In part 1 of my article sharing fresh Christmas tree decorating ideas, we explored a few interesting and simple ways to give your tree a good makeup this coming Christmas. On top of those, there are actually many more novel methods to decorate your Christmas tree. Bear in mind that beautiful tree decorations are often the result of letting your imagination and creativity run free so don’t be afraid to try out ideas you may have.

With that said, here are two more cool ways to dress up your tree:

Using Lego Mini figures

This is a really magical and creative idea. I saw this Christmas tree last year in a toys ‘r’ us shop in Japan and it immediately caught everyone’s attention. One person even offered to buy the entire tree! The cool part about Lego figurines is their cute and miniature size, which allows you to adorn your tree with many of them. On top of that, Lego seems to have many figurines that relate to Christmas, such as Santa Claus and normal folks clad in Christmas colors. It can be quite costly but if you are looking for a special Christmas tree this year you should probably give this a real thought!

Use a theme of white Christmas

If you’ve been mainly sticking to the traditional colors of gold, silver and red for all your past Christmases, look for a fresh change this year with white. For those who particularly enjoy snowing and indulging in the breath of winter, nothing should satisfy you more than a snow-covered tree in the house. It is easy to make a white Christmas tree by just rolling a long strip of white garland around it. You can also throw in some white crepes paper and use white ornaments to complete the theme.

Hope you enjoy these ideas as much I do. Look out for Part 3 in this series for even more Christmas tree decorating ideas!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/how-to-dress-up-your-christmas-tree-decorating-ideas-part-2-3325704.html

The spirit of Christmas is slowly showing and getting vivid as the weather change. Every little kid is excited for the coming season of giving while the grownups have started planning for gift and Christmas events.  The next coming day people will be busy in decorating their house. Christmas trees and decorations are out in the market and people can begin their shopping to prepare their homes for the coming season. Christmas trees are one of the favorite decorations for the house in his season. In the supermarkets, department stores, and other consumer good shops, they have the different Christmas tree decoration items.

 Christmas tree decoration makes the tree more attractive, livelier, and meaningful. Frequently, a family can be seen together in setting up the tree and the children feels happy just by hanging the Christmas tree decoration. Buying online makes selections and purchasing of Christmas tree decoration much easier and convenient. The DinoDirect is one of these internet suppliers that proposed different Christmas tree decoration. The site listed some the cutest and attractive decorations that will blend well in most house interiors. The Christmas tree decoration they offer comes in different design, styles, and concepts.

The Christmas Plastic Santa Claus Bow Tree Hanger is one of the Christmas tree decoration items that can surely give attraction to the tree. This product is made of plastic and silk ribbon and available in red and gold color. The Small Bell Chain Ornament Christmas Tree Hanger can surround the tree and provide a highlight in the tree along with sparkling lights. This item is still a popular in Christmas tree decoration. Another hot item in the site collection of Christmas tree decoration products is the Lovely Snowman Shape Foam Christmas Tree Accessories. This soft and adorable little decorative item makes the tree livelier and cute. It is made in soft foam material and very trendy item for every Christmas tree.

The site does not only carry dangling Christmas tree decoration. They also have items that can decorate the tree by simply placing it in the side or under the tree. Some of these Christmas tree decoration products are the Cute Antique Cypress Puppet Music Box, Color Recharging Automatically Sun Jar, and Stylish Christmas Snow Crystal Ball Music Box. The Christmas tree decoration offered in the site is set in prices that are very considerate in a family budget. Family can get the best decoration for homes in lesser expense.     

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/getting-the-house-decorated-for-holiday-with-christmas-tree-decoration-items-5403373.html

During the holiday season, people transform into busy bees, trying to find ways on how to decorate their homes to welcome the festive feeling. Families gather around the huge pine tree to conceptualize how they want the tree to look. And everyone would think about the type of tree ornaments would fit their theme for the holiday best.

Among the most famous tree ornaments are the Christmas lights, being the first ones to be chosen, give the tree that much needed sparkle. They are usually twirled around the leaves and branches of the tree. These lights come with single or multi-colored bulbs and some even come with a little music box that plays traditional holiday carols.

