Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for HomeStyle, a nationally syndicated home improvement/design section published weekly in newspapers across the country (you can view HomeStyle article examples at omaha.com/inspiredhome). I’m looking to interview Christmas decorating experts, interior designers, and homeowners for the following article:
ANATOMY OF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE. This article will examine how to choose the right size, perfect style, and ideal decorations for your holiday tree—from modern to retro to classic to real vs. fake, as well as the right lights to consider for the tree. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Thursday, August 4.
QUESTIONS: 1. (THIS QUESTION FOR HOMEOWNERS ONLY) Last Christmas season, what kind of tree did you put up and decorate? How large (height) and detailed was this tree, including lights/ornaments? Where did you place it indoors? Why did this tree choosing/trimming project require extra planning/TLC versus other years? What did you do to make it look exactly the way you wanted it? What are the essential ingredients for a really good Christmas tree? What tips would you provide to other homeowners on this topic? What is your full name, and city/state location? 2. (NEXT QUESTIONS ARE FOR THE EXPERTS) What are the essential ingredients for an ideal Christmas tree? What criteria should homeowners be considering before choosing a size/type/location of tree, and what questions should they be asking themselves? 3. What are the major categories of holiday trees (e.g., classic/retro, modern, predecorated, monochromatic vs. color, etc.) and the pros and cons of each choice? 4. Why/when should they consider real vs. fake or vice versa? 5. What should homeowners consider carefully when choosing the right lights for the tree? What types/colors/lengths/sizes do you recommend? 6. What should homeowners consider carefully before choosing what goes on the tree top (star vs. angel vs. ribbon vs. ??)? What do you recommend? 7. What design/color harmonizing matters also need to be considered? How can homeowners ensure that the lights + decorations + tree choice match well together? Any rules of thumb here? 8. I’m also doing a sidebar story: why should homeowners also consider tiny trees to accent their holiday decorating? What are the major tiny tree choices (e.g., real, metal, wood, wire, felt, etc.)? How tall/short do “tiny trees” come typically? 9. Why/when are tiny trees worthy of substituting for full-size holiday trees (e.g., in a cramped apartment, for non-religious holiday celebrations, etc.)? 10. Where can tiny trees be found/purchased, and what tips should homeowners consider before choosing a tiny tree? 11. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic? 12. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
