According to Good Housekeeping, we'll be seeing twists on tradition that incorporate sustainable materials and DIY into our holiday decor.
Why choose red and green when you could use raspberry, grape, or plum? It's a fantastic color scheme that is sure to impress your guests.
If you're wondering what exactly a burnished berry tone is, think deep wine reds and rich purples. They pair beautifully with gold accents creating drama and sophistication.
If you're not into the rich winter hues, there's the option to keep things simple and understated by bringing in the beauty of the outdoors and the simplicity of DIY.
While you don't have to go full green, why not consider bringing some of that outdoorsy feeling into your festive decor? Think natural fabrics like cotton and linens for tablecloths or tabletop decorations. Also, make sure to include greenery and flowers in your decorating, regardless of what colors you use.
With just a few minor tweaks, you can go from festive to earth-friendly in no time!
Trees wrapped in burlap ribbon and adorned with sugar plum ornaments sound to us like a perfect pairing.
Flowers also make for beautiful natural and sustainable decorations. Combine the two trends by decorating your Christmas tree, wreaths, and/or table with clusters of cherry-colored dahlias, eucalyptus sprigs, and trailing grape clusters or opt for plum calla lilies, silver brunia, and succulents.
Most people are accustomed to the traditional colors of Christmas which include red and green. But why have these two colors become so popular?
According to NPR the red and green of Christmas can be attributed to two things: holly and coca-cola. It's an odd mix of ancient culture and modern advertising blending together to create today's custom.
American culture embraced the jolly red coca-cola Santa and adopted red and green as the official colors of Christmas. Still, every year new trends emerge and while red and green are considered the classics it's always fun to mix things up a bit.
It's not just the colors that are changing. People are trying their hand at DIY Christmas decorations this year. Whether this is because we all found a new hobby or two during the pandemic or because the supply chain has created a shortage of Christmas decorations, the fact is that DIY is a trend worth embracing.
DIY Christmas decorations can be as simple as repurposing an old jar into a candle holder or as complex as hand-made paper garland. There are even tutorials from making living Christmas wreaths to repurposing last year's Christmas cards into beautiful decorations.
No matter how you choose to decorate your home for this year, it will be beautiful!
One thing you will definitely want to get a jump on is pre-ordering your perfect Frasier Fir so that you can start trying out these Christmas color trends of 2021 early on!
The Holiday season is closer than you realize! We've already started taking orders, and with Christmas trees in short supply and high demand this year, you'll want to pre-order yours TODAY!
And to really stay on-trend, just remember, when you choose a real Christmas tree vs. an artificial one, you're making the earth-friendly sustainable choice!
]]>Here's why you should use this Christmas tree size guide. Size Matters! Don't just guess your way to the right fit.
Before you order your Frasier Fir, the first step is to decide where you will put your Christmas tree.
Measure the space (height and width). Ceiling height is important, especially if you are wanting to add a topper to the tree. Next, you'll need to decide how full you want the branches to be. Make sure it's far from any heat sources as this can decrease the tree's lifespan and become a fire hazard.
If you have a limited amount of space for furniture or decorations, you aren't going to want an overly tall or full tree. You'll also want to make sure that the tree isn't too close to the furniture, which will quickly become a launching pad for any curious pets.
If you have plenty of space, choosing a tiny tree will not do at all. Unless of course, you're purposefully planning a Charlie Brown inspired Christmas celebration.
For a standard 6-8 foot tree, you'll need at least 2 feet of space to the left and right of your Christmas tree. You will also want to leave approximately 2 1/2 feet between the Christmas tree and any heat sources.
It's important you purchase a tree that fits into the space you have, not the space you wish you had.
Here is a chart to help you see how our trees will look in your home or office and determine what size Christmas tree to buy. When you place your order make sure to include if you prefer a narrow or full tree.
Mistakes happen. Don't stress, if you pick the wrong size tree, we will replace it.
We recommend giving your new Christmas tree 24 hours before calling us. It takes that long sometimes for the branches to settle into place.
If, after 24 hours, the tree is still not suitable, please contact us to change it for a different size (costs may apply; see FAQs for more information).
You'll need to have a sturdy base with a decent water reservoir to make sure your real Christmas tree, regardless of its size, stays well hydrated. If the tree dries out, the needles will begin to drop, creating a mess and a possible fire hazard.
