Decorating it different

Metrolife offers some tips on how to make your Christmas tree unusual

While plastic trees are long lasting and practical, nothing beats the charm of a real tree. Pick a fir tree in a pot that has a pretty shape and is the right height for your tree space. The leaves and branches should not be sparse or far apart and should have enough fullness to hang Christmas ornaments. Once the season is over, move it outside to the garden. Once your tree is chosen here are some ideas to decorate it differently.

n  Colour themes: Pick a colour theme like chocolate and gold, blue and silver, peppermint green and purple and stick to it. For a silvery blue look, spray paint the tree silver, festoon it with blue lights, ribbons and ornaments. For the chocolate and gold look, add touches of red to give it opulence. Use tiny twinkling gold and red lights and decorate the tree with  gold painted walnuts and pinecones. Add chocolates (eg gold coins) wrapped in foil and tie large translucent gold and red ribbon bows using bendable florist wire to the branches for a rich lush effect.
Crimson, rich red bows, beads, ornaments and crimson faux fruit make red a perfect Christmas tree theme as does snow white classic white, silver or gold , bold metallics or glamourous gold. Other interesting themes can carry the occupation of the person or their favourite hobby.

n  Baby’s first tree: You might want to reflect the arrival of a little one with a special theme that says ‘baby’. Tiny teddy bears, booties and socks, pacifiers and colourful alphabet blocks look really unusual on this type of tree. A larger teddy bear dressed like Santa Claus  can be used as a great tree topper, but if the baby is a girl you could use an angel doll on top of the tree instead.
n  A cocktail tree: For a fun way to reflect a cocktail party theme, decorate the tree with colourful cocktail parasols and cocktail picks. You can also add plastic wine glasses  decorated with sequins or glitter.

n  A gingerbread tree: Combine reds and greens with warm chocolate browns, add lots of red velvet bows and striped candy canes, red glass balls, white snowflake ornaments and cookies threaded with red ribbon.  
n  Personalise: Personalise your tree further by adding family photos, handmade ornaments and garlands, Christmas cards and personal notes. Add touches of sporty hobbies, pet memorabilia or travel mementos. Don't add candles, unwrapped or unglazed food, large or sharp decorations.