Arguably the most famous Christmas tree in the world, the lush, 76-foot high Norway spruce jutting above the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, makes for a great holiday decorating inspiration in your own home.<\/p>\n
Sitting high above the branches is the crown jewel, a glinting European star that boasts a whopping 25,000 crystals and weighs in at 550 pounds. Now in its 10th year, the star has taken a life of its own.<\/p>\n
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You can achieve a similar effect in your own home, even if you are lacking that legendary Rockefeller budget. While the European company issues a beautiful snowflake ornament each year that can grant your tree a healthy dose of pizzazz, you can achieve an equally beautiful effect with individual European crystals.<\/p>\n
Ice the Base<\/strong><\/p>\n You can maximize your tree’s glitter factor by gluing European crystals on the tips of branches to mimic the dazzling look of fresh-fallen snow. By adding crystals to your tree’s base, you are already creating a nice three-dimensional surface for string lights to reflect off of.<\/p>\n It is best to choose a color palette early on. You can go with classic clear stones, blue, red or a mixture of colors to replicate the rainbow hues found on the Rockefeller tree.<\/p>\n Revamp the Classics<\/strong><\/p>\n Perhaps you have a sentimental tree topper that has been passed down from your family or some well-worn favorite ornaments that now look decidedly dated.<\/p>\n You can apply European crystals to any of these to breathe new life into your decor while keeping your tree from becoming too cookie-cutter perfect.<\/p>\n Make New Favorites<\/strong><\/p>\n You can plan a whole party around creating some dazzling new ornaments for your tree. Any small wooden cutouts or even children’s toys will work.<\/p>\n Want a Christmas-themed T-Rex on your tree? No one will blink twice if he is encrusted with crystals, a la a Judith Leiber clutch at the Oscars. In fact, the more quirky the object, the more fun you will have making it spectacular with your guests.<\/p>\n Be sure to provide an array of shapes and sizes for your guests’ enjoyment. It is also wise to paint objects a solid color, such as gold or silver, before applying the stones.<\/p>\n Fail-Proof Panache <\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, if you don’t feel as if you have the patience or artistic skill to bedazzle ornaments, you can buys some simple wide ribbon or a tree skirt and glue crystals to them to provide the perfect finishing touches to your tree.<\/p>\n Glittery ribbon will mimic a more upscale version of tinsel as it bounces twinkly light around the room.<\/p>\n Christmas guests will smile as they set their packages atop a glamorous tree skirt with more sparkle than a Rockette’s costume.<\/p>\n No matter what aspect of the tree you choose to focus on, the possibilities are endless when you have a healthy supply of European crystals.<\/p>\n Author<\/strong>
\nJason Pistiner
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