I am always in awe of the talented people who sell their wares on Etsy, and it is there that I found my Custom Silk Waldorf Angel Tree Topper by artist Holly Shabtai.
Each angel is made with a wool body handcrafted from the fleece of New Mexico sheep and then topped with woolen and silk needle-felted fibers. There are poseable wire arms and wings, and the height can be customized from 10 inches to 22 inches. (For a tree topper, a 10-inch angel works best for the majority of tree heights.) You can work with Holly to select the hair color and accessories that make each angel unique.
While the angel has an opening that fits beautifully over the top branch of a tree, it can also be used as a centerpiece or part of a display. Angels are one of the two most popular tree toppers in the United States.
Nearly every one of Shabtai's reviews on Etsy gives her five stars, many citing her excellent craftsmanship. My angel brings me joy each time I see her ethereal beauty.
Pros: Handmade with natural fibers, available in a range of sizes, customizable, free shipping
Cons: Shipping is one to two weeks after the order is placed
Along with the angel, the star is one of the most popular tree toppers. Stars come in every iteration from simple five-points to intricate designs. The star can be flat or three-dimensional and made from paper, plastic, glass, metal, or wood. The Lenox Glass Star, which is brand new this year, combines frosted glass and metal to create a contemporary but classic star that will be gracing my tree this year
Like many star toppers, the Lenox Star is mounted on a spiral metal base. A spiral or conical base is easily adjusted to accommodate different-size tree branches. The star is 12.5-inches high from base to top tip and created from pieces of frosted glass fitted into a three-dimensional gold wire frame. Behind the glass star is a more contemporary star-burst sculpture made of gold metal. I love the juxtaposition of the two styles.
The star is translucent enough that I can place lights from the tree behind it to provide a glow without the need for a separate cord or outlet.
While I don't plan to return my star, Lenox offers a Breakage Replacement Program that guarantees that an item can be returned within 120 days for a replacement piece or refund.
Pros: Combines contemporary and traditional design, easy to attach to treetop, excellent return policy
Cons: Glass is breakable
Who couldn't "Believe" after seeing Santa guided by the North Star circling the top of your tree in his biplane as he tows a holiday banner? This Mr. Christmas animated tree topper is one of the newest and cutest illuminated toppers on the market.
I had to get one for my 2-year-old grandson's tree. He loves the movement, the lights, the plane, and of course, Santa. The star is around 8-inches wide and is lit by LED lights. Santa circles in his biplane as he tows a glittery message of "Believe".
The topper easily attaches to the tree with a unique two-band Velcro system. Simply insert Santa's guidewire between the pole and plane, and he is ready to fly. The topper is powered with an AC adapter that is plugged into an outlet and comes with an on/off switch. The topper is 20-inches tall from the base to the point of the star but can be positioned to nestle down in the tree or soar a bit higher.
Santa's biplane is brand new this year, but if you prefer his traditional sleigh, Mr. Christmas has you covered.
Pros: Animated and illuminated, quiet motor, easy to assemble, adjustable to the height of the treetop, 90-day warranty
Cons: Star will not illuminate separately
If you are looking for an elegant finish to your tree decorations, look no further than the Pier 1 Mercury Glass Finial Tree Topper. Following the tradition of the German-made, hand-blown glass finials of the 19th century, this piece adds shimmer, height, and refined taste to any tree.
This new topper style from Pier 1 is handcrafted from mercury glass, embellished with a bit of raised glass glittery mistletoe, and measures 15.75 inches in height and 3.54 inches in diameter. It is interesting to note that the glass, also known as silvered glass, does not contain mercury or silver. It is simply clear glass that is mold-blown with a double wall and coated on the inside with a silvery component.
The finial slips over the center branch of the tree to catch the twinkle of the tree lights. I have several tree topper finials that I have collected and used over the years. When I change tree themes, I group the finials on a tabletop or mantle for a holiday arrangement.
Pros: Beautiful, lightweight, easy to place on the tree, can be used for tabletop decoration
Cons: Fragile
I know that when I want something unique, I should turn to Etsy, and that's where I found Daisy Santiago's Blue Brides Family Name Tree Topper.
I wanted to give a newlywed couple something special for their first Christmas tree together, and this topper did not disappoint. Handmade in North Carolina from lightweight aluminum wire, each topper is customized to the name you desire.
Most of the toppers measure about 7.5 inches to 8 inches wide and around 4.5 inches tall and are attached to a 4-inch spiral base. The base slips easily over the top branch of the tree. Since these are custom-made, you can choose almost any color of wire from traditional silver or gold; to red, pink, or blue; to my personal favorites, copper or rose gold.
The work will be ready in three to five days and shipped free directly to your home. Prices vary depending upon the length of the last name.
Pros: Custom-made for each order, lightweight, easy to install
Cons: Creation and shipping can take up to two weeks
While some of the most meaningful ornaments are those you or your children made by hand, it's still undeniably true that the majority of tree decor is purchased. But not all ornaments are created equal in terms of quality. To make it easier for you, here are our favorite places to buy ornaments:
Best ornaments overall: Cost Plus World Market
Best personalized and collectible ornaments: Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best ornaments if you're just starting out: Target
Best handmade ornaments: Etsy
Best funny or themed Christmas ornaments: Amazon
The best Christmas tree skirtsTree skirts add a dash of color and style to your holiday decor while hiding that unsightly tree stand. To help you find the best tree skirt, we rounded up the best options for small and large trees and more. Here are our top picks for the best Christmas tree skirts you can buy:
The best Christmas tree stands are designed to last for many decades, have a stable base that holds plenty of water, are easy to set up, and store easily after the holidays are over. Here are our favorite Christmas tree stands:
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