Approaching the Sofitel just off Pall Mall in St James, I wanted to stop…

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We don’t think you can ever be too old for an advent calendar – chocolate or otherwise. For Christmas 2021, it appears many of us wish to count down the days with an advent calendar filled with colourful gemstones.

Etsy has seen a staggering increase in searches this year for crystal advent calendars. The best advent calendars on offer from various brands comprise everything from luxury candles and coffee to sparkling wine.

Image credit: Getty

But it seems we’re ringing the changes with our Christmas ideas this advent, with crystal lovers embracing the excuse to stock up on 25 more varieties. There has been a whopping 4,708% increase in searches on Etsy for crystal advent calendars in the last three months (compared to the same time the previous year).

Crystal advent calendars on Etsy

25 Day Crystal Advent Calendar | £49.45
This lovely crystal advent calendar comes with gems wrapped in card pouches and tied with string. There are tumblestones, raw crystals and jewellery for crystal lovers to add to their collection.

View Deal

The nation’s penchant for rose quartz and its high-vibrational love energy is clearly spilling over into our choice of advent calendar. Love the idea of a new crystal for each day of December?

Take a look at the crystal advent calendars on Etsy. There are some that come pre-wrapped in tissue paper labelled with a number, as well as selections of 25 gems for making your own advent calendar with drawstring bags.

Image credit: Getty

Online retailer Etsy also notes some other new spins on this classic festive tradition. Searches for pet advent calendars are up 137% as we involve our furry friends in the Christmas countdown.

Wax melt advent calendars are another highly coveted iteration of the traditional calendar. The sweet-smelling calendars have seen a 282% increase in searches on the Etsy website.

There are just two months to go until Christmas, and we’re far more excited about advent calendars in general this year. Etsy has seen a 69% increase in searches for the term ‘advent calendars’ over the past three months (compared to the same time period in 2020).

Image credit: Getty

There has also been a 96% increase in searches on Etsy for alcohol-themed advent calendars. Neons, pastels, and jewel tones are trending for Christmas gifts and greeting cards, so the increased interest in crystal calendars makes a lot of sense.

Advent calendars make a lovely gift – the best Chrismtas gifts under £20 will help to get the ball rolling if you’re struggling for ideas. What kind of calendar will you treat yourself to this year?

The post Crystal advent calendars are trending for Christmas 2021 – according to Etsy appeared first on Ideal Home.

Buying the best robot vacuum will give you a hands-free solution to pet hair, crumbs, and dusty floors. Many robot vacuum cleaners also come with mop functions, so not only can they be used on carpets and rugs, but also to clear up stains on hard floors. Although they’re not quite at the point of replacing the best vacuum cleaners, the best robot vacuums will slot neatly into your cleaning routine to cut down on how frequently you need to clean your floors. Many can be paired with an app, so you can send them for a spin around a specific room even when you’re not at home.

Some people are put off the best robot vacuums because they can seem a little high-tech and daunting, but every one of the robot vacuums in our guide has been tested by Ideal Home reviewers, and if we can use it, so can you. In fact, you don’t even need to pair your vacuum with Wi-Fi or a smartphone app when you’re setting it up. Many come with their own remote controls, not to mention a handy ‘start’ button on top.

In our best robot vacuums you’ll find options from Dyson, who you’ll know for making some of the best cordless vacuum cleaners on the market, as well as brands that focus on robot vacuums exclusively, like iRobot Roomba, Ecovacs, and Roborock.

How much does a robot vacuum cost?

Image credit: iRobot

Initial models could be found stranded on the doormat or bumping repeatedly into a door, but our robot vacuum reviews put the latest and greatest to the test, with options for under £200 and some recent releases that are crammed with added features such as self-emptying bins and the ability to avoid obstacles.

Can a robot vacuum replace a regular vacuum?

Anyone who has ever paid for a cleaner will know the joy of returning home to a spotless house. Even the most hi-tech of robotic vacuums can’t yet compete with that just-polished look. But they can keep on top of the daily once-around. And all without you lifting a finger. Sure, we all know people who manage to vacuum virtually every day. But if you’re busy working and hate the idea of losing free time to chores, a robotic vacuum could be for you. Especially if you have pets.

