You went out to the store, and picked up the best Christmas tree you could find, but what is next?

The next few pages contain tips on lighting your tree, setting it up, keeping it fresh and decorating it to look very beautiful.

Keeping the Tree Green and Fresh

Remove the stump off the tree with a nice even cut, and place it into water right away. Fresh-cut trees absorb water right after being placed into it. Its very important to refill the water as the level seems to get low several times a day, for the beginning week. You can slow down the refilling rate as time passes. Make sure you place the Christmas tree in a stand that has a big water basin, and keep it full.

Preserving Your Christmas Tree

The life of your Christmas tree can be lengthened by adding a solution of 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1 quart of water and 1 teaspoon of liquid bleach. There is also information that can be read regarding the care of Christmas trees.

Lights and Decorations

Lights go one first, then garlands, and finally the ornaments.

Go From the Inside Out

When you start placing the lights on the tree, start at the base and work your way up. Weave the lights on the "inside," then move along to the outer branches.

Ornament Placement

Do not hang your ornaments on the very tips of the branches. Like the lights, place decorations "inside" the tree to add interest and depth.

Basic Ornaments for Fillers

Begin by arranging "filler ornaments" around the tree, evenly spaced from each other. These "filler ornaments" would consist of colored balls, which can be found at discount stores in many different colors to change up and enhance your Christmas tree. For every 2 feet of Christmas tree you will need about 20 "filler ornaments."

Collectible, Special Themed Ornaments.

Add one-of-a-kind ornaments between the normal and bland ornaments. For every 2 feet of tree you will need approximately 10 special themed ornaments. When your collection of special ornaments gets larger, you can put them closer together.

Making Your Own Christmas Tree Ornaments

Glass balls can be given ribbons, bows and glitter to make them unique. Go to local craft stores to locate materials and inspiration to turn plain ornaments into unique ones.

Common Loops for Hanging

To make your tree uniform, change out the dangling strings and wire hooks with raffia, ribbon and cord loops. Spend time with the materials you found and a hot glue gun, with time your ornaments will look unique and consistent.

Bows and Ribbons

A boring colored Christmas tree decoration can be dressed up and look prettier with the addition of satin bows, velvet, grosgrain or sheer ribbon. You can even tie raffia bows on the decorations. Use hot glue to fasten bows to the ornaments.

Use Common Household Items

You do not have to use old fashioned ornaments on a tree. Scavenge the house for small teddy bears, doll clothes, doll furniture and seed pods with ribbon loops. You can use wire, ribbon or cords to attach your homemade decorations to your Christmas tree. Tie all of it together with garland that completes your theme.

Jewel Encrustation

Gather crystals and beads from old jewelry or craft stores and create a unique jewel encrusted tree ornament.

Children Involvement

Create a craft day with your children. Buy ribbon, glue, wooden cutouts, glitter, colored paper, cording and rubber stamps at the store. Get your kids involved by letting them make their own decorations and hang them on the tree. Or, you could even let them have their own mini tree for their bedroom. Make sure you date all their creations so that when you look back you can see how far they've come.

Create A Custom Garland On Your Own

You can use all kinds of different odds and ends, ribbons, florals and decorative touches to create a simple, elegant, or even fanciful garland. You can even gather natural elements, like pine cones or dried seed pods, and string them together for a green solution to garland making that can last you more than one season. Keep your eyes open and you're sure to find all kinds of exciting garland ideas all around you.