Every year instead of getting a tree to decorate, having a artificial tree that needs storing when not in use, or simply just not having enough floor space to have a tree, I decorate the floor lamp using holiday light strings and an artificial spruce boa.  The light strings have anywhere from six to nine lights and may be of any decorative nature that fancies ones palate (the strings I use are blue icicles, red holly, brown acorns with red berries, and 13 point star lights).  Just be careful not to put too many light strings on or imbalance the lamp (too much on one side). 

Also, use low current cooler strings.  The first step is to wrap the cords around the lamp in a downward helix from an anchor (cord or heavy string wrapped around the top of the lamp below the upward facing fan) so that the lights are nicely spaced and with enough room to wind the boa between the lights and that the end cords hang freely.  Next wrap the boa tightly around the lamp from top to bottom (do not cover the hanging connectors) so that the wires are covered; but, the lights are exposed. 

Connect all the strings and then plug into a circuit breaker strip (this allows the turning off of the lights and protects against a sudden surge or too many light strings).  Finally, hide the hanging connectors using a red, green, or white colored decorative paper.  For added decorations, I sometimes wrap non light decorative boas such as those with reflective or clear beads.