Where they struggle is with getting up and down the stairs (but if we find one that can levitate, we’ll let you know!) and hopping on and off rugs. You can zone your home to avoid these obstacles, but they do prove tricky for those who want to replace a vacuum cleaner altogether. Plus, we all need to whip out the vac every now and again to pick up a little spill, which is often best done by hand. We love our robot vacuums for keeping on track with day-to-day dirt, but we do still run around our classic vacuum to get more stuck in with the weekly clean.

Best robot vacuums 2021

1. Roborock S6

Best robot vacuum overall

Dimensions: ‎35 x 35.3 x 9.6 cm
Control: App, on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Mopping power makes this vacuum a two-in-one
• Smart mapping is easy to set up
• Faultless deep-cleaning
• Automatic recharging

Reasons to avoid:

• It’s a hefty 4kg
• The mop uses just water

While it’s designed to be one of the best robot vacuums, the Roborock S6 has an optional mop attachment that works simply by filling up the water container. It’s great on hardwood floors and leaves a relatively dry trail while still picking up superficial dirt. It’s no stand-in for an actual mop because there’s no suds or antibacterial cleaning solution involved, but for a tougher clean on laminate and tile we found it did a perfectly good job.

Onto the vacuuming, which really is the star of the show, the Roborock S6 is incredibly smart. It automatically maps out your space and figures out the smartest way to clean, meaning it tracks more of a zig-zag across your room than a random dodgem route; something we found with less smart robot vacuums. The vacuum also scans the room using the LiDAR navigation on top of the machine. Other features we enjoyed included automatic recharging and the rubber bristles that aren’t prone to tangling and can accurately detect barriers and move dirt into the path of the vacuum.

If you’re looking for the best robot vacuum and mop combination it’s a smart pick, and not the most expensive option in our guide.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

2. iRobot Roomba S9+

Best luxury robot vacuum

Dimensions: ‎‎52.2 x 43.4 x 41 cm
Dust bin: 0.44 litres, with self-emptying base
Control: App, on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Amazing design for corners
• Self-emptying design is very handy
• Self-mapping is the best we’ve seen
Reasons to avoid:

• It’s as expensive as a robot vacuum can get
• Noisy self-emptying

The iRobot Roomba S9+ is one of the most expensive options on the market, but if you’re willing to spend over a grand on a robot vac, it’s a seriously smart choice. The squared front is perfectly shaped to reach into corners and run along skirting boards to pick up every hidden piece of dust or pet hair. iRobot’s 3-stage cleaning system was designed to clean very deep into your floors, with rubber treads to reach into the fibre of your carpets and loosen any rooted-in hair or dirt.

What we really love about this robot vac is how simple it is to use. Despite it’s tech-y design it looks very smart in any hallway and can be operated using the iRobot app. This will map out your home using Imprint Smart Map, which will then allow you to set certain rooms to be cleaned as well as create no-clean zones where you may have concerns about rug fringes or kids’ toys getting in the way. When it returns to the dock, the S9+ will begin to empty its own dustbin into the storage tower. This will go into a bag which will mean there is no chance for dust to escape back to your home once it’s been cleaned up, but this process is a little noisy.

Ideal Home rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

3. Ecovacs Deebot N79S

Best budget-friendly robot vacuum

Dimensions: ‎33 x 33 x 7.8 cm
Dust bin: 520ml
Control: App, on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Reasonably priced
• Wide reach for more efficient cleaning
• Large bin

Reasons to avoid:

• The brush is prone to tangling

An Amazon favourite due to the low cost and easy use, we were impressed by just how powerful the Ecovacs Deebot N79S is on both hardwood and carpet. It’s got a Wide Reach bristle on either side of the front of the vacuum, both of which do an excellent job of sweeping debris in the path of the vacuum as it goes around the room. Its battery holds true to the 100-minute battery life promised by Ecovacs, but we did find that after about six months of use this had depleted to around 45 minutes. Still, that’s above average for many robot vacuums.

Not everyone will be drawn to a robot vacuum that requires lots of complicated controls and syncing to a phone, and one of the best things about the Ecovacs Deebot N79S is that you can simply press a button on the top of the machine and off it goes in Auto mode. Unlike some smarter vacuums such as the Roborock S6 it does move around more randomly instead of mapping a clear path around the room, but keep in mind that it does so for only a fraction of the price. Other modes include spot cleaning and edge mode, that targets skirting boards and corners very well.

