped Canvas $64.95 The Tree of Love Personalized Gallery Wrapped Canvas is a fun way to create a personalized piece of art for the one you love. Customized with the text of your choosing carved into a birch tree, this personalized piece of artwork makes a great gift. This also makes a great wedding decoration for a wedding. Printed on canvas wrapped on a wood frame. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Vintage Palm Tree Key Tag Personalized Round Kegtag Each $1.19 The Vintage Palm Tree Key Tag shows off a pattern of vintage designed palm trees with a green bamboo frame around each tree. Each Personalized Vintage Palm Tree Key Tag measures 2 inches in diameter and is made from a flexible vinyl. The Vintage Palm Tree Key Tag makes a great favor for your tropical themed prom or event.

Handcrafted Custom Family Tree Personalized Birthstone Necklace $12.99 Handcrafted Custom Family Tree Personalized Birthstone Necklace Showcase your love for your family with this custom birthstone Family Tree necklace.  Let the beauty of Austrian Crystals represent the birthday’s of your children and family members. The color of the Crystal you choose will represent the birthday months.  January Garnet February Amethyst March Aquamarine April Crystal May Emerald June Light Amethyst July Fuchsia August Peridot September Sapphire October Rose November Topaz December Blue Zircon Customization Instructions: Enter the MONTH and  QUANTITY  for each crystal color selection in the Personalization Box directly above. Example:  Customization entry: 1- July 1- Sept, 1- Nov, 1- Dec This example the necklace would be designed with the following colored crystals: One ( 1 ) fuchsia for July, One ( 1 ) sapphire crystal for September, ,  One ( 1 ) topaz for November  and One ( 1 ) zircon crystal for December When ordering more than ONE Personalized Necklace :  Please order each item separately. Specifications: 18 Inch Lead and Nickel Free Cub Chain, Spring Ring Closure, Austrian Crystals

Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized Milk Chocolate Lollipop Personalized Milk Chocolate Lollipop Each $1.89 Our Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized Milk Chocolate Lollipop features a colorful Christmas tree with stars. Each Personalized Christmas Tree Chocolate Pop is individually wrapped, one-sided and measures 3 inches in diameter and 7 1/2 inches from the top to bottom. Hand these out as a fun Christmas favor or use as a stocking stuffer. Assembly required.

Vintage Palm Tree Candy Jar Personalized Candy Jar Each $1.49 Our Vintage Palm Tree Candy Jar feature a classic look of pattern of palm trees with a green bamboo frame! Each Personalized Vintage Palm Tree Candy Jar is made of glass and measures 3 inches high x 2 1/2 inches wide with a 1 3/4 inch opening. Fill the Vintage Palm Tree Candy Jar with all our favorite sweet treats and personalize a favor that is as sweet as your event.

Vintage Palm Tree Compact Mirror Personalized Compact Mirror Each $1.99 The Vintage Palm Tree Compact Mirror has a fun design of palm trees surrounded by a green bamboo frames. Each Personalized Vintage Palm Tree Compact Mirror is 2 3/4 inches in diameter and when opened, it reveals two mirrors. The ladies at your event will love to receive the Vintage Palm Tree Compact Mirror as their favor.

Personalized Tree of Life Cross Marriage Prayer $26.5 Our attractive Tree of Life Personalized Cross is simple yet classic featuring a brown woodgrain background with delicate white flowers A small stand is included Cross measures 6 34" x 5 18" x 14" Stand measures 1 34" in diameter and stands 34" tall Personalize with a name of up to 20 characters an event of up to 15 characters and date MMDDYY format Payer on cross reads  Lord help us to remember when we first met and the strong love that grew between us Help us to work that love into practical things so nothing may divide us We ask for words both kind and loving and for hearts always ready to ask forgiveness as well as to forgive Lord we put our marriage into Your hands Amen

Personalized Tree of Love Print with Wood Frame $61.5 Remember the old days when lovers would carve their names in a tree trunk With our Tree of Love image you can enjoy that tender experience without the tree This whimsical framed and matted image is a great gift for the newly engaged the wedding couple or even for a landmark anniversary celebration  Includes a custom black beveled 23" x 19" wood frame with 3" mat and glass front Matted image measures 13 34" x 11 34" Carve two names of up to 10 characters per name and add the date MMDDYYYY format

Tree $98 Tree:

Family Oak Tree Personalized Pillar Candles $39.98 This Oak Tree candle is the perfect way to symbolize the start of your family tree Personalize with your names and wedding date Candle available in White or Ivory SIZE  3" x 9" H Note Due to the high temperatures between May 1 Sept 1 we recommend that all candles be shipped using our express method Any melted candles shipped by ground will not be accepted for returns

Jerks In Skirts $6 Jerks In Skirts

Christmas Tree Print Personalized Cookie Tin Personalized Cookie Tin Each $7.99 Surprise your friends and family with a fabulous cookie tin to take home! Fill the Christmas Gifts Personalized Cookie Tin with your favorite recipe and they can use the tin to store special mementos afterward. Well print the design on the lid of the cookie tin. Each of the 3 1/4 inch high x 9 inch diameter cookie tins allow you to add your own personalization.Cookies not included.

