Unique Christmas Tree Trimmings

Event Designer Bryan Rafanelli With A How-To On The Early Show

(CBS)  Tree decorating is a fun ritual followed by millions around the world.

On The Early Show Thursday, expert event designer Bryan Rafanelli showed how to produce five unique trees sure to appeal to every demographic!

NASCAR TREE

Bright colored lights, fly-wheels and racing helmets are a few of the objects that garnish this authentic and fun tree. With an orange cone tree topper and a black and white checkered flag base, this tree is a true show-stopper for kids, dads and race fans alike.

Elements:

Three layers of circular race tracks serve as the tree garland! The tracks lay easily on the tree branches as remote-controlled race cars zip around. (Available at Radio Shack or CVS).

Five-inch solid colored rubber balls with NASCAR number decals fill the tree in with some bulk and impact. (Rubber balls available at Target; decals at Home Depot.)

STP oil bottles (empty) serve as an authentic car element (available at automotive stores).

Mini checkered flags make this a winning tree (available at orientaltrading.com).

Tree Cost: $400

ALPHABET TREE

This whimsical tree is perfect for kids of all ages to come home to, and a great addition to any lower-school classroom. Décor elements are easily constructed from a paper chain garland to painted alphabet letter cut-outs and simply wrapped presents. Get everyone involved!

Elements:

Gifts or an award are a great way to stimulate your kids with a game and connect with the tree's theme. Nestle into the tree small wrapped boxes, each adorned with a different alphabet letter. Then ask each kid to pick a box and come up with a creative word starting with their box's letter.

The gold star tree-topper is significant of a great job done on a special kid-friendly tree. (Available at Target or CVS.)

Large wooden letters (from Target) really pop once spray painted in pastel colors. The more inexpensive way to get this effect is to purchase stencils or scrapbook letters (from a craft store) and paint them to match. Both versions can be hung from colored ribbon or shoelaces.

Another age-old element is the tried and true paper chain. The addition of a garland paper chain finished off this interactive tree perfectly.

Tree Cost: $222

Other Sources:
Artificial Tree with Lights — Target, Home Depot
Tree base — Home Goods & Fabric Store

SWINGING SINGLES "TREE"

This clever "tree" stands 2 1/2 feet tall and is made entirely of stacked colored Lucite boxes. The boxes used on The Early Show set were clean and simple, but they could certainly be filled with small gifts, candy or ornaments! This tree is meant for those not able or interested in bringing in a typical 7-footer into an apartment without losing the holiday spirit. The Early Show version was stacked atop a tall 36-inch cocktail table dressed with a linen to appear more like the other trees, but can be placed as a centerpiece on any size table. Lucite boxes available at the Container Store.

Tree Cost: $152

WEDDING TREE or LIVING TREE

For newlyweds, those getting married in the upcoming year, or couples celebrating an anniversary, this tree could serve as a special holiday token. This romantic tree gleams with lit bell jars and is embellished with bunches of babies breath and ivory florals.

Elements:

The veil tree topper gives you an opportunity to use/re-use an item from your wedding day and if yours is cathedral length it can wrap around the tree as garland. Available at www.priscillaofboston.com

Hang your wedding cake topper as the sole ornament on your special tree.

Mini bouquets are hung inside large bell jars and can be handed out to all visiting ladies.

The tree base is covered with Battenberg lace linen often used by Rafanelli brides. Those at home could use any family linen if they don't have one saved from their wedding day.

Tree Cost: $432

NEW YEAR'S TREE

Once Christmas is over, stash away your ornaments and re-vamp your tree to get ready for the new year! Keep the string lights hung and build from there; noise makers and hats and anything bright, shiny and festive will work! Why not throw a post-Christmas get together for family and friends to help decorate, especially if you're not planning on hosting any of the major holiday events?

Elements:

Magenta payette strands (4-inch discs) are sold pre-strung and ready to hang. They are a flashy and fun representative of what's to come! If you don't want to purchase the payettes, make your own by cutting circles out of hologram poster board.

Mini POP Champagne wristlets serve as witty décor prior to New Year's Eve and can be chilled and popped on the big night!

Fill the tree base will a high-impact themed item. We lined ours with a dozen disco balls mixed in with round, spiked lights and strobe lights to create a disco New Year's Eve. Available at www.highoutput.com

Tree Cost: $261

©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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