Suction is powerful and the bin is large. The issues we encountered weren’t unique to the Ecovacs Deebot N79S. For example, the side bristles can get tangled easily if (well, when) they encounter long hair. When it comes to the top of the stairs it does detect an imminent drop, but we found that we needed to rescue it from the cliff before it would continue cleaning, despite the claim that it does this automatically.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

4. iRobot Roomba 980

Best robot vacuum for total performance

Dimensions: ‎50dia x H91mm
Control: App and on-board
Reasons to buy:

•  Consistent cleaning
•  Great value for money
•  Great on rugs
Reasons to avoid:

•  The docking system is a faff

iRobot, the company behind Roomba, actually started out making bomb disposal robots for the American military. The company has been selling robotic vacuums in the US for decades. The Roomba 980 is their top-of-the-range Wi-Fi connected design that costs less than the Dyson. In our opinion, it outperforms it.

The 350dia x H91mm lozenge can sneak under all but the lowest sofa, detects when it moves from hard floors to rugs and carpet. It boosts the motor speed for better cleaning results. It has a clever twin rubber brush bar. This is easy to clean and untangle and seriously good at picking up pet hair. The brush bars don’t extend right to the edge of the vacuum. However, the two spinning brushes sweep dust into the bars, so it can clean right up to the skirting boards.

It comes with two battery powered digital fencing devices that prevent the Roomba going where it shouldn’t. Away from a tangle of wires, or outside onto the decking for instance. But we’ve not found much of a need for them. It’s excellent across all sorts of terrain. It can climb onto thick piled rugs and hasn’t fallen down stairs once.

While not as simple to empty as the Dyson, the 980 has a HEPA filter to reduce allergens escaping back into the room. The consistency of the cleaning is the best we’ve come across. That’s both in terms of the amount of dust it picks up, and how well it navigates around the room. We rarely come home to find it tangled or trapped, just docked and recharging.

One word on the docking system though. Irritatingly, it can only be plugged in from one side, which limits where you can position it. We resorted to using Blu-Tack to keep it in the right position. It was a struggle to rest it flush against a wall.

Ideal Home rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

5. Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S

Best quiet robot vacuum

Dimensions: ‎32.5 x 32.5 x 7.25 cm
Dust bin: 0.6 litres
Control: Remote
Reasons to buy:

• It’s quiet
• Affordable price point
• A good pick for those who want a remote

Reasons to avoid:

•  You can’t pair it with an app

Robot vacuums are pretty smart, but that doesn’t mean you need to get one with all the bells and whistles. If you’re a bit scared of setting up new apps, or you don’t get along with Alexa, the Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S could be a good choice for you.

It has a good old-fashioned remote control that allows you to select a cleaning style (spot clean, edge clean etc) and how deep you would like your clean to be. The vacuum also automatically adjusts to carpets, which means you’ll get custom cleaning no matter what room it’s in.

One other thing we love is the size. It’s only 7.25 cm tall, so plenty small enough to reach under the sofa. The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S is quiet, too. It reaches only 55bD when testing.

6. Dyson 360 Heurist

Best robot vacuum for reliability

Dimensions: ‎240 x 230mm
Dust bin: 0.33 litres
Control: App and on-board
Reasons to buy:

• Excellent suction
• Easy to empty
•  Seriously easy to use

Reasons to avoid:

•  The dust bin is tiny
•  It’s prone to getting stuck

Instantly recognisable as a Dyson product, the Dyson 360 Heurist is gorgeous. Well made, it has the same feeling of dependability (and usability) as their other vacuum cleaners. It might only measure 240 x 230mm, but it boasts of having ‘twice the suction of any other robot vacuum’. It also has the ability to look 360° around a room. And it has a high-quality carbon fibre brush bar (like the one found on the excellent Dyson V8 Handheld).

With one simple button – and a comprehensive smartphone app – it’s a breeze to use. Easy to set timers, it’ll even draw you a map to show how much cleaning it does while you’re at work. It isn’t the simplest device to link to your Wi-Fi, requiring long passwords and a fair amount of faffing. The transparent dust collector is easy to empty without creating a mess. The filters can be rinsed under the tap and the docking station sits flush with the wall.