Cool Women Pencil OL Skirts $35.99 Pencil design make this women pencil skirt even more special and fantastic. Personalized your wearing style with this stylish women pencil skirt. With this women pencil skirt, you will definitely be the focus in the crowd.

Fashion Women Black Straight Skirts $33.99 Pencil design make this women pencil skirt even more special and fantastic. Personalized your wearing style with this stylish women pencil skirt. With this women pencil skirt, you will definitely be the focus in the crowd.

Fashion Pencil Short Hip Skirts $29.99 Pencil design make this women pencil skirt even more special and fantastic. Personalized your wearing style with this stylish women pencil skirt. Do not miss this item.

Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized White Chocolate Lollipop Personalized White Chocolate Lollipop Each $1.89 Our Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized White Chocolate Lollipop features a colorful starry Christmas design. Each individually wrapped Christmas Tree white chocolate lollipop is one-sided and measure 3 inches in diameter and 7 1/2 inches from the top to the bottom of their white sticks. Makes a great stocking stuffer. Assembly required.

Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized Mini Tin Personalized Tin 6 White Each $3.99 This Sparkling Christmas Tree Personalized Mini Tin features a colorful Christmas tree with stars. Fill the Starry Christmas Tin with your special recipe treats and reuse the tin later to store special Christmas items inside. We’ll print the design on the lid of the cookie tin. Each of the 6 inch diameter x 1 3/4 inch high cookie tins allows for you to personalize it with your own festive message. Cookies not included.

Personalized Fan Wedding Favor – Love Tree $4.99 Themes: Garden Theme Seasons: Spring Wedding Favors, Summer Wedding Favors Category: Hand Fans Frame Material: Plastic Cloth: Plastic Color: White, Lilac Style: Personalized Hand Fan Approx. Expand Size: 10 1/2 quot; times;8 1/2 quot; times;1/2 quot;(27cmx21.5cmx1.5cm) Net Weight: 0.05kg Shipping Weight: 0.05kg Processing Time: 3-5 business days Shipping Time: Expedited Shipping: 3-5 Business days,Standard Shipping: 6-8 Business days,Super Saver Shipping: 10-20 Business days

The Decision Tree: Taking Control of Your Health in the New Era of Personalized Medicine $3.95 In "The Decision Tree," Thomas Goetz proposes a new strategy for thinking about health, one that applies cutting-edge technology and sound science to put us at the center of the equation. An individual’s Decision Tree begins with genomics, where $400 and a test tube of spit provides a peek at how your DNA influences your health. It taps self-monitoring and collaborative health tools, where iPhone applications and next-generation monitoring gadgets can help individuals successfully change their behavior, once and for all. And it turns to new screening techniques that detect diseases like cancer and diabetes far earlier and with far better prospects for our health. Full of thoughtful, groundbreaking reporting on the impact personalized medicine will have on the average patient, "The Decision Tree "will show you how to take advantage of this new frontier in health care.

Palm Tree Photo Background Illustrations Personalized Paper Mural 57×125 Each $84.99 Our Palm Tree Beach Photo Mural will make your prom a true tropical night.

Personalized Autumn Tree Print Wedding Cake Topper $24.99 Themes: Garden Theme Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Occasion: Wedding, Bridal Shower, Anniversary Category: Crystal Style: Classic Couple Materials: Crystal Color: Yellow Personalization: Personalized Approx. Hight: 3 1/8 quot; (8 cm) Approx. Length: 3 1/8 quot; (8 cm) Approx. Width: 3/4 quot; (2 cm) Net Weight: 0.30 kg Shipping Weight: 0.35 kg Packing: Gift Box Processing Time: 3-5 business days Shipping Time: Expedited Shipping: 3-5 Business days,Standard Shipping: 6-8 Business days,Super Saver Shipping: 10-20 Business days Tips: Find the toppers to match your wedding theme

Snowscapes Personalized Holiday Ornament $19.98 Adorn your tree with these beautiful personalized holiday ornaments, a great gift for anyone on your list. Our colorful ceramic ornaments look great on your tree, hanging in the window or anywhere you want to show them off! Each full color design provides

The Decision Tree $5.99 For all the talk about personalized medicine, our health care system remains a top-down, doctor-driven system where individuals are too often bit players in their own health decisions. In The Decision Tree, Thomas Goetz proposes a new strategy for thinking about health, one that applies cutting-edge technology to put us at the center of the equation and explains how the new frontier of health care can impact each of our lives.