In addition to water, your tree needs to be fed. Use our Tree Life Extension Solution to help it stay fresh longer.
A well-hydrated tree that is kept away from heat sources will stay green and vibrant throughout the holiday season.
Real Christmas trees are eco-friendly and easy to recycle, unlike the plastic artificial ones.
If you're not sure what to do with your Frasier Fir after the holidays, we will take care of the tree for you. When you place your order, let us know you want our help to recycle your Christmas tree. Then, we will pick it up when the Christmas season is over and dispose of it properly (in other words, have it turned into mulch).
If you still aren't sure how tall your Christmas tree should be, give us a call and we'll help. We're already open for business and taking orders. When you get your tree through Christmas Tree Brooklyn you'll receive the highest quality Frasier Fir delivered to your home for free!
]]>Decorating for Christmas is an art form that has been evolving for centuries. While the modern Christmas tree tradition may have roots in pagan winter solstice celebrations, Christmas tree symbolism can be interpreted differently depending on your culture and faith group.
Christians believe that the Christmas tree symbolizes Jesus's death at Calvary. On the other hand, some people think it represents God's love or serves as a reminder to celebrate Christmases' past by remembering loved ones who are no longer with us this year.
Others say it stands as an evergreen sign of hope during dark days. But, whatever meaning you attach to the Christmas tree, there is one thing we can all agree on: they're simply beautiful!
The Christmas tree has many symbolic meanings for people of different cultures. It's hard to pinpoint an exact meaning simply because trees have held an important place in so many ancient cultures and religions.
The Romans adorned their temples with evergreens during the Saturnalia festival, and Ancient Egyptians decorated their temples with green palm rushes as part of worship to Ra.
Evergreens were also used as a sign of eternal life by early Christians in catacombs under Rome. But until the mid-19th century, Christians viewed the Christmas tree as a foreign pagan custom.
Pagans would bring fir trees into their homes at Yuletide because it represented everlasting life and fertility. The Yule tree is decorated with lights, candles, and other festive ornaments to celebrate the return of light after dark days.
The Druids believed trees were a gift from the Mother Goddess, as they helped mark time and seasons. They would decorate sacred oak trees with mistletoe and lights to represent the wisdom of life.
The Vikings worshipped trees, particularly the Scandinavian evergreens. They considered the evergreen to be the sun god's unique plant. The trees were a reminder of spring, and that winter would come to an end, and the world would turn green again.
In old Germanic and Norse beliefs, evergreen trees were often decorated with tiny carvings of gods and food. These decorations were to entice tree spirits to return and bring spring with them.
In Germany, it was considered a midwinter symbol that brought good luck during the farming seasons. Not that far off from the Viking's way of thinking!
The common thread behind these beliefs is that winter will end and rebirth, or spring, will return. So it's a moment to pause, acknowledge the darkness and look with hope towards the coming light.
While pagans may have popularized the Christmas tree, Germans are credited for beginning the tradition of decorating them.
One legend tells us that Martin Luther started it when he walked home one winter evening after dark. The stars in the sky gave him the idea to light candles on a tree and decorate it with gold and silver ornaments.
Another legend tells us that Martin Luther's wife, Katie, was responsible for starting this custom. On Christmas Eve, she placed paper roses in their windows as decorations. When he saw them, Luther went outside and cut down a small fir tree, which he brought inside and decorated with roses.
Today, people choose to decorate their Christmas trees with a variety of ornaments that represent different themes, including:
With so many choices, it's no wonder that some families decorate more than one tree at home each year!
Regardless of your faith or culture, the Christmas tree is a beautiful tradition that we can all enjoy and celebrate. It is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. It brings people together and gives them a place to gather with loved ones, to share stories of past Christmases, and plan for future ones. There is no denying its symbolic significance!
So what do you think? Is there any symbolism for your Christmas tree decorations that you would like to share? Let us know!
]]>When you choose an artificial tree over buying a fresh Christmas tree, there are a few advantages. Explore RealSimple highlights three, though whether or not they are truly an advantage depends on perspective.
Here's where those advantages break down.
Following are 6 reasons why fresh Christmas trees are always better than manufactured ones.
One of the most exciting parts about Christmas is putting up your beautiful tree. However, when you buy a fresh-cut Christmas tree it's not only beautiful, it also has advantages over the fake ones!
