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Christmas

2020 UPDATE: EHD-Approved Artificial Trees And Garland Because They Make Life SO MUCH Easier (Plus Pretty Trimmings)

Last year, there was a BIG ask for our favorites shoppable Christmas decor items. SO this EHD styling elf scoured the internet to do just that…and we’re back with an update to that post. We are talking faux trees, tree stands, skirts, garlands, trimmings, OH MY. I mean, recommending beautiful decor is kinda one of our favorite things to do, so granting a wish you asked for is a straight-up no-brainer. I know we have already chatted about new styling ideas and going over our favorite vignettes from years past but now let’s get into the “add to cart” portion of the designing lesson, shall we? I mean if we know anything it’s that Christmas decor is selling out FAST!

First up, the most important piece to the holiday puzzle…the tree.

1. Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree | 2. 6ft. Pre-lit Flocked Alberta Spruce | 3. Faux Snowy Noble Fir | 4. Gold Frasier Tinsel Tree | 5. 7.5 ft. Colorado Green Fir Artificial Christmas Tree with 500 Warm White LED Lights | 6. Artificial Pre-Lit Aspe Fir | 7. 7.5 Dunhill Fir Christmas Tree | 8. Pre-Lit Big & Bright Faux Noble Fir | 9. 6.5ft Pine Pre-Lit Christmas Tree | 10. 7ft. Pre-lit Flocked Balsam Fir | 11. Kingswood Fir Artificial Christmas Tree | 12. 5.5ft Artificial Balsam Fir | 13. Pre-Lit Artificial Pine | 14. 7ft Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Christmas Tree | 15. 7ft Unlit Artificial Christmas Tree Alberta Spruce

I’ve always been on Team “Real Tree” but there are some very convincing faux options on the market. AND the amazing thing about a faux tree is that a ton of them come pre-lit. SIGN ME UP. It takes out all of the light spacing, cord tangling stress and leaves only the fun ornament hanging. Speaking of ornaments, have you heard about Emily’s obsession with personalized Christmas ornaments? It’s her new favorite memory-hoarding hobby and this year she has already picked out some GREAT ones and has inspired me to expand my collection.

A tree really isn’t complete without a skirt or a tree stand right? You can’t just stick it anywhere and a tree without a tree skirt (or collar) is like wearing an awesome fancy dress with flip-flops. It’s just never okay. So to avoid this potential tragedy, here are our favorite tree stands, collars, and skirts.

1. Buffalo Plaid Tree Skirt | 2. Arhaus Tree Collar | 3. Krinner Tree Stand | 4. Cable Knit Tree Skirt | 5. Woven Wood Tree Collar | 6. Flake Velvet Burnt Gold Tree Skirt | 7. Ivory & Red Velvet Quilted Tree Skirt| 8. Round Jute Tree Skirt | 9. Rope Christmas Tree Collar | 10. Pom-Pom Tree Skirt | 11. Knit Pompom Christmas Tree Skirt | 12. Metal Tree Collar | 13. Galvanized Metal Tree Collar | 14. Geometric Tree Stand | 15. Moroccan Style Wedding Blanket Tree Skirt | 16. Faux Fur Tree Skirt | 17. Cable Knit Christmas Tree Skirt | 18. Square Rattan Basket | 19. Red Tassel Christmas Tree Collar | 20. Cosmopolitan Tree Stand | 21. Bash Gold Tree Collar

While I finally have a beautiful tree skirt (massive upgrade from last year’s “blanket”) I realllly love #6. How STUNNING is it? But I also love #5, #8 and #11.

Next up, we have all the faux garlands and wreaths of your dreams.

1. Large Eucalyptus Red Berry Wreath | 2. 5ft Mountain Pine & Berries Garland | 3. Dried Wreath | 4. Faux Cedar Garland | 5. Cypress Wreath | 6. 6′ Faux Mistletoe with Red Berries Garland | 7. Champagne Phoenix Wreath | 8. Pom Pom Wreath | 9. Unlit Red Berry/Pine Cone Artificial Garland | 10. 6ft Mixed Greenery Artificial Garland | 11. Faux Magnolia Wreath | 12. 6ft Faux White Berry Pine Garland | 13. Faux Larch Wreath | 14. 72″ x 6″ Artificial Magnolia Leaves Garland | 15. 24″ Faux Seeded Eucalyptus Wreath

Aside from a tree (of course), garlands and wreaths have the next biggest visual impact when it comes to holiday decor. I really love the delicateness of #4. It feels modern but approachable. #6 is also very intriguing and is a great mix of modern and traditional. While none of these are pre-lit, you can always use Emily’s hack and wrap them with tiny fairy lights to add in some twinkle and whimsy.

