Why is it your tree never looks like the ones featured in holiday magazines?

Feel no shame because professional tree decorators (not mere mortals) design and decorate the trees we see in our favorite 'zines. Moreover, highly-skilled photographers spend hours trying to capture the perfect picture.

There are some tree-trimming techniques, though, that will provide spectacular results. Treasa Robinson, our Decorating Diva at ORNAMENTS TO REMEMBER, has shared a few of her tree design secrets.

Music Maestro!
Christmas music is a must to put your mind and soul into the yuletide spirit.

What's Your Theme?
Before you start decorating, decide on a theme for this year's tree. Themes can be as simple as focusing on two or three favorite colors (to contrast or blend with the room) or can involve a more elaborate approach where one's passions are the focal point of holiday decorating. (Think gardening, pets, travel, fashion, sports, religion, family, etc.)

Start a Family Tradition.
Each year, take the whole family ornament shopping. Each person selects a favorite ornament to hang on the tree. Not only will your family build a history of special ornaments, but also have great stories to tell year-after-year. ("The seed packet ornaments are my Mom's because she went through a gardening obsession after my sister and I started school.")

STEP 1: Lights
There's no such thing as too many lights. Yes, purchasing a pre-lit tree is easier, but rarely do these trees have enough lights to produce the needed sparkle and glow. Supplement as needed.

Lights go on your tree before anything else. Plan to use approximately 10 strands of 100 lights for a 7 foot tree. For a green tree, use lights with a green or dark-colored cord; for a flocked tree, use lights with white cords. Plug lights into the nearest outlet (or extension cord) so you can see how they’ll look lit up as you string them on the tree.

Create depth by stringing lights from the inside out, starting at the bottom of trunk. Wrap the cord around one of the main lower branches so it stays in place. Pull the string of lights to the tip of each branch, weaving the cord under the branch (so the cord is somewhat hidden). Wrap the lights around the tip of the branch, and then weave them back toward the tree trunk.

Repeat this for each of the main branches, working your way up, through the tree. Yes, this takes time, but the payoff is enormous.

For a themed tree, you may want to include special party lights. These lights add atmosphere, but really are more decorative and should be used in addition to (and after placing) your main lights. Examples of special party lights include: Bamboo tiki lights on an Asian-themed tree; multi-colored lanterns on a tropical tree; chili pepper lights on a Mexican fiesta tree, etc.

STEP 2: Tree Topper
The fun starts (and not ends) with the tree's topper! Whoever said that the last step in the tree-decorating process is to "crown" the tree was probably some fool who never ate dessert first!

Because it's instinct to first look up, then let the eye travel downward, the tree's top needs to be eye-catching. A blown-glass tree topper that highlights your theme is the simplest option, but you can also create a special look for the tree's pinnacle with a floral arrangement using real (or silk) flowers and greenery. The most dramatic look comes from selecting a topper to highlight your theme.

If you need to lower the height of a real tree, trim off the top branch a bit. If your tree does not have the perfect vertical branch that you need, use wire to attach a stick or bamboo rod vertically to other top branches so your topper has a perch to sit on.

STEP 3: Decorative Wraps
Incorporating a decorative wrap adds depth, color, and texture to the tree. A "wrap" can be a length of material or special authentic touches that wrap (encircle) the tree. Use imagination to wrap the tree in the spirit of your theme. Examples of longer wraps include: feather boas, flower leis (silk or real), serapes, bandanas, fish netting, wired ribbon, mesh ribbon, etc. Examples of authentic touches include: bamboo sticks, gardening gloves, party invitations, travel decals, special greenery (silk or real), etc. (Check your closets and local craft store for possibilities.)

Start at the top of the tree and push the decorative wrap toward the center between layers of branches. Push half-way in toward the trunk and work your way around the tree. If your tree is against a wall, tuck the wrap into the branches as far as it will be seen, and then angle it downward to the space between the next layer of branches.

STEP 4: Garland
Tree garland is not required, but the right garland can enhance your tree with additional color and texture. The garland's size, color, and material should be subtle and not the first thing your eye sees. Our favorite is beaded garland because it adds in an understated way. Start at the top of the tree, hanging the garland horizontally across the branches, with enough slack to make loops over the outer tips of the branches.

To start a new row of garland, drop it down in the back of the tree or in an inconspicuous spot, and start your next horizontal row. If the tree branches are too far apart to use this technique, cut the garland and start a new row with the next piece.

STEP 5: Ornaments
When it comes to ornaments, save your favorites for last. Special ornaments should hang from the most visible spots—the outermost branches. Because the best way to hang ornaments is from the inside out, we recommend you save your best-loved designs until you’re ready to trim the outer branches.

Start by hanging your least-loved ornaments and/or solid-colored balls toward the center, working out from the trunk. Decorating the interior with ornaments adds color and depth. Then, hang your favorite or most elaborate ornaments on the outer tips of the branches where they will be most noticeable. Hang your very favorites at your eye-level (lessening the temptation to small kids or critters).

If the tree has a hole (large spot with missing branches) and your tree wraps and ornaments still don't fill in the empty space, add a larger item that complements the theme or decorations. Suggestions include: musical instrument, sombrero, cowboy hat, birdhouse, lantern, wrapped (lightweight) gift, family picture, etc.