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Frequently asked questions

What's the right ratio of ornaments to lights on a tree?

A rough rule: 100 lights per vertical foot of tree, and roughly 20 ornaments per foot. A 7-foot tree wants around 700 lights and 140 ornaments to look professionally styled.

How do I make a tree look full and expensive?

Fluff every branch tip outward, add picks of berries or eucalyptus deep into the tree before ornaments, and layer three sizes of ornaments: large at the base, medium in the middle, small on top.

Real or artificial, which lasts longer?

A good pre-lit artificial tree lasts 10 to 15 years. Real trees give you one season of fragrance and tradition. Many decorators keep both: artificial indoors, real on the porch.

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