This is the crucial moment you must decide the type of tree you want.

A professional, decorative "interior design" styled tree requires some type of uniformed look regardless of how well hidden it may seem. I.e. the use of loads of glitter balls placed evenly and then only coordinating ornaments or bows in large quantities are used to compliment. An other example would be, tons of different sizes and items get used but all are made out of crystal with pewter detailing. However presented, uniformity is required in some manner.

Not every household requires or even desires this type of stylized tree. For many, the Christmas tree is a showcase for the lives and memories of friends and family who enjoy it each year as time unfolds. This often results in large collections of many different styles and colours of decorations that probably don't match. Heaven forbid! No need to panic! You can still have a stunning, pulled together tree by simply using SOMETHING "en masse" to give that consistency required to please the eye.

Whatever you use, i.e. 2 dozen of the same colour tree balls, or 10 large matching bows, add them all at the same time and space them evenly. Now add your decorations.


Hints:

· Be sure to use some decorations deep inside the tree to add depth.
· If using bows resist tacking them on the ends of the branches only, place most of them well back on the branch.
· Varying the size of bows from smaller at the top to larger adds interest.
· Remember 10 or so gorgeous bow of size will be more effective than 20-itsy bitsy ones.

Good luck and we're sure you'll find these basics will results in a Christmas tree even Dickens would be proud of, but more importantly you'll be proud of it too!

Create a Glorious Wreath & Stunning Urns to Welcome your Guests

Showcase #1

Creating a Welcoming Wreath for your Entrance

When selecting a wreath, choose from different styles such as grapevine, fresh or artificial evergreen, fresh magnolia and assorted foliages and artificial fruit wreaths, which are all available at Flowers to USA.

Tips to remember: Before decorating your wreath, always decide where the top of your wreath is. Find the thickest or heaviest selection of the wreath. This is always the bottom because of the visual weight.

Choose one of our many awesome ribbons to accent your wreath. Once you have decided where the middle is, feed the wire through the wreath and make a hook for your one of a kind creation. A door hook or magnet can be purchased to attach your wreath to the door.

Creating a Welcoming Urn for your Entrance

When constructing your urn the base must be secure to withstand the winter elements. To make removal easier, make two handles by poking four holes in the lip of the mache. Thread two wires through and secure.

Fill a paper mache container with a fresh floral form until it fits very tightly. Tap the foam in place, this will help to secure the foam in the mache and also help to prevent the foam from breaking apart if you are placing a lot of material in the mache. Note: Leave the foam approximately 1" above the height of the mache to make horizontal insertions easier.

When placing the mache in the urn, the lip of the mache should sit on the lip of the urn. If the mache falls into the urn, place crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the urn to make mache sit on the lip of the urn.

Now the fun begins:
Create a country / casual urn, a collection of natural materials such as dogwood, grapevine, fresh Christmas greens and holly (to name a few) will create a loose and airy look in a classic urn.

Create a formal structure in your urn-the topiary look can be designed by using such materials as dogwood, scotch broom, boxwood, and accent with pepper berries and fresh. Christmas greens are some of the materials available to create a unique urn for your entrance.

Showcase #2

Decorating your Mantle, Banister, Hearth & Railing

Measure the length of the area you want to decorate. Double the length to allow for draping, tucking or wrapping, depending on the location.

Start with an artificial garland and secure onto the mantle, banister railing or hearth with a taped wire, a cup hook, screw or nail. Once the garland is secure, it's time to add the mini lights. Entwine them through the garland using the tips to twist around the lights. Now start creating. Add fresh cedar, pine, seeded eucalyptus, magnolia leaves or branches, pepper berries, dried hydrangea, etc. Secure these accents into the garland by wrapping the artificial tips around the added product to secure with a taped wire. Now select one of our fabulous ribbons to compliment your casual or formal look.

It's now time to complete the total look by adding accessories and Christmas keepsakes. When adding the final touches make sure the over all creation looks balanced.
Let your imagination run wild and have FUN!!

Fabulously Festive Decorating Tips

When you think you've got enough candles, add more! You can never be too thin or have too many candles! Okay, we retract the thin part. Cluster candles on tables, mantles, etc. Be sure to combine sizes, shapes and containers but remember, something must be consistent to keep it looking coordinated, i.e. all the same colour of candles in different candle sticks or many different candles all in glass holders.

Try floating candles in low glass bowls. Finally, a use for those candy dishes you hardly get out of the cupboard anymore because everyone and their dog is on a diet. Use an oversized brandy snifter or martini glass. Honestly, when was the last time you inquired if someone wanted their martini shaken or stirred? You won't miss the glassware.

Run an artificial garland along the center of your dinner table. Tuck pieces of fresh cedar. Blue noble fir and seeded eucalyptus into the garland. Add glamour by weaving some rich, gold wire ribbon along the length of the garland. You'll love the fresh scent and it spruces up artificial wreaths and garlands. Add style using this same trick with artificial wreaths.

"All that Glitters is not Gold"… but it could be our 24 Karat spray paint! We highly recommend this product and believe us, we have tried them all! It colours on in a soft gold finish, covers evenly and lasts a long time, a good value at $9.95 for a large can. Spray on pinecones then fills a dramatic glass bowl or vase with them. Spray tall braches and add fresh greens tied together with a beautiful large bow and display in a tall vase. This is also a good way to make use of old or off colour candles. We tested it out for you and the candles burn without sputtering. Use your imagination and spray away!

Try our recent discovery of Bronze Medal spray on its own or in addition to any items you've treated with the Gold. You'll love the rich burnished look. $9.95

We certainly didn't mean to startle anyone out there but the above printing is correct, we did suggest to use Bronze with Gold,… we will boldly take this a step further and suggest you mix many different kinds of tone on tone Golds, Coppers, Bronzes together,… don't run screaming, just break what somehow become a design rule to keep metallic separate and adopt a new one "Anything Goes!"

Allow beautiful wired ribbon to meander its way along tabletops for a luxurious touch. Bows, and wired ribbon can be placed at the base of vases, candlesticks, lamps and more. A very good investment as well because wired ribbon and bows can easily be reshaped and used in many different ways year after year.

Not sure what to do with those plain cotta pots you thought you might get around to stenciling with cows and ducks, but didn't get a chance before it went out of style? We have got a gorgeous, sophisticated styling you'll love. It's called a "Smooshed Finish" (a very technical design term). You use the 24 Karat spray, Basil Green spray and Glossy Wood Tone spray; all of which happen to be available here at REGENCY. Come in and we'll show you how and a sample of the end result! You can also use this finish for old plastic or off colour containers that may be collecting dust somewhere. Smoosh yourself silly for the holidays.

Try a few of these suggestions, we're sure they'll be of some help. Happy Holidays, Happy Decorating, Wear Your Seatbelt, Keep Your Stick on the Ice,… Well, you get the idea.

From All of Us at Flowers to USA.