Now that November is here, I feel it’s safe to begin talking about Christmas. Part of what I do as a blogger is share inspiration and ideas regarding the different seasons and act as a resource for all of you! It’s most helpful when done early enough to help give you time to prepare for the holiday season ahead… Also, if you hold off and wait too long you won’t find the selections you want. Everything sells out so fast nowadays with online ordering, etc. You need to act quickly to jump in on all the pre-holiday sales and availability.
Check out my Holiday Gift Guides:
- Click here for a Gift Guide for the Cozy Girl/Homebody.
- Click here for the best Tech Gifts 2018 – Jeff approved!
- Click here for the Best of Beauty Gift Sets.
- Click here to shop my HOLIDAY CANDLE COLLECTION!
More Holiday Content You’ll Love:
- Click here for my favorite Holiday & Christmas Home Decor page with sources & links.
- Click here to see my Pastel Christmas tree and Christmas Bedroom Decor {Tips on how to prepare for guests!}
- Click here to see my favorite artificial Christmas trees.
- Click here for my Simple & Neutral Christmas Mantel (and other Mantel styling tips!)
- Click here to see my cozy Christmas family room decor.
Where to begin decorating? For me… it all starts with my Christmas trees.
Up until a few years ago, we have always had a real Christmas tree. I was one of those last hold-outs to fall into the artificial tree world due to many reasons.. I love the tradition of searching for that right tree, smelling a fresh tree in my home, and just knowing that I had a real Christmas tree.
The first year Jeff and I were married we ended up buying a live potted tree. I was craving that cozy home feeling I missed from home. We were newlyweds, it was the holidays away from family and I was young. We both ALWAYS had real trees growing up so of course that meant Jeff and I had to get one too. I have to admit.. I went a little overboard with the whole real tree thing. The problem? The thought of cutting down a live tree made me sad.. ( I never had to do that before) and there was no way I was getting an artificial tree. (They weren’t nearly as nice as they are now) So in the end, Jeff and I decided to go to Home Depot to pick out a live tree in a pot. We found the chubbiest happiest tree and I went to town decorating it with red hearts and lights. It was a nod to our Christmas wedding and it made me so happy. :)
When the season was over we were stuck with trying to figure out where to plant our fat and happy pine tree. I had the great idea of planting it in the backyard.. rumor has it that it’s well over 50-60 ft high now. Sorry neighbors! Lol. Can you imagine if I had kept up with that tradition? It just felt right at the time… what can I say?
Artificial trees have come a long way! They are so lifelike it’s incredible. We decided to make the switch to artificial trees for a few different reasons but mostly for safety. Jeff grew up with firefighters in the family so we were constantly aware of the risks. To make a long story short, we made the switch and I have never looked back. I love the way artificial trees look now. There is one for everyone as they say. So many different designs and styles. Ornaments hang so much better on them and the trees come pre-lit with remotes! What’s NOT to love?
Below I’m linking the few trees that I have purchased over the past few years as well as a few others that friends and family swear by.
This 7.5′ flocked tree was our main Christmas tree last year. It was my first flocked purchase and I was in love. The price point was amazing at $279 on sale. (Lowe’s) Unfortunately it sold out and I haven’t been able to find the same tree since.. It was a great deal for this size tree and I loved the larger style lights on it. I wanted to be able to share it with all of you because I get so many questions regarding it but unfortunately it’s nowhere to be found.
Below I have linked a few other similar trees that I love just as much…
This skinny white tree was exactly what I needed for this small corner in my dining room last year. I snagged it for $100 on sale last season.. It’s not what I would call “realistic” but I also wasn’t looking for that! I wanted a stark white tree and that’s what this is. When the lights are on however it gives off a warm glow which I love. I think I’ll be moving this to my bedroom this year. It’s narrow enough to stand in front of my window. I think having a tree in my bedroom would look beautiful at night.
Click here for this tree.
Me and my previous blue and white house!! Love that fun splash of color. (Also.. you can’t miss our adorable sweet little cavalier, Cal… he was such a lovebug. We miss him dearly) The tree in these shots was my first introduction to artificial trees. This specific tree from Balsam Hill is gorgeous. I used it for a few years and LOVED it. When I decided to lean more toward the flocked tree style I decided to sell this tree to my girlfriend. She loves it as much as I did. It’s probably one of my all-time favorite Christmas trees.. it looks so real! Definitely worth every penny. Anything from Balsam Hill I don’t make a commission on, but I love their products. As a matter of fact the two new trees that I purchased this year are from Balsam Hill. I’m loving their realistic trees so much more than what I have been finding elsewhere.
Click here for the link to this tree.
