CHRISTMAS TREE BUYING GUIDE

Is there a more Christmassy feeling than the smell of fresh pine in your home? When it comes to buying a real Christmas tree there are a few things to consider, especially with the different varieties of Spruces, Firs and Pines available - each comes with their own individual characteristics.

The Norway Spruce is the traditional British Christmas tree and has been popular since the Victorian era. With its vibrant green colour and pleasant pine scent it's a classic choice, but is known for dropping its needles fairly quickly.

With colours ranging from a greyish blue to a bright blue-green, the Blue Spruce holds needles well. They can be on the pricklier side however, so this might not be the best option for homes with pets or young children.

Slightly more expensive than the Norway Spruce, the popular Nordmann Fir has an attractive conical shape and long, soft dark green needles. Although it has a more subtle fragrance, it retains its needles for much longer and its branches are much sturdier - perfect for larger Christmas decorations.

The Fraser Fir is the crème de la crème of Christmas trees, famous for its needle retention and strong fragrance. It has a similar shape to the Norway Spruce but it’s better at retaining its needles. It also has a narrower base, making it a good choice for tight spaces, and a unique balsam fragrance.

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There are many advantages to choosing an artificial Christmas tree - no pesky needles cluttering the floor for one. Besides that, artificial trees are cost-effective as they can be packed away and stored safely for next year, and some artificial trees come pre-lit so you don't have to worry about getting all tangled up.

The most realistic Christmas tree on the market, PE trees are created using moulds of real tree branches for extra authenticity. Made from polyethylene, the needles produced are 3D so you can enjoy the look of a real tree without the clean-up.

PVC has long been considered an affordable way to bring Christmas indoors and is a great option if you’re buying your first tree. The pine needles are crafted to look as realistic as possible, so you'll find the branches will feel just as spiky as a real tree's would.

TIP: Pick a tree that’s a combination of both PE and PVC for something that’s affordable whilst still looking incredibly realistic.

Pre-lit Christmas trees are a fuss-free option as you won’t need to add string lights – they’ll look great either decorated or simply left lit. Choose one with white LEDs for a traditional look or go for a multicoloured lights to add little pops of colour amongst the greenery.

Our easy-to-connect trees are the best pre-lit Christmas trees for those who want maximum results with minimum effort. With no need for wires, you simply slot each section together and once the tree is plugged in, the lights will come on.

Bring the wintry frost indoors with a snow-dusted flocked Christmas tree. This type of tree is perfect for creating that Winter Wonderland look in your own home.

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A key factor to consider when buying a Christmas tree is how it will fit in your space; if your tree is too wide or too tall, it could end up making your room look smaller. Our trees range in height from 4ft to 8ft so you’re sure to find something to suit.

Make sure you know the height of your room before you buy — when checking tree heights, ensure there will be at least a foot between the top of the tree and your ceiling so there’s room for your chosen tree topper.

Marking your floor with masking tape before you buy a tree can help you assess which width of tree will work for you.

So you’ve picked your tree and brought it home — now it’s time to put it up.

Clear a space and take all of the different tree parts out of the box. If the stand needs assembling, do this first, making sure the pieces are securely slotted together.

Most artificial trees come in two or three sections which connect easily. Start with the bottom section and insert the pole into the tree stand. Gently open up each branch and manipulate them into a natural shape, ensuring there are no large gaps or branches bunched together.

Slot the remaining sections on top and continue to adjust the branches until you’re happy with how it looks.

Curve the tips of the branches upwards to give a more natural appearance.

If you have your heart set on something more natural, then a real tree is the one for you. Keep it in tip top condition with our festive hints, designed to help your tree stay fresh for the entire holiday season.

Keep your tree hydrated with at least 1 pint of cold water a day to make sure it stays fresh and good looking.

Try and place your tree away from sources of heat so the needles don’t dry out.

Try and place your tree away from sources of heat so the needles don’t dry out and drop early.

When you think you have found the perfect tree, give it a good shake. This will get rid of dead needles, and if fresh green needles fall off, then it’s not the tree for you.

Try not to use any chemicals near the tree to keep it looking its best.

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The final (and we think the most fun) part of the Christmas tree journey is the decorating. From picking a prime position, choosing a colour scheme and adding the finishing touches, we’ve got you covered with our tips and tricks.

Make sure your tree is somewhere where it can be seen but where it isn’t blocking any natural light, which could cause you to turn on more lights and waste energy (too much sunlight will also cause real trees to dry out more quickly).

Keep your tree away from major pathways to avoid people bumping into it and knocking off needles or decorations as they pass by.

Place your tree somewhere where you’ll be able to enjoy it without it blocking another good view like the fireplace or the window (or the television!).

Many people just have a Christmas tree in the living room, but areas like the hallway, dining room and kitchen can all be great options depending on your space.

TIP: If you’re planning on lighting your tree, make sure you choose a position near a plug socket.

As the focal point of Christmas decorations, your tree is a great place to start when choosing your entire theme. If you have a colour in mind but are stuck for ideas of what to pair it with, check out our Christmas decoration inspiration:

 

Red	Green, white, gold, tartan, holly, poinsettias, Santas, reindeer, wreaths, candy canes.
Blue	Silver, white, green, snowflakes, snowmen.
Pink	Silver, white, lime green, glitter, crystals.
White	Silver or gold, flocked tree, white lights, cranberries, mistletoe, angel tree topper, any other accent colour.
Brown	Gold, turquoise, orange, cream, pine, cones, reindeer, orange slices, cinnamon sticks.
Green	White, brown, bronze, gold, pine cones, reindeer, ribbons.
Purple	White, silver, lilac, snowflakes, flocked trees, glitter.

Decorating a Christmas tree is easy when you follow this simple layering technique:

1. If using a tree skirt, lay this around the base of the tree first.

2. Add your lights before decorations- plug them in first, then begin at the top and work your way down, weaving the strings of lights in vertical waves whilst moving around the tree horizontally. Try taking a step back and squinting at the tree to see if there is a spot that needs filling so you can adjust the lights as needed.

TIP: Generally you’ll want around 100 lights per foot of tree.

3. Once the lights are in place, add any garlands, ribbons or tinsel you might be using and then layer on your Christmas decorations on top.

4. Finally, the pièce de résistance: the tree topper. Add your star or angel to the top of the tree for the ultimate finishing touch.

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