Now let’s get into some decor…

1. Handcrafted German Beechwood Tree Topper | 2. LED Shining Star Tree Topper | 3. Burst Silver Tree Topper | 4. Embroidered Beaded Felt Tree Topper | 5. Italian Star Tree Topper | 6. Glitter Gold 3D Star Tree Topper | 7. Beaded Metal Star With Gems Tree Topper | 8. Farmhouse Tree Topper | 9. Vintage Gold Faceted Star Light Up Tree Topper

A tree topper is a VERY personal choice. It’s also an opportunity to create a family heirloom. My favorite part about decorating our tree growing up us putting up our topper on once we were finished decorating. It’s like the cherry on top of a delicious sunday. And while I am sure no one is surprised, #1 is one of my favorites. It’s beautiful, simple, and yet so intricate. I also love #4 and #7 because they give me a vintage feel which, at least this year, is what I need.

And lastly, we won’t leave you hanging… only your (new) stockings:)

1. Traditional Solid Green Velvet Stocking | 2. Basic Stocking Holder | 3. Plaid Boucle Stocking | 4. Textured Dot Stocking | 5. Stripe Knit Christmas Stocking | 6. Home Sweet Home Stocking Holder | 7. Bottle Brush Stocking Holder | 8. Nori Stocking | 9. Woven Plaid with Poms Stocking | 10. Holiday Stocking with Braided Tassels | 11. Reindeer Stocking Holder | 12. Chunky Knit Stocking | 13. Metal Fawn Stocking Holder | 14. Knitted Christmas Stocking | 15. Greenery Stocking Holder with Pinecones | 16. Natural Fair Isle Stocking | 17. Brass & Marble Nutcracker Stocking Holder | 18. Channel Quilted Velvet Personalized Stockings | 19. Chalet Zinc Stocking Holder | 20. Red And Ivory Stripe Knit Stocking | 21. Merry & Bright Stocking Holder

This year has me very excited about stocking holders because I actually have a fireplace! I have my eye on #6, #13, and #19 because they are special but simple. But also how cute is #7?! Now for stockings, I love all of them but #12 is really pulling at my heartstrings for some reason:) Classic and festive.

Hope you are now completely filled with the holiday decorating spirit. We know it feels early but think how much MORE time you’ll be in the holiday spirit?? So what are your favorites? Do any of you have these items and recommend them or don’t? Let us know in the comments.

Here are some other helpful holiday decor posts that will make styling these pieces easy to incorporate into your home:

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Our Living Room Holiday Reveal

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JennC
4 years ago

If you want a high quality fake tree that looks real go with Balsam Hill. We have had our tree, wreaths, and garlands (all prelit) for ten years and they all still look great.

Adrienne
4 years ago
Reply to  JennC

Totally agree. We got their alpine balsam fir just last week (after finding that sparse style sold out elsewhere online) and it is actually beautiful in person. That is a sentence I never thought I’d say about an artificial tree. Plus the stand is flat (!!) so no more weird tree skirt bump taking up valuable present real estate.

4 years ago
Reply to  JennC

Ditto about Balsam Hill. I have a tree and garlands (both pre-lit) from them. And many things were 50% for their Black Friday sale.

Katie
3 years ago
Reply to  JennC

We have a Balsam Hill tree, too! It’s the lowest level of realism, but very full and nice looking. I found it on Facebook Marketplace for a steal! Just search by the brand name.

Lauren
4 years ago

Thank you this is awesome! I’d love it even earlier next year since I decorated already.

Elizabeth Cameron
4 years ago

Not to be the annoying one, but can I just encourage everyone to take note of the fact that artificial trees, which are not designed to be used permanently, end up as landfill (not to mention are often shipped from China, which equals more fossil fuels), while Christmas tree farms clean the air, improve the watershed, and provide habitats for wildlife.

Plus…plastic trees tacky…

kate
4 years ago

Totally agree, Elizabeth. Artificial trees might be nice for the Instagram feed, but they’re terrible for the environment for all the reasons you mentioned! I’m bummed that point is not noted here, but not sure how the blog could make money off encouraging people to go to a tree farm.

This time of year, one of my favorite moment of the day is coming home after work to the smell of a fresh Christmas tree in my house.

Sophia
4 years ago

Agree, but just want to point out that you can say the same about the lights, the ornaments, the garlands…

Holly
4 years ago

I would disagree on the note that artificial trees cannot be used permanently. My family has been using the same artificial tree for over 25 years, in 6 different houses, moving to 3 states, in different parts of the country. I’ll be going to my parents house next weekend to put up that same tree. This year I bought my first tree, tiny and also artificial, and have every intention of using it for years to come. Take care of your things, and they’ll last a long time.

And as someone who spends most of the year suffering from allergies (and asthma as a result), I appreciate that there’s a way for me to enjoy the holidays.

Also a “plastic” tree can be beautiful, especially when little kids put their heart into decorating it.

Susan
4 years ago
Reply to  Holly

I spent many years telling myself that I just had a “cold” at Christmas every year. When I finally admitted that it was allergies and asthma, I bought a an artificial tree. No more Christmas “colds.” And we are still using the same tree 16 years later.

Mkw
3 years ago
Reply to  Holly

Agreed. We bought a high-quality tree 30 years ago. I’ve fooled a lot of people with it. Plus… a live tree wasn’t possible because of family allergies and a potential fire hazard when traveling over part of the holidays.

Lee
3 years ago

You know what’s really tacky? Being all Judgy McJudgerson about Christmas decorations.

