The branch that you select should have a stem of at least 1 metre, preferably 1.5 metres long.

It is better to tackle this project outdoors. Wear old clothing before starting. Ensure that all leaves have been removed from the tree branch. Lay sheets of newspaper on the ground and put the tree branch on top of the newspapers.

Spray paint the tree, ensuring that the whole tree has been painted. Wait for the paint to dry, then spray on another layer. A third layer may be needed.

When you have painted the last layer on the tree, you may want to sprinkle glitter (silver and gold look the best) on the tree — do not overdo it, just sprinkle a bit here and there.

If you are painting with a brush – paint the entire tree with a large paint brush and let the paint dry.

Choose a container for your tree. A round clay plant looks great with this painted tree, but if you do not have one handy, used a bucket or an old paint tin which is large enough to support the tree.

Paint the outside of the container with about three coats of paint , silver or gold looks stunning. If you prefer not to paint the container, then take a length of shiny wrapping paper and wrap it around the container and secure with tape.

To secure the tree, you’ll need a number of rocks and stones. Place the larger rocks at the base of the container. Carefully place the tree amongst the rocks and start filling the container with rocks and pebbles until the tree feels totally secure. Keep aside the smoothest of the pebbles and paint them in silver, gold and white and once the tree has been secured with the rocks, place the painted pebbles on the top of the layer of rocks so that it covers the unpainted pebbles and rocks.

Take a packet of cotton wool and break it into pieces. Let the cotton wool pieces drop all over your tree – it will look just like snow.

Here are a few fun ways to create homemade Christmas ornaments:

Swirled bulbs: For this you’ll require frosted or clear round bulbs, acrylic paints (2 or 3 colours that complement each other); and wide mouth disposable plastic cups (shallow.)

Take off the stem clasps of each bulb, and set aside in a place where they won’t get lost. Generously pour acrylic paints into the opening of the bulb and swirl around until you have covered the entire bulb. Place the hole downward into a disposable cup and turn twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening. Do this for about one week. Then wash the outside of the bulb, being careful to not let water inside the ornament, and peel off the thin layer of the bulb.

Then replace the clasps for the stems of the bulbs. The end result should be the bulb having a swirled marbleised effect.

You can embellish the bulbs up more by using glitter on the external part. Emboss the bulbs with words like Merry Christmas, etc.

Paper card decorations: Cut shapes out of card type paper. Use glitter to create designs on the paper or emboss. Use different layers of paper. Glue tiny beads in a decorative pattern on the cards, and let dry before hanging. Place hole at the top and run a long, thin ribbon through the hole, for hanging. You can cut old card paper into star shapes and stick glittery paper on it.

Strands of beads: The usual thing is to string popcorns on Christmas trees. But you can lend a different touch to your tree by scooping out old, chunky necklaces with beads and other junk jewellery to adorn your tree. String them with beading string and drape across your tree.

Citrus fruits: Luckily, winter is the season when citrus fruits abound and they look very attractive when hung from the branches of a Christmas tree. Simply slice the fruit and dry in a warm area or in the sun. They also can be dried in an oven on low heat, but beware that oven heating tends to make the fruit brittle and darker. Sprinkle with sugar for a sparkling effect, or leave undecorated to capture their natural beauty. You can even hang whole fruits like oranges and kinnows.

Baskets filled with pine cones look beautiful as a centrepiece on the drawing room or dining room table. If you have been uphill during the summer, you may have collected pine cones then. Now is the time to put them to use. You can even simply spray paint the cones with glitter and hang them on your tree. Or you can stick caps of cotton wool on them. The options are endless and only limited by your imagination.

This is an excellent occasion to tap the creativity of your family. And a collective endeavour such as this will bind you all more strongly in the thread of caring and sharing. Let your festive tree mirror the unique styles and the imagination of your family members. Happy decorating !

Compiled by Chetna Banerjee