Christmas trees:
the story, the style, the perfect size.

What is a Christmas tree — and what does it mean?

A Christmas tree is an evergreen tree, or a reusable representation of one, decorated for the festive season. Lights, ribbons, ornaments and a topper turn it into a focal point for the home. It can be a religious symbol, a family tradition or simply a way to make a room feel welcoming in winter.

There is no single meaning shared by everyone. Evergreen foliage is often read as a sign of continuing life; lights suggest warmth and hope. For many households, the most personal meaning comes from the ritual itself: decorating together, bringing out familiar ornaments and making space for gifts.

The story of the Christmas tree in Britain

The Royal Collection Trust traces decorated evergreen customs in Germany to the early 1600s. Queen Charlotte brought the tradition to the British royal household in the late eighteenth century; her tree was a yew rather than the familiar fir.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert helped make the custom widely fashionable. In 1848, the Illustrated London News published a picture of their family around a decorated tree. That image became part of the story of Christmas at home in Britain. Albert popularised an existing tradition rather than inventing it.

History source: Royal Collection Trust — A Royal Christmas.

Why buy a Christmas tree?

A tree gives your seasonal decorating a centre. It can make a first Christmas in a new flat feel special, welcome visiting family or bring a festive atmosphere to a reception room. A coordinated design also suits people who enjoy the result but would rather not choose every ribbon and ornament separately.

Buying one as a gift? Check the recipient’s space, preferred style and delivery date first. A large tree is a substantial gift, so arranging it together is usually more thoughtful than sending an unexpected size. Our tree request form lets you share those preferences before a final quote is agreed.

What size Christmas tree should I buy?

Start with the room, not the biggest tree. Measure the ceiling height, the available floor width and the route through doors or stairs. Allow for the stand, topper and space above the finished tree. Ask whether a supplier’s quoted height includes the stand.

These are planning suggestions, not a guarantee that a particular height fits. A 6 ft tree with wide branches may take more floor space than a taller slim design. If you are unsure, choose “Help me choose” and tell us your measurements.

Which Christmas tree is best?

Nordmann fir: soft needles, a gentle scent

Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) is loved for its soft, glossy, dark green needles and excellent needle retention. Often called a “non-drop” tree, it is a lovely choice for a full, elegant Christmas display. Its fragrance is gentle rather than strongly pine-scented. Keep your cut tree watered and away from radiators: low needle drop does not mean no care.

Choose your Nordmann fir ↗

Noble fir: blue-green foliage and strong branches

Noble fir (Abies procera) brings a blue-green colour to a Christmas display, with sturdy needles that hold well and firm branches suited to heavier ornaments. Its fresh fragrance and strong structure make it an appealing choice for a richly decorated tree. Distribute ornaments evenly and keep a cut tree watered and away from direct heat.

Species guidance: British Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Noble fir is described here as a guide to tree varieties; it is not currently listed in our order catalogue.

Explore our available Christmas trees ↗

The best tree balances your room, taste and willingness to care for it. For a cut tree, the RHS describes Nordmann fir as slow to shed needles, while Norway spruce offers a traditional scent but drops needles sooner. Fraser fir combines fragrance with good needle retention. A potted living tree needs different care from a cut tree; an artificial tree is intended for repeated use and needs storage.

Tree-type source: RHS — Christmas trees: types and care.

Our collection shows decorative styles, not guaranteed botanical species. Choose fresh, artificial or “Help me choose” in your request; we confirm the available tree and decorations with you.

Traditional red, elegant gold or romantic blush?

Burgundy Noël pairs deep red velvet with gold for a classic festive mood. It works particularly well as a warm focal point among neutral furniture or rich winter colours.

Champagne Lumière uses ivory and champagne tones for a lighter, quieter look. Choose it when you want the tree to sit gently alongside pale interiors rather than dominate them.

Blush Enchantment brings pink floral details and soft ribbons into the celebration. It is our romantic option for a home that already enjoys flowers and softer colours. None is more “correct”: the most successful palette is the one you want to live with throughout the season.

When should I put it up — and how do I keep it fresh?

For a cut tree, the RHS suggests about four weeks of display with care. Refresh the trunk cut by around 2.5 cm, use a water-holding stand and check its level daily. Position it away from radiators and fires. A living potted tree should spend much less time inside: the RHS advises no more than 12 days, with a cool room and attention to its condition.

Plan the date around the tree you choose rather than assuming all types last equally long. Follow the supplied care instructions, and never use a real flame on the tree.

Care source: Royal Horticultural Society.

Request a decorated Christmas tree in London

Our family’s floristry story began as Sunflower in London N4 in 1993. Christmas trees, gifts and decorative presentation were part of that history. Today, Ma Petite Fleur brings that festive spirit to our online collection.

Choose a design, preferred height and tree type, then tell us your delivery address and preferred date. Your request is saved for our team to follow up. We agree availability, the finished specification, price and delivery before payment; submitting a request does not reserve a delivery slot.

Explore all three Christmas tree designs · Christmas flowers and host gifts · Our family story

Christmas tree questions