Follow these simple steps to make your artificial Christmas tree just as gorgeous as a natural tree:
- Assemble the tree stand according to the manufacturer's instructions, then place the bottom section into the stand. Place the tree where it will be displayed.
- Use a piece of thick twine to tie up the branches of the bottom section. Release one row at a time as you are shaping the tree.
- Start by shaping the bottom row of branches. Beginning at the back of the branch, fan each needle into a different direction, making sure to vary often and keep the branches straight. To achieve maximum fullness and a realistic look, imagine the branches as pointing to the 9:00 through 3:00 positions on a clock.
- Arrange the end of each branch into one of three configurations, depending on your desired look. On a tree with pinecones, it's best to curl the tips on the end upward toward the sun. For a downswept tree, curve the end branches gently downward. You can also leave the tips perfectly straight and vary them in position from side to side and up and down.
- When you reach the top of the tree, gently pull each branch down starting with the bottom row. Pull the tip out straight and then curl it upward slightly on the end, as if the tip is reaching toward the sun. Try to keep the needles an equal distance from one another. Decrease the angle that you pull each branch out from the pole as you get closer to the top of the tree.
Don't want to spend a lot of time fluffing and shaping your Christmas tree? Then spend what time you do have working on the top of the tree, where there are the least amount of tips and maximum fullness is the most important.