The cord can be plugged in either on the right or left hand, depending on the nearest socket is. Watching the 360 Eye work is slow going but give it time – you’re at work after all. The excellent mapping cameras and sensors will cover the open ground with ease. The short 45min battery life and slow recharge rate mean it took over three hours to cover a large living room.

The small size means it can get through chair legs more easily than the rest. At 12cm tall it might struggle under very low sofas, but we didn’t have an issue. The first time we used it, we were embarrassed by how much dust and dirt it collected.

It was hugely impressive, with the living room looking and feeling cleaner. Over time though, we did get frustrated by its tendency to get stuck on the fireplace hearth (The Roomba or Miele had no issues with this). It became a bit of a joke as to where Dyson would be when we got home.

Ideal Home rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Do it by hand: Best steam cleaners

How to buy the best robot vacuum for you

Image credit: Roomba

How does a robot vacuum cleaner work?

Basic robot cleaners generally clean in straight lines, running until they bump into something. They turn around and head back the way they came. Some work by spinning in a spiral from the middle of the room until they hit the edges. However, the latest designs boast NASA style sensor. This helps them map out any room and prevents them from toppling down the stairs.

All robot vacuums have drop sensors to avoid falling, and most have bump sensors in case they do run into things. A combination of cameras and even lasers help guide the top-of-the-range designs. These robots track what has been cleaned and what is left to clean until they’ve finished that particular section of your home. It might look like they work randomly, but trust us, it’s anything but!

Some can also tell if they change surfaces – from carpet to hard floor for instance. They can decrease motor power in that instance. Some can even sense if there’s more dirt and pass over the area more frequently.

How much should I spend on a robot vacuum cleaner?

A good robot vacuum isn’t cheap, and you should budget around £200 at the very least. Anything less and you’re looking at more of an automated floor sweeper than an intelligent appliance. Our best buys cost around £700 which is a lot, especially given you’ll still need to occasionally run around with a regular cleaner, but if you’re a pet owner sick of hairballs blowing across the room, the daily clean of a robotic vacuum will be worth every penny.

3. How well does a robot vacuum really clean?

We were horrified by how much dust, dirt, and pet hair was collected by the robot vacuums. Remember to pick obstacles off the floor before leaving the house. This way you will come back to much cleaner floors. And the beauty is, it will clean every day, without complaining. Admittedly the quality of cleaning is dependent on the vacuum’s ability to clean unobstructed.

If you have stuff everywhere you should expect it to get stuck from time to time. Also, it can’t get right into the corners, no matter what the blurb on the box says. It also can’t climb stairs. So if you want to clean bedrooms or bathrooms you’ll need to take it up and turn it on. If you ask us, it’s still better than doing it yourself.

What features should I look for when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner?

Image credit: Braava

1. Timers: An absolute must, there’s little point having a robot cleaner if it can’t do the housework while you’re not there. The easiest to program is the connected app-controlled models, but even basic design will have digital clock-style timers.
2. App control: If your robot vacuum comes with a smartphone app you’ll be able to control it remotely. Turn on from work for instance if you’ve got an unexpected visit from the in-laws. Plus, you can now track your vacuum’s progress and see how much of the room it has cleaned. This is useful to see if there are areas the robot can’t access.
3. Filters: The vast majority of cleaners have built-in air filters to trap unwanted particles and stop them from being pumped back into the room. Look for washable designs for longevity, although all brands sell replacements.
4. Docking station: All vacuums need recharging at some stage and being able to take themselves home for a refuel is a huge bonus. However, battery life isn’t that significant assuming you’re in no rush to get the floors cleaned. If you’re out at work, you can let the cleaner work all day – charging up as it goes. Positioning the dock however can be an issue, so check if you have a well-located spot against a wall, in close proximity to a plug. 

Get the most from your robot vacuum

Image credit: Dyson

Robot vacuum cleaners aren’t perfect yet, but you can help them perform better with these easy tips:

1. Tidy up

Even the most hi-tech sensors can’t navigate around piles of Lego or dirty laundry, so to give the vacuum the best chance of a success, have a quick tidy before you leave.

