Renowned royal Christmas tree providers, Pines and Needles, give us the low-down on the Royal family’s festive flourishes
Pines and Needles decorate and install trees in some of the UK’s most famous venues, from Wembley Stadium to Westminster Abbey. They are most famous for selling Prince Harry and Meghan Markle their Christmas tree from the company’s store in Battersea Park in 2016 on one of their first public outings as a couple.
Introduced by Prince Albert in Queen Victoria’s era, the Christmas tree has become quite a tradition in the royal households, and no doubt this year, they will be sticking to their traditional regal look: rich in style and texture but remaining effortlessly stylish at the same time.
Think deep red velvets, gold glass and silk ribbons hanging delicately. Detailed ornaments like small gold cherubs or some hanging crystal cut teardrops at the edges of the sumptuous branches. These will complement the larger glass red and gold baubles complete with many, many warm white lights.
Inspired by rich reds and golds, the classic British festive look is bound to bring cultural heritage into your home. Pick classic red and gold baubles and traditional Victorian-inspired decorations to achieve the ultimate Royal look.
Decorate your tree the right way
Regardless of your personal taste there is a ‘right way’ to decorate your Christmas tree according to Sam Lyle, founder of Pines and Needles and celebrity tree guru. Here are his tips for a perfect Christmas tree this year.
- It may sound obvious, but two people are better than one if that’s possible – even if it’s just for the lights.
- Lights go on first and it’s great if one person can feed them to the other as they wind it round and round, starting at the bottom. Embed the lights in the lush greenery and then move out as you go up, ensuring an even spread.
- When decorating your tree, it is all about textures and layering no matter which theme you choose.
- Decide on which of your decorations you would like to be featured most prominently and place those first (those tend to be the largest or most detailed) and then use them as a basis to dress the rest of your tree using your most small simple decks as ‘fillers’.
- Tinsel has been dying out for a while but ribbon is en vogue, but go horizontally rather than at an angle – it’s a much cleaner look.
- Last but not least is the tree topper – whether that’s a beautifully ornate star or a cherished angel made by a child, ceremonially placing it atop the tree is one of the most satisfying ways to signal the official start of the festive period.
You can get your tree at one of 20 seasonal stores in operation throughout central and outer London.
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