I want to be clear that WE KNOW posting about Christmas a mere two days into November feels criminal. But the sad truth is that the good faux trees and greenery sell out SO FAST. We aren’t being hyperbolic, it’s just the truth. And I personally think this should be more of a thoughtful investment purchase rather than a last-minute panic one, right? Of course we all have different budgets but the one you buy should be your dream tree, the kind of tree you are really excited to put up every year. This dream tree and greenery should also make your life easier! One way of achieving that is going pre-lit. While I love decorating a tree, I DESPISE putting on lights. It’s likely because I want them a certain way and that certain way takes forever. Story of my life. So a pre-lit tree is the way to go if you are buying a faux tree, IMHO.
Now, in terms of style it’s no secret that the Scandi-Inspired Christmas tree look has become wildly popular and we love it too! Look at Emily’s faux Scandi tree in the photo above. It’s tall, not super filled out (which is great for hanging and showing off ornaments), and is simply just really pretty. So those are the type of trees we are focusing on today!
Since most of us buy trees based on height and style that’s what how I categorized them! It goes from tallest to smallest and then I added some really cute garland and wreath options at the end. If nothing else, I hope this at least alleviates some holiday decor stress come decorating time:)
Tall Trees – Height: 7′ to 9′
Faux Pre-Lit Woodland Fir: I hate to start out with probably my favorite but look at this stunner! Pre-lit, comes in both 7′ and 9′, with prices ranging from $498 – $748. Now that’s not what I call “pocket change” but if it’s within your budget I think this tree would stand the test of time.
7ft Pre-Lit Faux Pine Christmas Tree with Clear Lights: For a more budget-friendly tall option, we have a 7′ pre-lit cutie for $270. MUCH BETTER. Still more $$ than going to the tree lot but will be saving you money by the second year.
Faux Pre-Lit Snowy Norway Spruce: While I’ve also been a green tree gal myself, I am VERY into this flocked beauty. The shape is stunning and it’s a great height at 7′. Again, a little pricey at $478 but a special option if you are in the market.
Artificial Norwegian Spruce Tree: One of two non pre-lit tress I found and loved! Really love the shape (that skinny top third is KEY!), it has a 4.7/5 star rating and it’s a tall kid at 7.5′. So for $285 it’s not a bad deal for years of use.
Faux Balsam Fir Pre-Lit LED Christmas Tree with White Lights: Ok, back to a pre-lit option but look at those branches! Tall at 7.5′, great reviews but is a bit pricey at $699. But if you love it and use it for years, could be great for you.
Flocked Downswept Christmas Tree: I do have to say that Crate & Barrel truly have some beautiful faux options and this downswept looker is a perfect example. The flocking is on the lighter side which to me makes it look for natural, like you just brought it in from a snowy forest:) Also this tree comes in four different heights ranging from 3′-9′.
Faux Downswept Flocked Pine Christmas Tree: So while we are focusing on less “bushy” trees in this post, I really loved this one from CB2. A downswept tree might not be ideal for heavy ornaments (but look at the pretty decorated examples on the site), I think it’s SO BEAUTIFUL. It does come at a pretty penny ($799) but at least it’s also 7.5″ if you want to make this investment. Very “magical forest” energy:)
8′ Prelit Artificial Christmas Tree with Warm White LED Lights: This guy might be the deal of the day!! For an 8′, pre-lit, scandi-esque tree, it’s only $166! What?? Now there’s only one reveiw but it gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
8.5-ft Flocked Manchester Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree: Now this tree is nice and tall at 8.5′ and is on the slender side which is why it feels Scandi:) It also has the perfect amount of flocking if you ask me and is $522 (but on sale for $418 as I’m writing this post! I hope it still is when you are reading it.)
Prelit Norway Spruce: Another perfectly shaped beaut! Just wanted to give you one more great tall option before we move onto the medium size trees. This one comes in both, 7′ – 9′ and starts at $699.
Medium Tall Trees – Height: 5′ to 6′
5-ft Layered Washington Spruce Christmas Tree with 200 Clear Lights: If I had more storage this would be the one I would get for myself. 5′, pre-lit and under $200! I’ve converted to choosing smaller trees just because for this stage in life they are more manageable:)
6-ft North Carolina Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree with 350 Clear Lights: This one is a little on the full side but so cute with a great shape. And for 6′ it’s a nice price at $269.
6′ Faux Pencil Pine Christmas Tree: Ok, you might look at this and be thinking, “Jess, this isn’t a proper Christmas tree!” And I’d say, “yes, BUT”. As someone who has lived in teeny tiny apartments, an option like this would have be great and likely easy-ish to store in a closet. The height makes it feel more like a traditional tree at 6′ and the slenderness doesn’t take up a ton of room. A win-win for $249!
Short Trees – Height: 30″ to 4′
4′ Faux LED Mixed Pine Christmas Tree: I know this is the same price ($249) as the taller one above, but if you prefer a more traditional-looking Christmas tree this is A CUTE options. I mean give my a break! I really love it:)
Faux Spruce Christmas Tree in Ceramic Pot: Again, this is probably meant more for “tree accent moments” around the house or on the front porch, but for small home dwellers this is a great and very affordable tree option. Even the planter is cute! The sizing ranges from 12″ to 40″ maxing out at $60. Target also sells mini ornaments so this can really be a one stop shop.
