Finding a Christmas gift that feels thoughtful, original and just right for its recipient isn’t always easy, so who better to ask for inspiration than a team who spend their days discovering beautiful things?
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Christmas
There’s nothing quite like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree that’s adorned with heaps of lights. However, there are many pitfalls that can happen when you’re decorating the Christmas tree. From blown fuses and tangled cables to not having a long enough string of fairy lights.
That means it can be tricky if you don’t know how to put lights on a Christmas tree. Luckily you only have to do it once a year, and this year we’re here to help. Read on to discover the best three ways to put lights on your Christmas tree.
Top tip: Always put your fairy lights on before you start decorating your Christmas tree with baubles. It’s much easier this way and means you can position your decorations according to where the lights are.
How to arrange your fairy lights vertically on the Christmas Tree
There are lots of merits to hanging your Christmas lights vertically. First of all, it’s surprisingly easy to hang them and take them down. Secondly, you have more freedom with where you position the lights as they don’t need to be supported by branches.
Finally, fairy lights are more visible when you hang them vertically, making for a brighter Christmas tree.
It’s surprisingly easy to hang your Christmas lights vertically, here’s how:
Plug in your lights to make sure they’re working and are close enough to where you’re putting the tree. If you have a big tree and need more than one set of lights, plug them all in.
Find the end of the first string of fairy lights, that’s the end without the plug.
Secure it to a branch at the bottom of your tree and then position it vertically until it reaches the top.
Loop the lights round a branch and pull the lights back to the bottom of the tree, creating a U shape.
Repeat until your tree is covered in lights.
How to put your fairy lights on the Christmas Tree horizontally from bottom to top
This is the way most people put lights on their Christmas tree. That’s because hanging your lights horizontally from bottom to top is fairly simple and perfect for more natural aesthetics. If this is your first time putting lights on the Christmas tree, this is by far the easiest way.
One reason why it’s a little easier is because you can plug the lights in first. That means you can see what the tree will look like as you’re arranging the lights. Plus, if you have some remaining once you reach the top, you can simply wind them back down.
Here’s how to arrange your Christmas lights starting from the bottom:
Gather all your fairy lights together and make sure they’re working. If you have a large tree, then you may be using more than one set. This step is crucial; there’s nothing worse than decorating your whole tree to find the lights aren’t working. You can leave them plugged in as you decorate.
Move your tree away from any walls so you can move round it with ease. Don’t worry, you can put it back in position once you’re done.
Start at the bottom of the tree and simply wrap the lights around the tree until you reach the top.
If you are using more than one set of Christmas lights, alternate directions with the second set. This will make them look more organic.
Continue until your tree is sparkling all over.
How to hang your Christmas tree lights from top to bottom
It’s also possible to hang your lights horizontally from top to bottom. Although it’s not the most conventional method, many people reckon this is a really convenient way to hang Christmas lights. That’s because if you run out of lights then you can simply add more to the bottom, rather than the top.
Plug in all the fairy lights that you’re using to make sure there aren’t any bulbs that need replacing. Unplug them once you’ve made sure they’re all in working order.
Move your Christmas tree away from the wall, giving you space to walk around it.
Start at the top and work your lights over and under the branches as you circle around the tree.
Make sure to add depth to the design by placing some of the lights on the inner branches too.
If you like your tree to be fully saturated with lights, a second set of lights should do the trick. Start at the top again but work your way the opposite way down the tree for a natural look.
Excited to get decorating your own tree? Head over to our Christmas shop to stock up on decorations and Christmas tree lights.
With supermarket shelves full of selection boxes and Christmas lights illuminating streets across the UK, we thought we’d offer some present inspiration in the form of a Christmas gift guide.
Doubtless you’ve already begun thinking about it, but if you’re just beginning your list, perhaps we can help. Our Christmas gift guide includes gifts for him, her, partners, hosts and tech enthusiasts.
