Christmas Tree Buying Guide

Christmas Tree Buying Guide

Finding the perfect Christmas tree is the first step to creating a magical holiday atmosphere in your home. In this comprehensive Christmas Tree Buying Guide, we'll help you choose the ideal tree by exploring the best height for your space, whether a pre-lit or pop-up Christmas tree suits your needs and what essential factors to consider when making your selection. We'll also highlight the many benefits of opting for an artificial Christmas tree, from easy maintenance to reusability, ensuring your festive season is both beautiful and hassle-free. Let's make your Christmas truly special this year at Harris Scarfe!




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What Christmas Tree Height Is Best?

A good rule of thumb when choosing the height of your Christmas tree is to leave at least between 15 to 30cm between the top of the tree and your ceiling, including the tree topper. For smaller, cosy spaces, Christmas trees under 180cm are ideal for smaller apartments or tabletop displays. Trees under 205cm, like our Woodland Frost Christmas Tree 180cm, offer a perfect fit for standard to smaller homes with lower ceilings, providing a full and festive look that is ideal for most standard living room spaces.

For those with standard ceilings and wider living rooms, Christmas trees around 230cm are perfect for creating a grand centrepiece, whereas trees up to 455cm, like our Nordman Fir Christmas Tree 240cm, make a stunning statement in rooms with high ceilings and large open living spaces. Whatever your space, there's a tree height that will bring your holiday vision to life!


Pre-Lit Christmas Tree VS No Lights

Pre-lit Christmas trees, like our Cashmere Pre-Lit Christmas Tree 180cm and Cashmere Pre-Lit Christmas Tree 240cm, are the ultimate hassle-free option for holiday decorating. With lights already perfectly arranged, you can skip the tangled mess of trying to arrange a bunch of string lights around your Christmas tree and instead enjoy a beautifully illuminated tree in just minutes. This convenience allows you to focus on other festive preparations and enjoy more time with loved ones.

On the other hand, traditional Christmas trees offer the creative freedom to choose and display your favourite lights, reflecting your own personal style and holiday spirit. While setting up a traditional tree requires more time and effort, it gives you the opportunity to customise your tree exactly the way you like it. Whether you prioritise convenience or creativity, both options add warmth and cheer to your home during the holiday season.


Should You Get A Pop-Up Christmas Tree?

A pop-up Christmas tree is a hassle-free, pre-decorated tree that effortlessly springs into shape in minutes, which is a popular choice for those who don't have the time or don't want to bother with all the hassle of setting up and decorating their Christmas tree. Designed for convenience, it features a collapsible frame with built-in decorations, lights and tinsel, making setup and takedown a breeze. If you're looking for a quick and easy holiday solution, a pop-up tree is perfect for your living room.

A great example is the Aspen Pop-Up Pre-Lit Christmas Tree 180cm. Its compact storage and simple assembly are ideal for small spaces or busy schedules, while still offering the festive charm of a traditional Christmas tree in your home. Enjoy a beautifully decorated Christmas tree without the time-consuming effort - just pop it up and your living room is ready for the holidays in minutes!




Choosing A Christmas Tree: What To Consider

When choosing the perfect Christmas tree for your home, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure it complements your festive decor. This section will guide you through the various tree materials available, explore different accents to enhance your Christmas tree's appeal and help you select from a range of colour options. With these tips, you'll find the ideal Christmas tree that suits your style and brings festive cheer to your home.


Christmas Tree Materials

Christmas trees are primarily made from PVC, PE or a combination of both. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) trees are the most common, featuring flat, thin needles that give the tree a full look at an affordable price. However, they may lack the realistic appearance some desire. PE (polyethylene) trees are crafted with moulded branches that closely mimic the texture and shape of real tree needles, offering a more lifelike appearance. If you are seeking the best of both worlds, some Christmas trees combine PVC for fullness and PE for realism. Choosing the right material depends on your preference for realism, durability and budget, ensuring your Christmas tree brings the perfect holiday atmosphere into your home.


Christmas Tree Accents

When selecting Christmas tree accents, consider the style and atmosphere you want to create. Popular accents include pre-lit trees, frost-tipped branches and pinecones. Pre-lit accents are a favourite because they save time and effort, providing evenly distributed lighting with just a plug-in. Frost-tip accents, like our Woodland Frost Christmas Tree 240cm, are perfect for achieving a snowy, winter wonderland look without the hassle or mess of dealing with artificial snow in your living room. These delicate yet beautiful white tips give your tree a fresh, frosted appearance, adding elegance and charm to your holiday decor. Pinecones and berries can also add a rustic, natural touch. Choose accents that complement your overall theme and enhance the festive beauty of your tree.


Christmas Tree Colours

When choosing a Christmas tree colour, popular options can include classic green, cashmere and woodland hues. Cashmere Christmas trees, like our Cashmere Pre-Lit Tree 180cm and Cashmere Pre-Lit Tree 240cm, are excellent for the living room due to their soft, creamy tones that create a sophisticated and cosy ambience. The subtle colour blends seamlessly with a range of decor styles, adding an elegant touch to your holiday setting. Woodland Christmas trees like the Woodland Frost Christmas Tree 240cm feature rich, natural greens and are favoured for their earthy, organic style. Their deep, lush colour evokes a serene, forest-like atmosphere, perfect for creating a warm and inviting holiday environment. Both colour choices enhance the festive spirit while complementing various interior designs, making them timeless options for your seasonal decor.


