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Let the pros dress this season's star — the Christmas tree

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How to pick the perfect live tree

1.      Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before heading to the retail lot.

2.      If you want the same species you know or have always used, great. If you want to try a different species, browse the NCTA website www.realchristmastrees.org to become familiar with the species popular in your area before heading to the retail lot.

3.      Go to a retail lot that is well-lit and stores trees in a shaded area.

4.      Often, a tree obtained soon after its arrival on the retail lot will be very fresh because it was cut recently. Consumers should ask the retailer when he/she gets the trees: are they delivered once at the beginning of the season, or does he/she obtain several shipments during the season.

5.      Run a branch through your enclosed hand - the needles should not come off easily.

6.      Bend the outer branches - they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.

7.      Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability, and wrinkled bark. A good rule-of-thumb is, when in doubt about the freshness of a tree, select another one. If none of the trees on the lot look fresh, go to another lot.

8.      Some species last longer and remain fresh longer than others in different climates. Ask your retailer which tree performs best in your climate.

9.      Ask the retailer about recycling Christmas Trees in your community.

10.  Involve the whole family in the selecting and plan fun things for everyone to do during the trip.

11.  Measure the ceiling height in the room where the tree will be displayed. The trees in the field look small when the sky is the ceiling. Don't overbuy.

12.  Measure the width of the area of the room where the tree will be displayed. Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80 percent taper. So a tree that's 10 feet tall will be 8 feet wide at the bottom. A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally.

13.  What decorating theme will be used? Some species have more open foliage, stiffer branches or longer needles. Research the characteristics of the different species on the NCTA website www.realchristmastrees.org, then find a farm near you that has the species you are looking for.

—National Christmas Tree Association

 

 
nangel By Nancy Angel Education Reporter nangel@turlockjournal.com 209-634-9141 ext. 2003
POSTED December 4, 2012 10:43 p.m.

For some, decorating a Christmas tree in their living room is one of the hallmarks of the holiday season. But for others, the actual process of figuring out the perfect placement of ornaments, lights and tinsel can be a real hassle.

One Turlock store offers help for those looking to make the star of most holiday decors — the Christmas tree— a show stopper.

“We offer fresh eyes to get a new look, using customers' own products, supplies or a combination of old and new,” said Silk Garden decorator Kim Mendonca.  “We bring a love for Christmas back again.”

Decorators at the Silk Garden use a combination of ornaments, center pieces, and accessories to capture the holiday theme around a household.

“Before decorating a Christmas tree we decide what the overall color scheme to include in the tree,” said decorator Agnes Green.  “The scheme that is selected for the tree should complement the color scheme of the room.  Having a theme for a Christmas tree can also make it look beautiful.”

Terry Newcomb, owner of Silk Garden, travels to Atlanta every January to purchase a wide variety Christmas tree décor items.

“She’ll see what’s available and new for the season,” said Green.  “She will also buy accessories based on the customer’s likes and requests.  She buys all the décor a year ahead.”

There are some, according to Green, who still enjoy the decorating  to be all about returning to the traditional and nostalgia of Christmases past.

“Some people are more interested in traditional decorating with the use of red and whites,” said Green.

Whether your plans are to add just a touch of tradition to your tree, or turn it into a wonderland extravaganza, adding a few more accessories can make a big impact in your tree.

“We are blessed to be a part of this season and add our creativity,” said Mendonca.

 
Dec. 4, 2012 10:43p.m. EST Let the pros dress this season's star — the Christmas tree Turlock Journal

For some, decorating a Christmas tree in their living room is one of the hallmarks of the holiday season. But for others, the actual process of figuring out the perfect placement of ornaments, lights and tinsel can be a real hassle.

One Turlock store offers help for those looking to make the star of most holiday decors — the Christmas tree— a show stopper.

“We offer fresh eyes to get a new look, using customers' own products, supplies or a combination of old and new,” said Silk Garden decorator Kim Mendonca.  “We bring a love for Christmas back again.”

Decorators at the Silk Garden use a combination of ornaments, center pieces, and accessories to capture the holiday theme around a household.

“Before decorating a Christmas tree we decide what the overall color scheme to include in the tree,” said decorator Agnes Green.  “The scheme that is selected for the tree should complement the color scheme of the room.  Having a theme for a Christmas tree can also make it look beautiful.”

Terry Newcomb, owner of Silk Garden, travels to Atlanta every January to purchase a wide variety Christmas tree décor items.

“She’ll see what’s available and new for the season,” said Green.  “She will also buy accessories based on the customer’s likes and requests.  She buys all the décor a year ahead.”

There are some, according to Green, who still enjoy the decorating  to be all about returning to the traditional and nostalgia of Christmases past.

“Some people are more interested in traditional decorating with the use of red and whites,” said Green.

Whether your plans are to add just a touch of tradition to your tree, or turn it into a wonderland extravaganza, adding a few more accessories can make a big impact in your tree.

“We are blessed to be a part of this season and add our creativity,” said Mendonca.

 

Copyright 2011 MorrisMultimedia . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

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