Vintage Palm Tree Rainbow Swirl Lollipop Personalized Rainbow Swirl Lollipops Pkg/12 $9.99 Our Vintage Palm Tree Rainbow Swirl Lollipop has a fantastic design of a palm tree with bamboo frame with a vintage feel. Each 1.4 ounce Personalized Vintage Palm Tree Rainbow Swirl Lollipop is individually wrapped, one-sided and measures 3 inches in diameter and 7 1/2 inches from the top to the bottom of their white stick. The Vintage Palm Tree Rainbow Swirl Lollipop can be handed out at your event. Assembly required.

Vintage Palm Tree White Swirl Lollipop Personalized White Swirl Lollipops Pkg/12 $9.99 Our Vintage Palm Tree White Swirl Lollipop has a fantastic design of a palm tree with bamboo frame with a vintage feel. Each 1.4 ounce Personalized Vintage Palm Tree White Swirl Lollipop is individually wrapped, one-sided and measures 3 inches in diameter and 7 1/2 inches from the top to the bottom of their white stick. The Vintage Palm Tree White Swirl Lollipop can be handed out at your event. Assembly required.

Fashion Thickening Embroidery Christmas Tree Skirts Accents $10.89 Beautiful Christmas ornament is sure to impress your guests! The Christmas tree skirt with hand embroidery is perfect for Christmas decoration every year.This kind of fashion red Christmas tree skirt can let your Christmas tree more attractive and wonderful. Unique Christmas ornament brings your family more happiness and will surely leave good memory for you. Made of high quality, the material of this Christmas ornament is environment friendly for you to deal with in daily life. This personalized tree skirt with hand embroidery decoration creates a warm and elegant look under your Christmas tree. It will bring full festive atmosphere to your home. The red Christmas tree skirt adds another kind of strong Christmas atmosphere to you. The Christmas tree skirt is water washable and it is easy to dry after you wash it. The festive letters with shiny color can bring you good luck and happy feelings. You can dress the Christmas tree with this elegant skirt. No matter what time is it, you can attract people’s attention with this excellent Christmas ornament. You can buy one as a nice Christmas gift before the Christmas Eve. Take this Christmas tree skirt home. You will really surprise your families with this Christmas ornament. It will bring good luck to your home and is a perfect compliment to any classic holiday decor!

Fashion Thickening Embroidery Christmas Tree Skirts Accents $10.69 Beautiful Christmas ornament is sure to impress your guests! The Christmas tree skirt with hand embroidery is perfect for Christmas decoration every year.This kind of fashion red Christmas tree skirt can let your Christmas tree more attractive and wonderful. Unique Christmas ornament brings your family more happiness and will surely leave good memory for you. Made of high quality, the material of this Christmas ornament is environment friendly for you to deal with in daily life. This personalized tree skirt with hand embroidery decoration creates a warm and elegant look under your Christmas tree. It will bring full festive atmosphere to your home. The red Christmas tree skirt adds another kind of strong Christmas atmosphere to you. The Christmas tree skirt is water washable and it is easy to dry after you wash it. The festive letters with shiny color can bring you good luck and happy feelings. You can dress the Christmas tree with this elegant skirt. No matter what time is it, you can attract people’s attention with this excellent Christmas ornament. You can buy one as a nice Christmas gift before the Christmas Eve. Take this Christmas tree skirt home. You will really surprise your families with this Christmas ornament. It will bring good luck to your home and is a perfect compliment to any classic holiday decor!

The Gift of Christmas: Create Ornaments, Floral Arrangements, Gifts & More $500 New – — Features ornaments stockings and tree skirts.– Inspiring ideas for holiday decorating and gift giving.– Ideas add a personalized touch to holiday presents.

The Gift of Christmas: Create Ornaments, Floral Arrangements, Gifts & More $33.59 New – — Features ornaments stockings and tree skirts.– Inspiring ideas for holiday decorating and gift giving.– Ideas add a personalized touch to holiday presents.

The Gift of Christmas: Create Ornaments, Floral Arrangements, Gifts & More $26.55 New – — Features ornaments stockings and tree skirts.– Inspiring ideas for holiday decorating and gift giving.– Ideas add a personalized touch to holiday presents.

The Gift of Christmas: Create Ornaments, Floral Arrangements, Gifts & More $319.35 New – — Features ornaments stockings and tree skirts.– Inspiring ideas for holiday decorating and gift giving.– Ideas add a personalized touch to holiday presents.

The Gift of Christmas: Create Ornaments, Floral Arrangements, Gifts & More $35 New – — Features ornaments stockings and tree skirts.– Inspiring ideas for holiday decorating and gift giving.– Ideas add a personalized touch to holiday presents.