Plus, with large Christmases looking unlikely, we’re highlighting gifts that show you’re thinking of them even when you can’t be there. The only thing to decide just how naughty or nice your family and friends have been this year.
Christmas gifts for foodies
For many, the festive period centres largely around eating and drinking. Whether that’s entertaining or simply using the season as a reason to get creative in the kitchen. If that sounds like one of your friends of family members, a food-based gift could be spot on. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be edible or drinkable.
Think outside the (chocolate) box and buy gin lovers new glasses, or gourmands niche tools to cook with. Know they have a cutlery drawer full of mismatched knives and forks? How about some thoughtfully chosen cutlery?
If they’re sweet toothed, the choices are as good as endless. However, we recommend choosing premium edibles like Cartwright & Butler shortbread or some Daylesford honey. For the more savoury among them, how about a hamper of exciting culinary ingredients?
Shop Christmas gifts for foodies here.
Christmas gifts for her
Christmas gifting is all about finding a present that your loved one didn’t know they needed. When shopping for Christmas gifts for girlfriends, mothers or sisters, try to find something they wouldn’t normally buy themselves.
For example, those premium chocolates she only buys on special occasions. Or, comfortable slippers a couple of price points above what they may normally spend.
Home accessories can also prove a good Christmas gift for girlfriends or mothers. We love the ferm LIVING candleholder in our Christmas gift guide because its subtle design looks great in most homes. Complete the gift with an elegant candlestick so she can light it as soon as the gift wrap comes off.
Shop Christmas gifts for her here.
Christmas gift guide for him
Shopping for gents can be tricky. Luckily, at this time of year new product releases and plenty of Christmas gift guides make your job a lot easier.
Always consider their interests and, if possible, try to anticipate what they’ll need or want in the coming months. For example, an angular desk lamp for his home office. Or perhaps he enjoys a good tipple. In that case, a bottle of his favourite gin or whisky is a great gift. Similarly, a new decanter to serve his drink from could be the gift he didn’t know he was after.
Shop Christmas gifts for him here.
Gifts for hosts
Whether you’re searching for a gift to thank your host, or simply have a friend who loves entertaining, there are plenty of present options. As always, a bottle of their favourite spirit never goes amiss.
Or, you could introduce them to a spirit or drink they wouldn’t normally choose. Gifts that enhance their entertaining experience always go down well – think decanters and premium champagne glasses.
A festive scented candle is a good gift if you’re presenting it early on in December. If it’s something they’ll be opening on Christmas day, avoid festive scents as they won’t need it after Boxing Day.
Shop Christmas gifts for hosts here.
Stocking fillers
A Christmas gift guide wouldn’t be complete without some stocking fillers. Instead of tat that won’t last longer that New Year’s Day, we recommend opting for designs with more longevity. These stocking fillers are perfect for adults. Think tricky brain teasers, fancy choccies and their new favourite mug. For a real treat, slip a bottle of gin into their stocking as well.
Whilst these gifts are all perfect for stocking fillers, they’re also great gifts for secret Santa.
Shop Christmas stocking fillers here.
Techy Christmas gifts
For the tech lover in your life, it’s nice to gift them something they haven’t already got. We love the Koble Polestar Lamp because it charges compatible phones wirelessly whilst providing light for your bedside or desk.
If you can’t quite find a gift that they won’t already have, then how about something to organise their gadgets? This Vitra Toolbox is a great choice, but you could also choose for something with more compartments.
Shop techy Christmas gifts here.
Gifts that show you care
Christmas is the perfect opportunity to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends or someone who deserves a little extra thought, a considered gift is a lovely way to make them feel special.
If you’re looking for something thoughtful, why not choose a gift that encourages a little indulgence or brings extra warmth to their home? Think pampering aromatherapy oils, delicious chocolate or carefully chosen accessories to make their surroundings feel even more inviting.
Shop Cosy Christmas gifts here.
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