Here are six reasons why buying a fresh Christmas tree this year is the right decision:
Real Christmas trees are recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable. Frasier Firs are considered sustainable crops that can be replenished.
A fresh-cut Christmas tree is better for the environment because it is less wasteful to produce and transport. Overall it has a smaller carbon footprint than a manufactured one.
In fact, every acre of forest land set aside for growing Christmas trees sequesters about 4800 lbs of CO² from the atmosphere each year – that's just shy of one ton.
On the other hand, artificial trees are made from petroleum-based plastics and require energy to produce. Then they are transported long distances requiring more fuel which results in added CO² emissions.
Buying a fresh cut Christmas tree helps support local businesses which is great for the economy. The best place to buy your new Christmas tree? Local farms or the local businesses that source from those farms.
At Christmas Tree Brooklyn we find the best fresh Christmas trees by visiting countless tree farms to maintain the high standards of the Fraser Firs we sell.
The woody musk feels the air, intermingling with the delicious smells of chocolate, cinnamon, cider, and baking treats this time of year. You can't get that in a candle and definitely not from a manufactured plastic tree!
An artificial tree is not less expensive, for you or for the environment. The energy that goes into its production is much more than the cost of a cut tree. An artificial Christmas tree can last for years, but when you factor in all of the resources used to make it and transport it, they are no bargain!
Because natural Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes, so do the prices! Buying a real Christmas tree is affordable. At Christmas Tree Brooklyn we've been outselling the competition with Christmas tree prices that are up to 50% less than theirs, plus we deliver for free!
Did you know that a fresh-cut Christmas tree will last up to six weeks after it is cut and placed in water? And best of all keeping them fresh for that long isn't difficult. All you have to do is keep it watered!
While manufactured tree suppliers would like you to believe they are easier to care for, it's simply not true.
Storage can quickly become a problem in NYC. The last thing you want is to have to pay to store a fake tree or worse yet, keep it in your home where it is taking up valuable closet real estate.
That's not the only place that fake trees take up space. Landfills are full of them. While a manufactured tree might last you more than a year, it isn't a forever investment. Eventually, it will wear out and need to be replaced.
Fake trees are not recyclable and will take years to break down. Real Christmas trees can easily be recycled. They've been used to build underwater habitats for fish, crafted into coasters and air fresheners, and (a favorite for New Yorkers) recycled into mulch.
Fresh Christmas trees are simply a better choice than artificial ones. When it comes to the holidays, there’s nothing quite like decorating your home with a fresh Fraser Fir, the smell filling every room.
When you order your tree from us we also deliver for free! We have the best fresh cut Christmas trees at the best prices. Order now.
]]>For us humans, the frustration is real. Our perfect Christmas tree has become a cat tower; broken ornaments and needles now litter the floor.
The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way!
While cats and Christmas trees make some exceptionally funny youtube videos, we don’t want this to happen in your home.
There are other reasons beyond the mess to keep your cat away from the Christmas tree. The tree needles can upset your pet’s stomach, and the fir’s oils can lead to excessive vomiting and drooling.
The more the cat is up in the tree, the more the needles drop, and the pets will have access to eat them. Not all cats are attracted to tree needles, but it’s even more important to keep them away if your’s tends to. Tree needles are considered mildly toxic to animals.
From your cat’s perspective, a live tree in the house is more than a gorgeous cat tower. It also comes complete with a built-in water bowl. The Tree Life Extension Solution that you add to the water is not meant for pet consumption, and neither is the sap from the tree. Both can lead to stomach irritation. Keeping your cat away from the Christmas tree is for their safety and your sanity!
Switching to a fake Christmas tree isn’t the solution (and we aren’t just saying that because we’re in the Christmas tree business ☺️ ). The fake needles are also bad for your furball and can cause vomiting and even puncture their stomachs when ingested. Then there are the decorations to take into consideration. Broken glass, electric cords, and tinsel all present their own dangers.
The good news is that just having cats does not mean you have to give up the delicious smell and beauty of a Fraser Fir. There are steps you can take to cat-proof your tree this year.
Let’s work our way from the outside in and the bottom up to remove the temptation as much as possible:
Be strategic in where you place your tree. You protect it from heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents, in order to keep it healthier longer and prevent fire.
