Preparation For Christmas

 Christmas for me is about careful preparation, which also includes time for myself in having a relaxing holiday, just before I settle down to a traditional Christmas at home. Last year I spent a couple of days in Prague, which epitomizes the traditional fairy-tale Christmas. Wenceslas Square illuminated with lights, choirs singing, and a life size crib creating an enchanting atmosphere, while you sit under the outdoor heaters drinking hot chocolate and Mulled wine watching the world go by.

  I always Start with looking for a tree for my home, This to me is a personal thing and firstly you should decide whether you would prefer a real or artificial one, as there is such a great choice from optic fiber to talking trees from plastic to paper, and all in ever colour you can think of. If your choice is for a real one, remember there is a large selection of trees to choice from I will run you though a couple.

  The Norway spruce this is the tree for your traditionalists as these have been gracing peoples homes since the Victorian times. The tree has a wonderful fresh scent and elegant fine foliage but must be watered to ensure that it does not shed its pine needles, as no one likes a bald tree for boxing day.

  Then you have the Nordmann Fir this is a perfect tree for the home, tailor made for the family and has been since the early nineties no wonder it has a beautiful shape, wonderful smell and excellent needle retention, with soft foliage, so you wont hurt your hands ever time you pass the tree to pinch one of them delicious chocolates.

  Firstly measure the height of the space for the tree and stick to it, and then make your choice accordingly, If you buy a real tree remember that they never look as big out side as they will inside your house. don't forget to leave space for the fairy as she never looks as good when she is leaning to one side with her cheeks on the ceiling.

  Trimming your tree if necessary, or if you just had to have the biggest one there and now can not get the furniture to fit round it- all trees are not a perfect shape and will often need pruning, but remember to rotating the tree first to see which is the best side for showing.

  In dressing your tree and home, the lighting is the most crucial aspect to get right. On your tree, the light should be placed well into the branches, so that the whole of the tree will be illuminated. This is best achieved by plugging the lights in first, and dressing the tree in the late after noon or drawing the curtains to reduce the natural light in the room.

   In choosing the type of lighting for your tree you should decide first the overall colour you would like to project and whether you want still, twinkling, flashing or random, I would suggest a variation of twinkling and still white lights, which give a nostalgic as well as a modern backdrop for your tree decorations.

  The tree ornaments, garlands and ribbons should reflect the lights on the tree as well as the over all scheme, Tinsel used to be very popular in the late 70's to 80's but can still be used if hung like icicles, delicate glass -blown ornaments like the ones we sell or cheaper bauble, wooden soldiers, soft toys, bows, anything will do, as long as it gives you the overall look.

  My mum always says that ever thing she puts on the tree has a memory, about her family and loved ones and she loves spending the time with me reminiscing ever year as she unwraps each memory to take its prize place on the tree.

 At the end of the day, your Christmas and your tree should reflect your own personal tastes and experience, and therefore which ever tree you choice and how you decorate them should be personal to you; so pour your self a glass of wine and soak up the atmosphere of the occasion and make the memory's for the future.

 Most of all Enjoy Your Christmas From Me.