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You might think about buying a tree-disposal bag and place it under the stand when you put the tree up, or invest in a pre-lit artificial tree. If you decide to stay with "real," remember to keep the tree well watered; fewer needles will fall for clean up later on.
For the Preppy Look Decorating Ideas:
Cable-knit cuffs add a soft touch to stockings trimmed with playful belts and a bow
Tie ribbons to boughs or loop them into a chain for your tree
The mantel will look nice dressed up with evergreen branches sprinkled with glass balls and mini white trees. Finish the look with swag of twisted ribbons.
For something different with gift wrapping, skip all the holiday-themed gift wrap and use colorful stripes or cheerful checks. Coordinate the colors and mix as many different patterns as you desire.
To liven up your window views, string glass ornaments on bright ribbons across the window. Balance preppy polka-dots and striped prints with solid-colored balls.
Create a corduroy stocking: Stuff a store-bought corduroy stocking with paper. Fold a six-inch length of cable-knit fabric over the top of the stocking and affix with hot glue. Attach bows and belts with hot glue.
To make ribbon chains for the tree: Each loop: layer two equal lengths of coordinated (not matching) ribbon; affix lengths with double-sided tape. Align ends to make loop and attach with double-sided tape.
After Christmas clean-up tips:
Pull off the tree skirt, then toss some towels around the base of the trunk to provide a cushion for ornaments that might drop (this will keep them from breaking hopefully)
Get out the storage boxes. You can use empty cartons or sturdy gift boxes ready for the trash
Start removing the decorations from the bottom of the tree up to keep from knocking off lower ornaments as you reach for those on top
Always leave the hooks on (if they do not damage the ornament) so they are ready to go next year
Quickly wrap ornaments that do not have their own boxes or slots in tissue paper, used wrapping paper or newspaper
Remove lights, one string at a time, loop them around your forearm as you would extension cords, secure in the middle with a rubber band, pipe cleaner or twist tie. Pack them away.
Put a large drop cloth or bed sheet on the floor
Remove the skirt or the towels you placed at the base
Shake the mess onto the sheet
Use a turkey baster and siphon out the water remaining in the stand
Be sure you have an assistant, now set the tree down on its side, stand and all
Remove the stand
Hold the sheet like a giant sling, now with the help of your assistant, carry or drag the tree to the disposal spot. Roll it out from the sheet
To remove needles from the carpet, sprinkle the area with a little baking soda to coat the needles, and suck them up in the vacuum.
Relax; it is over, until next year.
Source: Hwang C. The preppy look. Good Housekeeping [serial online]. December 2005;241(5):140. Available from: MAS Ultra - School Edition, Ipswich , MA . Accessed August 1, 2008.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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