This new flocked tree just arrived at my home today and I’m in love. ( I purchased the smaller 6 1/2 foot tree to place in a taller stand in my family room) The one caveat is that it sheds quite a bit of flock when it’s first put together and opened up but don’t let that keep you away. This flocked Frasier fir is so beautiful… definitely one of my favorite artificial trees thus far. The color is light yet realistic and the branches are shaped perfectly for ornament hanging. This tree is from Balsam Hill and while it’s not inexpensive, the appearance and quality are top notch. Prepare to pay a little more whenever you are looking for a tree that has that high-quality, realistic look.. It’s worth the price when you consider all the features and the years you’ll be able to use it.
Click here for this tree.
I ordered this little Charlie Brown looking tree last week and can’t wait for it to arrive. My girlfriend Courtney at French Country Cottage has it and she says it’s incredible. I cannot wait to see it in person. I’ll do a more in-depth review here once it’s here! I love the staggered branches and think it will look beautiful with a little sparkly garland draping it. I’m planning to use this tree in our guest room and may order another for the dining room. :)
Click here for this tree.
I’m always on the lookout for beautiful artificial Christmas trees.. Right now I have 4 and may add 1 more. I just love the twinkling lights at night… Do you have a favorite artificial tree that you and your family love? If so, please share!
Click the image to shop each tree. * affiliate links used
Check out my Holiday Gift Guides:
- Click here for a Gift Guide for the Cozy Girl/Homebody.
- Click here for the best Tech Gifts 2018 – Jeff approved!
- Click here for the Best of Beauty Gift Sets.
- Click here to shop my HOLIDAY CANDLE COLLECTION!
More Holiday Content You’ll Love:
- Click here for my favorite Holiday & Christmas Home Decor page with sources & links.
- Click here to see my Pastel Christmas tree and Christmas Bedroom Decor {Tips on how to prepare for guests!}
- Click here to see my favorite artificial Christmas trees.
- Click here for my Simple & Neutral Christmas Mantel (and other Mantel styling tips!)
- Click here to see my cozy Christmas family room decor.
xo,
Kristy
How did you support the green artificial tree in the urn? From the pictures at the bottom of this post, it looks like it is a standard cross stand similar to the trees I have had in the past.
Hi Karla,
The urn is an actual Christmas tree stand. They sell different styles at different places. I think I found this at Frontgate years ago. I have since painted it. :)
hola…he visto tu pregunta ,,no sé si lo tendrás solucionado..para poner los árboles en maceteros,,tienes que hacerle una base,( es una base como en la que ponen los parasoles de los jardines),,lo haces a medida de tu macetero y tu árbol.LO Pones dentro y ahí acoplas tu árbol,,,espero me hayas entendido,,,para verlo bien ve al Armario HN,,es una página de una tienda de decoración….buscas sus publicaciones y encontrarás un video de como se hace…
I already have two artificial trees and I just bought a new one from wayfair. It is the 9 ft flocked long pine needles tree. I just got it yesterday and can’t wait to decorate this year. I also have a 8 months old puppy and I hope he doesn’t destroy it or peeing there. I think I have to block the tree from him with baby gate.
So funny!!! Good luck with that.. ;) Hugs!
Beautiful trees! I am looking for a slim flocked tree if anyone has any recommendations.
That’s a great question Stephanie.. I love flocked slim trees. I’m always on the lookout. :)
Love this post! So comparing the Lowe’s flocked tree to the Balsam Hill tree, do you like one better than the other? I am SO bummed I didn’t snag it last year but the Balsam Hill tree looks really nice too!
Hi Sarah,
Both trees are beautiful but entirely different.
I love the tone of the green on the Balsam more and the flocking looks real however… as a result, it sheds quite a bit.
The Lowes tree is beautiful but I felt it was a bit darker on the inside greenery on the limbs so I layered a little cotton on the branches near the trunk to brighten it a bit more. I also felt it needed another string of lights down the middle.
The price points are completely different as well. I like the Balsam better however it is twice the cost or more. One safe way to make a decision would be to order the Balsam and return it if you aren’t happy? Or try a different tree like the Lowe’s for the price and see what you think. :)
At the end of the day you need to be happiest. Hugs!
Can you share from where you purchased your wrapping paper? Beautiful! Thank you!
Thanks! A combination of places… Homegoods, Target and TJMAXX :) Hugs!
Thank for you post on trees. It helped me a lot and I just took the plunge and ordered a Balsam hill Frasier fir. I can’t wait to decorate this year. I did not get flocked ( even though they are beautiful ) because we have 4 cats ( 2 came home with my daughter from college ) and I worry about them jumping into the tree and it being too messy.
thank you again ! Can’t wait to get it