12 of the best decorative Christmas trees

For my last ‘best of’ round-up of 2019, I want to focus on another idea for easy yet eye-catching Christmas decorations. These standalone tree shapes are ideal for those who want a minimalist, understated look, and there are so many different ways to use them. You can cluster them in groups and create your own miniature forests on fireplaces, shelves, sideboards, coffee tables and windowsills, or dot one or two here and there to add a subtle festive touch. They also make brilliant table centrepieces, especially when placed alongside a few flickering candles and a bit of seasonal foliage. They needn’t just be for Christmas, either – in fact their abstract, sculptural aesthetic means many of them wouldn’t look out of place on display year-round.

There are some beautiful versions to choose from – everything from sleek marble cones to hand-crafted wooden trees with wonderfully whimsical shapes. Here are some of my favourites…

1. ‘Trær’ trio of English Ash trees (8cm, 8cm and 10cm), £30, Brüün
2. White 15cm plexi tree (also available in a range of other colours and sizes), 149 SEK (approximately £12), Cooee Design
3. House Doctor 17cm black-iron tree, £12.50, Trouva
4. Ferm Living 15.5cm metal trees (available in black and brass), £33.75 each, Finnish Design Shop
5. White 19cm ceramic tree, £16, and white 10cm marble tree, £9.50, Rose & Grey
6. Hand-turned beech and oak trees (various sizes and shapes available), from £15 each, Berwyn Woodwork
7. Handmade wooden trees (various sizes, shapes and woods available), £16 each, Tea + Kate
8. Trio of Ferm Living marble trees (7cm, 9cm and 12cm), £35, Nordic Nest
9. Gold-coloured metal trees, £12 each for 21cm or £14 each for 24cm, Rose & Grey
10. Stelton ‘Tangle’ set of two brass trees (12cm and 16cm), £34, Connox
11. Architectmade ‘Jul’ teak trees, available in small (10cm) and large (12cm), £30.50 and £33.50 each, Connox
12. 3D paper trees (various colours and sizes available), from €41.25 each, Fab Goose

I have three of the above – the white ceramic and marble trees from Rose & Grey, and an oak tree from Berwyn Woodwork. I’ve used the Rose & Grey pair on the mantlepiece alongside one of my trusty paper stars (see my ideas on how to decorate with those here), and they add the perfect finishing touch to the living room this Christmas. Once the festivities are out of the way, I plan on using them upstairs on my dressing table, as storage for watches, rings and bracelets.

The oak tree – made in West Yorkshire by talented woodturner Dave (partner of my good friend Emma) – currently sits on the String shelves in my home office, adding a bit of seasonal cheer to a room that’s otherwise unadorned. I love the contrast between its simple shape and the beautiful grain of the wood, and there’s a definite air of mid-century modernism about it. I’m sure it will be making an appearance somewhere around the house every Christmas from now on!

Please note my trees were kindly gifted (the Rose & Grey ones as part of a separate collaboration, the other as a present), but I wasn’t asked to include them in this post.

Top and bottom two images by Abi Dare; all other photography via the respective brands and makers mentioned above