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Comedy decorations, red or green baubles, tinsel and flashing multi-coloured lights...

Survey suggests what not to hang on your tree if you want it to look tasteful.

It’s a topic which divides the nation - how to adorn your festive centrepiece - and according to our new study, the nation has many opinions on the best way to pimp up your Norwegian fir.

decorated tiny trees
decorated tiny trees

Survey results:

The research reveals a definitive list of things Brits deem as a festive faux pas when it comes to decorating a tree, as well as decorations which are more tasteful.

Topping the list of what’s HOT for 2024 were decorations which have been handed down through generations (32 percent), followed by a classic angel at the top (30 percent), tasteful plain gold or silver baubles (29 percent) and plain white fairy lights (26 percent)

But the list of NO-NOs includes teddy bears on the top (44 percent), tinsel (18 percent), and flashing, multi-coloured lights 14 percent).

One in ten (12 percent) also think that mistletoe has had its day, along with sparkly lights (eight percent) and homemade decorations (six percent).

According to the data, Sunday 8th December is the day that the nation will be putting up their trees, taking two hours to create the perfect Christmas masterpiece. Almost half (47 percent) start at the top and work their way down, while one in three (30 percent) prefer to start at the bottom and work their way up.

83 percent consider themselves to be a good Christmas tree decorator, with 57 percent admitting they have a ‘zero tolerance’ when it comes to other people touching their tree.

Four in ten (41 percent) go a step further and argue with their family over how their tree should look, so much so that 38 percent of the parents have even secretly redecorated it after the children have had a go at it.

Mums (40 percent) have the final say on the tree and its decorations, followed by the children of the house (17 percent) and then Dads (eight percent).

A third (33 percent) of people won't have a large Christmas tree this year, because they only have a small space (65 percent) or putting it up is too much effort (24 percent). And 68 percent would consider having a Tiny Tree. One in six (15 percent) have an artificial tree that they bring out every year and one in twenty (five percent) DON’T have a tree at all.

Lucy Hook, Flowers & Plants Category Manager, Bloom & Wild said: "It's clear from our research that everyone has strong feelings about the best tree decorations. Which is why we design our Tiny Trees with a range of festive personalities in mind. Whether they go for scandi minimalism or are full-on jingle bells, a Tiny Tree will bring some festive magic to even the tiniest of spaces."

In fact, 38 percent post a picture of their tree to Instagram as soon as it is finished.

15 percent are relaxed and let their children or partner decorate it however they want, regardless of how it ends up looking, with 12 percent calling themselves nostalgic because their tree is covered in family decorations and heirlooms.

38 percent admit they judge people by the way they decorate their tree, so much so that one in ten (11 percent) love looking at how other people have spruced their spruces.

Despite this, over a half (59 percent) say that decorating their fir is one of the best parts of Christmas, with 56 percent believing it marks the beginning of the festive season.

To help with any decorating woes, we've compiled a definitive guide on the dos and don’ts of decorating a tree.

WHAT’S HOT

1. Antique decorations handed down from family - 32 percent

2. An angel on top of the tree - 30 percent

3. Gold or silver baubles - 29 percent

4. A silver star on top of the tree - 27 percent

5. Plain white fairy lights - 26 percent

6. Gold or silver bells - 21 percent

7. Posh chocolate decorations - 21 percent

8. Star shaped baubles - 16 percent

9. Hanging angels - 15 percent

10. White decorations - 16 percent

WHAT’S NOT HOT

1. A teddy bear on top - 44 percent

2. A fake, white tree - 33 percent

3. Fake candles - 26 percent

4. A snowman on the top of the tree - 25 percent

5. Fake snow - 21 percent

6. Tinsel - 18 percent

7. Flashing multi-coloured fairy lights - 14 percent

8. “Comedy” baubles - 12 percent

9. Pine cones - 9 percent

10. Red or green baubles - 8 percent

Our top tips for decorating your tree

1. If possible, opt for a potted tree. Because they’re replantable, you can keep them until next December (making them a much more sustainable choice).

2. Start by giving your tree a zhoosh. Ease out its branches, cut away any unruly bits (like extra leaders, the tallest part of the tree) and wipe off any sap. The sap can irritate your skin, so make sure you wash your hands too!

3. Next, lay out all of your decorations. Doing this means you can get stuck straight in.

4. You’ll want to layer your decorations in a specific order. Fairy lights first, then your garland, baubles, and last but not least the tree topper.

5. Try to get an even spread of baubles across the entire tree. For this, it doesn’t matter whether you work top to bottom, side to side or outwards in!

6. Only hang one bauble on each branch. And only hang heavier decorations on branches that can support their weight. Otherwise, this can lead to sagging and gaps. (Our Tiny Tree decorations are created to be the perfect size for the little branches.)

7. Feel free to add your own flair! Be it with novelty and bright colours, or through a classic red and white colour scheme. This is the part where you can get really creative.

8. It’s best to keep your tree out of high-traffic areas, where it could be knocked or accidentally damaged.

9. Avoid radiators too, as they can dry out your tree and cause the needles to drop.

10. Finally, remember to give your tree a good drink every so often – this goes for potted and cut trees. They can get super thirsty when kept inside.