2. Don’t get rid of the old vacuum

Robots can’t clean stairs, curtains or upholstery (yet!).  Therefore you will still need a proper vacuum, or a decent cordless handheld with a nozzle and crevice attachments.

3. Use the timers

Robot vacuums work best if they clean every day. Learn how to use the schedule and set it to clean when you know you’ll be out the house.

4. Clean it regularly

As with a regular vacuum, make sure you clean the filters regularly. Get rid of any tangles as soon as you discover them.

The post Best robot vacuum 2021: our top 6 for spotless floors appeared first on Ideal Home.

Christmas is just around the corner, and finding the best artificial Christmas tree should be high on your to-do list for 2021. Whether you usually opt for a real tree but can’t stand vacuuming pine needles every day, or perhaps you’re upgrading your 4ft artificial tree to a 6ft one? Whatever your style, we’ve got it covered with our pick of the best artificial Christmas trees for 2021.

The best thing about an artificial tree? Apart from the cleanliness in comparison to the real thing, there’s the added bonus that you can use an artificial tree for years to come. Buy yours once and you’ll get years of use out of it. Just pack it away in a Christmas tree bag in January and sling it in the loft. You can also now buy pre-lit Christmas trees to save you from getting dizzy by walking around your tree to wrap it with lights. Artificial trees also come with a stand included in their price.

The only thing you won’t get from your artificial tree is that realistic pine scent. Not to worry, though: once you’ve selected your tree from our list, you’ll find a clever solution to this – and it truly does work. What are you waiting for? Get your artificial Christmas tree early this year to avoid disappointment, whether it’s for a living room, dining room, hallway, bedroom or even home office.

Doing some gift hunting? See our Christmas gifts under £20 to spend less this festive season

Here at Ideal Home HQ, we have rounded up – and tested a handful of – the best new artificial trees for 2021, alongside a few reigning best-sellers. All are hoping to be the tree of choice for your home for this, and many more, Christmases to come.

The best artificial Christmas trees to buy in 2021

1. Habitat 6ft Mixed Tip Natural Look Christmas Tree

The best artificial Christmas tree to buy in 2021

Image credit: Habitat

This Habitat tree is natural-looking and wrapped with LED lights to save you an extra job this December. It’s our top pick simply because of three things: it’s reasonably priced, it looks very natural and it’s a whopping 6ft in height. Essentially, it ticks all our boxes.

Easy to assemble, simply just slot the pieces together from the base. You’ll need to tease the branches to make it look in proportion before you pop your baubles on, but that’s half the fun, right? One thing’s for sure: it’s plush and will be sure to make a statement in your living room.

This PVC tree also comes with a stand, plus it’s fire retardant. In total there are 1,951 tips which is just proof that artificial Christmas trees aren’t always lifeless looking.

Dimensions: H6ft x D50.8cm

2. Dunelm 6ft Green Christmas Tree

The best affordable artificial Christmas tree

Image credit: Dunelm

Because artificial Christmas trees can be admittedly expensive, and some people might think what’s the point in splashing the cash when you’re going to cover it in baubles, lights and more? This one from Dunelm is budget-friendly and sizeable.

With realistic fir tips, you’d never know that this tree was, indeed, fake – once it’s covered with decorations, that is. It may appear shiny at first appearance but after a bit of use and a sprinkle of glitter (if that’s your thing), it’s perfect. Otherwise, it’s a great second tree for an office, student pad or even a bedroom.

Coming in at less than £20, this bargain artificial Christmas tree even comes sitting on a stand. Just buy a skirt to cover said stand, or nestle your presents around it on the floor. Measuring a delightful 6ft high, even though it’s cheap, it’ll still make a statement in your living room. Just be warned: it doesn’t come with the lights included.

Dimensions: H6ft x D98cm

3. John Lewis and Partners St. Anton Potted Pre-lit Christmas Tree

The best snow-tipped artificial Christmas tree

Image credit: John Lewis & Partners

If it’s a snow-tipped Christmas tree that you are searching for this year, then look no further than John Lewis’ St.Anton tree. It even comes potted to make your life easier – and pre-lit! Oh, and it’s perfect for smaller spaces, or for nestling in a corner of a room thanks to its slim design and shape. Need we really say any more?

