The holiday season is finally here! Between the gifts, quality family time and the decorations, there is so much to look forward to. My favorite part of the season: the Christmas tree!
Christmas trees are my favorite holiday home decor that instantly makes our home magical and cozy for the holidays. I love them so much that I often have multiple trees in my home this time of year.
If this year it is your goal to create that whimsical feeling that comes from the perfect tree, I have a few things for you to consider to bring all the Christmas spirit!
This post contains affiliate links.
Click here to read my full disclosure policy
ARTIFICIAL FOR THE WIN
One of the first decisions to make when crafting the perfect Christmas tree is whether you would like to have a real evergreen tree or if you prefer an artificial one. Personally, I prefer artificial Christmas trees that require less maintenance during the holiday season and can be used year after year.
I have heard how magical it is to have a real tree. One of these years, I have a plan to get a real tree for our home. If you do get a real Christmas tree for the holiday, I’d love to know your experience with it in the comments below!
However, if longevity is your goal, investing in a high quality artificial tree would be ideal. These trees have hinged branches and can be stored for long periods of time without damaging the look or integrity of the tree.
REALISTIC TREE OR NOT?
I decided to use artificial Christmas trees in my home because of easy maintenance and longevity. However, I still want my tree to look realistic.
Christmas tree branch tips are made out of two materials, the PE or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or a mix. A tree with a higher % of PE material is considered more realistic and deeper in color. It is also more expensive.
Most brands, however, are producing artificial Christmas trees that consist of a mix of PE and PVC material as a budget friendly and affordable option. The Christmas trees in my home are both PE only and a mix of PVC and PE.
WHAT’S THE RIGHT SIZE?
The first factor to consider when selecting an artificial Christmas tree is the ceiling height of your room space. The average ceiling height in a home is 8ft. For an 8ft. ceiling height, you want to select a tree with at least a foot less than your ceiling height for enough clearance between the top of the tree and your ceiling.
If your ceiling height is 10 ft. or more, a 9ft Christmas tree is perfect for your space. However at this ceiling height, a 7-8 feet tall tree would work as well. It all depends on your preference.
ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES
Once you have determined the height of the tree you need, the second characteristic of the tree to consider, the width. This will also determine the shape of the tree. There are three main Christmas tree shapes: full, narrow and slim.
Full Christmas trees are very wide (50″ and above) and will need a significant amount of space. It looks like a traditional tree and a popular choice among many.
Narrow Christmas trees are smaller (35″- 45″) in width than a full Christmas tree and ideal for most spaces. These are the type of trees I have in my home and it’s situated for most room spaces. Slim Christmas trees are a slender option, 25″-34″ wide and perfect for tight and small spaces.
FIND YOUR STYLE
There are so many Christmas tree styles to select. They are all beautiful and it really depends on your preference. The three different styles of tree: Spruce, Fir and Pine trees.
Spruce Christmas trees have rough and dense needle tips with each needle tip attached to the branches. Fir Christmas trees are popular and look traditional. It has denser branches than spruce tree, with needle tips that are flat and pointed.
SPRUCE CHRISTMAS TREES
Lastly, Pine Christmas trees have stiff and sparer needle tips. The needles are clustered together and attached to the branches.
FIR CHRISTMAS TREES
I personally love the look of a sparse artificial Christmas trees whether a fir tree or a spruce tree. With this type of tree, my ornaments and Christmas tree decor stand out. However, don’t be afraid to mix all these different types of artificial trees in your home for a whimsical look.
PINE CHRISTMAS TREES
MAKE A STATEMENT
Most Christmas trees are green with some trees having a slight mix of other colors with greens like the Blue Spruce and decorations aren’t the only place that you can get creative with your tree. If you’re not afraid to go bold with your holiday decor, there are red, white, black, and blue Christmas trees. These colored trees can bring a much needed pop of color to your holiday decor.
COLORED CHRISTMAS TREES
FLOCKED CHRISTMAS TREES
Another tree type that can make a statement are flocked Christmas trees. Flocked trees are magical because they give the appearance of being covered in glistening white snow. Whether you decide to purchase a pre- flocked tree or decide to DIY it, this type of tree is sure to steal the show.
SHINE BRIGHT
Other than selecting a tree with the right height, shape and color, one of the most important parts of decorating your Christmas tree is the lighting. Traditionally, most Christmas trees are pre-lit with warm white or multi-colored, incandescent lighting, however recently more Christmas trees come pre-installed with warm white or multi-colored LED lights.
I made the switch to have pre-lit Christmas trees with LED lights, I couldn’t go back. LED Christmas lights tend to be a bit more expensive than the regular Christmas lights however the safety factor is a huge pro. LED lights do not produce heat and are therefore flame proof and fire proof. Having the peace of mind that the lights will not be a fire hazard for my family makes the decision an easy one.
PRE-LIT LED CHRISTMAS TREES
Nonetheless, you can also go for an unlit Christmas tree and add lighting yourself. This will require some time to install but if you have a tight budget, this is a good option to still get that Christmas tree you love and save cost. Learn how to add lighting to your tree, here.
UN-LIT CHRISTMAS TREES
It may seem like you have so many things to consider when selecting a tree but I hope this list makes it easier for you to find the perfect Christmas tree this holiday season.
xo, Gbeke
Love this!! We have an all white tree, still trying to convince TJ this year to let me buy a new tree to decorate, I want a flocked oneeee