With just over two weeks until Christmas Eve, many homes already feature a sparkling tree in the living room corner. If yours isn't up yet, last-minute decorating won't rob you of holiday joy—studies show festive decor boosts daily happiness. Plus, it lets you create a standout tree. Renowned American interior designer Francesco Bilotto shared a game-changing tip with House Beautiful: For a more harmonious look few actually use, hang luminous garlands vertically from the base to the treetop, rather than wrapping them horizontally around the trunk.
Why vertical? It ensures lights shine brightly between every branch. "In this way, each section of the tree between branches will glow with a thousand lights […] Plus, when it's time to take down the tree, the garlands are far easier to remove—accessible from the outside instead of wrestling them out from inside the branches," Bilotto explains. Genius, right? The result is charming and fresh, even if unconventional. If your tree's already lit horizontally, jot this down for next year—your future self will thank you!
