Well, it’s December so we’re now officially allowed to talk about Christmas. It’s time to think about advent calendars, putting up decorations and getting the Christmas tree. Don’t get me wrong, I love real pine trees at Christmas but artificial Christmas trees also have their merits.

I love the scent that you get from a pine tree; however, artificial trees don’t drop their needles. If you have a real tree, you’ll still be vacuuming them out of the carpet in April!). We tried, on more than one occasion, to buy a live tree with root-ball intact so that we can reuse it year after year.  The longest we’ve managed is 3 Christmases – we ever so slowly murdered the poor thing!

Don’t try and hide the fact that it’s artificial – embrace the fake tree by choosing one that’s hot pink, white, or – like the one pictured above – ombre. We love our metallic copper-coloured one, it really shines in the firelight… and once 12th Night has passed, we can store it away in the loft until the following year.

Saying that, some of the artificial trees available today are good imposters. Both the little tabletop one from NOTHS and the 12ft giant could have you fooled – especially once their covered (tastefully, of course 😉 ) in lights & decorations.

1. Mini artificial Christmas tree by Marquis & Dawe: £16, Notonthehighstreet
2. 6ft ombre-effect tree: £100, Next
3. 11¾ft green Louise fir luxury premium PE Christmas tree: £699.99, Christmas Trees and Lights