TREE DECORATOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What type of decorator should I be?
A: There are two options available:
- LIVE TREE DECORATOR FOR GALA OF TREES LIVE AUCTION (12 LIVE TREES SPOTS)
Live Tree Decorators will design, shop for, and procure donations for a full- size (live auction) tree. The minimum value of the tree will be $2,500. This total value includes any donations received and the retail value of all items. For your sponsorship you will receive a table of 8, your business listed in print catalog, signage, and on the FBB website, as well as your name or business name in our event slide show.
Live Decorators are eligible for up to $800 in reimbursements from Family Building Blocks. Itemized reciepts must be submitted by Friday, December 12, 2025 to be considered for reimbursement.
2. TABLE TOP TREE DECORATOR FOR GALA OF TREES SILENT AUCTION (18 TABLETOP TREE SPOTS)
The silent auction is filled with table top trees with all the trimmings. Silent auction decorators are provided the tree, stand, and 4 strings of 100 white light strands. All trees must be valued at a minimum of $850 and should not be valued greater than $2,000. For your sponsorship and decoration of a table top tree, you will receive two event tickets. Silent auction decorators are not reimbursed.
Q: Can friends, families, or businesses donate to my tree?
YES! Friends, families, are businesses can contribute to your tree by donating items. If they would like to support with funds directly donated to Family Building Blocks, they can donate through our one-time donation link and note what tree decorator they are supporting in the donation notes. (Ex: This donation is for Hannah's Gala Tree!) Family Building Blocks will allocate that funding to the decorator to spend on their tree.
Q: What if I can't decorate but would like to donate an item to be paired with someone's tree?
Yes! Family Building Blocks would love to pair your items, event tickets, or getaways with a tree decorator. Please connect with us to find the perfect pairing!
Q: How many ornaments do I need for my tree?
A: You will want between 300-500 ornaments for your full-size tree OR around 100 for your table top tree. Each tree will need a tree topper. To create the most visual interest, select ornaments in a variety of sizes and shapes and aligned with your theme. Ornaments do not need to be shatterproof, but they do need to be strong enough to withstand moving the tree following the Gala.
A few things to remember:
- Each ornament needs to be securely wired to the tree for transporting the tree from the Convention Center to the buyers home. Ornaments can secured with floral wire, hot glues, and/or zip ties.
- Please limit your tree topper to 12” max height.
Q: What supplies are provided to me by Family Building Blocks?
You will be supplied with 14 strands (or 1400) clear mini lights for your full-size tree OR 4 strands for your table top tree. Most decorators add additional clear lights, or complement the design of their tree with a bulb in a different shape or color. You will also receive a power strip with extension cords as well as additional zip ties to anchor your ornaments to your tree for transportation.
Q: What about a tree stand?
You will be supplied with a standard tree stand. A tree skirt is not provided, allowing you to select something that will coordinate with you theme. If you choose to use a tree basket or different stand, please confirm with Family Building Blocks Event Manager.
Q: What goes with my tree?
Whatever you want that will bring the most value to your tree and fits with your theme, and that is also portable for tree delivery following the Gala. Artwork, toys, gift certificates, trips or excursions, you name it!
Q: What do I do with all the boxes and packing materials my tree items came in?
If the packaging your tree trimmings come in can easily be saved for repacking, label them and set them in the designated area. EVERYTHING that is on display with your tree gets packed up the night of the event for delivery the following morning.The event supplies general moving boxes, bubble wrap, tissue paper, IKEA bags, but we do not supply specialty moving supplies. Your assistance with this piece of the Gala will make for very happy tree buyers.
Q : Are the rules different for a table-top (silent auction tree)?
The general idea of decorating is the same as live auction trees, just on a smaller scale. Please note that your tree will be placed on a five-foot round table. It works best if you fill the entire space, i.e. the less tablecloth showing, the better visual interest.
Q: Can I add furniture to my tree?
Everything for the event needs to fit in a freight elevator to be transported to the main ballroom of the Salem Convention Center. Generally, large furniture (beds, couches, dining tables) are not desired by tree buyers. A side-chair, simple table, or small outdoor set can lend to the design of the tree without adding the challenging size. If you are thinking about adding furniture, please ensure it fits within the designated 10 x 12 space.
Q : Do I need to attend decorator meetings?
We will host three decorator meetings via Zoom prior to the event, starting in September. Each meeting we discuss tree themes, needs and answer questions. We encourage all decorators to attend as many meetings as possible. If you are not able to attend, we do ask that you stay in good communication with the event team. Attending at least one meeting is required.
Q: Do you have some examples of themes?
Yes! Our past tree decorators have created some magical creations!
2025: Click here to view our catalog from 2025 with a list of themes and descriptions.
2024: Click here to view our catalog from 2024 with a list of themes and descriptions.
Here are a few examples:
Q : Ok, I’m ready to decorate – what now?
First Step: Connect with Hannah Fouts-Sparks, Gala Chair, or Kat Hills, Family Building Blocks Event Director, to discuss the Decorator Agreement. FILL OUT DECORATOR LINK HERE.
Second Step: Start thinking about your Tree Theme, and make plans to attend our Decorator Kick-Off meeting! We have listed the planning deadlines below. PLEASE NOTE: SECURED THEMES WILL BE LISTED HERE.
Final Step: On Wednesday of Gala week you will have access to your tree and the Salem Convention Center. Dinner will be provided to all decorators that evening. Pack your floral wire, a step-ladder, snippers, all your décor and trimmings and come on down to the convention center!
Q: What are the 2026 decorator deadlines?
- October 15 - Submit Theme
- November 12 - Submit Descriptions and Values
- November 19 - Approve Catalog and Signage Proof
- November 19 - Submit Meal Choices for Complimentary Tickets
- December 2 - Start Decorating! Decorator Dinner Provided.
- December 3 - Complete Decorating by 9:00 PM
- December 4 - Gala of Trees 2026!
Additional Questions
Contact Hannah Fouts-Sparks, Gala Chair, at 971-218-6225 or Kat Hills, Family Building Blocks Events Director, at 501-454-8387.