Uncovering the Decorator's Secret: How to Use Christmas Tree Picks and Sprays
Nov 29th 2023
Professional decorators have a secret weapon when it comes to decorating Christmas trees. Their repertoire of Christmas decor includes items that add texture, interest and make the tree come alive.
The secret? Christmas tree picks and sprays. If you’re unfamiliar with these diverse decorations or have seen and admired them but wondered how to use them, Christmas Central’s tree decorators offer some insight.
What are Christmas Tree Picks?
The term Christmas pick or Christmas spray defines Christmas tree decorations that have long stems, rather than a hook or string for hanging.
Christmas picks and sprays come in a wide variety of styles, colors and designs that bring glamor, shine, color and texture to your Christmas tree decor.
How to Use Picks in a Christmas Tree
Christmas sprays and picks can be used anywhere on the tree, top to bottom. Simply insert the long stem of your Christmas pick into the branches of your Christmas tree. Twist a small interior branch of your artificial tree around the pick to secure it in place.
Use your pick or spray to:
- Bring attention to an interesting ornament
- Add a new color to your tree decor
- Complement your Christmas tree decorating theme
- Introduce sparkle and texture
- Fill in bare spots
- Add height to your Christmas tree
- Enhance a bow
How to Coordinate Christmas Picks
Christmas picks and sprays come in a wide variety of styles, colors and designs that bring glamor, shine, color and texture to your Christmas tree decor. So how do you know which one will complement your tree?
Find styles that coordinate with your tree’s style or your personal design aesthetic. For instance, twig and berry picks, pinecone picks and decorations featuring birds and forest creatures might appeal in a rustic or woodland style tree. For a glamorous Christmas tree, lean into the bling with glittery picks in silver and gold.
Feel free to mix different types of picks within your style. Pair twig and berry sprays on your woodland tree, for instance, or magnify the bling with crystal branches and glittery gold or silver leaves and flowers.
Tips for Using Christmas Picks
Our Christmas Central designers offer the following advice for decorators interested in using Christmas picks and sprays.
- Items that have been compacted for shipping benefit from some attention before use. Most picks and sprays are internally wired and can easily be bent into shape.
- Some picks and sprays can be delicate. Pack them gently to use again next year.
- Stems on Christmas picks can be two feet long or more. Don’t pay for length you don’t need. For instance, if you’ll be using the decoration in a garland, rather than a Christmas tree, you may be able to save time, trouble and money by selecting a shorter pick that won’t need trimming.
Common Christmas Tree Pick Styles
Berries
Berry picks and sprays add lovely color and texture to a tree and especially complement a woodland or natural theme. Use berry sprays in clusters throughout the tree or in a few strategic spots. Frosted berry branches combine a rustic touch with a bit of sparkle, while glittery berry branches add a special touch of glamor.
Branches
Twig or branch-like Christmas picks can bring unexpected texture and movement to your tree. Designers often allow twig sprays to extend beyond the branches of the Christmas tree. For a truly dramatic look, insert several twig sprays vertically near the peak of the tree to add height, or to frame or completely replace your tree topper.
Flowers & Leaves
Christmas sprays depicting flowers and leaves are some of the most glamorous Christmas pick designs. Florals can be found in velvets, sheers, burlap and other fabrics. Florals and leaves can be used to fill in bare spots, accent a bow and add femininity and elegance to your tree.
Playful & Whimsical
Have fun with your Christmas decor! If you like your Christmas decorations on the playful side, you’ll find plenty to appreciate in Christmas picks. From whimsical swirls to charming Santa gnomes to eye-catching iridescent snowballs, many Christmas picks can be used to carry a theme and elevate your hanging ornaments.
Sparkle & Swing
Because lights are integral to a Christmas tree, it’s always nice to add some ornaments that glimmer and gleam. There’s no shortage of Christmas picks featuring glitter, crystals and other embellishments that play off of your Christmas tree lights. Add additional dimension to your tree with shimmery Christmas picks that drape and dangle.
Christmas picks are the “decorators’ secret” that can enhance your Christmas tree’s style. Ready to take your Christmas decor to the next level? Explore the world of Christmas picks and sprays!
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