Are you a rock ‘n’ roll star, a festive refusenik, or a traditionalist all the way? Which tree decorating style do you most associate with?
The tree is at the heart of any festive decorating. How you do yours says so much about your personality or the kind of person you want to project.
Real or faux, Nordmann fir or Norway Spruce, tinsel or velvet ribbons?
So many questions.
Trad tree all the way
In your household, a real tree is non-negotiable.
It must be fragrant, brush the tip of the ceiling and be in situ this weekend.
As per the lead image, you prefer baubles that have been in the family for generations, each one evoking a particular person or a cherished Christmas memory.
Some of these people are no longer with you, and it is a way of paying tribute to them.
It features warm white lights, gold stars and baubles and some slim white bows, as a nod to the fact that they’re trending this season, as shown on this tee from UK-based Oka.
Fun novelty factor
Make the festive season fun.
One of three ornaments designed by Alessi for its Treebies collection, this pair of mouth-blown, hand-painted glass baubles will instantly animate your tree.
Created by studio PlayLab, a set of Carol eyes will subtly transform the Christmas tree from a static decoration into a more lifelike presence – a gentle guardian of the holiday spirit and general mischief maker.
Just like you. Price €35, ex delivery from The Finnish Design Shop.
Disco forever
There are just too many parties, long lunches and OG get-togethers on your to-do list to take the time to go buy a real tree.
And even if you didn’t have such a fizzing social life, where would you accommodate a giant tree in a shared house where you don’t even get to own a shelf in the fridge?
This magenta pink number can be installed in minutes.
The pink heart be kind decoration costs €11.95 and the pink striped disco ball, €33, both from April and the Bear.
The Fingood artificial tree, €12, from Amazon, is similar to that shown.
Protest against conformity
Why run with the crowd and go through all the hassle of queuing up to buy a tree, load it onto the car or pay to have it delivered, wrestle it through the house and then spend hours decorating it, with the lumpen teenagers in your household won’t lift a finger to help.
You don’t like to run with the crowd anyway, so this bare tree trunk decorated with paper stars is a peaceful protest against the pressures of conforming to Christmas.
Sostrene Grene sells a range of paper stars from about €1.84 to €11.78 each.
Rock ‘n’ roll star
You’re not the oldest swinger in town, but rather someone who just wants to have a loud Christmas, in every sense of the word.
That means plenty of living room discos, pogoing to the Sex Pistols and glam rocking to T Rex.
Christmas tree dressing is easy and effective with Rockett St George neon pink 180 cm long tinsel trails, €21 each, ex delivery, that will dress the tree in an instant.
Add Jamie Reid-inspired ransom-note baubles, €35 for two, and metallic star or Milagro-styled stockings, €53 each, for Santa to fill.
Pared back simplicity
It’s been a long but good year, and all you really want to do is get Christmas delivered in a box.
It simplifies things and dials down competitive stress levels. Meadows & Byrne can deliver almost everything you need to dress the table and room.
A Killington pine garland will dress the mantle in an instant. Choose Venezia candle holders, €21.95 and €27.95, a deer bottle holder, €25, Soho, a champagne bucket, €59.95.
There are also several footed plates as well as star-shaped Celeste serving bowls and dishes, €995 and €10.95, and a gold three-tiered part stand, €150.
For a tree similar to the one shown, try the 7.5-foot-tall slim Carrington fir, which comes with 400 warm lights and a stand. Price €375 from Christmasland.ie
Festive refusenik
This year, to save you from tears, you’re going to say no to everything. Well, everything that raises your cortisol levels, that is.
That’s a no to traditional decoration that takes hours to get right, no to Bridget Jones-style family get-togethers where your lifestyle choices are criticised and no to anything resembling a typical Christmas tree.
As a festive refusnik, you're channelling a simple Scandi approach that doesn’t interfere with the rest of your well-curated home.
Cadge a few cut-offs from your nearest tree seller, and assemble in this oval travertine vase, €199, from Bo Concept, decorating with ribbons from gifts received. Let no one utter the word Grinch.
ICYMI - Check out our article on How a wreath can fashion up your front door with a touch of theatre in the round