A few other important factors to include when choosing a Christmas tree are:

  • Size & Shape: Measure your space to determine the ideal tree height and width. Choose from slim, full or pre-lit shapes to fit your room and decorating style.
  • Lighting: Opt for pre-lit trees to save time on decorating. Consider LED lights for energy efficiency and longer lifespan or choose trees with colour-changing lights for versatility.
  • Ease of Assembly: Look for trees with a simple, quick assembly process and easy-to-store features.
  • Durability: Ensure the tree is made from high-quality materials to withstand years of holiday celebrations.

These factors will help you choose a tree that fits your style, space and holiday needs.


How To Fluff A Christmas Tree

Fluffing your Christmas tree is key to achieving a full and natural look, enhancing its festive charm. To begin, start at the base of the tree and slowly work your way up, gently separating each branch to ensure it's fully spread out. Bend the smaller tips outward and away from the centre, creating a lush and layered appearance. Fluffing your Christmas tree will take a bit of time - but it will make a significant difference in your tree's overall look by filling in gaps and giving it a fuller, more realistic shape. This attention to detail ensures your ornaments and lights will hang beautifully, making your Christmas tree the centrepiece of your holiday decor. Proper fluffing transforms your tree from flat to fabulous, bringing holiday magic into your home!


How To Take Care Of Your Christmas Tree

Taking care of your Christmas tree properly will ensure it will stay beautiful and ready for the holidays year after year. Here's how to maintain and clean your tree, keeping it in top condition:

  • Dusting Before Setup: Before setting up your tree, gently dust off each branch using a soft brush or microfiber cloth. This removes any dust that may have accumulated during storage, ensuring your tree looks fresh and vibrant once set back up again.
  • Cleaning After the Holidays: Once the Christmas season is over, it's time to clean your tree before storing it. Carefully remove all of the ornaments, lights and decorations. Then use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove any dust or debris from the branches.
  • Spot Cleaning: For any spots that need extra attention, lightly dampen a cloth with water and gently wipe the affected area. Avoid using harsh chemicals or too much moisture, as this can damage the tree's material.
  • Disassembly & Storage: Disassemble your tree according to the manufacturer's instructions, taking care to preserve the shape of the branches. Store the tree in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original box or a dedicated storage bag to protect it from dust and damage.

By following these steps, your artificial Christmas tree will remain in excellent condition, ready to bring holiday cheer to your home for many seasons to come.




Christmas Tree Decorations To Consider

Assortment of Christmas tree decorations

When it comes to creating a magical holiday atmosphere, using the right Christmas decorations can transform your home into a festive wonderland. Let's explore the essential elements to consider when decorating your tree, including the importance of selecting the perfect ornaments, Christmas baubles, hanging Christmas tree decorations, Christmas tree toppers and figurines to match your festive theme. Whether you're aiming for a classic look or something more whimsical, these decorating tips will help you craft a beautifully adorned tree that brings warmth, joy and holiday spirit to every corner of your home.


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Christmas Figurines That Add to the Festive Scenery

Figurines are a timeless choice when decorating your Christmas tree, adding charm and personality to your festive display. Popular options include traditional angels, Santa Claus (like the Soren Large Traditional Santa, reindeer and snowmen. These decorations can evoke nostalgia and bring a classic, heartwarming feel to your tree. Whether you opt for intricately detailed designs or simple rustic pieces, figurines are a wonderful way to highlight your chosen theme and make your tree a centrepiece of holiday joy.


Christmas Tree Toppers To Complete the Look

Tree toppers are the crowning glory of your Christmas tree, setting the tone for your entire decor. The most popular choices are stars (like our Soren Gold Star Tree Christmas Tree Topper), angels and snowflakes, each symbolising the spirit of the season. A star tree topper represents the Star of Bethlehem, an angel brings a heavenly touch and a snowflake adds a touch of winter magic. Tree toppers are essential in tying your theme together, ensuring your tree looks cohesive and complete. Whether you prefer a traditional look or something more modern like our Soren Flower Champagne Christmas Tree Topper, the right tree topper can elevate your tree's overall appearance and create a festive atmosphere.


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Novelty Tree Decorations For Some Fun and Personality

Novelty tree decorations are a fun and creative way to personalise your Christmas tree. These decorations often include unique items like sweets, candy canes (like our Soren 81.5cm Candy Cane Lollipop) and even themed ornaments based on your favourite hobbies or interests. They're popular because they add a playful and whimsical touch to your tree, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Novelty tree decorations allow you to express your personality and add a sense of fun to your holiday decor. Decorating your Christmas tree with a mix of figurines, tree toppers and novelty decorations according to your chosen theme will transform your home into a festive winter wonderland.

The right decorations bring warmth, joy, and style to your space, making your holiday season truly special. For a full breakdown, check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas Decorating for everything you need to know.




Find The Best Christmas Trees At Harris Scarfe Today!

Finding the right Christmas tree for your home is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season while showcasing your own personal style and flair. This year, bring the festive spirit home and enjoy the holidays with effortless charm by visiting Harris Scarfe online or in-store. Head over to the Hub for more Christmas ideas and inspiration so you can get creative this Christmas! Some great articles you'll love include:


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