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Tree decorating professionals have the uncanny ability to create gorgeous displays of light and color in every tree - with no dark gaps or loopy wires. How do they do it?

1) Unpack your tree, and sort out all the sized/color-coded branches. Your tree assembly instructions will tell you to load up the trunk-pole, one layer at a time, from the base to the top.

2) Gather your light strands. For a well-lit tree of average width, you will need one set of 100 mini-lights for each foot of tree height. Read packages carefully to make sure all your light strands are the same wattage. Also, test-light all strands to confirm that they work, before attaching them to the tree. You can use multi-colored, white, or mono-chromatic lights in any color. Any style of lights will work - solids, flickers, flashers, or even chili peppers!

3) As you assemble each tier of branches, stop and apply the lights. Wind the light strands around each branch - from trunk to tip, and back again. Light strands may be stacked (plugs from multiple strands will stack up along the trunk-pole of your tree) or end-to-end (strands will form one long cord).

4) When the first layer of branches has been lit, then proceed with assembling and lighting the next layer.

5) Generally, no more than three 100-light strands should be attached together. (This prevents cords from overheating and circuit breakers from popping.) Just to be safe, it's a good idea to use only one extension cord per bunch. If this is not long enough to reach your electrical outlet, you may wish to purchase a longer cord, instead of stringing extension cords together.

6) When your tree is fully assembled (and fully lit), you can use the extra greens (included with artificial trees) to fasten your bunches of cords and plugs to the pole/trunk.

7) Plug in the tree, stand back, and admire your work!

After Christmas, when you disassemble the tree, just follow the same steps - in reverse. Remove the top layer of lights, then that layer of branches. Continue from the top to the base of the tree. Store each string of lights in a separate baggie to prevent tangling.

ECONOMY TIP: Purchase artificial trees and lights after Christmas for the best bargains. (In early January, I actually bought a 6-foot Douglas fir at final closeout for less than $5.00. It's still in the sealed carton, awaiting next Christmas! I also picked up several packages of lights for $1.00 each.)

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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