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Selecting a tree

What and when .

• Measure the height and width of the area that you want the tree to fit into. remember to include the hieght of a tree stand
• Good tree are freshly cut, to check tip on the ground or bush it the tree with yor fingers, if it sheds a lot of needles it may be are old tree
• Healthy trees are shiny, glossy green
• Avoide trees that are pre-wrapped in netting, it allows you to see the shape and ensure that branches are not bent and are fully covered

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First Steps

• Cut off the netting to allow the branches to settle,
• Saw off about half an inch (2.5cm) from its base in order to open up its pores
• Put it in a bucket of water and keep it outside in a shady, sheltered spot until you’re ready to bring it indoors.
• Before you carry it into the house, give it another gentle tap to shed any loose needles.
• Secure the tree in its holder or pot.

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Location

For a real xmas trees placement is key

• The tree should be at the center of all decorations
• If possible, place in a cool area from radiators and fire to prevent it from dryout
• Try to avoid a nest of wires across the floor place near a plug and keep wire tidy
• View the tree and select the best side to the front

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Plan

Preparation is everything, the tree is the center of Christmas decorations and will be around for upto a month so a little planning is worth the time

• First step is to layout all lights, baubles etc
• Check the lights before hanging on tree

if possible pick a colour scheme

• Reds, greens and golds fit a traditional-style for Christmas.
• Yellow and white lights as LEDs can give a more blue hue.
• Silver, Blues and Purples or for a winter look
• White, Silver with traditional wooden decorations give minimalist look and feel

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Lights

• Start at bottom and work your way up to top.
• For a 6-foot tree, you'll need about six strands with 100 lights each
• Lights should sit closer to the trunk than the decorations to creata warm glow

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Tinsel

• Adding glam to the tree
• Avoid the lights and from the Bottom and work up through the tree

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Adding Ornaments

• Organise ornaments by size
• Hang the biggest baubles on the larger branches
• Add smaller trinkets on the more delicate sprigs
• Cluster baubles in 3s, with mixed sizes in group

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After xmas

• Take down the ornaments in the resever order and store in that order
• Real tree can be recycled or even planted in a flower border for a couple of months to add interest