By the way there is a lot of research (such as here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/environmental_effects_of_christmas_trees) that has found the environmental impact of real vs artificial trees to be about even. More important, the environmental impact of both is fairly inconsequential compared with the real causes of climate change (oil, gas, coal).

So climb down off your high horse and let people enjoy their tacky plastic trees while you pat yourself on the back for the “real” dead tree you bought.

Tina Schrader
3 years ago

I have to agree with Holly here. Totally with you on considering the environmemtal impact of Christmas decorations (as well as everything else), Elizabeth. But my parents still have the plastic Christmas tree I grew up with and likely will for years more. We had to have an artificial tree because we traveled for a significant period of time for Christmas and didn’t want to give the gift of a fire hazard to ourselves or the neighbors. Plus, some people are against growing trees for the express purpose of cutting them down and junking them after a short time. So, as with much else in our society, there is a cost to consider on both sides. I’m with you; but real isn’t always feasible or safe for some families..

Katie
3 years ago

I worried over the environmental aspect of artificial trees, but our small house riddles with radiators meant nowhere to place a real tree without creating a fire hazard. Ultimately, I found a used artificial tree on Marketplace.

Chelsea
4 years ago

Thanks! I was in need of new star to top our tree and just ordered one that you shared from Target! Also, I found a great wreath this year at Trader Joe’s for $10, just wanted to share that for anyone else trying to fine a good one.

Editor
4 years ago
Reply to  Chelsea

Ohh good tip! I might have to head there this weekend (still in need of a wreath for my door).

Mkw
3 years ago
Reply to  Chelsea

Oooh…. Trader Joe has carried some wonderful felted ball garland!!!!

Tina Schrader
3 years ago
Reply to  Chelsea

Thank you! TJs is the best!

Melissa
4 years ago

The brass tab ornaments from McGee & Co are now on sale and ship free! I also have the fake tree from IKEA and he’s a cutie (will also be getting a real tree).

Karen
4 years ago

Thank You!!!

Love, luv, love the tags on the photos!!!!!!1111!!!!!

No more scrolling up and down.

Thank you!!

Kanchipuram Sarees
4 years ago

Nice post

herbal powder
4 years ago

Ditto about Balsam Hill. I have a tree and garlands (both pre-lit) from them. And many things were 50% for their Black Friday sale.

Maria
2 years ago
Reply to  herbal powder

Do you think it’s worth waiting until Black Friday to order? I see there is a sale now as well

Newjen
4 years ago

Awesome that you’re taking reader suggestions. I’m looking forward to the post on decorating for winter holidays other than Christmas that a ton of us asked for!

patricia blaettler
4 years ago

Weird xmas fact: My hubby used to get ‘sick’ every holiday season. Someone mentioned an allergy to pine. Bingo! The tree had been in his office (our sunroom). We moved it to another part of the house… sick no more!

Jessica
4 years ago

Love the way this guide was laid out. So nice to see the prices immediately so you know if something is out of your range or not. Also, love the subcategories and the ability to click on the item versus trying to find a number.

Jenny
4 years ago

Beautiful! Wondering where the snowflake ornaments are from?

Gia Gaglio
3 years ago

My favorite place for Christmas decor is Carlyle Avenue. They have the best holiday candles and ornaments. trusst
https://carlyleavenue.com/

JR
3 years ago

Any tips for the Christmas tree lights? I have the balsam tree from Target and the typical lights don’t look right. Has anyone use wire leds on a Christmas tree. Help!

elizabeth bear designs
3 years ago

Such a great blog post. In my recent IG post we are talking about finding the perfect real looking faux garland. I purchased something Monday and can’t wait to see it when it gets here this weekend. Shared your blog post with my peeps…thanks! xo Elizabeth

Margrethe
3 years ago

I LOVE your rug! Do you know if they ship to Norway?

Rusty
2 years ago

Hey Jess, hope your moving in went well. Really looking forward to uodates.
Be sure to take some messy “just moved in” shots for before commentary.

I made faux front door wreaths for my mother and myself, years ago, like 1991? I still use mine and my brother puts the other one up! They’re still going strong and the only thing added in all those years is a gold biw.
They’re stick based, with faux berries, buds, luttle (real) pine cones, loads of stuff… and they were so fun to make. Hot glue gun is your friend.

Lily
2 years ago

I have the Crate & Barrel star that y’all shared and I LOVE it! The perfect glittery topper in my opinion 🙂

Betsy
2 years ago

Emily needs a Balsam Hill flat back tree. I had never thought about this, until my mom bought one. I actually thought about leaving off the back limbs of my tree. They have the best “real” looking trees to begin with, but the flat back was a coup for my mom’s house. I plan on getting one for my tiny abode as well.

Jenny
2 years ago

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I like so many of the tree collars but I have a tree skirt I already love. Can I use both? Put the tree in a collar and put that on a tree skirt? Or would that look weird?

Lynn
2 years ago

I need to know, do stocking hooks work? I’m in a rental with FINALLY a fireplace and mantle. Growing up we had permanent hooks that could hold a toddler. These stocking hooks above… maybe they are exclusively for empty stockings.