Artificial Trees Made Easy: Quick and Convenient Christmas Tree Assembly Tips
As a holiday decorator with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to Christmas trees. From towering real trees that fill the room with their fresh pine scent, to sleek and modern artificial trees that make setup a breeze – I’ve decorated them all. And let me tell you, artificial trees have come a long way.
A few years ago, my husband Jordan and I made the switch to an artificial tree, and I have to say, it’s been an absolute game-changer. Gone are the days of wrestling with a heavy, shedding real tree, only to have it start dropping needles a week later. With an artificial tree, I can bring the holiday magic to our home on my own schedule, without the hassle.
Choosing the Right Artificial Tree
When we first started looking into artificial trees, I’ll admit I was a bit hesitant. I grew up with the tradition of trekking to the tree farm each December to find the perfect fresh-cut tree. The idea of an “fake” tree just didn’t sit right with me. But then we ran into the challenges of our 18-foot ceilings.
Buying a fresh tree that size every year was not only expensive, but it was a logistical nightmare to get it set up and decorated. That’s when we decided to bite the bullet and invest in an artificial tree. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
After doing a ton of research, we landed on a 12-foot artificial tree from Lowe’s. The brand was fantastic – it’s held up beautifully over the past 3 years, and the convenience factor is unbeatable. I can simply pull it out of storage, assemble the three sections, and have an instant holiday centerpiece. No watering, no shedding, and no stressing about it drying out before Christmas!
Stress-Free Tree Assembly
When it comes to setting up an artificial tree, the key is to take your time and follow the instructions carefully. The first year, I’ll admit I was a little intimidated. But after the initial assembly, it’s become a smooth, almost meditative process.
I like to set up my tree in a designated “staging area” – usually the front room or a corner of the living room. That way, I can bring all the pieces up from the basement, lay them out, and assemble it at my own pace, without worrying about making a mess in the main living space.
The tree itself comes in three labeled sections – A, B, and C. I simply unfold the sturdy metal stand, insert the bottom section, and work my way up, locking each piece securely in place. The branches are hinged, so a good portion of the fluffing happens naturally as I add each layer.
Fluffing for a Full, Lush Look
Of course, no artificial tree looks its best straight out of the box. That’s where the “fluffing” process comes in. I like to tackle this in sections, working my way around the tree and gently pulling each branch out to its full, natural shape.
King of Christmas, the brand we have, includes a set of fluffing gloves, which I highly recommend using. It makes the process so much easier on your hands. I start at the bottom and work my way up, making sure to fill in any gaps or sparse areas as I go.
The great thing about these modern artificial trees is that the branches are made of a mix of realistic PE (polyethylene) needles and fuller PVC (polyvinyl chloride) needles. So even if a section looks a little sparse at first, a little fluffing and shaping brings it back to life.
Once the whole tree is assembled and fluffed, I do a final walk-around, making any last-minute adjustments to ensure an even, full look from every angle. It’s so satisfying to step back and see that lush, magazine-worthy tree in my living room!
Lighting for the Perfect Glow
Of course, no Christmas tree is complete without the perfect lighting. When we first got our artificial tree, I thought a pre-lit model would be the easiest option. But over the years, I’ve come to prefer starting with an unlit tree and adding my own lights.
This gives me so much more flexibility in terms of light color and coverage. I can choose warm white lights for a classic, cozy look, or go with a mix of multicolored lights for a more playful, festive vibe. And if any of the strands ever burn out, I can easily replace them without having to replace the entire tree.
My foolproof formula is about 100 lights per foot of tree height. So for our 12-footer, I use around 1,200 lights. I start at the bottom, weaving the strands through the branches in a triangular pattern to ensure even distribution. Then I’ll often add an extra layer of lights on the upper sections for an extra-bright, show-stopping effect.
The best part? Many modern artificial trees, like the one from King of Christmas, come with handy remote controls. So I can easily adjust the brightness, change the lighting mode (steady, twinkling, fading, etc.), or even set it on a timer – all from the comfort of my couch. Talk about convenience!
Bringing it All Together
Once the lights are in place, it’s time for the fun part – decorating! I like to start by adding in some branch-like stems and floral picks to create that lush, layered look. Things like eucalyptus, pine, and even dried flowers add incredible depth and texture.
Then it’s on to the garland. I usually go with a mix of traditional pine garland and something a little more unique, like a beaded or metallic option. I weave these through the branches, allowing them to cascade organically down the sides of the tree.
And of course, no Christmas tree is complete without the ribbon. I love to use a combination of wired and unwired ribbon, playing with different textures, widths, and patterns. The key is to start at the top and let the ribbon flow naturally down the tree, creating those beautiful, sweeping curves.
Finally, it’s time for the ornaments! I like to mix sentimental, handmade ornaments with more modern, trendy pieces. I start with the larger, heavier ornaments, securing them deep in the tree where the branches are thickest. Then I fill in the gaps with smaller ornaments, clustering them together for maximum impact.
The final touch? A beautiful tree topper. I’m a big fan of the multi-ribbon bow technique – it creates such a stunning, professional-looking finish. And the best part is, I can use the same ribbon I used throughout the tree, tying everything together seamlessly.
A Stress-Free, Magical Holiday
After 20+ years of decorating Christmas trees, I can honestly say that artificial models have become my go-to. The convenience, the flexibility, the lack of mess – it’s all a game-changer. And with the realistic, high-quality options available from brands like King of Christmas, I don’t have to sacrifice any of the magic or beauty.
Sure, there’s something special about the smell of a fresh-cut tree. But for me, the ease and longevity of an artificial model far outweigh that. I can set it up on my own schedule, enjoy it for the entire holiday season, and know that it’ll be waiting for me, perfectly preserved, next year.
So if you’re on the fence about making the switch to an artificial tree, I highly encourage you to give it a try. With a little bit of fluffing and some creative decorating, you can create a holiday centerpiece that’s just as stunning and magical as the real thing – without any of the hassle. Happy decorating!
