I just bought a white tree two years ago and have had blue bulbs on it each year. This year I want to do something different. I will see about putting up all my antique bulbs on it and seeing how it looks. When asked when I was going to get the tree out and decorated by DH. I told him when he brings it up and sets it up, then I will decorate. He quickly deflated, but the tree is now set up, now to unearth those decorations. I like your version of using the garland like you did.