I see the Christmas tree as the grandest floral arrangement you will ever bring into your home. It is the towering centerpiece of the season, a living pillar of green that holds all our festive memories and traditions. While most people think of the tree as a separate entity, I view it as the foundation for all your other Christmas flower decorations.

Choosing and styling a tree is a sensory ritual. From the first sharp, resinous scent of a freshly cut Nordmann Fir to the way its needles catch the light, a real tree brings the soul of the winter forest indoors. In the UK, we have moved away from the sparse trees of the past toward lush, full-bodied varieties that act as a canvas for our most creative holiday visions.

Choosing the Right Variety

Not all trees are created equal. Depending on your home and how early you like to decorate, the variety you choose makes a huge difference.

• The Nordmann Fir: This is the UK’s most popular choice for a reason. It has those beautiful, soft, deep green needles that are famous for staying on the tree rather than on your carpet. Its tiered branches are perfect for hanging larger ornaments and floral tucked-ins.
• The Norway Spruce: This is the traditional Victorian Christmas tree. It has a magnificent, classic scent that fills the whole house, though it does require a bit more watering to keep its needles fresh.
• The Fraser Fir: If you have a smaller flat or a narrow hallway, the Fraser Fir is my go-to recommendation. it has a slimmer profile but still offers that dense foliage and a lovely balsamic fragrance.

The Florist’s Touch: Decorating with Nature

While baubles and lights are the standard, I always encourage my customers to treat their tree like a giant bouquet. Adding natural, botanical elements can turn a standard tree into a bespoke masterpiece.

• Dried Flower Ornaments: For 2025, we are seeing a huge trend in tucking dried Hydrangea heads, bleached Ruscus, or even bundles of Lavender into the branches. It adds a soft, romantic texture that plastic ornaments just cannot replicate.
• Fresh Flower Tucks: For a Christmas Eve party, you can actually tuck water-vials of fresh Lilies or Roses into the tree branches. It looks incredibly luxurious and surprises guests with a hidden scent.
• Botanical Garlands: Instead of tinsel, try draping long strands of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. It looks rustic, smells amazing, and is completely biodegradable.

Keeping Your Tree Alive and Vibrant

A Christmas tree is a cut plant, and just like a bouquet of roses, it needs specific care to stay looking its best until the New Year.

1. The Fresh Cut: When you get your tree home, saw about an inch off the bottom of the trunk. This opens up the tree’s pores so it can actually drink water.
2. Hydration is Vital: A large tree can drink several liters of water a day. Make sure your stand has a deep reservoir and never let it go dry. If the base seals over with sap, the tree will stop drinking and start dropping needles.
3. Location, Location: Keep your tree as far away from radiators and wood burners as possible. Heat is the fastest way to turn a vibrant green tree into a dry, brown one.

Conclusion

The Christmas tree is the heart of the home during the holidays. It provides the backdrop for our gifts, our celebrations, and our quietest winter evenings. By choosing a healthy variety and adding a few natural, floral touches, you can create a tree that feels like a true extension of the natural world.

Recap for a Perfect Tree:

• Select a Nordmann Fir for the best needle retention.
• Keep it hydrated just like you would a fresh bouquet.
• Incorporate dried or fresh botanicals for a unique, professional look.