There’s something magical about that moment when you finally bring your Christmas tree to life; the twinkling lights, the array of colours and the nostalgia of unpacking ornaments that tell a story.

But before any of the decorating can begin, there’s one key question to ask: how do you choose the perfect Christmas tree for your home?

According to Balsam Hill’s VP of Product Development and Sourcing, Mercedes Feller, the secret is all about finding the right fit for your space, your style and your family traditions.

“A Christmas tree is more than just décor, it’s the heart of your home during the holiday season. Whether you love something classic and timeless, like a California Baby Redwood tree, or something more modern and fun like a Mount Washington White Tree, the perfect tree should reflect you.”

Mercedes Feller, Balsam Hill

Start with your space

Before you fall in love with a full, grand tree, take a moment to measure your space. Mercedes suggests starting with both the height and width of the area where your tree will go.

“As a rule of thumb, leave at least 30cm between the top of your tree and your ceiling. This gives you enough space for a tree topper or decorative stand. And always consider factors such as visibility, foot traffic, furniture, power sources and safety when deciding where to place your tree.”

Mercedes Feller, Balsam Hill

For most Australian homes with standard ceilings, a 210cm – 230cm tree is ideal. But if you’re decorating a smaller apartment or want a festive touch in another room, consider a slim or narrow tree.

Slim trees help in achieving a beautiful layered look without completely dominating the room.

If you’re working with an oversized space or tall ceilings and want a centrepiece that wows, look for trees from 240cm upwards. In Australia, you can purchase trees as high as 457cm, and they are absolute showstoppers!

Choose your tree type

Whether you prefer realistic artificial trees or the scent of a freshly-cut pine, Mercedes recommends considering your lifestyle.

“If you love tradition minus tree watering, shedding needles, or disposal, today’s artificial trees are truly remarkable. At Balsam Hill, our trees are crafted to look and feel just like the real thing.”

Mercedes Feller, Balsam Hill

The European Fir, for example, is crafted with True Needle® technology to create lifelike foliage that captures the look and texture of a real fir. Shoppers often pair it with scent cartridges that mimic real fir to completely set the scene.

Think about lighting and ambience

One of the biggest decisions when choosing a tree is lighting. Pre-lit trees make decorating effortless, while unlit versions offer more flexibility for those who want to get creative.

“Warm white lights create a soft, cosy glow, which is perfect for classic, timeless décor. If you want a bit of a sparkle, go for colour-changing LED lights that change from white to multicolour with the touch of a button.”

Mercedes Feller, Balsam Hill

Add your personal touch

Once you’ve found the tree, the real fun begins … decorating!

Mercedes encourages families to mix old and new ornaments to create a tree that feels meaningful and inviting – tapping into the now-stalgia trend of bringing cherished memories into the present.

“I always say that your tree should tell your family’s story. Combine heirloom ornaments with new pieces that reflect this year’s memories.”

Mercedes Feller, Balsam Hill

Don’t forget the finishing touches

Complete the look with a tree skirt or collar to hide the base and create a polished finish. A tree skirt softens the overall look and makes the gifts nestled underneath the tree feel even more special.

In the end, the perfect Christmas tree is the one that brings joy to your family.

“Whether it’s tall and grand or petite and charming, your tree should make you smile every time you walk into the room. That’s what the holidays are all about – creating moments that feel like home.”

Mercedes Feller, Balsam Hill

What are some of your favourite features in a Christmas tree?