Whether you're wishing for a sunny Christmas or just want to decorate with a different theme, try recreating the tropics.
The trick to making any themed tree truly beautiful is attention to detail. This is especially true when it comes to color scheme. One simple way to set the island mood is to buy Christmas lights in colors like blue, yellow, orange, green & pink. If you choose to use any repeating ornaments such as glass or fabric balls, they should also be purchased or made into the same colors as your lights.
Consider using sand dollars strung on clear fishing line instead of traditional garland. Sand dollars can be painted with a Christmas scene, sentiment or simply left plain. Spray or paint some of the sand dollars with clear glitter to help give them a festive appearance. To hang them, simply thread the fishing line through one of the holes and place the sand dollars on branches on the tree. Because sand dollars are very light, they do not need a heavy branch to hold them up. Another alternative to using garland is to use Hawaiian lays instead. Simply cut the lays (remembering of course to choose lays that compliment your color scheme), and tie them together. String the lays on the tree as you would garland.
For some unique ornaments, purchase some clear glass ornament balls at a craft supply store. Fill the balls partially with sand and some shells. Replace the top and hang with a sturdy ornament hook. These types of ornaments have to go towards the bottom of the tree, on heavier braches because of their weight. You can also use the same trick with small clear bottles. Lay them gently on any branch that will easily hold their weight. For a particularly bright tree, try using colored sand.
You can also purchase several inexpensive tropical themed decorations at your local party supply store. Look for things such as small paper fold up pineapples, plastic fish, or cocktail umbrellas. Adding little touches throughout your tree will help give it a uniform and balanced look. One of the most important parts of decorating the tree is finding the perfect tree topper. For this tropical themed tree, why not try a hula girl or mermaid instead of an angel? If you're set on a star consider a variation such as a star fish.
Finally, no tree would be complete without a tree skirt to cover up the unsightly tree stand. For a tropical themed skirt, look for fabric in the same colors as the color scheme of your tree. Try also using fabric that's actually printed with a tropical theme. To make a tree skirt very simply, purchase about 4-5 yards of your favorite fabric. Wrap it around the tree stand loosely so that it covers the stand but there is still fabric left over that flows to the floor. Then, use some fishing net and loosely drape it over the cloth. Secure the net in the back of the tree with safety pins.
Of course you want your tree to look fabulous, however, remember that the best part of decorating a tree is the fun in it! Be creative and keep your eyes open for anything that can be used in your tropical theme.
