December 22, 2005

Do you decorate your Christmas tree in the same way every year? Would you like to have a unique tree that will be the focus of conversation when guests visit? If so, there are numerous ideas for decorating that special tree.

Your Christmas tree can be used to reflect your hobby. Do you collect dolls, tea cups, teddy bears or Coca Cola® products or Santas? Shop around to find interesting decorations that communicates your interests and passions. Are you an amateur astronomer? Keep your eye open for star and moon decorations. They’re available in a variety of sizes and colors. Acrylic stars and moons look terrific on a tree with traditional colored mini lights, or, for an original look, use clear mini lights. The star and moon decorations will pick up the sparkle.

Themes can reflect geographical location, a new addition to the family, or pick up reproductions of Victorian ornaments to take a trip back in time. Do you live in a rural area? Animal ornaments or a western theme will add delight to your living or family room.

Western Theme
You can easily find decorations for a western themed tree. Pick up horse and cow ornaments at bargain or dollar stores. Add ribbon and tie to the tree. Garage sales are another place to find unique ornaments from the past. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Hop Along Cassidy ornaments are sometimes found at yard or auction sales.

Stop by the local hardware store or feed shop and buy some baler twine to use as tinsel. If expense isn’t a problem, visit Christmas shops. They carry ornaments for every occasion. Purchase cowboy and cowgirl ornaments or a pair or two of western boots. Tie and use raffia bows and birds for an outdoor look. Tie colorful bandanas on branches of the tree to add to the effect. Instead of a star, place a cowboy hat on the top of the tree. If you don’t have one, stop by the dollar or bargain store and pick up an inexpensive straw hat, or borrow a cowboy hat from someone you know.

Snowman Theme
This theme, though traditional, can be turned into something very quaint and unique. Create a theme within a theme. Use rustic snowmen and snowwomen accented in a specific color, such as blue, gold or red, for a truly charming tree. Snowman garland, decorations and lights are popular and can be found in most department and chain stores. Tiny acrylic snowflakes add to the effect.

Baby’s First Christmas Theme
Has your family welcomed a new addition since last Christmas? If so, Baby has created a fun Christmas tree theme. There are hundreds of ornaments that say, Baby’s First Christmas. Choose from bears, rocking horses, dolls and more. The color theme can be in traditional pinks and blues, or be more creative using shades of peach, lavender and mint. Baby booties or wooden blocks add to the final result. Pacifiers, rattles and baby bottles can be hung from the tree in colors that compliment the theme. Teddy bears, pastel Beanie Babies®, knitted booties and mittens can also be used as decorations.

For a unique tree topper, buy netting that matches the color theme, gather it into poufs and add an angel, teddy bear, cherub or a photo of baby. For a tree skirt, used a blanket, quilt or crocheted afghan from Baby’s crib. This will add a look of enchantment to your tree.

Gingerbread Theme
Do you want a charming and unique Christmas tree this year? If so, consider using a gingerbread theme. There are hundreds of gingerbread ornaments on the market. Buy them in various shapes and colors, or choose a specific color theme. Make or buy bread dough ornaments and bake up a batch of gingerbread men. Make a hole in the top of the head before baking and then add colorful ribbons to hang them from the tree. Add miniature red balls, tiny red and gingham bows and small candy canes for an enchanting, magical look. Look for Santa and Mrs. Claus ornaments that will represent the Little Old Lady and the Little Old Man. Sew up a gingham tree skirt to add a country look. This is a delightful theme that will bring a rustic, country look into your home.

Star Themed Tree
A star themed tree gives your home romantic enchantment. Use a white or pale yellow to add to the charm. Dye burlap and make stars, or purchase cloth, acrylic or glass stars. Add a few snowflakes, but not so many that they take away from the theme. To add to the effect, chose a few white satin ball ornaments. String star garland or lights first and then add ornaments and cloth stars. When your tree is fully decorated, light the tree, turn out the lights in the room and cuddle up with that special someone for a satisfying heavenly feeling.

Disney Themed Tree
Everyone loves, Mickey and Minnie, as well as a host of other Disney characters. Ornaments with a Disney® theme are easily found. Winnie the Pooh, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are popular. Tree toppers of Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella are harder to find, but are definitely available. Are you’re planning a Disney® vacation this year? If so, look for Christmas tree ornaments while in the Magic Kingdom. ® If you can’t find a Disney tree topper, use a unique doll, or an antique porcelain doll and fasten it to the tree’s tallest branch. Disney lights can be found in department stores and specialty shops. Drape strings of artificial pearls or stars from the branches. For a tree skirt, purchase fabric with Disney characters on it and drape it around the base of the tree or sew your own tree skirt. This is a charming theme that will delight both children and adults.

For other Christmas tree themes or christmas decorations, check out past décor magazines at your local library or use your imagination to create a distinctly original theme using collectibles from around your home. Most of all have fun with your tree and enjoy the holidays.