CHRISTMAS DÉCOR SHOPPING TIPS
Christmas is a time of joy, traditions, and family celebrations. It’s a time to settle down,
snuggle in, and bask in the warmth and coziness of home with the people you love most. It’s a
time to decorate your tree, fill your home with light, and use your best
tableware. And it’s a great time to
shop for those items that make your surroundings that much more special. You’ll want your home to
reflect your traditions and taste during Christmas, possibly more than any other time of the year.
The focal point of holiday décor is usually the tree. A major decision is whether to buy a
fresh cut tree every year or an
artificial Christmas tree for repeated use.
This will
depend in part on your family traditions; if choosing and bringing home a fresh cut tree
is the starting point of your Christmas holiday, then your decision is probably made.
If you are drawn to the convenience of reusing an artificial tree each year, there are
some great choices available, both in realistic-looking trees and in unique and fanciful options.
If you are a fresh cut tree family, skip ahead to Christmas Tree Decorations and Accessories
for some great ideas and tips. If you are in the market for an artificial tree, read on for
some helpful shopping tips to make the most of your investment.
|
- Size – Choose carefully, since your tree should be with you for years to come.
- Appearance –Your key choice is between realistic-looking or unique trees. If choosing realistic, go with longer, thicker, and sculpted needles and branches with a high density for the best effect.
- Pre-Lit or Not – Pre-lit trees are more convenient, but the lights may not last as long as the life of the tree and they are the more costly option.
- Hinged vs. Hook in Branch Construction – Hinged branches are easier to set up each year, but hook in ones are less expensive.
|
Your first tree decision is choosing the size. There is an easy formula to how much tree
your space can hold: it should be at least half a foot shorter than your ceiling
(making a seven or seven and a half foot tree ideal for a standard eight foot ceiling
height.) This measurement then determines the ideal width, which for a traditional full
tree should be about half the height. You should also measure the floor space available,
since the tree shouldn’t bump or crowd furniture. If a full tree won’t fit but you want
to keep the height, slim trees are available; just make sure you like their look. Sometimes
size constraints lead to a less traditional tree option, such as an upside down tree or a table
top tree. Artificial trees come in a vast range of sizes, so you won’t have trouble finding one
to suit your needs.
Next consider appearance. If you want an artificial tree that looks like a real tree, there are many
choices available, including ones that mimic firs,
pines, or
spruces. You should judge appearance
carefully, considering the density, length, thickness, shape, color, and overall realism of needles
and branches. Choose longer, thicker, and sculpted needles and branches for the best effect. Density
of branches is more important than the tip count number often included in tree descriptions. Branches
should be dense enough to hide the inside of the tree, with enough room to hold your ornaments.
Unique tree choices include
upside down trees,
spiral trees,
colorful or
white Christmas trees,
sculpted metal trees, fiber optic trees, and more. Choose one that appeals to you and enjoy the festive feel these
trees can inspire. Often a unique tree is purchased in addition to a traditional tree, perhaps to add holiday
spirit to a different room or a tabletop.
Many people purchase pre-lit Christmas trees.
These are very convenient and quick to set-up.
The drawbacks are that these are more expensive than trees without lights, and that the lights may not last as
long as the tree itself.
Tree construction is another consideration. Hinged branches are easier to set up each year, but the hook in
variety, though labor intensive, cost less. Also look for quality stands and center poles. Metal is generally
sturdier and less likely to tip than plastic options.
Finally, consider
Christmas tree storage and make sure you have a convenient place to keep your tree.
Most quality artificial trees come with a Christmas tree storage bag or container.
|
|
Ornaments come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and styles.
You can have a great time being creative with your ornaments, and it’s also a fun way to change or
revitalize your Christmas tree decor easily. Decorated Christmas trees are a great reflection
of your taste and style.
Some ornaments are sold in sets.
If you are starting out with a new tree, it’s helpful to buy
some ornament sets to fill the tree,
and then gradually add individual ones that catch your eye over time.
There are different styles reflected by ornaments. Some families like a uniform, classic, and stately look to
their ornaments. An example of this look is a tree with all white or
frosted glass balls,
perhaps mixed with
other coordinated and delicate glass pieces. Others create a more eclectic feel to their tree, focusing more
on what attracts them while shopping and commemorating family memories. If you like the idea of a formal tree,
but also want to buy assorted ornaments, keep in mind the option of having more than one tree.
Ornaments fall into some specific categories, though many defy classification. There are traditional
Christmas choices, including
nativity scenes,
reindeers,
Santa, and more.