Be just as strategic when protecting it from cat-tastrophes. Make sure it is not near furniture or a windowsill that gives the cat easy jumping access.
Arrange the room to remove as much access as possible. Don’t place it in your cat’s favorite sunning or napping area. This only sends the message that the tree really is a gift just for them.
Leave plenty of room around the tree that makes jumping difficult or near impossible.
Spray the tree’s base and the perimeter (follow the outside edges of the tree skirt) with an anti-cat spray.
You can make your own DIY Repellent Spray. Cats avoid smells like citrus, citronella, garlic, black pepper, and vinegar.
Make sure you make a spray that doesn’t upset your senses. We aren’t looking to keep the humans away too or mask the beautiful smell of the Frasier fir.
Start with a secure base so that if your cats do breach the tree, it stands a better chance of remaining upright. When shopping for a base look for a stand that is made with heavy plastic material and has metal bolts. These provide great support.
Another way to secure the tree is to use a rope. Tie the rope about halfway up the trunk and then anchor it by tying the other end to a nearby support.
Make sure your cat’s water dish is always full. This will help remove the need to look for a drink elsewhere. To further remove the temptation, cover the tree’s water source with the tree skirt.. Out of sight is out of mind.
Leave the tree up for a few days before decorating it, and keep a spray bottle with water nearby. Then, every time the cat gets within the perimeter, give her a light spray. She’s smart and will catch on quickly.
Before you add the decorations, give the tree a once-over with that DIY cat repellent you made, or add a few dried orange peels to the tree as decorations. Cats hate the smell! You can also decorate the floor around the tree with pinecones; they don’t like the feel on their feet.
Avoid decorations that look like their toys! I mean, seriously, tiny fabric mice or dangling tinsel? That’s just mean.
Opt for non-breakable ornaments so that if the cat does break through your defenses, the collateral damage won’t involve shattered glass. It makes for a much simpler clean-up and has less risk of injury for you and the cat.
If you must decorate with the fancy breakables, hang them higher on the tree, out of reach for swatting paws. You can also tie the ornaments to the tree branches to keep the cats from knocking them off the branches, or running off with a brand new toy.
Once you’ve done the work to keep your cat away from the Christmas tree, sit back and relax. Offer your furball a nice lap to sit in and enjoy the twinkling lights together.
Make us a part of your Christmas Tree tradition!
At Christmas Tree Brooklyn, we have everything you need to enjoy the holiday season, and we deliver for free throughout NYC: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Pre-order your tree today.
]]>On average, a Christmas tree needs as much water as a human, one gallon a day. Don't be alarmed if they don't drink this much every day or if they don't drink anything at all at first.
If your Christmas tree is not drinking water one day, it will make up for it the next. Like humans, their thirst will vary. Some days will require more water than others. During other days they may only take a few sips.
A lot depends on the environment they are in and the size of the tree.
Your tree requires one quart of water for every inch of its diameter.
As soon as the tree arrives in your home, water it. Don't freak out if the Christmas tree isn't drinking water right away.
It can take up to 48 hours before the tree settles in and accepts your hospitality. That's why it's so important to fill the tree stand immediately. If you wait a day and it's hesitant, then that's 72 hours before it takes that first drink.
Check your tree's water every single day.
Never let the water drop below the base.
You don't want to let the water level dip below the base of the trunk. The cut needs always to be touching the water to drink it. Trees need to drink from a fresh cut, not one that's hardened over from sap.
If you arrive home with your tree and the cut isn't fresh, you'll need to make a new cut. Saw two inches off the bottom before placing it in water. Make sure not to cut off the bark to fit the stand; this will damage the tree and hinder it from drinking all it needs.
Having a fresh cut is one of the reasons having the tree delivered and set up is optimal to going to a tree lot and picking one out yourself.
Contrary to what your grandmother told you, sugar water and/or sprite is not the best food for a tree. White processed sugar isn't great for our bodies or your new living addition to the den.
Your tree also does not need aspirin, and please don't give it bleach. This isn't just a hazard for the tree but also for any pets or small children who might be tempted to take a sip.
So what do you put in Christmas tree water to keep the tree fresh? We're glad you asked.
Fresh, clean water is the absolute most important thing you can give your tree. However, it will benefit from tree nutrition specially created to help it stay fresh longer.
