Dressing The Perfect Christmas Tree

When we had our first flat, all that we could fit in was a short slim line tree from Wilkos. Despite its size, it was perfect for us and it’s still going to this day. It’s the munchkin’s tree (she takes great pride in decorating it) and I use it for all my Christmas lifestyle shoots. So far, it has lasted 13 years and it’s still going strong.

I prefer a real tree because the smell of it instantly puts me in the Christmas mood. It’s one of those smells that boosts my mood because it brings back happy memories.

However, no matter what size of tree you have or whether it’s real or fake, there are only 3 things you need to make it look (and smell) it’s best:

⭐️Lights
⭐️Dried fruit slices
⭐️Glamorous decorations

Lights

When we were little, I remember loving the coloured lights of the 80s but as an adult I don’t think you can beat white fairy lights. Cluster lights are my favourite as they add so much warmth and glow. When my husband first suggested them, I thought they were going to be too much but as soon as they went on, I was ready to give ups the others.

We got our lights from Cowell’s Garden Centre and they were surprisingly affordable for the impact they give. More often than not, this is where we get our trees too.

Dried Fruit Slices

Now bear with me here. Scents are a really important part of creating a great atmosphere. Scented candles are always a must for me in the colder months (I get mine from On My Wick) but you can delight the senses in more than one way. Since I’ve been photographing my Christmas products, I’ve been including things like cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices and not only does it look great but I found that it really got me into the Christmas mood too.

This is especially great if you don’t have a real tree and are missing the smell. You can either buy some ready dried slices (I got mine from Etsy) or follow the steps in this link to make your own.

I don’t stop at putting them in the tree - no! I scatter the slices in the garland on the matte piece too (usually in amongst yet more twinkly lights). It’s heavenly.

Glamorous Decorations

You can’t go wrong with jewel colours and metallics but you also want items on your tree that are heirlooms and memory makers. My mulled wine and copper coloured decorations are edged in copper to reflect even more light and add sophisticated bling to your tree. You can buy them individually or go for a set of 5 stars.

For more inspiration, see how I set up the tree for my 2021 photoshoot. Watch here.