Illuminated tree ornaments, which come in different shapes and characters. From reindeers to angels to little drummer bears, they give any tree a boost of elegance. These are usually characters that have mini bulbs inside. They are usually battery operated while some come in strings that can be plugged in an electrical socket.

Musical Ornaments, can come in small or large characters. The most popular ones would be the angel on top of the tree that plays or sings holiday carols.

Classic hanging ornaments are said to be the least expensive and the easiest ones to find. They are available in different designs, like shiny Christmas balls, small tinsel wrapped gifts, small elves, tear drops, snowflakes, stars and other figures. These are made with plastic, clay, glass or metal.

For a homier feel, people sometimes create their own tree ornaments using common items that can be found at home. Children collect twigs, branches, leaves and pine cones and attach strings on them to hang around the tree. To really personalize the ornaments, some even bake sugar cookies that they use to decorate the tree. One can really be creative when it comes to this type or tree ornament.

Ribbons, tinsels and other garlands are used as finishing touches to the already festive tree. They add more color and attitude to any holiday tree.

Choosing the right tree ornaments is not very difficult to do. It only takes creativity and vision to be able to decorate the tree perfectly. Some people choose ornaments depending on the color theme for the year, like silver and red. They choose ornaments that are only in silver and red to match the theme for the season. Others are not so particular and would settle for anything that looked good.

Tree ornaments indeed complete any holiday celebration, by giving life to their favorite holiday tree. Christmas, being the most popular holiday in the world, puts to use every person’s decorating skills in bringing out the best in every yuletide tree.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/tree-ornaments-light-up-every-special-holiday-4651746.html

Windsor Royal Shopping opposite Windsor Castle is located in the Central Station, a grade II listed Victorian railway station, built in 1851 when the Great Western railway arrived in Windsor. This grand Victorian building which has been beautifully refurbished, has 40 shops of all different types, many fashion shops including Jaeger, Paul Costelloe, Pied a Terre, Ronit Zikha and French Connection, a craft market and a selection bars and restaurants where you can rest and refresh.

Over the next few weeks Windsor Royal Shopping will have a number of events including Macmillan Cancer Christmas card sale on Saturday 20 and 27th November. Late night shopping until 8pm on Thursday 2nd December, The Salvation Army Band will be performing from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Saturday 4th and 11th December, Breakfast with Santa at either the ha ha bar & grill or Café Rouge on 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December, The Royal Harmonics will be performing from 11:00am until 3pm on Saturday 18th December and for a small donation to Thames Hospicecare, they will gift wrap your presents from 10am – 4pm from 19th to 24th December. And don’t forget the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle takes place at 11:00am on even numbered days, weather permitting, excluding Sundays.

King Edward Court is right next door to Windsor Royal Shopping. It houses the Waitrose supermarket and has well over 30 retailers, (many well known) of varying types. You can easily walk from one to the other and park in the King Edward Court Car Park which has over 750 spaces.

The shops in Windsor Royal Shopping and King Edward Court are open from 10.00am – 6.00pm on Monday to Saturday and 11:00am – 5:00pm on Sundays Cafes including Cinnamon, Caffe Nero, Costa and Eat are open from 7.30am – 6.00pm/6.30pm and Restaurants are generally open from 09.00am with last orders taken between 10.00pm and 10.30pm, but please check. On 2nd December* there will be late night shopping until 8pm, Christmas Eve shops will be open 10:00am – 6:00pm, closed on Christmas Day and open from 11:00am – 5:00pm on Boxing Day* and New Years Day* and 2nd Jan.

*Please refer to individual stores for specific trading times.

Peascod Street is the main shopping street in Windsor with Marks & Spencer and Daniels Department Store along with other High Street names such as Laura Ashley, Monsoon and Next.

Thames Street and Eton High Street is where you find the specialist shops art galleries and antiques. There are over 30 offering a wide range for collectors and Christmas shoppers

Most shopping hours are 9am to 6pm and 11am to 5pm on Sundays but please check with individual shops.

