Christow green spruce Christmas tree with a hessian-wrapped base (2ft)

Description

Sometimes the nicest part of Christmas decorating is choosing what goes on the tree. This little Christow green spruce leaves that pleasure entirely to you. Its plain branches and hessian-wrapped base make an attractive starting point for family ornaments, a carefully chosen colour scheme or a very simple display with just a few lights.

At two feet tall, it is small enough for a table but large enough to feel like a proper Christmas tree. It is also a good choice if you love the shape and greenery of a tree without wanting a room full of sparkling decorations.

Mixed foliage for a fuller shape

The spruce has 75 tips made from a combination of PVC and polyethylene. Using different types of foliage adds variation to the branches and helps create a bushier outline. The green finish is the version supplied here; other finishes are available if you prefer a different winter look.

The branches arrive compressed for transport. Follow the included preparation guide, gently pulling the stems out and separating the needles until you are happy with the shape. Turn the tree as you work so that the back receives the same attention as the front. It is easier to arrange the foliage before any lights or ornaments go on.

A small canvas for favourite decorations

A set of miniature baubles will keep the proportions comfortable, while narrow ribbon can introduce colour without adding much weight. For a natural scheme, try wooden stars and a few small pinecones. You could also keep the tree completely bare, letting its evergreen shape provide a calm counterpoint to busier decorations elsewhere.

Customers who chose the green spruce have enjoyed adding their own lights and small baubles. Its compact size and sturdy feel receive positive comments, although expectations of realism vary. It is an artificial decorative tree, and careful shaping and thoughtful placement help make the most of its mixed foliage.

A wrapped base that looks finished

The weighted base is covered in hessian to suggest the root ball of a young tree. That means you can put it straight on display without shopping for a separate decorative container. For polished furniture, a small protective mat underneath is a useful finishing touch.

The tree can also be used outside. Add extra weight around the base or place it inside a heavier pot if it will be exposed to movement or wind, and choose a position where it can stand securely. Any lights you add should be suitable for their intended location.

Keep the reinforced box for storage. Once Christmas is over, remove your decorations and fold the branches in gently, ready to open out again next year. A plain little spruce is wonderfully adaptable: it can follow your changing Christmas colours without needing to be replaced.