It’s the age old debate Fresh versus Faux when it comes to this season’s Christmas Tree and other holiday decor. While there are benefits to both, we’ll break it down while showing you how to select real looking foliage. We’ve grouped three categories: Christmas Tree, Wreaths & Centerpieces and Poinsettias & Plants. 

CHRISTMAS TREE

From Firs to Spruces, Pines and Cedars, the best aspect of having a faux tree is that it’s full customizable to your home and style. You can pick size, shape, species and even whether it’s pre-lit or snow flocked. We love Balsam Hill because with some many decisions, how to know what is best for your family. They have a simple Tree Finder Quiz on their website as well as a Sample Branch Kit that can be sent to your home. We found this the most helpful when it came to understanding what a Noble Fir would look like versus a Yukon Spruce or a Scotch Pine. To feel the texture of the foliage and see the realistic scale informed our ultimate decision on which tree to select. Find the artificial tree best for your family at Balsam Hill Trees.

CENTERPIECE AND WREATHS

Displaying a Christmas tree and hanging a wreath often go hand in hand. Dating back to the 16th century, pruning the tree was part of the process. They would take the trimmings and use them to make a wreath or decorate other parts of the house. Hung on the door or a window, the wreath has been viewed as an invitation to the spirit of Christmas to enter the home. It also suggests that the Christmas spirit dwells within. The circular shape and evergreen material of wreaths symbolize eternal life. maybe what wreaths represent, and then talk about centerpieces too. We love Balsam Hill for wreaths and greenery. Whether you want a wreath for your front door, garland to decorate the mantle or a centerpiece to bring your table to life, they have so many great options. We love that we save money every year and we can use them indoors or outdoors.

POINSETTIAS AND PLANTS

Poinsettias are considered the Christmas flower, and many people give them to symbolize good cheer and success. In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is thought to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, with the red leaves as the blood of Christ.

Most would say the best time to buy a real poinsettia is the second week of December, however with most American families choosing to start their holiday decorating earlier and earlier with the weekend after Thanksgiving being the true marker, Balsam Hill faux poinsettias would be the way to go to have the power to last the entire holiday season. Plus you can get them prelit, use them year after year and they can be used inside or outside since the elements are no longer an issue.

Fresh vs. Faux: The Holiday Decor Foliage Decision