Garlands
Ok, that’s it for the trees! Now let’s talk garland. The right garland, we believe, can really take your Christmas decor to the next level. It’s an added layer that can be simple but have high impact! Of course prices can range but there are lots of options. And while we love the look of a real green garland, they can be more of a mess with sap and shedding than trees. Trust us.
Snowy Faux Cedar Garland: Can a garland be romantic?? If so, this is it. Cedar is my personal favorite type of garland so adding that hint of “snow” really makes it SO special. In terms of price it’s $78 for a 78″ piece. It’s of course not, not an investment but it might just be perfect over your mantle.
Pre-Lit Faux Cedar Garland: Yep, cedar again but this one is pre-lit! You know I am very into that:) This pretty baby is 72″ for $88.
Faux Metallic Magnolia Garland: But maybe you’re less of a cedar person and want BIG VOLUME. If that’s the case then a magnolia garland is the way to go. This one is extra special because it has a gold metallic underside that gives you a little more glamour. It’s a little shorter than the others at 62″ and a little more at $119 but again, it’s going to be a bolder statement.
XL Cedar Christmas Garland: Ok yes, more cedar BUT this one is 180″ long!!!!! Not only that, it’s only $55. Plus it’s Studio McGee x Target so you know it’s going to be good:)
Artificial Cedar Garland: One more! And the most affordable one at that. Looks great and for 75″ it only costs $37. How can you beat it??
Wreaths
While I technically haven’t taken my faux wreath off my front door since it went up in 2020 (it’s multi-seasonal, OK?!) I really really love some of these. I also loved that these are all fairly simple but look, dare I say, chic. Let’s adorn your door or fireplace…
Faux Cypress Christmas Wreath: I bet no one is surprised the first option is a classic cedar but that’s ok because look how beautiful this is!! Then add a beautiful velvet ribbon?? Perfection. It is however a bit of an investment at $129 for a 26″ diameter.
Sparse Pine Wreath: This one won’t be everyone’s taste but it sure is mine. I love the sparseness, the wildness, and the general uniqueness. 10/10. It is $79 as an FYI.
Oversized Fall Leaf Wreath: Now, we’re getting more affordable but staying little outside the box. At least I haven’t seen those types of leaves on Christmas wreaths that often, have you? And I love love that mustard yellow velvet skinny ribbon! For $50 at 30″, YES.
Christmas Wreath with Oranges: This one really reminded me of Arlyn’s wonderful living room that she decorated for Christmas back in 2019. She was all about the DIY dried orange slices and they looked perfect. This is a such a great and unique option for $40 at 26″.
Faux Cedar Wreath: Welp, this wreath might need to be added to my cart even with the slightly hefty price tag at $88. It’s cedar (check!) and in a burgundy color that I think was made for my home (CHECK!). It’s just so pretty, right??
Faux Cedar Swag: Maybe you aren’t a wreath person? No problem! This little swag for $58 is the perfect accent for a door or a doorway! Just maybe add a little ribbon and it will look so festive.
DONE! Hope this was helpful and that if you wanted to buy any faux greenery this year you can get exactly what you want.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Our Scandinavian (And Easy, Mess-Free) Holiday Living Room Reveal + How I Finally Figured Out My Biggest Styling Problem… And Solved It
what a great post! do you have any options with european plugs/voltage? i live in luxembourg and would love to find a pre-lit tree that plugs in here ; ) tia!
I can tell I’m in the minority based on the availability on the market but I prefer unlit trees — they feel more real to me than pre-lit ones. Plus my lights of choice are old fashioned colored twinkly ones.
I bought my tree in 2017 when we moved into our house and while it is a great tree the year after the scandi inspired faux tree marker really exploded. So many great options now! It was like looking for a needle in a haystack in 2017! My favorite faux tree is one Terrain used to offer every year that has not returned this year. My husband balked at the price but I think about that tree every year.
Even though there may be better trees out there now I’m sticking with the one I have. Artificial is never good for the environment but if you keep your tree for 20 years at least it’s slightly better than upgrading every time something new and shiny comes out.
Bookmarking so much of this!! And while I’m here…does anyone have a resource for tiny window wreaths? Ones that look good from both inside and outside? ideally about 6″-ish in diameter? I’ve had such a hard time finding some and am about ready to try and tackle DIY’ing it…
Look for tabletop candle rings – they are essentially the same size. I’ve gotten some faux ones at craft stores, and Trader Joe’s always has them in stock in November (they sell out fast!).
Piping in to vouch for the unlit 7.5 Artificial Norwegian Spruce. I’ve used it four times for different shoots. I also got one for my parents’ house, one for my LA place, and one for my cabin. It’s easy to style and looks GOOD. The unlit part is kind of a bummer but the upside is you can choose your own lights (I like the old timey looking bulbs).
We splurged on a floor model pre-lit flocked tree many years ago that was completely refurbished and working very well Beautiful. But….you know the way strings of light need troubleshooting every few years?? So do the lights on the pre-lit tree, but they are MUCH harder to get to and don’t work quite the same as the light strings that you have to put on yourself. We have not been able to figure out which bulb is bad, so whole strings are out. So a pre-lit tree saves putting on lights for a few years, but then there could be mega trouble later….at least, that’s been our experience.
It’s not criminal at all….if you don’t jump in then things will be sold out so quickly. I’ve been in retail for many years and I see it all the time. 🙁
Just the way it is now. Thank you for all the info!!