Decorating by the numbers
A well-lit tree looks effortless, but running out of lights halfway up or buying three times too many ornaments is common. Decorators use simple rules of thumb based on the tree’s height, and a little geometry handles the garland.
The rules used here
- Lights: 100 per foot of tree height for a classic look, 50 for a subtle glow, 150 or more for a dazzling tree.
- Ornaments: about one tenth of the number of lights, so 10 per foot for a classic tree.
- Garland: the tree is treated as a cone. Each wrap goes around at the average width of that part of the tree, and the wraps are spaced evenly from top to bottom.
- Maximum height: ceiling height minus the room needed for the stand and the topper.
Worked example
A 7.5-foot tree of medium shape, about 4 ft 1 in wide at the base, in a room with a 9-foot ceiling:
- Lights for a classic look: 7.5 × 100 = 750, or 8 strings of 100.
- Ornaments: 75.
- Garland with a wrap every 12 inches: about 48.6 ft.
- Tallest tree that fits with 12 inches for the stand and topper: 8 ft, so the 7.5-foot tree fits.
Lights
The 100-per-foot rule assumes standard mini lights or LEDs wrapped deep into the branches as well as along the tips. Wrapping each branch from trunk to tip uses more lights than spiraling around the outside, but gives a brighter, more even glow. Check the maximum number of strings that can be connected end to end on the package: with incandescent mini lights it is often only 3 to 5 strings, while LED strings can usually be connected in much larger numbers.
LEDs use about 80 to 90% less electricity than incandescent mini lights, last much longer and stay cool, which reduces the fire risk with a natural tree.
Ornaments
Mix sizes: a few large ornaments, about 4 to 6 inches, give structure, while many small ones fill gaps. Hang larger and darker ornaments deeper in the tree to create depth, and smaller, shinier ones near the tips where they catch the light.
Garland and ribbon
Bead garlands and tinsel are usually wrapped in spirals, while ribbon is often draped in swags or run vertically from top to bottom. Swags use more length than a tight spiral, so add 25 to 50% if you plan to drape. Wider spacing between wraps uses less garland and looks more modern.
Choosing the height
Measure the ceiling before you shop: trees look smaller outdoors. Stands typically add 2 to 6 inches and toppers 6 to 12 inches. Real trees keep relaxing their branches for a day or two after being brought in, and they grow wider, so allow space around the tree, especially near heaters and fireplaces, which also dry out a natural tree faster. Keep a natural tree’s stand filled with water every day.