Is it too early to talk about tree decorations?

[LydiaWickham]

Because for the last 3 years on the run, I've bought a different tree topper at the last minute, but still not happy with them.

Anyone seen something non-tacky that's not going to break the bank?

[Bunbaker]

"Is it too early to talk about tree decorations?"

Yes!

[attheendoftheday]

Of course it's not too early!

No answers I'm afraid, but will watch this thread as I want one too.

[girlywhirly]

Lydia, I can't really specify any items, as I haven't seen any of this years stuff yet, but can offer a few ideas.

The usual top-of-the-tree things are stars, fairies, angels and those bauble type things with a pointy top.

Why not opt for something unusual, like a crystal beaded snowflake, you could probably make one yourself from wire and beads. Look in Hobbycraft for beads and books on beadcraft, they may even have a small 'how to' card telling you what you need for craft items.

Or a large fancy bow with jewel detail, imagine a velvet bow with a diamante brooch on it for a glamorous vintage theme.

Or for young DC, a snowman, santa, robin or pixie.

I find that garden centres have good selections of Christmas decs, sometimes better value for the quality than high st stores. Also check out internet shops, and interior design catalogues festive ranges for inspiration.

[lilyj2010]

ohh i am in the same boat. Last year was our first year in our new home so i decided to match the tree to our wallpaper. our tree is mainly silver, paper is black, grey and silver. I had 2 tree toppers last year, one was a glittery star from next (looked crap up) and one from asda (a star inspired thing with diamantes). Neither of which I am fussed on, let me no if u find something good, and vice versa, ill do the same. Good luck hunting, i cant wait for the shops to get all their stock in. Hurry up halloween and be gone!!

[mogs0]

I have a home-made star that looks like it was made by a 5yr old .

I used to have a purple, sparkly star but it was too heavy for the top of my tree and I was worried it was going to fall off.

I might get ds to help make another one this year as the old one is about 5 or 6 years old now and wasn't all that great to start with .

Have you got a Christmas shop near you? There's one called 'festive' not too far from where I live and they open up a shop from sometime in October until Christmas. They stock other places like the Cotswold co but the things in their own shop are usually very bargainous reasonably priced.

[LydiaWickham]

oh thank you all for the suggestions, I will try the garden centres round here and report back if I find something fabulous. I am particulary lacking in creativity, so it probably would look like DS made it if I had a go at making something for the top of the tree...

We have mainly gold and red decorations, and last year had a rather cheap looking gold star (after our old gold star broke the year before when the tree fell over - onto my MIL), it shed glitter throughout the season and really was only fit for the bin by new year.

[ToothlesstheDragon]

john lewis have some lovely ones online. thinking about treating myself (and the tree) this year

[girlywhirly]

Was MIL trying to be the Christmas fairy on the top of the tree when it fell over? (Sorry, but you did make me chuckle!)

I know what you mean about the glittery decs. I had some wrapping paper that did the same thing, every time you touched it or moved a present fine glitter went everywhere.

[whatkungfuthat]

John Lewis stuff is gorgeous. I don't need much this year but I am coveting the Next bell hearts to hang from the windows with some nice ribbon.

[LydiaWickham]

right, what do we think of this one

My inner magpie is attracted to this but not sure if it'll look a bit naff.

[whatkungfuthat]

I prefer the second one but I do go a bit over the top on the shiny at christmas. I like the first one but it wouldn't last 5 mins in my house.

[girlywhirly]

Go for the bling, Lydia, if it isn't going to shed glitter everywhere.