So we’re a little behind here and just got our tree yesterday. I was putting the lights on and thinking about how I learned to light trees when I was working at a flower shop after college. I have not-so-fond memories of lighting artificial trees in casinos at 4am. Yet I still use this method and have gotten many compliments over the years, so thought I would share.  This is assuming that you are using small white lights — we add the large colored bulbs for the kids as well, but you don’t need many of those. The white lights give your tree a nice glow and add dimension if you use a lot of them.

This year, I used about 10 strands of 100 bulb lights for a narrow 7′ tall tree, so that’s almost 150 bulbs per foot of tree height. I wouldn’t even fool with the strands of 50. This is a ton of lights and it takes some time to do, but here’s how if you’re interested:

Step 1: Having an extension cord designed for Christmas trees like this one (in green!) can be handy. Seems like you can put 3-4 strands of 100 in each socket, although you should read the package directions to be sure.

Step 2: Start from the bottom and wrap each branch from the inside of the tree to the outside.

Step 3: When you get to the tip, make sure that you have a light positioned for the end of the branch and twist the cord around and weave back down the branch.

That’s pretty much it. Of course you’ll want to make sure that your plug ends are all tucked neatly into the interior of the tree. But you basically just wrap each individual branch and use a ton of lights. It really does make a difference and creates a glowing tree full of holiday cheer!