Hip Design Tip of the Week

Christmas Trees
Real vs. Artificial Trees

Most of us grew up with Christmas Traditions that we bring into our
own family. I grew up with real Christmas trees and multi colored big
lights. The memories I have of selecting and decorating the tree are some of
my fondest growing up.
When I was asked to decorate trees for the Festival of Trees years
ago I spent many hours thinking of themes. It also gives me many
wonderful memories of selecting and decorating trees. I now have 4 children
and we debate every year "real verses artificial".
The traditionalist in me wants the experience and wonderful smell
that a real tree gives. The designer in me wants the ease of bending
branches wherever I want them and the strength to hold up my
ornaments. I found an old tinsel tree a few years ago and it seems to
fulfill my traditional need and holds up my ornaments at the same
time. I purchase tree scented candles every year to give our home a
christmas scent.
- by Kristine, our hip Decorator with 12+ years of experience