How To Style Your Christmas Tree
This year, it's all about
retro nostalgia.
It’s possibly one of the most eagerly awaited times of the year - for both children and adults alike. When boxes overflowing with Christmas decorations are brought down from attics, lofts and cupboards, the soft tones of Frank, Dean and Nat joyfully sing out, and with a glass of something sparkling in hand, you stand back from your unfurnished Christmas Tree, a blank festive canvas, preparing for the great annual untangling of the fairy lights. It’s a magical time.
Decorating your tree is an entirely personal endeavor, and truly, there really is no right and wrong as long as it brings you joy. But as the home of Christmas, and with over 300 under our belt, we’re rather experienced at how to decorate your Christmas Tree, and nobody more so than Fortnum’s very own Visual Presentation Manager, Dawn Govier, who quite frankly, thinks about Christmas for 11 and a half months a year. It comes with the territory of working for Fortnum’s. Either that or she is working directly for the Big Man in Red.
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Family is the most important part of any Christmas but it's the magic that we can create that makes it so special. Seeing families come in to store and see the windows and hear the gasps of wonder is extremely fulfilling and I couldn’t be prouder.'
This year, Dawn is here to impart her wisdom with a host of Christmas Tree styling tips on a nostalgic retro-inspired tree with every bough adorned with vintage Christmas decorations from our Retro Brights range.
The choosing and decorating of your Christmas tree has always been the most meaningful point in the calendar as it truly signifies the start of Christmas. It brings families together and personally, as I’m sure many families have, collected decorations over the years. Gifted baubles bring all the memories flooding back and it’s such a moment of joy.
If you’re using an artificial tree, I cannot stress enough how important it is to fluff your tree correctly.
Tip: As you build your tree, fluff each section before adding the next layer. This will give you a much better base to build the rest of your decorations.
Choose the style you want to dress your tree – we have chosen retro Christmas decorations as it's very on trend this year. Even with old baubles, gifted and collected you can achieve a completely different look with a style of dressing
Tip: Pinterest is great for Christmas Tree inspo but looking at trees whilst you out shopping (at Fortnum’s) can give you inspiration.
‘Each of the nostalgia decorations bring back so many memories of times gone by. My childhood and my own children's beloved toys. They are both colourful and playful. Exactly what Christmas should be all about!’
This will give you a more even dressing across the whole tree and ensure everything is spaced evenly, without any bare patches.
Tip: Small decorations work best at the top of the tree going down to the base with your larger items.
This will make them more secure and allows you to bury the decorations into the tree rather than having them hanging on the edge of each branch.
Tip: Remove the fixing that baubles come with as they often fall off anyway and tightly wire the decoration with thin floristry wire.
Picks make the tree look fuller so complement your tree and decorations with your choice of pick.
Tip: Real eucalyptus adds both the fullness you need and the lovely scent from its leaves and will last all Christmas.
'I love the theme we have created in Christmas shop with the chequered floor and fireplace. The huge glass baubles are exquisite and I will be dressing my home and tree with golden foliage and glass baubles. Traditional with a new twist.'
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