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how do i live: a priceless christmas

If I had all the money in the world, I would indulge in buying ornaments and have my Christmas tree look like a Rustan’s centerpiece. Hmm … then again, maybe not. I would probably feel guilty having a lavish tree that I would enjoy for just a month or so. I am not “Practical Princess” for nothing.

Here are my personal Christmas tree decorating do’s –

As with makeup and structures, you need a good foundation. Fluff up the tree well. Check for “bald spots”. Bend each stem upward to make your tree’s stems simulate the real thing.

Start lighting your tree from the bottom, working your way from the outside, then towards the inside of the trunk, then out again. Wrap the lights around the tree branches for an evenly lit tree. This is the most important step so I take my time in making sure there are no areas left unlit. This year, it took me all of 3 hours to do this – I take Christmas tree lighting very seriously. I used rice lights this year instead of the generic ones – it gives a more subtle effect.

Recycle and add. This is my trick for changing the motif, as I don’t want to overhaul ornaments every year. Last year, we had a blue, green, silver and gold theme. I recycled the glittery gold balls this year and added the red and orange ornaments. I reused the green balls and silver stars, and arranged them in clear vases as table pieces (I got this idea from DF’s Christmas balls article!) Maybe next year, I’ll do a blue and orange theme.

Want those gorgeous, giant bow tree toppers like the ones at the mall? No need to buy a ready-made bow. YouTube it. I watched a couple of how-to’s on YouTube and voila! I made my very own bow tree topper!

A Christmas tree looks naked without a tree skirt. I went to SM to find one, but only saw the usual bright green and red skirts, with some poinsettias and Santas frolicking near the hem. I needed a more mature-looking skirt so I took matters into my own hands. I bought 2 yards of rich gold upholstery fabric and draped it around the base, careful not to expose the unhemmed edges. If I get tired of using it as a tree skirt, maybe I’ll convert it into a table runner.

Lastly, and most importantly, brave Divisoria! Seek and you shall find … the most fabulous Christmas ornaments within your budget!

12 large metallic orange balls – Php 300

24 medium metallic red balls – Php 290

12 metallic orange icicles – Php 300

12 two-tone (red/orange) poinsettias – Php 180

10 yards 3” wide, autumn-print, wire-edged ribbon – Php 250

10 yards 1.5” wide, metallic red, gold wire-edged ribbon – Php 120

6 dozen small gold and lacquered pinecones – Php 240

2 bunches of twigs – Php 100

2 bunches of large metallic two-tone (red/green) holly – Php 70

2 yards gold printed fabric – Php 400

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