A falling star is a beautiful sight… just not when it’s plummeting down from the top of your Christmas tree. Whether it’s a star, angel, or ribbon, a tree topper is the crowning glory of a Christmas tree, but it’s often a struggle to position just right. It seems like they end up looking crooked or toppling to the ground. Don’t worry! This blog will give you valuable tips and tricks to keep a tree topper securely on the treetop where it belongs.
Tip #1 Choose the Right Topper
Despite a number of beautiful toppers on the market, many of them have flawed designs. If a topper is too top heavy for a slender tree, it will tip over and a cherished decoration may drop to the ground. Consider the materials and choose a topper with a weight that is proportionate to the tree. Large, sturdy trees have the ability to support a heavy tree topper made of metal, but if you have a slim tree stick to fabric or lightweight plastic designs.
Tip #2 Use Pipe Cleaners or Floral Wire
Pipe cleaners or “chenille stems” as they are sometimes called can be a useful tool for securing a topper to the tree. Use them to secure the topper to the top branches of the tree. Plus, pipe cleaners have a similar texture to pine needles and can be purchased in shades of green or white to blend in flawlessly with a traditional or flocked Christmas tree. Floral wire is also available in green and can be used in the same way to keep a topper secure.
Tip #3 Hang the Topper from the Ceiling
Another unexpected way to keep your tree topper in place is to get a little help from above. One of the main problems with positioning a tree topper is that the flimsy top branches are not sturdy enough to support the weight of the topper. However, there is a way around this. Once your tree is in the perfect position, install a small hook in your ceiling. Next, attach a thread to the top of your star or angel and tie the thread to the hook in the ceiling. This way, the branches do not need to support the topper, and hanging the decoration instead of trying to find a platform will ensure that it always appears straight.
Tip #4 Use a Dowel
Many modern Christmas tree toppers feature a spring-shaped base that does not always stay snugly on top of the tree. A subtle way to give your topper the support it needs is to use a wood dowel and zip ties to keep it attached to the tree. Connecting a dowel extends the center support of the topper and allows it to be easily attached to the tree trunk or center pole of artificial trees. Choose a 3/4-inch dowel that is approximately 10” long. Start from the top of the tree and press the dowel firmly against the trunk or center pole of the tree until the top of the dowel is positioned approximately 3” above the needles at the top of the tree. Next use zip ties to firmly secure the dowel to the tree. Finally, twist the spring tightly around the dowel until it is attached.
Tip #5 Stabilize an Angel with a Foam Cone
Most angel-style toppers feature a plastic-cone that is beneath the skirts of the angel. This design is meant to be placed over the three branches at the top of the tree. Unfortunately, it seems like we can never get enough needles inside the cone shape to keep it properly in place. However, this tip can help provide a more solid platform so your angel will not try and fly off the tree. First, pick up a floral cone from your local craft store. Find one that fits snugly in the plastic cone. Next, use a craft knife or a serrated knife to cut a vertical hole through the cone. Place the cone on top of the tree to create a wider, more stable stand where the angel can sit. This technique can also be combined with the previous tip by placing a dowel vertically inside the cone and then attaching the dowel to the trunk or center pole of the tree.
No matter which technique you use, these methods will help ensure that your topper always stands straight and tall atop your tree. To create the perfect look, check out our colorful selection of Christmas tree ornaments and string lights. We also offer several elegant garland options to deck the halls.
