This year I went the rustic route with my tree décor. I started my search at  Home Goods, where I found some great starting pieces at amazing prices. Then I hit the streets – Literally. I wanted all my ornaments to be from the earth and have a natural man-made feel. I even recycled some old bulbs with a little paint to fit in my new theme.

Here are a few tricks I used on my on my tree to give it a little flair.

• Place lights both inside your tree and on the outer branches. Always place lights on tree with lights powered on. This will keep you aware if a set goes out as you place them.
• Start stringing lights from your power source and work your way up.
• If you have a real tree and are adding organic decorations like pine cones and twine don’t be scared to use a glue gun to affix them. Go ahead, glue that pine cone right on the tip of a branch.
• Affix everyday items to our tree using paperclips.  Simply hot glue gun half the clip to the object and then use the clip to attach to tree. Great for items you cant put a hole through
• Update old ornaments with a little acrylic paint or glitter. This year I decided to age my silver balls with a little antique painting technique. Simply water down black paint and apply lightly with a soft paint brush.
• Keep your tree smelling great and looking healthy by both watering it and spritzing it with water using a spray bottle ever other day.
• Use fabric, ribbon and even non perishable food like pasta, dried fruits and flowers to decorate your tree.
• If you have a favorite real flower you would like on your tree plant it in a small pot and then wrap it in plastic wrap to hold in water. Place in your tree and spray  water every few days. This year I included a live poinsettia
• Decorating a tree is like planning a wedding – you want some things old and somethings new.
• Add trimmed braches to a vase for more smell and easy décor.

I dare you to be domestic!