Its hinged branches easily drop into place whilst you needn’t buy a tree skirt thanks to the fact it sits in a pewter effect pot. With a total of 250 warm LEDs, this PVC tree though compact is definitely statement-worthy. It’s surprisingly full – thanks to a total of 616 tips – to ensure it looks the part in any room of your home. We think it’s perfect for a living room, but there’s nothing stopping you from putting it in a hallway or bedroom, either.

This tree’s lights are mains operated, so you’ll need to place the tree nearby a plug socket. The fact it sits in a china pot also means that it will be harder for inquisitive pets to touch, although we would avoid this tree if you have a small child as it could be easy for them to pull over.

Dimensions: H180 x D80cm

4. B&Q 6ft Smart Natural Looking Christmas Tree

The best smart artificial Christmas tree

In a world of smart home solutions, why not embrace a smart Christmas tree too? B&Q’s smart tree comes pre-lit with 300 multi-function LED bulbs for a traditional look. The dual coloured bulbs can be changed from warm white to multicoloured lights – taking the tree from calm and serene one minute to disco party vibes the next.

The thoroughly smart design means said lights are compatible with both Google Home and Alexa devices. In addition to the two different coloured light options, there are seven multifunction settings too. This jazzy function allows you to choose your desired look for every occasion.

We were very pleasantly surprised by how realistic this tree looked in our home. The densely populated branches are spread across three hinged sections, all of which are an even mix of moulded PE and traditional PVC tips to emulate the look and feel of a real tree. Plus, the stand is very robust, helping to ensure the tree feels very stable. When carrying out the push test this tree barely wavered.

Dimensions: H182.9cm x D97cm

5. Habitat 6ft Pre-Lit Snow Tipped Christmas Tree

The best slim artificial Christmas tree

Image credit: Habitat

Small living room? Need a tree for your slim hallway? This pre-lit option from Habitat may be teeny but what it lacks in width it makes up for in style. It’s snow-tipped, too, and it comes wrapped with lovely lights around it. Whether you need a tree with a slim footprint or you’re on a budget, this one is a no-brainer.

What else do we love about this slim artificial Christmas tree? It’s lightweight at just 3kg, so would be great for someone who is less able or if you have children – you needn’t worry too much about them trying to pull it down. With hinged brackets, the branches easily fall into place so that all you need to really do is fiddle with it to ensure it looks all in proportion. It’s also pre-decorated with a total of 100 warm white bulbs to make your life easier.

This PVC tree comes atop a metal stand and it’s undeniably the perfect size for placing in a corner. It has a 2m cable to power its lights, of which is green in colour, and when switched on its lights are static.

Dimensions: H6ft x D45.72cm

6. The White Company pre-lit 1.5ft tree

The best small artificial Christmas tree

This mini but marvellous tree is compact in size but characterful enough to enter into the spirit of the season. It’s potted and perfect if you’re not really a fan of having a Christmas tree. Otherwise, it’ll look lovely placed atop a hallway console, a desk, coffee table or even a dining table as a festive centrepiece.

The slender branches are thoroughly realistic to both sight and touch. Even the base around the bottom of the tree is covered in a life-like moss earth-effect covering, adding to the realism. Plus, it stands in a decorative willow basket.

Arriving complete, ready to pop straight onto a surface for display – this tree could not be more convenient. It’s pre-lit, with a switch to control the lights neatly hidden in a compartment located in the base. The warm fairy lights, on an undetectable green wire, evenly distributed from top to bottom for a perfect finish. There are three settings for the lights – On, Off and Timer.

Dimensions: H46cm x D37cm

Buy now: Pre-Lit Mini Christmas Tree – 1.5ft, £35, The White Company

7. Hayes Garden World Yukon Snowy Pine Tree

The best realistic artificial Christmas tree

This snowy tree is the hero of alternative Christmas trees for 2021. It can set the scene for a white Christmas, whatever the weather. Standing at a statuesque 6ft tall this tree is made from a mix of PE/PVC material which creates a life-like illusion. It has a mixture of tapering and bushy branches (1,837 tips to be precise), with a smattering of large pine cones beautifully placed throughout to give the feel of a full-bodied life-like tree in a snowy wooded forest. Now if that isn’t the Christmas dream, what is?!

