Tips for Decorating your Tree General  ensure tree is stable in its base and standing perpendicular (particularly important for a ‘live’ tree)  position tree in a well-lit spot and, if possible, with space around it  to assist the water absorption of a live tree, cut 2cms from the end of the trunk before placing it in a tree stand which can hold water or wet sand (some suggest that the tree will last longer if a little sugar is added to the water)  obviously, if the tree is in a corner or against a wall, it is not necessary to completely light or decorate the hidden part of the tree  there are no hard and fast rules to decorating - allow your tree to let your own personality shine through  try to make decorating the tree an all-the-family tradition  to really get you in the Christmas spirit, play your favourite Christmas CD whilst decorating the tree  take a photo of the decorated tree each year for some pleasant memories and also so that you can remember what looked great and envisage where improvements can bemade (don’t forget to also have a family photo around the tree)