Decorating a Christmas tree

Learn How to Design a Story-Themed Tree with Disney Floral & Gifts

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:08 PM PST

Looking for magical holiday tree ideas? So was I, so I spoke with Cindy Braak, Creative Designer atDisney Floral & Gifts, to get some tips. If you're like me, we have lots of ornaments, bows, lights and "stuff"…but how do we put it all together so it warms the heart and creates special memories? Here's what Cindy shared with me.

First, come up with a theme or story you want to tell with your tree. It could reflect a hobby, memories of family or memories from your favorite magical place (I wonder where that would be…hmmmm). Once designed, it reveals those things close to your heart. For me it's all about Disney, draped in all things magical and enchanting. Surprised?

Next, she said to find an inspirational piece. It could be your first Disney ornament, your child's favorite plush or family photos. Then, answer the question of why that is an inspirational piece to you – this will create your story. Once you know what story you want to tell, then look for a tree.

Now that you know what story you want to tell with your tree, you can share it in a number of ways. For example, at Disney Floral & Gifts we created a story with our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Treebeginning with a holiday card.

Then accents were chosen to add to the theme. Since this is a nostalgic Disney Christmas tree designed to create memories, you'll notice some familiar pieces that when combined, help to feature the story such as cranberry and popcorn garland and Mickey ornaments that move.

Personalization creates an endearing opportunity to acknowledge special loved ones. Children always remember their ornaments and love to place them in a special place on the tree, creating another memory.

Tiny woolen stockings holding peppermint candies are an extra special touch because children can enjoy a treat right off the tree – another memory. So consider an edible option for your tree as well.

And now for the topper. It's the coup de gras of the theme and captures the essence of your story. We tend to think of the topper as a particular ornament or star, but she said we can use just about anything – from ribbons, decorative twigs, plush from a certain location that you find magical (wink), and in our case, we used a personalized Mickey Santa hat.

So what do you do about final accents and perhaps skirting? With our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Tree, Mickey took a ball of yarn as the final garland and laced it around the tree, leaving the rest of the ball at the base of the tree so we can finish it with our family. So as you're on the final design stretch, consider creating a family memory by celebrating with loved ones as they help you place the finishing touches on your tree. Have snacks available and share the story of why it's so special.

We'd love to share our tree with you, so if you're interested in our Christmas tree story there are three types of holiday-themed trees that you can have delivered to your Walt Disney World resort room. They can also be shipped anywhere in the 48 continental U.S. Just call a Dream Maker at 407-WDW-GIFT. You can also view them on our website,Disneyflorist.com.

Learn How to Design a Story-Themed Tree with Disney Floral & Gifts by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Sent from my iMickey! 8(; - )
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