At CTB we have a specially formulated Tree Life Extension Solution to help your Fraser Fir maintain its freshness. It's a blend of the nutrients it needs to retain its delicious smell and vibrant colors. So make sure to add the solution to your order at checkout and our elves will deliver it along with your tree.
To review and make it simpler to remember, we've broken down the steps necessary to water your Christmas tree.
Choose the freshest tree possible. Find one that is well-branched, has an attractive shape, and is freshly cut. Of course, another great solution is to let our elves do this for you! We've already picked out the finest Fraser Firs from the farm, ensuring that every single one we deliver is fresh and vibrant.
We are so confident you'll love it that we have a Perfect Christmas Tree guarantee.
Place the tree in a stand with a water reservoir. Make sure that the water is always touching the base of the tree.
Keep your tree away from heat sources (e.g., fireplaces) and drafts (e.g., doors or windows)
Make sure the cats aren't drinking the Christmas tree water!
Check the water level every single day. Do it every morning while you're drinking your coffee so that you don't forget. Make it a habit, just like feeding the children or walking the dog.
When you follow the steps above, your tree will remain fresher longer. Not only does that mean it won't drop those pesky needles on your floor, but it will also smell nicer, and stay greener longer. Watering daily will keep your tree from drying out. Following all of the steps above will help reduce the fire risk of adding Christmas decorations to your house.
Remember at the beginning of the season to always check your fire alarms and replace the batteries. Also, keep your tree away from fireplaces and space heaters. In addition to making sure your tree doesn't dry out, make sure to check the electrical decorations that you add to the tree. Don't use frayed or exposed electrical wires.
For safe ways to recycle your tree after the holidays, check out the Old Farmer's Almanac, or add that service on at checkout when you order your tree from us and we'll take care of the recycling too!
Start and end your holiday with a beautiful Fraser Fir. Order your tree today!
]]>Adding ribbon to the tree does not have to be complicated. Here’s what you’ll need:
Before we begin, put the scissors down. No cutting until you’ve sorted through the following Christmas tree ribbon ideas and landed on your favorite. Seriously, I don’t want to add a stapler to the list or have to send you back to the store.
Patience.
Take a look at all of these beautiful designs! A Christmas tree with ribbon can work with nearly any decor and in any space, and it doesn’t matter if you have a lot of ribbon to work with or just a little.
Now that we’ve gone scrolling for inspiration, it’s time to make some decisions.
Who knew decorating a Christmas tree with ribbon came with so many options?
It’s not an if your tree will look like it came right out of a magazine because it will. The question actually is which ribbon display to choose from.
The good news is that whatever you decide, hanging ribbon from a tree is not nearly as complicated as the trend to hang the Christmas tree from the ceiling. You’ve got this one. Easy.
To make the creative process a little easier, we do have a few tips for putting ribbon on a Christmas tree.
Put on some Christmas music and make a cup of hot chocolate! Set the mood. Tree decorating is a process to be enjoyed.
Kick the pets out of the room. Having a cat chase ribbon as you’re unwinding it might be funny now, but it won’t be tomorrow when the cat thinks his toy is up a tree and tries to rescue it. Plus, no one wants dog slobbered on ribbons. That’s just not pretty.
Use a wired ribbon and wait till you’ve made your decision to cut any strips. The store is crowded. You don’t want to go back out there. In fact, if it’s not deliverable, just don’t bother (the same can be said for the tree).
You can use one design or color of ribbon for the entire tree or mix it up and get creative. Themes are fun, but so is spontaneity.
The same is true for how you hang the ribbon. Try varying your sizes. Hang long strands from top to bottom but then twist a few smaller ones to frame ornaments. Play with the many options, mix and match.
When you put ribbon on the Christmas tree, it can function as the primary decoration or accent the others.
Get creative! It’s your tree.
Build some memories that will last for years. So whether you prefer an evening alone with Christmas music and wine, or are someone who throws a party and the tinsel randomly, honor your holiday spirit and don’t skimp on the ribbon.
For those who want a tad bit more guidance, here’s a great 16 minute tutorial on how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree (5 different techniques).
This holiday, give yourself a break. Let our Christmas elves deliver and set up your tree while you cut the ribbon!
We have everything you need to enjoy the holiday season at Christmas Tree Brooklyn, and we deliver for free throughout NYC: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Pre-order your tree today.
]]>