Here are some tips for choosing the best live tree for your home.

• Fuller is not necessarily better. Yes, you don't want a thin three you can see through, but neither do you want one so thick that you CAN'T see through it! Somewhere in the middle is best. Think about it... you're buying this tree to decorate it... ie: put things on it and in it that you want to SEE. You want your tree to have lots of small holes to hang ornaments in, and you want your lights to shine from within. We once got a tree so beautifully thick that we couldn't hang the ornaments anywhere! They just laid on the outside of tree looking like they didn't belong. Or those thick branches would shove them right off the end of their branch so they'd roll right down the side of the tree. I think we ended up cutting small branches out, just to make room for them!

• If your tree will be going in a corner or against the wall, then go for one with a big hole in the back and bargain for a better price.

• Don't forget to check the top. If you'll be putting an angel or star on top, then you'll need a good strong lead branch that comes out the top, not one that curves up from the side, or five thin branches.

• Remember that your tree stand will add 4-6" in height, BUT you may need to cut off several lower branches to fit the trunk into the stand.

• Douglas or Fraser Firs usually ARE worth the extra money for several reasons. First, they don't shed many needles at all, compared to those inexpensive pines! Second, they don't prick your arms raw as you move them, set them up, and decorate them. Third, they smell just heavenly, and fourth, they really look terrific decorated.. if looks are important to you, then this is worth a lot. Besides... the extra cost usually isn't more than what you'd spend on pizza. And if you'll spend an extra $25 to save yourself the time and trouble to cook one meal, then why not spend an extra $25 to save yourself weeks of headaches with pine needled covered floors and pricked arms?

Does your tree need more decorations? Put ribbon on it! Here's how:

• Have 15-20 yards of 1 1/2 or 2" wide wire-edged ribbon and 5 or 6 pins available to use. (Sometimes there are already some pins in the spool of ribbon.)

• Pull about 12" off the end of the first spool of ribbon and lightly knot it around a branch in the top and back of the tree.

• To decorate, stick a finger from your left hand into that hole in the center of the spool so the ribbon is like the tire on a wheel and axle. Move that finger in a slight circular motion as you move to the left, so the ribbon slowly falls off the spool as you move. It will come off, but stay curled perfectly! Use your right hand to guide the ribbon in place, resting it on branches. Make it wind down around the tree.

• When you come to the end of that spool, grab the next and pin the ends together. Stick your finger in that spool (make sure it will unwind the same way), and continue around the tree!

Have fun!