There are
handmade rustic-style ornaments,
such as painted wood ones, that create a cozy country feel. Ornaments that
commemorate a life event, such as a baby’s first Christmas, or newlyweds’ first holiday season, are
also popular. Personalized Christmas ornaments are a top choice as well. Especially in multi-cultural
families, ornaments that are decorative in a way that is not inherently religious are a desirable way to go.
A mix of many different kinds of ornaments can be a fun look, and also lends itself to the addition of
homemade ornaments, such as ones made by children.
Consider your lifestyle when you buy ornaments. Glass and other delicate ones are beautiful, but if you
have young children or pets, they might not last and could prove frustrating. Light metal ornaments are
among the sturdiest, as are wooden or plastic ornaments.
It is always nice to date ornaments on the back or underside, since this helps maintain the memories they represent.
Once you have a basic idea of the ornaments you’ll be using, it should be easier to decide what tree topper will
complement your tree best. The traditional choices are
gold or silver stars and
angels, but enjoy exploring your
options and be open to whatever feels right for you.
Lights are a key component in your tree’s appearance. Your main decisions will be choosing color and blinking
patterns. The most common color options are multi-color and clear/white. Blinking options vary and can
include just the option of blinking or not, or provide several different blinking patterns. Beyond these choices,
you’ll also come across novelty Christmas tree lights,
such as ones shaped like fire trucks, dinosaurs,
Dr. Seuss’
the Grinch, and more.
Quality is important in choosing Christmas lights. Pick ones that are UL rated for safety, include burn-out
protection so that lights will remain on even if one bulb goes out, and shine brightly. Choose strands that
can be linked together to give you the flexibility to add more as needed.
Skirts come in a great range of styles, making it easy to find one to attractively accent your tree.
If you have a real tree, make sure the skirt allows for easy watering access.
Metal stands are usually sturdier than plastic.
If you have a particularly tall tree, you probably should
invest in a heavy duty one. Be sure your Christmas tree stand is adjustable, since tree trunks can vary in width.
|
- Place Settings (typically each setting will include a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and either a mug or a cup and saucer)
- Glassware, such as goblets
- Platters and Serving Trays (such as vegetable trays, cheese and cracker trays, meat platters, pie plates, and cake stands)
- Santa Cookie Plate
- Mugs
- Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Candles, Votives, and Holders
- Nativity Scenes, Figurines, and/or Centerpieces
- Specialty Barware, such as Martini Glasses
|
Whether you are entertaining your full extended family, having a quiet meal with only
those closest to you, or hosting a festive party for friends, you’ll probably want to add
some holiday spirit to your tableware during the Christmas season. Even if your usual taste
in tableware is understated, the holiday season can inspire you to explore colors, patterns,
new shapes, and more. It’s a time to embrace going over the top and loosen up about practicality –
after all, these special goods aren’t for daily use.
With
Christmas tableware,
it’s never all or nothing. You can buy matching Christmas dish
settings for 12, or you can get a couple of colorful and unique holiday platters for accents.
It’s up to you and your vision. You can also mix and match themes and patterns – plates with
Christmas tree details, coordinated with bright red serving platters, with reindeer mugs for
hot chocolate. Just about anything can work.
You’ll also find that you can spend as much or as little as you want.
Christmas themed tableware
is available in fine china to economical stoneware. If you know your budget, you can choose how
best to invest. Would you prefer an inexpensive and complete set of holiday-themed dishes? Or a
small number of heirloom quality Christmas serving pieces? Or do you like the idea of focusing on
centerpieces and candles?
A fun purchase for families with young children is a special cookie plate for Santa. There are lots
of fanciful and attractive choices available, and it sets the tone for a special family tradition.
Holiday mugs are always a cozy addition, whether for hot chocolate or a hot toddy. You can
purchase a full set, or add special mugs to your collection year after year.
Candles or votives, in holiday holders, always add to your atmosphere. Choose anything from formal
silver candle holders to playful ones shaped like snowmen. Scented candles are a nice choice,
especially if you have an artificial tree and want to add a bit of pine scent to your home.
Centerpieces or other tabletop decorations are beautiful additions to a holiday celebration. A
nativity scene is a traditional choice, with options ranging from high end fine china to
child-friendly plastic. Other ideas include small Christmas trees, reindeers, Santa-themed items, and more.
If your celebration is more cocktail hour than sit-down dinner, don’t forget the appropriate
barware. Martini glasses and shakers add a sophisticated air. Champagne and
wine glasses are a must for toasting.
Adding to your holiday tableware collection each year often becomes a tradition, with each
piece linked to the memories of the year it was first used in your home.
|
|
|