The best live tabletop Christmas tree
While faux Christmas trees have many benefits, they also have one huge deficit: They lack the potent conifer fragrance that adds so much impact to a real tree. And no, spraying pine-scented air freshener on an artificial tree just isn't the same.
With the Christmas Reindeer Live Tree With Lights from L.L.Bean, that's not a problem. This beautiful little tree is a dwarf Alberta spruce, so it smells just as fresh from the forest as it looks. Even better, it arrives ready to display — already decorated with white LED lights, a wooden reindeer ornament, tiny pinecones, and clusters of faux red berries. You can add more ornaments if you'd like, or simply set the tree wherever you want a touch of holiday spirit.
The tree is in a rustic silver-tone galvanized pot, so there's no need to worry about a stand or a mess on your table. You don't even need to look for an electrical outlet; the LED lights run off three AA batteries (not included) and a built-in timer that keeps the lights shining for up to six hours at a time.
As this is a living tree, measurements can vary, but your tree will be between 22 and 26 inches tall, with an 8- to 9-inch diameter. Once the holidays are over, if you live in a cold-weather area (USDA gardening zones 3 to 6 are best), you can plant your tree right in your garden, where it potentially will slowly grow to a full height of 8 to 10 feet tall.
L.L.Bean starts shipping their live Christmas trees the week of Thanksgiving, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your tabletop tree.
Pros: Nothing beats the fragrance of a real Christmas tree
Cons: Expensive, will drop needles if the air is too dry or hot
The best artificial tabletop Christmas tree
Most Christmas trees, whether large or small, artificial or real, have a traditional inverted triangle shape, thick needles, and a bushy appearance. World Market's Pre-Lit Faux Tree With Gold Berries and Pinecones, on the other hand, has more of a natural forest-grown shape and appearance that's perfect for those who prefer a more rustic look.
The tree comes pre-strung with 50 white lights that can be set to blink or hold steady, faux gold berries, and real albeit tiny pinecones. A burlap-covered base wrapped with a green velvet ribbon finishes the display. You can gently bend the branches to your desired position, but this is not the extremely full Douglas fir style Christmas tree that's most commonly seen this time of year.
Go ahead and add more ornaments if you'd like, or just show off the tree as is. Either way, it's sure to add lots of festive flair to your buffet, coffee or side table, dresser, or even that hard-to-decorate alcove under the staircase.
The tree is approximately 36 inches tall with a 7-inch diameter base and runs off AA batteries.
Pros: Rustic, realistic appearance; pre-decorated and ready to display
Cons: If you prefer the traditional Douglas fir Christmas tree, this isn't your style
The best traditional tabletop Christmas tree
If you love the convenience of a faux tree — no precarious trip home from the tree lot with it strapped to the top of your car, no shed needles, no need to water — but also love the look of those traditional tree-lot offerings, you'll find the best of both worlds in the 3-foot Kincaid Spruce from National Tree.
The artificial conifer is 36 inches tall, 22 inches in diameter, and thickly packed with 113 branch tips. That means you can load it with lights, garland, and ornaments without fear of drooping branches or bare spots. It has a sturdy stand, so you won't need to worry about it wobbling or tipping over, but it's still a good idea to keep pets away from temptation.
Assembly is a breeze. Just snap the two pieces of the tree together, attach the stand, unfold the branches, and then fluff and bend the branches until they're perfect. Within minutes, your tree is ready for trimming. Set it on a sturdy table or cabinet, tuck it into a corner, or use it to decorate the office breakroom. It's the perfect size and shape for any fairly small space.
Once the holidays are over, the tree easily comes apart and folds down for storage in its reusable box.
Pros: Reasonable price, realistic appearance, traditional shape
Cons: You'll need to take time to bend and fluff the branches, but that's true of most faux Christmas trees
The best fiber optic tabletop Christmas tree
The Holiday Time Fiber Optic Christmas Tree is definitely not a realistic tree, so if you want something that looks like it came from the tree farm, this isn't for you. But if you prefer an eye-catching tree that is so colorful you won't even need to add ornaments, you'll love this riot-of-color tree. And if you have children, this is likely going to be their very favorite holiday decoration. In fact, since it's such a compact size, you might even want to go ahead and set it up in their bedroom.
When the tree is unplugged, it's a white, 32-inch tree in a silvery base. It's when the tree is plugged in — either to an electrical outlet or a USB plug — that the magic starts. Each of the 83 branches has fiber optic lights that slowly dance through a rainbow of colors. While you can certainly add ornaments, a tree this colorful can easily stand on its own.
At 32 inches high, the tree is small enough to fit on a counter, table, or hutch, or even liven up your work cubicle. It does need to be close to a power source, however.
Pros: Very colorful and fun with ever-changing pre-strung fiber optic lights
Cons: Not at all realistic, not as full as some faux trees
The best decorated tabletop Christmas tree
If you want a tiny tree for your desk, window, or to serve as the centerpiece on your holiday table, the Holiday Aisle Green Fir Artificial Christmas Tree is your answer. It might only be a foot high, but it comes loaded with 20 clear LED lights, ornaments, and bows, and sits in a pretty red basket. Add a little topper of your own, if you'd like, or display the tree as is.
The tree arrives with lights and decorations already in place, so setup is as easy as removing the tree from its box and fluffing up the branches. VoilÀ, you have holiday cheer! You can even use this mini tree to decorate the bathroom or a guest room dresser — what a treat for your holiday guests.
The lights require three AA batteries (not included), and there's a small on/off switch on the base. Once the holidays are over, it's easy to store the tree in its box. At such a great price, you might want to buy a few extras for the office gift exchange or to use as hostess gifts.
Pros: Decorations and lights are included, small size is very versatile
Cons: Doesn't include a tree topper
Check out our other great Christmas decorating guides
Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way. Now they offer a much more realistic and festive look during the holiday season than their predecessors. Here are the best artificial Christmas trees:
- Best live tabletop Christmas tree: Christmas Reindeer Live Tree with Lights
- Best natural-looking tabletop Christmas tree: Pre-Lit Faux Tree with Gold Berries and Pinecones
- Best traditional-looking tabletop Christmas tree: Kincaid Spruce (3 Feet)
- Best nontraditional tabletop tree with fiber optic lights: Holiday Time Fiber Optic Christmas Tree
- Best pre-decorated tabletop tree: Green Fir Artificial Christmas Tree
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. Here are our favorite decorations:
- The best faux tree: National Tree Company's Douglas Fir
- The best tree stand: Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand
- The best ornaments: Shop all ornaments at Target
- The best tree topper: Christmas Snowman Tree Hugger
- The best wreath for your front door: Woodland Eucalyptus Wreath
- The best stockings: Needlepoint Stockings from L.L. Bean
- The best garland: Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Plaza Garland
Sure, those old strands of tiny incandescent bulbs you have tangled up in boxes on the garage shelves are probably fine, but these lights are definitely better. Upgrade your light game this season with these shining examples of great holiday lights. Here are the best Christmas lights you can buy:
- Best holiday lights overall: KooPower Waterproof Battery Fairy Lights
- Best holiday lights: Good Tidings Light Ceramic Multi-Colored Holiday Lights
- Best light projector: TOFU Laser Projector Light
- Best solar holiday lights: VMANOO Solar Powered String Lights
- Best mini holiday lights: Brizled LED Mini String Lights
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