Christmas tree perfection

And there is no better person to give us all the tips and hints on creating a memorable Christmas tree that we will love for years to come.

“I've always been enamoured with Christmas, even before calling Echuca home,” Gayle said.

“I've always relished the tradition of selecting fresh trees wherever we lived, and I've amassed quite a collection of decorations over the years.”

Gayle’s tree-trimming expertise has become an invaluable resource for customers seeking to create their perfect Christmas display.

“Many customers seek my advice on tree decoration,” she said.

Gayle emphasises that each tree is unique and can be adorned in myriad ways.

She has a particular fondness for fir trees.

“Fir trees can be quite sparse, with spindly branches and noticeable gaps, but they can look absolutely stunning when decorated properly,” Gayle said.

She recommends using finials — elegant, elongated ornaments that hang beautifully on sparse trees — and strategically placing large, eye-catching baubles in the gaps to create a stunning three-dimensional effect.

For those with older artificial trees, Gayle suggests using ‘picks’ — faux flowers on long stems — to fill gaps and refresh the look.

“They’re excellent fillers and an affordable way to revitalise an old tree,” she said.

Gayle said Christmas decoration trends often mirrored homeware trends.

“This year, we’re seeing a predominance of beautiful coppers, bronze, brass and soft pinks. These colours complement each other beautifully,” she said.

For those starting their Christmas decoration journey, Gayle strongly recommends investing in a high-quality tree as a long-lasting foundation for festive displays.

“Invest in a good tree, and it will serve you for years to come,” she said.