So, how will you decorate your Christmas tree - in the latest style and colours?

Or will it be a case of dragging out the tree from the loft and hoping you don't smash too many baubles in the process?

If it's the latter then it might just be time to consult Norfolk's indoor landscape designer, Sheryl Hackney.

Sheryl has been supplying and decorating Christmas trees and interior plants for companies in London and Norfolk for years.

She's put together a few top tips on how to get the most from your Christmas tree.

The real thing versus artificial

Christmas trees - real or artificial?

First, decide on live or artificial. Although most of us love the real thing it's sometimes not practical.

There are many very good artificial trees available, although in my experience you get what you pay for and it's probably worth investing in a quality tree that will last for several seasons.

If you really can’t begin to enter the joys of Christmas without the smell of a real tree wafting around the house, then pick a live tree.

Picking a tree

This couldn’t be easier! Go to the nearest supplier and choose a pretty tree.

Before buying, it is always a good idea to measure up to ensure that the tree fits in your pot or living space, that the tree's in good health.

Choose your tree carefully

You should also decide if your tree will be in a cool area, or in a warm centrally heated one.

If you are likely to have it in a centrally heated house, I would advise you to buy one of the high needle retention trees available.

These trees are either Nordman fir, Noble, Blue Spruce, or Frazer or White Firs.

These will usually be pre-cut, but for the best results will need to be cut again and stood in water immediately.

'Preserving' your tree

The easy method for this is to purchase a self-watering tree stand, available in heavy metal or plastic.

Your tree can then be put in water as soon as it's cut and can be topped up throughout the Christmas period. Alternatively stand your tree in a bucket or decorative planter and top up with gravel.

This will steady the tree and also allow you to water it.

If you have a cooler area, a Norway fir Christmas tree, which generally is a little less expensive then the high needle retention trees, should do well.

Try to get one with roots and pot it into a sandy compost mix to ensure it keeps its needles for as long as possible.

Always leave your tree in a cool area until you are ready to decorate it.

Choosing colours

This year purple is the colour.

This can be contemporary or cooled down using whites, silvers and lilacs Or you can romanticise it by adding warm golds and rich ribbon fabrics.

We have added harlequin baubles for a slightly more dramatic effect this year.

More traditionally, red is always a showstopper. Add tartan ribbon for an extra festive look or keep it bright and exciting by adding silver and keeping the decorations simple.

Decorate your tree with silvers and lilacs

This is a very good way to change your look every year without needing to buy new decorations.

Change the ribbon or tinsel colour and buy a few new baubles in a single colour.

Try either one of the following colours: lilac, blue, or white. Warm this up with a touch of gold or cool it down with silver to create individual styles each season.

One for the kids

Not forgetting the children why not let them have their own special tree to decorate and add to as the years go by.

Try strings of popcorn, oranges, sliced and dried in the oven before threading with ribbon.

Use shatterproof baubles and glue on feathers, glitter and cotton wool.

Stitch small sacks of material to hang mini-teddies or sweeties into. Buy stripy hooked candy bars.

Children love to make their own crackers, which is great for filling in any gaps in the tree and don’t forget the tinsel - the more sparkle the better!

Whatever you have on your tree you can incorporate your own style into window displays or over mantels and around mirrors and stairways.

Just add ribbon and baubles to bunches of holly or the off-cuts of your live tree, or whatever else you can find in the garden or at your local florist or garden centre.

Whatever you decide; be individual, relax, have a good time and please yourself!

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