Decorating the Christmas tree is when I get fully into the Christmas spirit. There have been years when I’ve felt so drained and fed up with work that my husband had bought the tree early because it totally changes me!

Without fail, I always follow the same pattern when decorating the tree (whether it’s the family tree or the one I dress for my launch photos). They are:

• Level the tree

• Lights

• Ornaments

• Topper

Let’s go through each of these phases one at a time.

Level the Tree

Whether you’re decorating a real or fake tree, getting it straight is definitely the thing that you need to do first otherwise it just won’t look right.

With a real tree, this is easier said than done so it’s often a case of trimming the bottom of the trunk and turning it until it looks straight-ish.

With a fake tree this is infinitely more manageable but you do need to make sure you open out the branches evenly so that then next steps are easier.

I am firmly in the real tree camp. I love the smell - it fills me with nostalgia. This said, it’s bloody expensive and buying a fake tree makes economical sense. I may be coming round to it. It’s certainly easier when it comes to taking things down.

Lights

When I was little I loved the multicoloured lights. They were fun! Now I prefer to add the colour with my ornaments and stick to classic warm white lights. My daughter loves to switch them to flashing mode but that does my head in. I end up with a headache. Anyone else?

We discovered the joy of cluster lights a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back. If you’re looking for new lights, I highly recommend going down the cluster route. Who doesn’t love more of a glow!

Ornaments

Obviously I’m going to encourage you to shop small and buy handmade because that’s the world that I live and work in. I also believe that it’s just all round better - better quality, better value and better for the environment as small businesses seem to have a better handle on controlling waste and using the best materials.

For a closer look at my ornaments collection, click here.

Things to remember though - spacing and balance. Keep stepping back from the tree and squinting. Does it look evenly spread? As I write this, I can here the Monica Geller in me. Ha ha. I love it though.

After my ornaments, I add little touches like candy canes, friend oranges (they smell amaaaaazing) or even crackers. This year, I’m feeling all the nostalgia for tree chocolates. A video exists where I got caught by my Auntie Carol stealing a chocolate off the tree. Mouth covered, I still denied it. I must have been about 6. Little rebel.

Topper

The finishing touch - this only goes on once we’re happy with the tree. Once this beaut goes on top, it’s feet up and Elf on the telly.

Christmas has begun!

Watch My Process in Action