A beautiful decorated Christmas tree is more than a seasonal custom, it's a work of art. Here at Gale's Westlake we decorate dozens of trees annually and have developed a step-by-step system to help you make your tree more beautiful, year after year.








Step 1 • Step 2 • Step 3 • Step 4 • Step 5 • Step 6 • Step 7 • Step 8


Step One: Shaping Your Tree
A well-shaped tree not only looks better, but also is easier to decorate. Always take the time to shape your tree properly before trimming. See “Shaping Instructions” enclosed with each tree.






Step Two:Lighting Your Tree
Use the following guide to help determine the minimum amount of lights to trim your tree. Keep in mind that Gale’s designers use the maximum suggested.

Tree Height Bulbs Set of 50
4' 200-350 4-7
6' 400-700 8-14
7' 500-800 10-16
8' 600-800 12-16


Follow instructions on your light set carton to determine how many sets can be safely plugged together. Fasten the receptacle end and extension cord to the center of your tree trunk (Use twist ties, tape, etc.) Start by plugging in the first light set to the extension cord and begin lighting at the bottom of the tree. Work around the circumference of the tree and work your way towards the top. Always work with the lights on!

Gale’s recommends one bulb per tip on ling-needled trees. Shorted needled trees can have one bulb per 2-4 tips, depending on your preference. The best way to secure your lights to the tree is to separate the green wires under each bulb and slip the opening over each tip. If your artificial tree has the branch’s that can be removed, you may find I easier to light the tree as you assemble it. Do this by assembling the lowest layer of branches first, light them, then assemble the next layer and light them. Continue lighting each layer until you have the entire tree assembled and lit.

Step Three: Draping the Garland
See the garland package for the correct quantity needed for your tree. Typically, a 7’ tree needs 6-8 beaded garlands and 2-4 tinsel garlands. Garlands should be used to highlight the main color accent in your tree. Tinsel and bead garland are draped from branch to branch in uniform swags 6”-12” deep. The bottom two rows of bead garland may droop over branches if the garland is heavy. Wiring the garland to the branches will help prevent drooping. Always make the jump from one row to the next in the back of the tree where it will be hidden.

Designer-In this method, the bead garland is draped in the traditional way, but the tinsel garland is tucked into the tree branches. Tinsel
garland should lay on the inner branches while
winding in and out of the tree. In this way the
garland acts as a background of color to highlight
your ornament trim. Start garland at the bottom
and work up.

Step Four: Glass Ornaments
Your glass ornaments should be used to set the color theme of your tree. A variety of sizes and shapes add interest and appeal. Be sure to stagger their placement to balance the arrangement. Decorate deep into the branches to maximize dimension.


Step Five: Novelty Trim
Your novelty trim can be the most important part of decorating your tree because it sets the theme. The theme should reflect your taste, whether it be traditional or trendy, juvenile or sophisticated. Again, balance the tree by evenly decorating with large and small ornaments.







Step Six: Adding Ribbon
Ribbon can pull out any color you want to emphasize according to the ornamentation on your tree. Usually 8-12 bows should be used on a six or seven foot tree depending on how close you want to put them. One yard of ribbon will make a small three-leaf bow. And two yards will make 4-5 loops. Those can take the place of ornaments so use them to fill in gaps as needed.

A tree top bow is usually twice the size of other bows on the tree and can have long streamers to drape down the tree. The bow can be used alone or worked around any other tree top you
may want. To keep your bows looking good for
many years, stuff your loops into tissue
paper before stuffing them into a box.

Step Seven: Tree Top and Skirt
Accent your tree with a tree top that match’s either your glass trim or your novelty decorations. Finally, bring your color theme to the bottom of the tree with a coordinating tree skirt. Once you have your Christmas tree beautifully decorated, you’ll want to continue your theme throughout your home. Gale’s designers can create matching arrangements, wreaths and swags to complete your holiday décor.








Step Eight: Room Accessory
Once your Christmas tree is decorated, continue your holiday theme throughout the room. Gale's Westlake designers are here to help! Our professional design staff can help select the linens, pillows, ribbons, candles, home fragrance and other decorating accessories to finish your room to perfection. Gale's professional floral design staff can also create matching fireside baskets, mantle and table arrangements, wreaths and swags to complete your holiday decor.