Over the past 17 years we’ve decorated many homes for the holidays, so we’ve developed favorite approaches and go-to items for decking the halls. Finding the right Christmas tree lights can feel surprisingly difficult, but after trying countless decorations, we’ve narrowed down what works best. This post is a single source for photos, ideas, and thoughtfully chosen favorites—from artificial trees to outdoor greenery and lighting—so you can get inspired and shop with confidence.

In this post we cover our top picks for:

• Artificial Christmas trees
• Outdoor faux evergreen trees
• Real holiday greenery
• Christmas lights and light timers
• Tabletop holiday decorations
• Other seasonal decor favorites

Where possible we reference the exact items we bought. Because holiday items are seasonal and can sell out, you may find similar alternatives in many cases.

Our Favorite Artificial Christmas Trees

In our current, smaller house we prefer a slim 6.5-foot prelit tree because it doesn’t dominate the room. Its narrower base fits neatly into corners and small nooks while still feeling like a proper centerpiece. We often set the tree inside a woven ottoman or basket to add texture and hide the stand—this gives a cozy, finished look without taking up extra floor space. A woven tree collar is another simple styling option for a similar textured effect.

That same slim 6.5-foot tree works well in many spots around the house; it easily frames a door or window and can be enjoyed from multiple rooms. For larger spaces, we’ve used a 7.5-foot full tree that felt impressively realistic once decorated and lit. Even after the factory lights failed, we rewrapped it because we loved the shape and fullness.

One of the most convincingly real-looking trees we owned was a full, wide model that invited guests to touch the branches. It’s ideal for grander rooms where a taller, fuller tree can make a real statement. Pairing a tree with faux sheepskin rugs around the base instantly enhances the cozy vibe.

For a compact, classic look we’ve also used a spaced-branch 6.5-foot “Charlie Brown” style tree in smaller homes. Its sparser branches are perfect for showcasing ornaments and garlands without feeling cluttered. Smaller tabletop trees—around three feet tall—are great for bonus rooms, kids’ rooms, or as secondary trees decorated with sentimental or handmade ornaments.

Finally, a durable storage bag makes storing larger trees in an attic or closet far easier than wrestling with the original box. Look for one with sturdy handles and reinforced seams to protect your tree year after year.

Christmas tree extras we love: woven ottomans or baskets, tree collars, faux sheepskin rugs, and a reliable storage bag for offseason safekeeping.

Our Favorite Outdoor Faux Evergreen Trees

Outdoor faux evergreens are low-maintenance, look great year-round, and become extra festive with lights at the holidays. We use potted faux trees on our porch and sometimes spray-paint them for a unique finish. Placing them in lightweight planters makes rearranging easy, and warm white LED string lights add a welcoming glow.

We also use smaller faux evergreen trees that look realistic year-round on porches and entryways. They’re so convincing that you don’t need to add lights, though warm white LEDs make them truly festive at night.

Our Favorite Real Holiday Greenery

There’s something special about fresh greenery. Seasonal magnolia wreaths, fresh garlands from local stores, and live tabletop trees bring authentic scent and texture to holiday spaces. A full magnolia wreath can last several weeks when kept cool and hydrated, and fresh garlands are easy to hang across windows or over the kitchen sink with a couple of small nails.

Live tabletop trees are a lovely option for counters, side tables, or entry consoles. Kids especially enjoy decorating small trees with handmade felt ornaments or simple craft sets. A pretty pot or basket instantly upgrades a small live tree into a decorative accent.

Use a letterboard, a bowl of ornaments and clipped branches, or a simple seasonal plate to refresh everyday decor with holiday touches—small changes can make a room feel festive without a major overhaul.

Our Favorite Christmas Lights & Light Timers

String lights are holiday magic in a box—especially warm white LEDs, which give that cozy glow that cooler whites don’t replicate. We now use warm white LED strings both indoors and outdoors because they last longer, offer useful twinkle settings, and handle year-round use.

Battery-operated fairy lights are a budget-friendly way to add glow to mantels, garlands, and vases. Solar fairy lights are a great hands-off option for outdoor planters and paths. For flameless candle ambiance, remote-controlled battery candles are safe and easy to use on mantels or as table centerpieces.

We use compact smart plugs indoors to control tree lights without crawling behind the tree. They respond to voice commands and can be added to routines so your holiday lights turn on and off automatically. For outdoor lighting, simple timers provide set-and-forget control; smart outdoor timers add remote access and scheduling flexibility for year-round patio lights.

Our Favorite Tabletop Holiday Decorations

Tabletop decor is where small treasures make a big impact. We collect feather trees, bottlebrush trees, small wooden trees, and light-up mercury glass pieces. Mixing textures and sizes on shelves or consoles creates an inviting vignette that feels curated yet effortless.

A dough bowl filled with shatterproof or glass ornaments is an easy, reusable centerpiece. Small decorative touches—like a brass menorah to honor family traditions, painted craft-store deer, or a festive plate leaned on a shelf—add personality without taking up much space.

Small, whimsical finds—like iridescent tabletop trees from discount spots—can become staple decorations. Grouped together on floating shelves or a mantel they feel playful and modern.

Other Favorite Holiday Decor Items

A realistic faux wreath can live on a door or wall for years without fading. Cozy stockings—cabled, knitted, or tasseled—add warmth to the mantel, and little personal touches like charm chains or handmade labels make them feel unique. If you prefer a woven look around the tree base, a tree collar or basket provides quick polish without much effort.

A playful porch idea we love: fill rubber rain boots with faux or real branches for a cheerful, unexpected accent on the stoop. It’s an easy DIY that adds color and personality to any entryway.

Before I sign off to enjoy some holiday silliness, note that our gift guides are already published and include dozens of ideas across budgets—perfect if you’re still shopping or looking for stocking stuffers. Happy decorating and enjoy creating a cozy, festive home this season.

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