How To Dress Your Christmas Tree, With Cox & Cox
Donning your favourite Christmas jumper and putting up decorations is, in our opinion, one of the most exciting parts of the festive season. If you’re asking yourself ‘how do you dress a Christmas tree?’, it’s likely simpler than you think. Whether you go all out or keep it subtle, there is a universal recipe for dressing your Christmas tree which, if you follow it, will give you a perfect result every time.
Learning how to dress a Christmas tree in showstopping style is key if you’re wanting to add some Cox and Cox Christmas magic to your home. Although there is no right or wrong way to dress a Christmas tree, we believe there is a best way to dress a tree and it involves a little help from our friends at Cox and Cox. We caught up with the talented Danielle (Stylist) and Dani (Head Buyer) at Cox & Cox to get top tips and tricks from the pros.
“You might want to pull together a bit of a theme when buying our Cox and Cox Christmas decorations, to make sure that everything works together beautifully. We find that sticking to just a couple of colours is the best way forward; if working with a traditional theme, stick to red, green and cream and add in felt mice for a whimsical touch, or go Scandi with white, grey and pink. Our New Neutral look has a lovely, soft aesthetic and features only natural tones, meaning that you can easily incorporate homemade tree decorations, pompoms and found treasures such as driftwood, twigs and foliage. Now’s the perfect time to ditch the tinsel, too – why not tie ribbons from your colour theme to your branches, or get crafting with the kids and thread popcorn or cotton wool on string to make simple, pretty garlands?”
Your journey to a perfectly dressed Christmas tree begins with the tree itself. If you’re going real, choose a type of tree with minimal shedding – a Nordmann Fir, for instance – and make sure that it’s as symmetrical as possible. We’ve been completely won over by how fantastic faux trees can be, though – they’re safe, long-lasting and you can use them year after year. If choosing an artificial style, look for the highest number of tips for the fullest effect possible, and consider a pre-lit Cox and Cox tree – it will save you untangling the lights and the effect is beautiful, giving an evenly distributed sparkle. Alternative trees are a great option for compact spaces and a more minimal look.
Find the perfect place for your tree, with enough space against the wall to avoid crumpled branches and awkward light placement, and you’re ready to go:
12 Step Guide To Dressing a Christmas Tree with Cox and Cox
01. Place your tree ring over the base.
We always use a ring to cover our stand, as they provide a prettier backdrop for your gifts.
02. Assemble your artificial tree.
Fluffing each section as you go. It’s important not to rush this part – fluffing each branch will make a huge difference to your finished look. If you’re dressing a pre-lit Cox and Cox tree, don’t forget to connect the lights as you add each layer.
03. Get the structure right first.
Spread each frond in an upwards fan shape, layer by layer, starting at the bottom. The aim is to fill any gaps and create a lovely, symmetrical shape.
04. If using string lights, test them first.
There’s nothing more annoying than painstakingly applying them, only to find that they don’t work! Make sure that you have enough lights to reach the top of your tree – you may need a couple of sets.
05. Wind the lights around your tree from left to right.
Starting at the bottom of the tree and just covering the front two thirds (depending on the position of your tree). If your tree is displayed in, for instance, a bay window, you will need to surround the whole tree, and perhaps add an extra set of lights.
06. Where to position lights on the branches?
We always think that lights look much better pushed back a little from the front of the branches, around 10cm.
“Why not tie ribbons from your colour theme to your branches, or get crafting with the kids and thread popcorn or cotton wool on string to make simple, pretty garlands?”
Danielle (Stylist) and Dani (Head Buyer), Cox & Cox
07. We like to add our tree topper at this point.
It’s much easier to do it now as you have to lean into the tree. It doesn’t have to be a star or an angel; you could tie on a wide ribbon or wire your favourite decoration. If it is a classically beautiful Cox and Cox star you opt for, ensure it sits perfectly upright and is softly lit so it glistens from afar.
08. If you are using a garland to dress your tree, now is the time to add it.
We love garlands, as they are a great way to fill any gaps and add fullness. Depending on the length, we would suggest three to four pieces. From Cox and Cox snowball garlands to Cox and Cox light up twig garlands, no matter what you choose to drape across the branches, garlands are a classy touch.
09. Now for the really fun part – the baubles.
We like to follow a theme or colour palette, choosing five or six different styles in a variety of shapes and sizes. A combination of flat and 3D in glass and wood works best, in our experience. The Cox and Cox bauble collection features baubles to fit every theme; from neutral to bright, subtle to statement, choose baubles which complement your home’s festive décor.
10. Start with one type of bauble and spread it evenly over the tree.
Make sure that you put some deeper into the branches to give depth.
11. Repeat this with each bauble.
Stick with one style at a time, making sure you don’t put too many of the same bauble next to one another.
12. Finally, coordinate your wrap with your decorations.
We love to add interest by displaying presents in baskets, adding a wreath and garland to the surrounding area and introducing an animal friend or two for a whimsical touch.
“So there you have it, our guide to creating the perfect Cox and Cox Christmas tree and centerpiece for your festive décor. Dani & Danielle x”
Christmas Tree Dressing FAQs
When dressing a Christmas tree what goes on first?
If you’re following Cox and Cox’s step-by-step, lights first is the correct way to dress a Christmas tree. However, there is no right or wrong when it comes to what goes on first, if you choose to swap lights for garlands, positioning the garlands on the tree first makes knowing where to position the baubles much easier. Additionally, if you’ve got a tree topper, this should be one of the first things you add as once the baubles are on, reaching for the top will be rather precarious.
How do I make my Christmas tree elegant?
To make your Christmas tree elegant, select a tasteful and coordinated colour scheme such as white and silver or red and gold. Secondly, add soft glowing tree lights and select a still or twinkly setting so they softly light up the room. A tree topper also adds elegance, whether a sophisticated star or traditional fairy, a simple topper will add height and definition to your tree.
Thanks so much, ladies – fantastic tips to take the stress out of Christmas tree dressing. Want more tips on how to dress your tree? Whether you’re after a traditional Christmas tree or a modern one, we’ve got lots of decorating ideas on our extensive Christmas Tree Guide.
Alison Blood
01.12.2020 at 06:27I am so grateful for this vital information in dressing the ????Christmas tree. It has been very interesting and useful indeed.
I enjoy reading???????? the tips and ideas from Joules.
Keep up the good work.????