PUTTING up the tree is generally when that cosy Christmassy feeling kicks in.

The smell of pine needles, the untangling of the tinsel and the obligatory dud fairy light which stops the other 1,000 dead in their tracks.

It's officially the most wonderful time of the year!

For those who haven't already stockpiled enough baubles to trim the New Forest, the shops are brimming with enough delights to have you grinning like a child.

The world's your oyster when it comes to your evergreen and this year there's no excuse for it to look gaudy or garish, unless, like me, you're into the "throw everything at the tree" look.

According to the experts, the most fashionable look this season is frosted silver, blue, or pale lilac and purple decorations on green, white or silver coloured trees.

Alternatively, for the more Mediterranean feel, the latest Moroccan look echoes the vivid palette used in interiors at the moment, a feast of deep reds, plum, and succulent greens.

But even the best trimmings in the world will not sparkle unless they are arranged well. Annie Miller, Christmas style expert for John Lewis stores, says just like a room, the secret is not to overburden it.

"A tree loaded with decorations will look cluttered," he said.

"Don't feel duty bound to use every decoration you have. You can put away some old ones, and freshen the look with some new baubles.

"Ideally follow a theme - traditional, or luxury or even trendy - and restrict yourself to a couple of colours to achieve the most impact."

Her advice for a top tree look is:

1) Make sure the tree is in a firm, stable base. Lights should be added first, but be careful not to add too many. As a general rule use 40 per foot - so a six-foot tree needs 240 lights.

2) Garlands can now be spiralled, woven together or hung in loops for a more traditional look. Add the decorations from the inside, working outwards to give depth to the tree.

Miller says: "Dress to impress, and keep the best pieces for the outside."

"Graduate the sizes, so that the smaller decorations are at the top and the larger pieces at the bottom. Don't forget to decorate the back of the tree!"

And what about the crowning glory - the angel who's been convalescing in tissue paper for a year?

"Make sure it is in proportion to the size of the tree. Slightly too big is better than too small," says Miller.

For a treasure trove of decorations and trees to suit any home, Woolworth's is a good bet. For the simple look in a contemporary home choose its White Colorado tree, with shimmering glitter tips. It costs £39.99 and is also available in green.

Dress it with white wire shapes with beads - a tree, star or an orb, only 99p each; mirror stars, £1.59p each and a white wire tree top star, £3.99.

For a sumptuous and decidedly decadent look there can be only one choice - decorations by flamboyant designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

The master of imagination has designed the Far Flung Fantasy range, also available in Woolworth's.

It includes a beautifully decorated stocking, to hang from the mantle, which costs £6.99.

One of his most stunning offerings though is the Murasaki Namida hanging teardrop in deep plum and burgundy, £2.49, and a Large Organza Bauble bag, £3.99.

B&Q always lets it imaginations run riot at Christmas and produce an original range of decorations and stunning artificial trees.

For the funky and stylish, there is the Cube & Square chain of lights, £5.98, or the Red Retro Lights, £9.98. If you really like hot style no matter how cold the season why not opt for the Red Chilli shaped lights, £8.98.

Again, for those who veer away from the predictable but still want to deck the halls, there is the ball-shaped Topiary Tree, £19.98, which could be trimmed with red Holly Berry Lights, £12.98.

For the more romantic, fantasy look, its Wire Angel lights string at £9.98 is perfect, or there is a plainer chain of White Star Lights, £6.98.

Habitat keeps its cutting edge reputation even in this most kitsch of seasons. It has the ultra fashionable Russian-cum-peasant style decorations, many made in wood like the Babushka dolls, or others in twisted straw.

For stylish simplicity it also has the Jewel range of clear glass chandelier style droplets. You can literally trip the light fantastic with its wonderful range of lights, including glowing Wreath Petal lights (in red or white or pretty pink).

Meanwhile, The Pier maintains its reputation for sourcing products from across the globe.

Dress a tree with miniature painted Indian slippers, six for £12.95; or painted paper safari animal decorations, £1.50 each.

And children would love its fun "Santa's workshop" tin with wood characters, from £1.95.

Happy holiday!