The hinged branches fall into place with almost no need to tease them into a more evenly deserved finish – which helped to lessen the loss of snow coverage. It comes pre-lit which is a dream. And, not with just any lights, but globe-shaped LED lights that are woven throughout the tree, warmly illuminating the frosted branches with a soft glow. The lights are long-life, energy-efficient LED lights that will last for years to come and have replaceable bulbs in case of any breakages. The branches support even the heaviest of decorations – although less might be more when it comes to this tree.

This tree wowed from the moment we got it out of the box. The snow coverage is excellent, with a soft textured feel to the touch. The branches are entirely snow-covered, with the dusting heavier on the ends – as you’d expect on a real tree out in the snow. Although the stand is only a basic fold-out model the tree felt extremely robust and sturdy when up, it certainly passed the push test.

Dimensions: H182.9cm x D112cm

Buy now: Pre-lit Yukon Snowy Pine Life Like Artificial Christmas Tree, £324.99, Hayes Garden World

8. Wilko 6ft Half Flocked Christmas Tree

The best half artificial Christmas tree

Image credit: Wilko

We’ve found the ultimate tree for those with smaller spaces to fill. The half tree design is famous – and it’s easy to see why. Where full-sized would be overwhelming, this quirky half-tree design is perfect. Who really needs to see the back of the tree, anyway? We all know that it’s always the worst baubles that get hung around the back. Designed to sit in the corner of a room, this tree makes for less wasted floor space or wasted decorations, plus half the tree means half the price – what’s not to love? It’s weird but totally wonderful when you think about it.

There’s also the bonus that this tree is snow-tipped and pre-lit. It even has hinged branches to make it easier to assemble – and dissemble. Sturdy since it sits against the wall, this artificial tree, simply enough, ticks all our boxes.

Measuring a tall 6ft, this half tree is also budget-friendly, although it’s made of plastic – just an FYI.

Dimensions: H6ftx W100cm

Buy now: 6ft Half Flocked Christmas Tree, £55, Wilko

For inspiration: How to decorate a Christmas tree – Ideal Home’s definitive step-by-step guide

9. Balsam Hill Vermont White Spruce Flip Tree

The best luxury artificial Christmas tree

This tree is simply stunning. It’s SO well lit it could happily reside in the lobby of a 5-star hotel. It’s not cheap at all, and we acknowledge that entirely, but it is in a completely different league when it comes to artificial trees to keep for life. The Flip Tree’s design guarantees a super easy set up thanks to an innovative flip design that eliminates the need to lift heavy sections.

The tree is pre-lit, and the coverage is superb – plus they are remote controllable to adjust the light colour. This magnificent tree is dressed with 850 warm white LED lights – that’s enough to channel National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation vibes! This smart tree took under a minute to assemble. The base, on wheels for added ease, has a foot pedal that you press and then simply flip the bottom half over, into place. The top part is in one section, this slots into the base with ease. Fix the brakes once it’s in position, so it can’t be moved and plug in the lights. The meticulously hand-craft tree is made using Balsam Hill’s exclusive True Needle technology, beautifully replicating nature, including asymmetrical branches, subtle colour changes, and lifelike texture.

Balsam Hill are the crème de la crème in the world of artificial Christmas trees. The much-loved tree experts have expanded their range of artisan-designed, highly realistic Christmas trees to more than 250 beautiful designs! Being such a premium tree, as you might expect, it comes complete with a repair kit, a spare set of lights, bulbs, heavy-duty canvas storage bags for both sections and even gloves to protect hands from prickly branches during assembly!

Dimensions: H198cm x D137cm

Buy now: Vermont White Spruce Flip 6.5ft Artificial Tree, £1,349, Balsam Hill

10. Habitat 6ft Half Parasol Christmas Tree

The best artificial Christmas tree for pet owners

Quirky tall trees are popping up all over the place at the moment! We can totally see why they have become popular as a clever solution for pet owners wanting a Christmas tree. This tall tree comes with two poles, with one branch filled section for the top – the parasol, if you will. While the base has bolts to keep the main pole in place, the second pole section merely slots in – there is no extra securing element in place. It felt fairly unforgiving when we did the push test, purely because all the weight is in the top section.

