Good Morning!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We did not have to travel only going to my parents' home 10 minutes away!
Friday afternoon we went to the Merry Christmas Tree farm to select our Leyland Cyprus tree. It is always such a fun time. I love to get this Cyprus because it hardly sheds and looks fresh for so long. It does not have as sturdy branches as the beautiful Fraser fir. We usually get a 10 foot tree so this is also why I like the Leyland…..you can get them a bit slimmer. A 10 foot Fraser fir would be way to wide for the space. They are also cheaper…$47!!
The kids love to cut the tree down! It was a fun family time even with the arguing over who was going to make the last cut!!
Lizzie, our lab even had a grand time!
Many years ago, I saw a Martha Stewart Christmas special where she was instructing us on decorating the perfect tree! LOL!!! Well, the lighting advice was wonderful! When decorating branches, like a Fraser fir, I follow Martha's advice and wrap the branches. Ingenious, Martha!!!
This is our 10 foot Leyland Cyprus. She is a beauty! A must for any tree with height is an extension cord that you attach to the center trunk. I use one that has staggered outlets. At the end of this post you will find information on it. I am so picky about the lights that I only allow “me” to string them. I tried letting my hubby do the upper branches, but……
Another Martha tip that I have used for years is to hang your lights vertically in sections. No more going round and round. Makes putting up and taking down the tree so much faster and easier!! I really have to do it this way since the tree is so tall! I have to stand on the very top of the ladder to do this….scary stuff! I just finished the lights! I use a ton of lights …16 strands. I highly recommend LED. This is the 3rd Christmas using these, and they work every time. I am not sure if you can tell, but I use both mini and large bulb lights. I love the glow they give off! Tonight we will decorate it as a family. This family tree has no theme other than family ornament memories through 22 years of marriage and 2 kids. I can't wait to share with you the finished tree and the rest of our home….very soon!
Now that’s a tree! I’m with you – I handle the lights and wrap the branches but am still going round and round. I’ll have to try the vertical thing – after all, if it’s good enough for Martha!
Kelly
Too funny, Kelly!!! Martha is our queen!! Happy holiday decorating to you!!!!
Gorgeous tree!! We’re going this weekend to cut ours down, the kids can’t wait!
Thanks!!!!! I grew up with an artificial tree and didn’t have fresh until I got married. Can you believe it?? It is definitley a memory the kids will cherish one day! They love it!
How fun, Christy! I am sure you will have a great time with the decorating! If Dear Hubby hadn’t already put the lights on, I would have tried your way! Maybe next year…lol!
Shenita, you have one helpful hubby!!! Mine would do it, I am just unable to let him!! LOL!!! We got 1/2 of the tree done and last night he and our son finished while I went to yoga with our daughter. They did a great job!!!
It is going to look amazing! I would love a tree like that. I wonder if they sell them here in Texas. I also have thought about trying to hang lights vertical this year but was not sure it would be an easier since I use so many strands but if you say so then I think I will give it a go!:)
Thanks, Pamela! It is definitely easier for me. 🙂 I hope you finally found some new lights! I always dread the lights!!!