Buying guide for Best mini tabletop Christmas trees
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If you live in an apartment or your house just doesn’t have a lot of space, it might be hard to find a spot for a full-size Christmas tree. While you could go without, a better solution is to opt for a mini tabletop Christmas tree. These festive items can be placed nearly anywhere you have a level surface, such as a coffee table or nightstand.
Just like a full-size Christmas tree, a mini tabletop Christmas tree can be either artificial or live. Artificial models can be made of a wide variety of materials, from plastic to ceramic. Most mini tabletop Christmas trees come pre-decorated, but you can buy plain trees that allow you to decorate from scratch if you prefer.
Things to consider when choosing a mini tabletop Christmas tree
Who would benefit from a mini tabletop Christmas tree?
An individual with limited space could benefit from putting up a mini tabletop Christmas tree instead of a full-size Christmas tree. This could be someone with a small house, an individual living in an apartment, a student in a dorm, a relative residing in an in-law suite, or a person living in a retirement community. A mini tabletop Christmas tree would also be of interest to a person who has young children or curious pets that could get into trouble with a model that sits on the floor.
A mini tabletop Christmas tree can be made out of a variety of materials
Your first instinct may be to buy a mini tabletop Christmas tree that looks real. And for many, this would be the best option. However, if you prefer a modern or handcrafted design, you have a multitude of options.
Some tabletop trees are made of plastic, which is durable and easy to care for but may deteriorate if exposed to direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can find tiny trees made of wood and felt. These models may require a little more care, and they may be a little difficult to clean, but they can add a touch of elegance to your holiday decor.
Metal trees and ceramic trees are also options. With a metal tree, you must consider the type of metal and avoid models made from metals that will quickly rust or tarnish. Ceramic trees are easy to clean, but they are fragile and can break if mishandled. Ceramic trees also tend to be on the higher end of the price scale.
Staff Tip
A mini tabletop Christmas tree doesn’t need to be placed on a table. You can put one on a piano, a nightstand, or a mantel.
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Choosing the right mini tabletop Christmas tree for you
Artificial vs. live
The two types of mini tabletop Christmas trees are artificial and live. While an artificial tree can look very real and won’t make a mess by dropping needles, it must be stored from year to year. A new live mini tree must be purchased year after year. On the plus side, live trees are friendlier to the earth, as some may be planted after the season, so they won’t be wasted.
Pre-lit
You can choose a mini Christmas tree that comes pre-lit and pre-decorated so you don’t have anything to do but place it on the table and fluff it up so it looks full. Many people enjoy the convenience, but you do lose some ability to add your own personal flair.
Appropriate style
Mini tabletop Christmas trees come in a variety of styles. You can have an artisan tree that looks handcrafted or a statement tree that is a piece of artwork. Some mini Christmas trees have an abstract design, while others are much more traditional. The style you choose should reflect not only your aesthetics but the general decor of the room.
If you buy two mini tabletop Christmas trees, you can place one on either side of an entryway to quickly spruce up a room.
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Mini tabletop Christmas tree accessories
Scent sticks
The smell of a live tree is what makes it so appealing. If you purchase an artificial tree this year, you can still get that fresh-cut smell by hanging a few scented sticks or scented ornaments from the branches. You could also place aromatherapy candles in the room. While many people opt for an evergreen scent, there are other options such as “spiced pine cones,” “snow berry wreath,” and more.
Wireless remote outlet
If you’d like to be able to turn on your mini tabletop Christmas tree lights at the press of a button, even if you are on the other side of the room, you can do that with a wireless remote outlet. Just plug the outlet kit into the wall outlet, plug in your tree lights, and you can turn them on and off using a remote.
Amazon Echo Dot
For individuals who would like to take the technology a step further, you can use an Amazon Echo Dot (along with a smart plug) to turn the lights on and off using your voice.
What is the average cost of a mini tabletop Christmas tree?
Inexpensive
For around $15 to $25, you can get a mini tabletop Christmas tree that is not very realistic looking and is made out of plastic or wood. These models are typically on the smaller side.
Mid-range
Most people will find what they need in the $25 to $40 price range. This is where live trees as well as surprisingly realistic artificial trees can be found. Most of the options in this price range are pre-lit, and they may be anywhere from roughly 2 to 3 feet tall.
Expensive
Once you pass $40, you will find larger trees that come with lights and decorations. Pre-lit ceramic trees tend to be in this price zone as well. While you can get beautiful artisan or designer trees that cost over $1,000, be wary about selecting high-ticket mini tabletop Christmas trees that offer a steep price but no obvious improvement over less-expensive trees.
Staff Tip
An artificial mini tabletop Christmas tree is much easier to store than a full-size artificial Christmas tree.
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Tips
- Keep your mini Christmas tree away from heat sources. Never place your mini Christmas tree near an open flame, such as a fireplace, or within three feet of a heat source.
- Complement the decor of the room. Instead of trying to match the decor, a mini tabletop Christmas tree should complement the decor of the room. Alternatively, it could stand out as a festive focal point if you prefer.
- Do not decorate your mini tabletop Christmas tree with candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home decoration fires during the month of December are started by candles. Do not decorate your mini Christmas tree with candles. Also, do not place candles on the same table where you put the tree.
- Consider using different size lights. Using a mix of larger and smaller lights can add dimension to your mini Christmas tree.
- White lights can make a small tree look less cluttered. If you plan on placing a lot of ornaments on your mini tabletop Christmas tree, sticking with white lights will make the tree look festive but not crowded.
- Take advantage of the whole table. Consider adding Christmas garland to the table to take advantage of all of your available decorating space.
- Turn off the lights when you go to bed. If you need to leave the house or it is time for bed, turn off your holiday lights.
FAQ
Q. How tall should a mini tabletop Christmas tree be?
A. The answer to this question depends on where you are placing your mini tabletop Christmas tree. If you will be putting it on a nightstand, you will want a smaller tree, maybe under 2 feet tall. However, if you are placing it on the dining room table, 3 1.2 or 4 feet will be a better fit. Consider the space and choose a size that puts the focus on the tree without it overwhelming the space.
Q. What can I use to decorate my mini tree?
A. Most mini tabletop Christmas trees are pre-lit. This means you do not have to decorate the tree if you like the way it looks. However, you are free to add additional items to personalize your mini Christmas tree to better fit in with your decor or sense of style. Handcrafted holiday-themed ornaments, photos, jewelry, small toys, and more are all possible options. If the tree isn’t near an outlet, you can use battery-powered light strings to increase the festive appeal. Just about any item that has seasonal (or personal) significance can be adapted to serve as a mini tabletop Christmas tree ornament, so feel free to get creative.
Q. How do I care for a live mini tabletop Christmas tree?
A. Individuals who prefer a live mini tabletop Christmas tree will need to care for the tree throughout the holidays to ensure it can be planted after the season ends. To do this, keep the soil moist and the air cool — do not place your tree near a heat source. It is okay to put a mini live tree near a window, however, so it gets natural light. If the needles start falling out, mist the tree daily. Additionally, consider adding water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half-strength every three to four weeks if the tree will remain indoors for more than a month.
