A Christmas tree is undoubtedly the centerpiece of any festive setting. However, with all the fun that decorating a tree brings are the often tedious chores that make it as beautiful as possible. First on the list (and arguably the most notorious of all) is hanging string lights.
It's certainly not uncommon to find hanging lights a chore – one that even the likes of Martha Stewart is not immune from. With that said, in true Stewart style, she has found a solution that makes the whole process easier, and it involves breaking conventions you've likely followed for years. That's right, she starts at the bottom of the Christmas tree.
'You’ll need six strands of 100 lights for a six-foot tree,' Stewart begins in the footage below. 'Start at the bottom of the tree. Draw the strand of lights from the trunk out to the end of the branch, wrapping around, then back down the branch, then back up another branch.' She recommends doing this same technique right to the top of the tree and drawing the extension cord right down the trunk. Lastly, you can crown your tree with a beautiful topper. 'It’s the most beautiful way to illuminate your tree,' she comments.
Shop the essentials
Simplicity at its finest. We recommend using these lights to subtly dress up your tree – perfect as an unintrusive base that will allow your ornaments to take center stage. However, if you want to keep your decor down to just lights (a trend we're seeing among celebrities for 2024), then the brass finish will add a simple, shiny touch that's both impactful and effortless.
A best-seller on Amazon (and deserving of glowing reviews), it's hard to go wrong with these lights this Christmas. If you are shopping for a larger tree, the strands are connectable, so you can have a harmonious glowing light throughout your branches.
These beautiful lights not only have a neutral string base, but they also offer a warm, twinkling light that looks stunning alone on a minimalist tree or as a subtle base that's ready for a more maximalist look. You’ll get two sets of 150 lights that hang down from the main wire in clusters for an intricate icicle look.
This year, more than ever, we're seeing celebrities decorate their tree with lights and lights alone. While we're certainly not against ornaments (because we will emphasize how there are no rules when it comes to Christmas decor), we can't help but love this minimalist look.
If you're following this design trend, the placement of your lights is more vital than ever (since they will take center stage). So, if there's ever a year to follow Stewart's method, it's now.
'This Christmas, décor trends are shifting towards simplicity, rustic charm, and handmade touches. We usually dress the tree with baubles collected over the years, but this year, I’m going to fill the tree with white lights and maybe add branches and foliage from the garden to fill it out and add volume for a more sculptural effect,' comments designer Matthew Williamson.
'It will be a bit of an experiment, but I’ll try layering in pine tree and olive tree branches from our garden in between the bows of the tree to bulk it out to create more interest. Where needed, I'll secure the branches in place with thin wire.' This is the year of festive minimalism – and Stewart's trick is the failsafe starting point.
