Gordon next to showroom red ribbon Christmas Tree; Fortunoff, New York, N.Y.

David McKeown, designer, shares these tips for creating a Christmas tree with balance:

• Use a pattern you can repeat to evenly distribute your ornaments.
  
• Avoid clustering ornaments of the same type.
  
• With your lights, as with your ornaments, avoid clusters!
  
• Ribbons, pinecones and garlands can all be inexpensive alternatives to delicate glass ornaments.
  
• Crafting ornaments can really make decorating fun and rewarding.

David Mckeown, Designer
New York City
212-740-6544