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  1. Southern Living
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  4. Decorate Your Tree in Five Easy Steps

Decorate Your Tree in Five Easy Steps

November 30, 2016
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Credit: Emily Followill
Take your traditional tree up a notch with these fresh ideas.
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The Color Scheme

Credit: Emily Followill

Amp up the classic Christmas palette by adding every shade of green, from chartreuse to moss, with a few well-placed punches of fiery red. Pile on the shimmer with silvery metallics for a bright sparkle and shine.

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The Topper

Credit: Emily Followill

Branches of red holly berries (either real or faux) make a grand statement when bundled with florist wire and attached to the top of the tree. The bright shade of red adds a modern pop.

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The Garland

Credit: Emily Followill

Combine fresh eucalyptus and other evergreen branches to make your own. Hang ornaments from the end of the banister using lengths of colorful ribbons.

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The Gifts

Credit: Emily Followill

Tie on seasonal accents—like silver jingle bells and greenery—with grosgrain or satin ribbon, and scatter packages along the staircase to extend the tree's festive vibe.

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The Trimmings

Credit: Emily Followill

At Christmas, more is more! Use three different ribbons (wide, wire-edged ribbons work best) to wind down the tree alongside the ornament garland for a showstopping effect.

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1 of 5 The Color Scheme
2 of 5 The Topper
3 of 5 The Garland
4 of 5 The Gifts
5 of 5 The Trimmings

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Decorate Your Tree in Five Easy Steps
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