Whilst in Windsor, if you haven’t already you should visit the Castle. From 6th December Christmas trees from the Windsor Great Park will be displayed in the Castle. From 10th December 2010 until 5 January 2011 to celebrate Christmas the Castle’s magnificent State Dining Room will be dressed with pieces from the Minton ‘Victoria’ dessert service. Families visiting the Castle on 18 and 19 December (11:00-15:00) can follow a special Christmas activity trail and learn about the feasts and festivities of Christmases past and royal Christmases today. Children can make their own Christmas decorations, cards and crackers to take home. On 11, 17, 18, 20, 21 December, price £50.00. an Exclusive Evening Tour offers the chance to go ‘behind the ropes’ once the Castle has closed its doors to the public. The tour takes visitors through the sumptuous State Apartments in the company of an expert guide and ends with a glass of champagne and a festive mince pie. www.royalcollection.org.uk.

There are several locations for on street parking – most have time restrictions and are often full. There are a number of car parks available.

King Edward Court Car Park with over 800 spaces charges from 8.30am -19.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 8.30am -20.00 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11.00am -17.00 on Sundays.

Daily charges

Up to 1 Hour
£2.20 (£2.50 on Sat)

1 to 2 Hours
£2.70 (£3.00 on Sat),

2 to 3 Hours
£3.80

3 to 5 Hours
£5.00

5 to 7 Hours
£7.00

Up to 24 Hours
£15.00

Victoria Street Car Park – with over 206 spaces (map). Discounts are available on short term parking ie. up to 3 hours for Advantage Card holders.

Daily charges between 09.00hrs – 19.00hrs
Without Advantage Card
With Advantage Card

Up to 1 Hour
£1.00
£0.60

1 to 2 Hours
£2.00
£1.00

2 to 3 Hours
£3.00
£1.80

3 to 4 Hours
£4.80
*

4 to 5 Hours
£9.40
*

Over 5 Hours
£10.60
*

Evenings ( 19.00hrs – Midnight )
£1.50
Free

Midnight to 09.00hrs
Free

River Street Car Park with 145 spaces
This is a short term / shoppers surface pay & display car park. Discounts are available on short term parking ie. up to 3 hours for Advantage Card holders.

Daily charges between 09.00hrs – 21.00hrs
Without Advantage Card
With Advantage Card

Up to 1 Hour
£2.70
£1.60

1 to 2 Hours
£4.30
£2.80

2 to 3 Hours
£6.20
£4.40

3 to 4 Hours
£8.50
£8.50

4 to 5 Hours
£9.50
£9.50

Over 5 Hours
£12.00
£12.00

Evenings (21.00hrs – 09.00hrs)
Free

Sundays & Bank Holidays
Daily Charges Apply
Daily Charges Apply

The Car Park on King Edward VII Avenue has 192 spaces (located on right hand side of King Edward VII Avenue after roundabout)

Daily charges between 09.00hrs – 19.00hrs
Without Advantage Card
With Advantage Card

Up to 1 Hour
£0.90
*

1 to 2 Hours
£1.80
£1.80

2 to 3 Hours
£2.70 
£2.70

3 to 4 Hours
£3.00
£3.00

4 to 5 Hours
£3.50
£3.50

Over 5 Hours
£4.60
£4.60

Evening (19.00hrs – Midnight )
£1.50
Free

Midnight to 09.00hrs
Free

Sundays & Bank Holidays
Daily Charges apply

Home Park with 141 spaces
This is a Long Stay Car Park with Park & Ride facilities.

Daily charges between 09.00hrs – 16.00hrs
Charge

Up to 1 Hour
£0.60

1 to 2 Hours
£1.20

2 to 4 Hours
£2.20

Over 4 Hours
£2.80

Evenings after 4pm 
Free

Weekends
Free

Bank Holidays
Free

Romney Lock Road 94 spaces

Daily charges between 09.00hrs – 19.00hrs
Without Advantage Card
With Advantage Card

Up to 1 Hour
£0.90 
£0.90

1 to 2 Hours
£1.80 
£1.80

2 to 3 Hours
£2.70 
£2.70

3 to 4 Hours
£3.00 
£3.00

4 to 5 Hours
£3.50
£3.50

Over 5 Hours
£4.60 
£4.60

Evening (19.00hrs – Midnight )
£1.50
Free

Midnight to 09.00hrs
Free

Sundays & Bank Holidays
Daily Charges apply 

Parking Alma Road 130 spaces Discounts are available on short term parking ie up to 3 hours for Advantage Card holders. Evening Parking is free for Resident Permit Holders. Residents may use their Advantage Card in the Pay & Display machine to obtain free evening parking. There is One designated Disabled Bay, although Disabled Badge Holders may park in any bay free if displaying their Badge

