Do you finish dressing your Christmas tree, stand back and wonder why it looks like you’ve grabbed a bucket full of Chrissy ‘decs’ and thrown them on the tree? Well, this year it can be different!

Let’s start with culling your old Christmas decorations. If they are anything like mine there are lots that could be recycled out of your home. I’m not suggesting that you get rid of the decorations that your children made in kindergarten or primary school - those are treasures. But before the tree hits the lounge room is a good time to get rid of broken lights, reindeers with missing antlers and balls that have lost their sparkle.

Now here’s a secret that professional tree-dressers have been hiding under their bushel: there is a method to dressing the perfect tree. First, make sure the tree is situated firmly and horizontally in its pride of place in the house. A good, strong, quality tree stand is not inexpensive but it will support your tree and keep it looking upright right through the Christmas season.

Second, put your lights on the tree first. Begin at the base of the trunk and work your way up, wrapping them round the branches towards the top of the tree.  Next, starting at the top of the tree and working down, begin draping your garlands. Don’t be afraid of mixing it up and using plain and fancy ones on the same tree.

Finally, it’s time to hang your ornaments. Choose your favourites first and place them in the most prominent positions. Next, place the larger ornaments evenly throughout the tree, finishing off with any last clip-on ornaments - and don’t forget the angel or star for the top. We have a tradition in our family where we share the honour of placing the star on the top of the tree. Each year I write a short note and leave it in the decorations for the following year to remind us whose turn it is next.

I have known people to go a little OCD with their decorations, with rulers and levels being essential items in their dressing kit. If that’s what makes you happy, all good, but I think Christmas is more about family and friends than ensuring your tree looks like it belongs in Home Beautiful.

Now you know how to decorate it easily, you’ll need to make sure you have the perfect tree. Well, the Baden Powell Park Scout Group will be selling gorgeous trees from two locations this year: at our hall on the corner of Baden Powell Drive and Humphries Rd and from Frankston Bunnings, Frankston Power Centre. Our opening hours are each weekend before Christmas in December from 8am-1pm.

To make it even easier and have a totally hassle-free time of it, pre-order your tree and the Scouts will organise the delivery (South Frankston and Mount Eliza only).  It’s so easy - just phone us on 0409 962 449 or order via the website bpp.org.au

Merry Christmas!