If you are not the traditional type when it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, then you should explore some of the modern Christmas tree décor that seems to be flourishing at the turn of the 21st century. Traditional décor gives the home a warm, cozy feeling where as modern décor is more edgy, elegant and fancy. It probably wouldn’t emit a cozy feeling but it will portray the tree owner as being creative, art savvy and hip. One thing for sure is that you wouldn’t find a modern Christmas tree décor in your grandmother’s house.
If you are an artist, or an art enthusiast, then decorating your tree using the design elements from some of modern day’s popular artist is a good way to go. Personally, I like Andy Warhol’s art so this Christmas, it’s an Andy Warhol tree. First thing to do is research about the artists- that is if you don’t know his designs by heart. Take a look see of what his styles are about, his designs aesthetics, his design principles and you can compile a few things here and there to create an Andy Warhol Christmas tree.
For instance, Campbell’s soup labels are worthy to illustrate the pop artist. Use the classis red and white label, but open the bottom of the can and wash them without marring the label. Fix a ribbon or wire loop to each can and wrap the branches in red lights to finish the modern Christmas tree décor of Andy Warhol’s art.
Christmas tree decorations have evolved since its introduction. Some use the most bizarre decorations while some stick to the traditional Christmas tree décor. A quick search on the net will show you that there are two popular traditional Christmas tree décor: Country and Victorian.
The Victorian way is generally more of an expensive way in Christmas decorations compared to the all American country style décor. The American décor is widely used because of its readily available decorations, fabrics and other easily found materials and mostly used on a more robust tree that is wider than a Victorian tree. In the country style, a robust natural pine is used although any type of fir tree can be used. The Victorian traditional Christmas tree décor is used on a taller, slimmer version. The Victorian style is much older than its country counterpart, thus fits a slimmer tree.
The country style décor existed in the United Stated in the 19th century. Decorations used in the country styled traditional Christmas tree décor surrounds a rustic themes from country styled ornaments to the use of wood, tin, stuffed toys, velvet, ribbon, glass and tinsel. The Victorian styled version is much grand because is uses the decorating style of the English, in Queen Victoria’s era. The décor used is very Victorian Era and extremely elaborate. Ornaments usually found on a Victorian themed tree are musical instruments, animals, angels, portraits and birds and shapes come in cones, spheres and globes. The main materials of all these ornaments are usually tin and glass to give the illusion of lavishness. A Victorian tree is usually cluttered looking so go wild on the decorations and ornaments.
Probably the saddest part of the holiday season is the time when the Christmas tree and all the holiday’s decorations have to be taken down and stored. In a poem from Maya Angelou, she states that you can know about a person through how they deal with Christmas lights. Well, Christmas lights aside, what about how to store a Christmas tree?
Knowing how to store a Christmas tree is important because you will be using it every year, unless it’s worn out and you plan on buying another tree next Christmas. Improper storage can damage your tree but worry not since there are many ways you can store your tree properly either in plastic boxes, or bags or storage containers.
If you have a large empty box, it could prove to be an ideal storage place for your tree. These boxes can be used to store ornaments, sequins and beads, garlands as well as other décor items. Old shoe boxes and tin cans are also good storage spaces for small items such as beads, or even fragile decorations that can break easily. Take note to remove the decorations carefully so as not to harm the tree. As soon as the decorations are taken off, its now time to put in the tree itself into its box. Most Christmas trees come with a detachable stand, so take it out if there is one and store the tree and the stand in separate boxes.
Label all the boxes so that you know what box contains what items as well as which side to place it. After properly placing all items into their respective boxes, seal the boxes so that it remains undisturbed till the next Christmas. Keep these boxes in or on top of cupboards, in the attic of storage shelves in the store room.
