THE REAL THING

There’s nothing like the uplifting scent of a real Christmas tree to get you feeling festive, and the ritual of choosing one is just as important as decorating it. If you’re going authentic, these are the key things to remember before you hand over your cash…

Check it’s fresh To make sure you get the best tree for your home, check for freshness before you buy. Give it a shake a few inches above the ground to ensure most of its needles remain in place.

Inspect container varieties Some Christmas trees are container-grown, which means they have been in their pots for at least one season. They tend to be small – usually no more than three feet tall. It’s often possible to lift the tree out of the pot to inspect its whole root system and ensure it’s healthy and intact. The tree itself should look verdant and perky.

Choose the right size It may seem obvious, but measure the height of your ceiling and the floor area where you’re going to place your tree. Take a tape measure with you when you go to buy it, and be sure to allow enough space for a decoration to sit on top and for a stand in which to place it.