Christmas in the pink

I've spent years amassing a collection of classic Christmas ornaments for my tree: glittering spheres with iridescent silver or gold, luminous cream and effervescent ivory. Though the palette is limited, I have provided interest by incorporating a variety of textures and finishes. Despite transient modes and styles, these classic neutrals are always in fashion. Their real advantage however, is the effortless way they combine with other colours, allowing me to create a fresh and vibrant holiday scheme that changes from year to year.

In Christmases past, I've accented my collection of "basic" ornaments with bold red and plaids creating a traditional look; with spring greens creating a more contemporary look; and with chocolate brown, a look that pleased me but unnerved my children who found it "totally boring". This year I chose a blushing pink colour palette for the family tree. The result, accomplished by adding a scant 24 new ornaments to my 8' tree, is pretty and fresh.

To begin decorating

Start by lighting the tree and never skimp on the lights. For every foot of tree, I suggest you use at least a 100-count strand of lights. This allows you to weave the lights in and out of tree branches, creating layers of light that emanate from within.

Instead of wrapping the tree with lights in maypole fashion, mentally divide the tree in three vertical sections. Start by placing the first light at the top of the tree and work it back and forth across the vertical triangle from top to bottom. As needed, plug in the next set of lights keeping manufacturers guidelines in mind. Never string more than three strands together. Complete all three sections in this same fashion.

Step back from the tree once lights are strung and squint. This will bring dark spots into focus. Fill in dark spots with additional lights or add novelty lights.

Garland

Next, wrap garland around the tree, taking care to create depth by tucking it in towards the branches and draping it gently around the tree. My 8' tree has 6 strands of "rock crystal" garland which are 4' long. I purchased these in Los Angeles from department store Neiman Marcus. In addition, I layered strands of "pearls" around the tree which are affordable and available at craft and big-box stores.

If you have young children you wish to include in the decorating I recommend getting the tree to this stage before inviting them to join in the process. That way you can supervise them as they handle some of the more delicate ornaments and as they maneuver their way around the tree.

Begin by placing the largest ornaments on the tree first. Again, take care to weave the ornaments in and out of the branches. Place some near the tree trunk and others about half way down the branch. Next, add medium-sized ornaments about half way down the branches and continue toward the ends. Finish with the smallest and most delicate ornaments, which you'll want to place strategically.

To compliment our pink Christmas tree I filled a pair of wrought iron urns with pink standard azalea trees. A boxwood wreath above the mantle is unadorned with the exception of a wide, satin pink bow. For the mantel I chose a variety of greens which includes pine and cedar as well as eucalyptus. Into a base of florist's oasis I inserted individual branches of greens (cuttings from the tree are ideal for this purpose). Then, I added fresh fruit which I skewered onto wooden sticks and inserted into the oasis as well. The fresh fruit will last well for about 5 days and then it requires replacing. The mantel arrangement is flanked by tall topiaries and silver candlesticks.