We asked Heather Randall of Chameleon Design . . . whose pink tree is bringing a real Christmas party vibe to Drogheda's D Hotel . . . to reveal her style secrets. Here are her top tips for getting it right at home this Christmas.

Location, location

Think about where you're going to place your tree. Avoid putting it near a heat source such as sunny windows, radiators, heating vents and fireplaces. Try to keep it away from high traffic areas where it might be bumped into or overturned.

Take a measured approach

Once a spot is chosen, be sure to measure both the ceiling height and the width of the space. "People always underestimate the size of trees. They should enhance your living area, not take it over, " counsels Heather. Also, measure your tree stand to determine the maximum diameter of the tree trunk you can use.

Light up

Put lights on the tree first, allowing approximately 400 to 600 light bulbs for an average 6ft tree, then garlands, followed by ornaments. Test them before you put them on the tree. To store tiny lights tangle-free, cut a scrap of 1/4inch plywood or heavy-duty cardboard into the shape of a capital 'I'. Wrap the lights around this and they'll be ready for action next year.

When arranging the lights work from the inside out and start on the branches near the base of the tree. Weave strings of lights along the branches inside, and then move to the outer edges of the branches.

"Artificial prelit trees are a godsend, " says Heather. "No more replacing bulbs or fighting with cables or screaming at the dog. There is a huge selection of them to choose from in all good stores."

Get hued into colour

Ideally choose a two-tone scheme such as copper and green; cream and gold; pink and silver.

Spread it around

Don't hang all your decorations on the tips of the branches. Place some ornaments and decorations 'inside' your tree to add depth and interest.

Ensure your garlands of beads, glass or berries complement your main ornaments.

Blend budget and blow-out buys. Mix special and more expensive ornaments with cheaper ones to make a greater impact. Give old baubles a new lease of life by spraying them different colours. "Remember to do this outside if possible as many paint sprays have very strong fumes, " advises Heather. Plain pine garlands are a good buy as you can wire through different accessories each year for a different look. Tree ornaments that are missing hooks or caps can be put together in a glass bowl and used as an alternative table centrepiece.

Add sheen with metallic spray

Preserved leaves, pine cones, seedpods and twigs can be embellished with metallic spray paint or a sprinkling of glitter costing a fraction of their equivalent in a Christmas shop.

Add just a touch for a subtle look or cover completely for a more formal effect.

Pick some fab florals

Use silk flowers for colour.

Trim blossoms off the stems and lay them on the branches of your Christmas tree for a formal look. Choose blossoms in shades of the colours of your theme or choose all white for a showy effect. Place the flowers evenly around the tree on the inside and outside of branches.

Think artificial alternatives

For contemporary cool in a compact space, try artificial topiaries dressed with tiny lights and baubles. "These can be sourced in many different shapes including pyramid, spiral or double sphere, " says Heather.

A little spray of artificial snow can camouflage the artificial appearance. Decorate a bunch of twisted hazel in a glass vase.

Add food colouring to some water for an extra hue. Instead of traditional pine, there's a multitude of beaded, feather, glass and floral garlands out there to suit modern interiors.

Get theming

"I love to experiment with nonChristmas decor on a tree, such as a Mardi Gras theme with eye masks and peacock features; Moulin Rouge with feather boas; large diamonds and pearls; silk orchids, costume jewellery pieces and vibrant colours; and a fruit and woodland theme, " says Heather. You can dry your own fruit and put twigs and cones through plain garlands and trees.

Go with a gentle glow

"I can't get enough of candles, " enthuses Heather. Watch out for the festive collection of hand-poured and handwrapped Oberg fragranced and non-fragranced candles made by a family-owned business in the Wicklow mountains (www. obergcandles. com).

All their wicks are lead-free and the highest-grade waxes are used.

For Christmas, Oberg is donating 10% of the retail price of its set of three aromatic square candles to Aids Partnership Africa.

The Oberg APA candle features the scent of coffee from Ethiopia; vanilla from Tanzania; and cinnamon from the spice island of Zanzibar.

The candle is priced at under 25 and outlets include Brown Thomas, Avoca and Meadows & Byrne. Heather recommends freezing candles before inserting them into candleholders to eliminate wax drippings.

Heather Randall of Chameleon Design specialises in residential and corporate seasonal and party decor, 086-606 2662; www. chameleondesign. ie