Decking the halls with boughs of holly can often lead to a bit of a domestic, especially when it comes to the Christmas tree. From untangling fairy lights and choosing baubles to deciding where to place the tree in the living room - it's rarely a straightforward task.
However, one festive woman has come to the rescue, sharing her top five "simple tricks" that will have you "decorating your tree like a pro". Taking to Reddit, Katherine, a teacher who previously worked as a florist, shared some insider tips to make your tree look top-notch. "I learned some of the simple tricks of the trade to make your tree look killer," she began.
"There is a sequence to decorating your tree," Katherine began in her first tip. "If you're using an artificial tree... grooming (fluffing and shaping) your tree is an essential first step. Wearing work gloves can help protect your hands.
"With a fresh tree, your first step is securing it in a stand, levelling it, and ensuring it has plenty of water."
"Next up for both artificial and real trees... add your lights and any other secondary lights you might have," Katherine suggested. "I use bubble lights, so they are my second step."
Third on Katherine's list is the garland - something she recommends tackling early on in the decorating process to avoid unnecessary stress later. "Many people leave it until last, but you want to decorate around your garland and NOT try to fit your garland around the decorations," she advised.
Katherine went on: "Make sure your garland swings freely at the bottoms of the loops. You might have to work a long time adjusting the loops to get this just right but it really is important.
"Also... and this is hard to describe but your loops need to alternate on the different levels. Your garland should peek and on the next level below the peek should be a loop."
Whether you prefer an angel or favour a star, Katherine insists everyone should position it "now".
She explained: "Put your topper on the tree NOW. So you aren't like me trying to climb a ladder and clanging ornaments against each other trying to accomplish this task."
Katherine wrapped up her list of tips by advising you begin at the base of the Christmas tree and gradually work upwards with your baubles and other festive trinkets.
"Decorate from the bottom to the top," she advised. "Large ornaments at the bottom of the tree and smaller as you go up the tree. Each ornament should swing freely and not touch any other branch."
She offered an additional pointer: "It helps if you have different length ornament hooks to help achieve this look. HERE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP... decorate the inside of the tree. Yes, hang bulbs on the inside branches.
"This gives depth and dimension to your tree. This will give your tree the professional look that will take your tree from nice to stunning."