Debbie Travis gives tips on decorating the Christmas tree

Dressing up the Christmas tree can be stressful, especially when decorating is a bit of a challenge. There are those who have that magic touch and dress up Christmas tree with an artful eye, and then there are those whose tree is often a glaring eyesore.

 

As one of my favourite DIY TV personalities, where better to look for advice on dressing up the Christmas tree than Debbie Travis.

Masquerade ball - Luxurious jewel tones, crowns and peacock feathers give this collection a majestic feel.
Debbie Travis is one of the most inspiring decorators I have seen, so she was definitely my first choice for advice on decorating a Christmas tree. Debbie says that when there's a recession, often people go all out with things like Christmas. So with the Masquerade Collection (pictured left) there's lots of luxurious jewel toned colours, crowns and other elegant things.

Peppermint Tree - Traditional candy cane colours inspired this collection, updated with silver accents. 
Debbie Travis advises that the best way to start decorating your Christmas tree is to take stock of what you already have and what you need to replace. Once you've condensed your collection and started decorating, Debbie says, make sure you keep stepping back to look at your work. She says some people like fewer ornaments, while others like more.

Pistachio - Lovely green and gold details play off beautiful dark brown accents in this elegant collection.
For a beautifully uniform look, Debbie says to choose a favourite ornament and go all out with it. Consider hanging a bunch of chandeliers or silver balls en masse. She says, it's your tree; you can do what you like with it! Debbie also stresses that trimming the tree is a great opportunity for the family to get together and catch up.

 

 

Once Upon a Time - This collection is romantic, pretty and feminine with a Victorian feel.
Debbie says for every 30cm of tree there should be 10 ornaments. Within each 30cm there should be five basic ornaments, three accent ornaments and two theme ornaments. What does this all mean?

The basic ornaments complement the overall theme in colour like the pretty pink, purple and green ones shown right. Accent ornaments are shapes that go with the theme like the roses. And finally, theme ornaments can be more decorative like shoes or crowns.

Winter Forest - Touches of sparkly silver and frosty blue unify the icy feel of this cool wintery theme.

Debbie's own choice of tree is undeniably gorgeous. With its silver and glue baubles and ribbons this tree does indeed make you think of a winter forest dressed in a light mantle of snow. Whatever way you choose to dress the tree, check that your tree lights are in good condition - no loose or frayed wires - and replace damaged bulbs before using them.