Nothing symbolizes the holiday like a Christmas tree. And these days the artificial ones are better looking and more popular than ever. Last year, about 68% of homes had artificial Christmas trees — that's more than 60 million fake trees! Nancy Soriano, editor-in-chief of Country Living magazine, visited “Weekend Today” to show the different varieties of artificial Christmas trees. Here are the ones she discussed on the show:
Last year, of the homes that had Christmas trees, 32% had real trees and 68% had fake trees! The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany in the late 19th century. It had branches constructed of sticks covered in green-dyed goose feathers that were attached to a larger “trunk.” In the 1930s, the Addis Brush Company — best known for making toilet brushes — manufactured a tree using the same technology.
Why choose an artificial tree?:
- They look natural: Higher quality synthetic materials and assembly techniques make for more authentic-looking trees than those of the past. And you can choose from a variety of species — from fir to spruce.
- They're a timesaver: With a fake there's less struggle to get it into the tree stand. Many are pre-lit, eliminating the need to string lights. And when the holidays are over, you won't have pine needles to clean up.
- They're affordable: The up-front cost of a quality artificial Christmas tree is often greater than that of a real one, but after just a few years' use — you will begin saving money.
- You can also have add fragrances to the trees to add the Christmas tree scent.
Here are the trees featured on the show:7.5 ft. Franklin Fraser Pre-Lit Tree, $299, www.lowes.com 4.5 ft. Tannenbaum Tree, $149, www.frontgate.com 6.5 ft. Noble Fir Tree, $265, www.frontgate.com 7 ft. Slim Andover Pine Tree, $69, www.lowes.com 6 ft. Sierra Pine Tree, $39.99, www.kmart.com
Here are the decorations and tree fragrances from the show:Old World Christmas ornaments: www.oldworldchristmas.com, (800) 962-7669Midwest of Cannon Falls ornaments: www.seasonsofcannonfalls.com, (800) 377-3335Smith & Hawken lights: www.smithandhawken.com; (800) 940-1170Arteflorum garland: www.arteflorum.com; (800) 755-2800Moonlight & Roses vintage postcards: www.moonlightandroses.com; (805) 627-1550
Home fragrancesCaldrea: www.caldrea.comL'Occitane: www.loccitane.com