There's no better way to mark the start of the Christmas season than by dragging a fir tree indoors, just like pagans would in times of yore. There's something about the smell of fresh pine that'll get even hardened Scrooges into the yule spirit: before you know it, you'll be booking festive shows, compulsively viewing Christmas lights and chugging mulled wine at every winter pop-up in London.
Give your decor a tasteful nod to Christmas frivolities by getting a mini tree for the mantelpiece, head to a Christmas market to pick a fancy fir, or go all out with a 12 footer from a local garden centre. But before you make your choice, here are some tips and tricks...
Know your Christmas trees
The Norway spruce is the tree that generations of Brits have grown up with: but although its shape is traditional and the price is affordable, you're likely to be hoovering its needles out of the carpet til Easter. The Nordmann fir is a pricier alternative that hangs onto its needles and is softer and glossier (so fewer spiked fingers). If you're after a rich fragrance, seek out the rare Scots pine for its delicious scent. Or make a fashion statement with the blue spruce, which has a gorgeous silvery hue.
Get to grips with dimensions
Don’t buy a tree until you've measured the space you want to put it in, taking into account ceiling height and the fact that the stand you pick will likely add an inch or two. Bear in mind that the tree's width will likely expand threefold once that netting has been snipped off: ask your tree seller to unsnip your purchase if you want to check it's symmetrical. You can always chop away unnecessary branches (although remember, children under 12 should not handle chainsaws unsupervised).
When Christmas is over...
If you’ve not arranged a tree pick-up, your local council should offer a tree recycling service. See www.londonrecycles.co.uk for details.
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