How To Decorate A Christmas Tree - Biltmore Style

Once guests visit Biltmore, they leave inspired. Christmas at Biltmore Estate adds a new element of inspiration, with nearly 100 Christmas trees sparkling throughout the estate. To reinvigorate your holiday decorating tactics, here are some suggestions on how to bring some of Christmas at Biltmore Estate home for the holidays.

Before decorating your tree, consider the details and colors in the room. The fabric on the furniture, the motif in the paintings, the wallpaper patterns, or details of a tapestry could inspire the theme for your tree. Also, keep in mind the style and functionality of the room when planning the placement of the tree.

Items to consider purchasing include lights, ornaments, garland, beading, tree skirt, and a tree topper. Remember that if your tree placement is not within reach of a power outlet, you may need to purchase extension cords and determine how to hide them out of sight.

The size of the tree will determine how many ornaments are needed:

Tree Height	Boxes of ornaments	Sets of lights
4' 6' 8' 10' 12' 14'	2 3 or 4 5 6 or 7 7 or 8 10 or 12	5 8 12 20 26 32

Once your tree is positioned in the room, the first step is to hang the lights. It is not recommended to use chenille stems to tie the power bars to the tree trunk. Use electrical tape. Wrap any garland material, beading, vines, or other materials around the tree. These steps should occur before placing ornaments. Beading should start at the top of the tree, and then be wrapped in scallops, dropping down a branch level at the back of the tree. When moving around the tree, the point of the beading should be under the middle of the upper scallop.

Next, add a variety of coordinating ornaments to add character and interest to the tree. Use a variety of shapes and size ornaments, placing the largest ornaments toward the bottom of the tree. Work shiny ornaments back into the tree to catch the light. Place ornaments in and out of the branches to create depth. Be careful to not put the same kind of ornaments beside each other on the tree. Space ornaments. Ornaments that may be unusual or delicate should be set aside to go on the tree last. Dried flowers and vines also add nice texture and color to finish decorating the tree.

Tree toppers can be something simple including a bow, angel, blown glass point, or a dried flower bouquet. Streamers from the bow should be weaved or curled to the sides of the tree for interest.

Remember to chose an appropriate tree skirt, and maybe add some wrapped packages, toys, poinsettias, or other plants to the base of the tree. The tree skirt should be fluffed by placing crumpled tissue paper from the ornament boxes under the fabric. The tissue can be used again to wrap ornaments when it is time to remove the ornaments.