Over the past 17 years we’ve decorated many homes for the holidays and developed go-to methods and favorite items for decking the halls. Finding the best Christmas tree lights can feel like a quest, but after trying countless decorations this post brings together photos, ideas, and our tried-and-true picks—everything from faux Christmas trees we love to outdoor lighting choices (John insists there’s a correct light temperature).
In this post we cover our favorites across categories:
- Artificial Christmas trees
- Outdoor faux evergreen trees
- Real holiday greenery
- Christmas lights and light timers
- Tabletop holiday decorations
- Other seasonal decor items
Whenever possible we link to the exact items we own. Since holiday products can be seasonal or sell out, we also link to similar alternatives when the original is unavailable.
Our Favorite Artificial Christmas Trees
In our current smaller home we prefer a 6.5-foot tree with a narrower base that slips into corners and nooks without overwhelming the room. We store ours in a wicker-style ottoman for texture, and a woven tree collar is another easy way to add warmth.
The same 6.5-foot tree works well in other spots of the house because it’s narrower at the base. Placed near the front door it looks great from the street and can be enjoyed from multiple rooms.
For larger spaces, our 7.5-foot tree that we used for years in a bigger home felt very full and realistic. Even after the original prelit strands failed, we rewired it with new lights because we loved the shape and fullness.
This particular tree looked so authentic that people would reach out to touch it. It’s a good choice for grander rooms where you have floor space for a wider tree. We also like draping faux sheepskin rugs around the base for extra cozy appeal.
For a compact, classic look we used a 6.5-foot “Charlie Brown” style tree in our beach house. Its spaced branches show off ornaments and garlands nicely while keeping storage compact.
We also use small tabletop trees—about 3 feet tall—in bonus rooms and kids’ spaces. They’re perfect for felt or handmade ornaments and add a lot of charm without taking up much space.
To protect and store artificial trees, a sturdy Christmas tree storage bag with handles makes climbing attic stairs or moving the tree much easier than a boxed tree.
Our Favorite Outdoor Faux Evergreen Trees
Zero-maintenance outdoor faux trees are great year-round and especially festive for the holidays. We used a set of potted outdoor faux trees on our porch and painted them copper for a custom look. Warm white LED lights on potted trees and garlands create a welcoming glow.
We’ve also used smaller faux evergreen trees at duplex and beach properties year-round; they look realistic and require no upkeep. You can leave them plain or add lights for extra sparkle.
Our Favorite Real Holiday Greenery
Real greenery is irreplaceable in scent and texture. In Richmond we hosted wreath-making events and giant magnolia wreaths lasted a month or two. Fresh garlands from grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or Costco make quick, seasonal accents over windows and sinks. Live tabletop trees from local nurseries or delivered options are also a favorite for added authenticity.
Kids enjoy decorating small live trees with felt or handmade ornaments. A pretty pot or a simple container is all you need to make a tabletop tree feel special.
We keep inexpensive felt ornament sets and a cute pot on hand so decorating becomes an easy family activity.
Our Favorite Christmas Lights & Light Timers
String lights instantly elevate a space, and timers make holiday lighting effortless. We prefer warm white lights for that cozy, inviting glow—both indoors and outdoors. LED warm white options now offer long life and twinkle settings while working for indoor and outdoor use.
Battery-operated fairy lights are an affordable way to add glow to mantels, garlands, and vases, and solar fairy lights automatically come on at sundown for outdoor accents. Battery-operated LED faux candles are a safe, remote-controlled option for mantles and tabletops.
For convenience we use compact smart plugs to turn trees on and off without crawling behind the tree. They integrate with voice assistants and routines for hands-free control. For outdoor lights we prefer a simple set-and-forget outdoor timer with multiple settings and the option of a remote, or a smart outdoor timer for more on-demand control.
Our Favorite Tabletop Holiday Decorations
Tabletop pieces are some of the most delightful items to pull from storage each year. Feather trees, bottlebrush trees, and small mercury glass light-up trees add texture and whimsy to shelves and mantels. Mixing sizes and materials creates a layered, collected look.
A dough bowl filled with ornaments is an easy centerpiece—use shatterproof ornaments for kid-friendly spaces or glass ornaments for a more elegant display. A simple Menorah is meaningful for families who celebrate both holidays together, and handmade or spray-painted craft pieces—like bright red cardboard reindeer—add personality without a big budget.
Small touches like a vintage-style holiday plate displayed in the kitchen, a bowl of ornaments paired with evergreen clippings, or a letterboard with a festive message transform everyday surfaces into seasonal vignettes. Iridescent tabletop trees and other inexpensive finds can be collected over time for a joyful display.
Other Favorite Holiday Decor Items
Some items don’t fit neatly into categories but are worth mentioning: realistic faux wreaths that hold up year after year, cozy knitted or cable-knit stockings, woven tree collars for a textured base, and playful porch displays like rubber boots filled with faux fir for a whimsical touch.
Thanks for reading—now if you’ll excuse me, I need a moment to enjoy a holiday pun and a quick laugh. If you’re looking for gift ideas, our 2023 holiday gift guide is available with nearly 70 suggestions at a range of price points.
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