A Christmas tree that will leave you breathless

Sunset, Dec, 1988

What's merrier than balloons? They bring a smile any time of the year, but they're unexpectedly delightful when massed together to form an indoor tree or giant wreath.

You can buy balloons by the gross (12 dozen) at balloon or party stores; a gross of 11 -inch balloons costs about $16. For spots of color, add 4-inch balloons (about 6 cents each).

Blowing up so many balloons takes a lot of lung power. Have helpers, use a foot pump, or borrow a compressor (set at low pressure).

The tree starts with a 4-foot-diameter circle of 1/4-inch plywood with an 8-foot piece of smooth scrap wood nailed to its center. Tacks secure lengths of fishing line that radiate from the wood top to the base. Tie the balloons to a separate length of fishing line; wind it around the others. The wreath's frame is a plastic hoop.

Our tree and wreath lasted indoors for more than two weeks without deflating. Outdoors, balloon life is briefer.