The best tree skirts

The Valery Madelyn 48-inch Tree Skirt will look right at home in homes with a traditional style.

Some of the online product copy written about the Valery Madelyn 48-inch Tree Skirt refers to its look as a "classic baroque style." At first, I thought that description was a bit overwrought, but on closer consideration, I think they're spot on. The skirt looks rather demure from a distance, with a deep burgundy background and gray-gold ruffle that rather blend in with the greater tableau of a space, but seen up close, the surface is adorned with intricate swirling golden stitching and punctuated by silver sequins.

This tree skirt manages to be both regal and refined while still having just a touch of playful flash. In fact, the darker the room, the more the skirt will stand out, as Christmas light and/or a crackling fire make its gold and silver highlights sparkle.

At 48 inches in diameter, the Valery Madelyn Luxury Collection Gold and Burgundy Tree Skirt is large enough for most trees you're likely to install in the home or at a business. And with its quality fabrication and a set of Velcro straps holding it securely closed along the slit, the skirt is suitable for use in high traffic areas.

The Valery Madelyn Luxury Collection Gold and Burgundy Tree Skirt has a shining 4.7-star average rating on Amazon. A customer named Jessica T. said that it's the "most beautiful tree skirt [she has] ever seen," adding that it's "even more beautiful in person."

This skirt is a top seller from retailers all over the internet as well as with brick-and-mortar stores thanks to the confluence of elegant looks and a fair price.

Pros: Lovely subtle styling, plush velvet material, durable Velcro tabs

Cons: Will not match some interior design schemes

The Ivenf Christmas Tree Skirt measures 48-inches in diameter and has a simple but appealing geometric scallop trim.

Measuring 48 inches in diameter, the Ivenf Christmas Tree Skirt is a great midsize tree skirt that should work with most trees standing anywhere from 6 to 8 feet tall. That means it's a skirt you can enjoy year after year, even if your Christmas trees tend to vary in height from one holiday to the next.

The tree skirt is made of rich burgundy-colored polyester that has the look of burlap and features a ring of overlapping scallop trim. It looks great beneath a dark green pine tree and complements wood floors, neutral-colored carpeting, and tile.

If you're looking for a super affordable tree skirt that is actually large enough for trees of standard height, this is it. Don't worry, though, this skirt is only cheap in price. It's actually surprisingly well-made with two layers of fabric and a Velcro-closure.

On Amazon, the Ivenf Christmas Tree Skirt has a 4.9-star rating overall. Even better, the company guarantees a replacement or full refund if you're not satisfied. —Lisa Sabatini

Pros: Great low price; simple but elegant design; good midrange size; full refund offered if not satisfied

Cons: May clash with carpeting that is warm in color

The Kurt Adler Embroidered and Pleated 60-Inch Tree Skirt is almost a full foot larger in diameter than the next biggest one on our list, so it's perfect for a tall tree.

If you've got a big tree, you gotta get a big tree skirt. As a general rule of thumb, a Christmas tree should be at least 6 inches shorter than the ceiling of the room in which it will reside. Or shorter still if a star, angel, or other decorative crown will top it. So a room with an 8-foot ceiling should have a 7- or 7.5-foot tree, a room with 9-foot ceilings can accommodate an eight to eight and a half-foot tree, and so on.

As trees get taller, keep in mind that they also get wider. The average width of a Christmas tree standing 8 feet tall is just under 5 feet wide, so if you will get a tree that tall or taller, you will need quite a large tree skirt to catch its falling needles and simply to look proportionate.

At 5 feet across, the Kurt Adler Embroidered and Pleated Tree Skirt is up to the task of serving those bigger, wider trees. It is made of polyester and has a deep red color punctuated by snowflake designs in varied sizes. The narrow pleated trim caps off an elegantly simple design that looks lovely on all sorts of flooring.

While this is by far the most expensive tree skirt on our list, it's to be expected that the price rises as the size increases. Also remember that the best thing about a big, wide tree and a large tree skirt is the fact that it provides more room for presents.

A customer named Lauren praises this tree skirt's "very high-quality material" and the "linen-like look" of the material. An owner named Carole called it "well made" and a great size and said she looked forward to the skirt adorning her "Christmas tree for years to come."

Pros: Great size for large trees, crisp and attractive design, durable construction

Cons: Rather expensive, no ties or tabs to secure slit

The best Christmas decorations you can buy

A beautifully decorated home is part of the wonder of the holiday season. We've rounded up the best decorating essentials for your home to make it easier for you.

That's why we've gathered up the top suggestions for a wide range of Christmas décor. Whether you go all-out decorating for the holidays, or just stick with a tree covered with a few glass balls, we've got the best of the best for your holiday home.

Here are the best Christmas decorations you can buy:

• Best tree stand: Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand
• Best ornaments: Shop all ornaments at Target
• Best tree topper: Christmas Snowman Tree Hugger
• Best tree skirt: Primode Holiday Images 50-Inch Tree Skirt
• Best wreath for your front door: Woodland Eucalyptus Wreath
• Best stockings: Needlepoint Stockings from L.L. Bean
• Best garland: Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Plaza Garland
• Best advent calendar: Byer's Choice Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

The best Christmas lights you can buy

Holiday decorations bring feelings of warmth and cheer even in the darkest and coldest days of the year. Testing, setting up, and connecting Christmas lights can be anything but a joyful experience, though.

To that end, this year I've worked to assemble a buying guide filled primarily with holiday lights that not only look great, but that also make your life easier.

Here are the best Christmas lights you can buy:

• Best Christmas lights overall: KooPower Waterproof Battery Fairy Lights
• Best Christmas lights: Good Tidings Light Ceramic Multi-Colored Holiday Lights
• Best solar Christmas lights: VMANOO Solar Powered String Lights
• Best mini Christmas lights: Brizled LED Mini String Christmas Lights
• Best permanent Christmas lights: Everlights Starter Kit

The best tree skirts you can buy

Tree skirts add a dash of color and style to your holiday decor while hiding away that unsightly tree stand and all the Christmas light cords.

Here are the best tree skirts you can buy:

• Best tree skirt overall: Primode Holiday Images 50-Inch Tree Skirt
• Best traditional tree skirt: Valery Madelyn 48-Inch Tree Skirt
• Best mini tree skirt: VHC Brands Burlap Mini Tree Skirt
• Best affordable tree skirt: Ivenf Christmas Tree Skirt
• Best large tree skirt: Kurt Adler Embroidered and Pleated 60-Inch Tree Skirt

The best Christmas tree stands you can buy

The best Christmas tree stands are designed to last for many decades, have a stable base that holds plenty of water, are easy to set up, and store easily after the holidays are over.

Here are the best tree skirts you can buy:

• Best Christmas tree stand overall: Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand
• Best screw-in Christmas tree stand: Jack-Post Welded Steel Christmas Tree Stand
• Best Christmas tree stand for artificial trees: National Tree Folding Tree Stand
• Best full-sized, live Christmas tree stand on a budget: Cinco C Express Tree Stand.