Nothing says Christmas is on its way quite like the tradition of putting up the Christmas tree. Forget vacuuming up pine needles, it’s far easier to go artificial - and with so many great realistic designs that can last you a good many years, we think it's all the better to fake it. The interesting new designs for 2016, all hoping to be the next big thing, are the dancing tree from John Lewis; the musical tree from B&Q and the ultra slim space-saving tree from Wilko - all well worth checking out.
To keep things more traditional choose a realistic tall fir for a country living room or opt for a contemporary timber design for an understated modern home. If you’re happy to be bold and try some colour, choose from the latest frosty white to glamorous Champagne gold trees. Whatever your style, we've got it covered with our pick of the best!
Be inspired to choose one of these fabulous trees as the starting point for your Christmas decorating?
This realistic looking 6ft tree comes pre-dressed with red berries and pine cones, making it the prefect choice if to enhance traditional red and green decorations. Traditional Victorian-style decorations are always a popular choice, more so now than ever. The element of nature also makes this a great backdrop for embracing the woodland trend that's also big news for decorations this year. Generally this design is a great all-rounder to suit a multitude of decorating styles.
Festive Green 6ft Red Berries and Pine Cone Artificial Tree, £100, Debenhams.
If you want to make a style statement and break the mould of having a traditional green tree, go for gold! This statement tinsel tree is stylish enough just as it stands, but for further enhancement try dressing it with a uniformed colour - black or white would work best. Keeping all the decorations to one colour palette will keep it looking stylish, rather than over done.
Yes, you read that right...it's a dancing tree! Not only does this statuesque tree look beautiful gracefully dusted with fake snow, it also has the dance moves (maybe just not so much like Jagger). It's not for everyone's taste but it Is certainly quirky, a good talking point and sure to amuse the kids. It has the functionality to be static, if the dancing becomes too much.
Grand Tour 7ft Snowy Dancing Christmas Tree, £195, John Lewis.
This tree is so beautifully realistic it looks freshly cut from the forest, but unlike the real thing it won't wilt in the central heating. What makes this artificial tree extra-special is that every single branch has been hand-painted - giving it that realistic quality. The updated shape gives it a more natural look in shade of deep green and the most realistic look of fir.
Fir Christmas Tree, £250, The White Company.
Mimicking nature's beauty, the attractive forest green branches on this statuesque tree are especially finished to mimic the bark of a real tree. Full-bodied with its dense foliage, this grand artificial tree will hold court in any living space. You may need to buy a few extra baubles to fill this large tree, but think of the impression it will make once it's all beautifully dressed.
Ruskin house 7.5ft Morris Spruce Christmas Tree, £295, John Lewis.
This tall elegant, super slim tree is the perfect solution for those short on space. Ideal for hallways, small living rooms, landings and even kids bedrooms. Slim designs are becoming more fashionable as more and more of us content with small space living. It's not just a great space saver when up for the Christmas period, it's also smaller for packing down and storing for the rest of the year. Features include a metal stand.
6.5ft Glenmore Pine Tree, £40, Wilko.
This ultra tall frosted sage tree is a truly exquisite alternative to a real evergreen, it's incredible life likeness is achieved by the attention to detail. The design is crafted in soft green with over two thousand white frosted tips and realistic needles to form a classic fir shape. The snowy white canvas makes it perfect to style to suit any Christmas look.
Super Frosted Sage Christmas Tree, £255, Cox and Cox.
Made by Karen Miller, famous for her driftwood creations at the Original Driftwood Company. This quirky Christmas tree that is a fun alternative to a traditional fir tree, perfect for a modern home. The design is one that doesn't have to be just for Christmas even - it can be left up as a decorative piece all year round. The nature of the design means it doesn't even need dressing to be beautiful, we recommend a single set of fairy lights or some fresh ivy from the garden to add a festive touch.
Natural Driftwood Christmas Tree, £129, Not On The High Street.
This small-scale tree is ideal for those with limited space or those who wish to decorate additional rooms in the house. Fitted in a pot, this artificial tree looks fantastic decorated with Christmas lights and a scattering of statement baubles.
Linea 4ft Emerald Tree, £130, House of Fraser.
This ombre effect tree with its contemporary design will suit any modern living space and add a sleek look to your home this Christmas. The monochrome design is great for a modern twist on a traditional green artificial tree. Stick with the monochrome decorating theme with black and white baubles or opt for a modern metallic such as sliver or gold.
6ft Ombre Effect Tree, £100, Next.
Add a touch of Scandinavian charm to Christmas proceedings with these Pencil trees. The simple pair look fresh from the forest, the crafted faux pine foliage is incredibly realistic for artificial trees. Mounted on genuine wooden bases the beauty is in the simplicity of these designs, therefore requiring minimal decorating - a set of twinkling lights could be just the thing or a set of simple baubles in one matching colour.
Faux Fir Pencil Trees, £79, Bloom.