Locally where I live, the Christmas Tree shops are open and the queuing will some begin with people rushing to ensure they have that perfect tree for Christmas, if it isn't up already, which I have noticed on social media! I always find it really hard to decide which kind of tree works and find it quite stressful deciding whether I want a real tree or an artificial tree. Thankfully there is a handy Christmas tree guide which helps to cut out all that stress.
When it comes to buying a real Christmas tree, there are different varieties of Spruces, Firs and Pines to choose from - Norway Spruce which is the more traditional type of tree with its vibrant green colour and pine scent. The Blue Spruce which has a different range of coloures from a greyish blue to a bright blue-green. The Nordmann Fir which has a conical shape and is a dark green shade or the Fraser Fir which is great for tight spaces and has a unique balsam fragrance.
The alternative is an artificial tree but again there is a lot of variety. The PE which is the most realistic Christmas tree. Made from polyethylene, the needles produced are 3D so you can enjoy the look of a real tree without the clean-up. The we have the pre-lit trees such as the Easy Connect which can save time and stress untangling those lights and checking the bulbs to make sure they work! Finally we have Flocked which are the artifical tress which have that snow dusted appearance and look very wintery. Or you can have the twigged tree variety which is essentially just that - twigs and lights, they are quite ordinary but look amazing in the right setting.
Once you have decided upon the tree, you need to ensure you get the right height and width. Anyone who, like me, is a fan of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation possibly still cries laughing when they select their tree and it is just massive and far too big for their house. Anyway, height and width are important because buying a tree that is too high or too small and then to wide or not wide enough can ruin your Christmas theme.
For me the past part of buying a tree is decorating it and each year, I always ensure to buy at least one new baubel that has some meaning to it. This year that baubel comes from EuroDisney where I have been for a week with my family and it serves as quite a reminder. I know a lot of people like colour themes and matching items, but just sometimes, it is good to go with yoour gut and decorate that tree so it isn't instagram or pinterest worthy, but is done for you and how you want it.
From L to R Top Linea Flamingo With Presents Decoration £5.40, Linea Super Dog Decoration £8.40, Cat in a Santa Hat Decoration £6, From L to R bottom - Linea Santa Pug Decoration £8.40, Unicorn purple Christmas decoration £4, Linea Bat Dog Decoration £8.40
I am really looking forward to seeing how you all decorate your homes, from the instram/Pinterest worthy looks to the more wild and wacky ideas that you might have. For me, I have decided on an artificial tree for convenience and the fact I have 3 cats who will no doubt attempt to trash and climb whatever it is I have bought!
*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise