First, the Lights- Sparkle and shine comes primarily from the tree lights. Faceted glass bulbs will refract more light and appear brighter. On Silk Trees Wrap the Branches going in one branch and out another.  (In and Out Motion) Starting top to bottom does make it easier. If you have a silk Tree then you can put the lights on each section separate to make a pre-lit Tree.  It Takes 100 lights per 1 foot of Tree. 

Second Place the Topper- Place on top your santa, star, angel, or etc…Use wire if needed to secure.  If you use bows place them under the topper before you put it on. 

Third, the Garland and/or Ribbon- You can do your ribbon in streamer form, pieces of ribbons, and/or in bow formation on end of branches, and etc... Start at the top, stringing less garland, and work your way down, increasing the amount of garland.  It looks pretty to dangle a few at the bottom of the tree.

Fourth, the Ornaments- To showcase your ornaments, you can start with the most important ones. Then hang the largest ornaments, spacing them evenly apart. Fill in around them with medium and small sizes, balancing the overall look. Finish with specialty shapes, such as bird clip-ons. For interesting variety, include all shapes, from icicles to teardrops. And create depth by hanging some ornaments closer to the trunk.

Fifth, the Fillers- This can be Flowers, Sprays of greenery/berries/beads, ting ting, curly branches, & etc…  It looks great to place around your topper also.  This will keep the tree from looking too compact.