It’s time to start thinking about decking those halls! There are many ways to prepare for the holiday season, but the tree takes center stage. One big decision to make is whether to purchase a fake tree or real one. To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of the pros and cons for each option.

Once you’ve decided between a real tree or a fake one, here’s how you can make your tree the star of the show using those ideas.

1. Stockings – Instead of hanging ornaments on your tree, consider decorating it with mini stockings. If you want to go really crazy, you can even stuff the mini stockings for your visitors.

2. By color – Some people enjoy decorating their tree by color. We’ve seen silver and blue trees, red and gold, you name it. The color scheme depends on your own personal preference.

3. Children’s tree – Want a tree covered in ornaments that your children made in school? A mini tree is a great option for the hand-painted tree frames.

4. Wooden ornaments – This is a great option if you have plenty of wooden ornaments or train garland.

5. Bonsai tree – If you want to change up your look this year, consider using a non-traditional tree such as a bonsai. You can use mini ornaments to cover it, or just a beaded necklace as its garland.

6. Advent tree – Oh what fun it is to open a tree with daily gifts for me!

7. Origami bonanza – Get your creative juices flowing by decorating your tree with paper origami.

8. Fragility – Consider having a separate tree for all of the fragile ornaments from older generations.

9. Post-it notes – Don’t have room for a tree? Create one on your wall using Post-it notes. Take it a step further by decorating each Post-it or writing your goals for the year.

10. Theme – Want a beach-themed tree because you live by the ocean? Or candy because you can’t get enough? Grab some shells or candy canes and go for it!

11. Recycled tree – Stuck inside because of the snow? Peek in your recycling bin for a loose paper towel roll and get decorating. Once Christmas is over, you can easily toss it into the recycling bin.

12. Ribbons – Ribbons can turn your tree from drab to fab. Adding a wavy look gives it more dimension and helps pump up the elegance factor.

Still having trouble channeling your inner Christmas spirit? We’ll send some elves on over for all of your decorating needs – sorting and purging decorations, doing the actual decorating (including hanging lights around the house), and then taking it all apart come January. Merry Christmas!