Daily charges between 09.00hrs – 19.00hrs
Without Advantage Card
With Advantage Card

Up to 1 hour
£0.90
£0.60

1 to 2 Hours
£1.80
£1.00

2 to 3 Hours
£2.90
£1.80

3 to 4 Hours
£3.30 
£3.30

4 to 5 Hours
£4.40 
£4.40

Over 5 Hours
£5.70
£5.70

Evening (19.00hrs – Midnight)
£1.50 
Free

Midnight to 09.00hrs 
Free

Sundays & Bank Holidays
Daily Charge

Eton Court Map and Meadow Lane, Eton

Daily charges between 09.00hrs – 19.00hrs
Without Advantage Card
With Advantage Card

Up to 1 Hour
£0.90
£0.60

1 to 2 Hours
£1.80
£1.00

2 to 3 Hours
£2.90
£1.80

3 to 4 Hours
£4.30 
£4.30

4 to 5 Hours
£6.30
£6.30

Over 5 Hours
£8.50
£8.50

Evenings after 19.00hrs
Free

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/christmas-shopping-in-windsor-3716303.html

With the Christmas holiday season fast approaching it’s time to start thinking about decorating your home for Christmas. While there are many areas of the home that can be decorated most of us focus our attention on the Christmas Tree. Here are some things to think about when decorating your Christmas Tree to ensure it makes a beautiful festive focal point in your home during the holiday season.

The most common Christmas decoration found on a Christmas tree is usually the lights. Christmas lights (or fairy lights) are small lights that tend to be multicolored or white. These days Christmas lights are fairly inexpensive and come in many shapes and sizes, from different colored bulbs to different shapes and lighting effects. A large number of Christmas tree owners use Christmas lights to decorate their Christmas trees. Depending on the type of Christmas lights you use, if you choose to use them at all, you may be able to set your lights to play a Christmas tune or flash in a certain pattern.

Aside from Christmas lights, Christmas ornaments are another one of the most commonly used Christmas decorations, for Christmas trees. Traditional Christmas ornaments are ball-shaped and are typically colored red, green, silver, or gold. However, you can buy ornaments today in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. From Santa Claus and his reindeer to candy canes and even Disney Princesses, you’re sure to find something to suit every taste and decor. Christmas ornaments are most commonly hung from Christmas tree branches using ornament hooks, yarn, or thread.

You can add texture and color to your tree with garland or tinsel. Garland, when used to decorate a Christmas tree, is often intertwined with Christmas lights. Christmas garland also comes in a number of different styles; popular garland styles include floral garland and beaded garland. It is also possible to find pre-lighted garland which has Christmas lights attached to it already. The main purpose of pre-lighted garland is to reduce the amount of time it takes to decorate a Christmas tree.

The finishing touch is often a Christmas Tree Topper. While Christmas tree toppers, like all other Christmas decorations, come in a wide variety of different sizes, shapes, and styles, they are most commonly sold as angels. Other popular toppers include stars, crosses, and Santas. In addition to coming in different sizes, you will find that many Christmas tree toppers are designed to light up with Christmas lights, and some may even play a musical Christmas tune.

You probably have a number of Christmas decorations and ornaments left over from last year but if you need to buy new items this Christmas you should be able to find the items mentioned in this article at a large number of retailers, both on and offline. For affordable Christmas decorations check your local dollar stores, discount stores, or department stores. For the largest selection of Christmas tree decorations, you might need to shop online or at a local specialty Christmas shop.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/holidays-articles/decorating-your-christmas-tree-673949.html

In my day, ma and pa decorated our tree with stuff us kids had made at school, bits and bobs of everything and cotton wool to act as snow! We were well chuffed with the result of many colours and texture. Nowadays it seems to be about colours matching and expensive baubles. Any thoughts on this?