5 Designer Tips for Decorating a Holiday Tree

Summit’s lead designer shares his tips for creating a stunning holiday tree

Last week we showed you the beautiful holiday transformation our design team created in two model homes in the Villas of Parkwood. We also shared the news of a special promotion - if you sign a contract to purchase either one of them by January 5, 2016, all the beautiful holiday decorations will be yours to keep! While he was decorating, our award-winning designer Darrell Naeger took a few minutes to share his no-fail tips for creating a designer holiday tree. 

1. Build from a collection 

Choosing your décor around a collection or general theme will help create a unified look. The tree above features a collection of snowflake ornaments. You can keep building your collection by adding a few new ornaments each year too. 

2. Use a variety of ornaments sizes and styles 

Large ornaments will make your tree look fuller and help create interest when mixed with medium and small ornaments. Including an ornament style that dangles off the branches as well as a sprig-like pick item will add dimension to the tree.       

3. Work in layers from big to little 

Place the largest ornaments on first to make sure you have enough space for them. Starting this way will also prevent you from accidentally knocking smaller, more delicate ornaments off the tree later. Next, add in your medium ornaments and any “collection pieces” you have. Then work in the smaller ornaments.   

4. Use small ball ornaments and sprigs as “filler” 

Small ball ornaments are an easy and inexpensive way to fill in any leftover gaps in your ornaments. Adding the sprig ornaments will give your tree a perfect finishing touch. 

5. Add the ribbon at the end 

If you like to use ribbon, it’s easiest to work it in around the ornaments at the end. Wired ribbon is easier to manipulate and holds shape around ornaments better. Darrell prefers to use styles that are at least 3” wide.   

BONUS TIPS: 

- Remove any strings or ribbon that come with ornaments and replace with wire hooks – this helps create a consistent look and makes it easier to secure the ornaments to the branches. 

- Tuck glittery or sequined ornaments in near one of the lights for added sparkle.

- Use wire to attach ball ornaments together to create a cluster. -Don’t be afraid to put more than one ornament on a branch.        

For more information about the Villas of Parkwood and details about the holiday decor promotion, please contact Danielle Sapienza of The Rob Ellerman Team with ReeceNichols at 913-302-8810 or DanielleS@ReeceNichols.com.