The PVC flat bristle branches required minimal tweaking to make them perfectly spaced. The stand pole is tightly wound with a tinsel-like green material. We used just one set of fairy lights. We avoided using them on the base, as not to draw attention to it, but as demonstrated above it does work well. While this tree is a brilliant solution to stop pets and young children from playing with the decorations, we can’t help but fear the top-heavy nature could cause a potential hazard. We’d highly recommend weighing down the base to make it feel more stable and less likely to topple.

If you take these precautions or don’t have to worry about little ones or pets, then this tree is a fabulous quirky idea to elevate your decor this season.

Dimensions: H182 x D73cm

11. Argos Home 6ft Lapland Christmas Tree

The best white artificial Christmas tree

Image credit: Argos Home

Hoping for a white Christmas this year? Us too. With help from this Argos Home tree, you’ll be halfway there. If a white Christmas tree is more your style, then this one will tick all your boxes. It’s affordable, sizeable and best of all: it boasts a full look.

Easy to assemble with hinged branches that drop into place, just be sure to tease the branches to get this tree looking its best. Whilst annoyingly, it doesn’t come pre-lit, this does provide a blank canvas for you to decorate it however you like. You could go for vibrant pink lights or keep it classic with warm LEDs. Don’t even get us started on the baubles as the opportunities are endless.

This tree sits on a stand and weighs a very light 3kg in total. Like other artificial Christmas trees, it’s made of PVC – plus it’s fire retardant. Snap up this bargain now.

Dimensions: H6ft x D24.13cm

How we test our artificial Christmas trees

We’ve quite simply assembled a select few of the trees in this list. We looked at their quality and durability, getting hands-on for the best results. Like little elves, we unboxed and packed away the trees, too, to test how easy they are to both assemble and store. We also had our noses on red alert to detect if any of these trees carry an unwanted scent.

To test the branches and explore how well they withstand all manner of decorations, we hung the heaviest hanging baubles and ornaments and observed what we’re calling ‘the droop factor’. We’ve also placed tree toppers on each and every tree, to see if they fit properly. And we’ve been testing the topple-factor by pulling at the decorations, mimicking what excited children or curious pets might do!

What size Christmas tree should I get?

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to have at least six inches between the top of your tree and the ceiling – remembering to allow for a topper.

How do you store your artificial Christmas Tree?

Of course, there’s the original box the tree came in. But will that last year in, year out? There’s also the task of how you get it back into the box – the wrestle is never an easy one. This year we’ve stumbled across several brilliant Christmas tree bags – and you can shop them below. A zip-up bag makes it more practical for transporting from the shed or loft to the front room each year.

Where to store an artificial Christmas tree to keep it looking good?

Quite simply, as long as you keep the branches flat and un-squashed, your tree should last you for years to come. Store in a cool, dry space to preserve the condition.

How do I make my fake Christmas tree smell real?

If you love a real tree mostly for its glorious scent, fear not because you can emulate the same smell with a touch of trickery. In recent years Scentsicles have become a thing. These magical sticks are soaked in seasonal scents and they cleverly hang from the branches, undetected.

If you want a more subtle hint of scent you can hang pine cones interspersed on the inner branches, attaching them using green gardening twine. A bundle of cinnamon sticks would also do the job if you’re looking for an alternative Christmas scent.

How much should I pay for an artificial Christmas tree?

There’s no real answer to this question. It all depends on what you’re looking for. You can pick up a budget tree under £50, from the likes of IKEA and Dunelm, which will do the job perfectly. Generally speaking, with artificial Christmas trees you generally get what you pay for. You can shop for cheaper artificial Christmas trees below.

What is a pre-lit Christmas tree – and should I buy one?

Pre-lit Christmas trees are simply trees that already have lights on. The beauty of buying a tree with the lights already on is firstly the saving – as there’s no need to buy extra lights. Secondly, the placement is a real bonus. As the lights are already evenly distributed throughout the whole tree, it saves you the job of fiddling about and potentially getting in a tangle over the perfect arrangement.

Never underestimate the importance of the lights on a tree, as they can anchor your whole decorating scheme – highlighting well-placed decorations and glinting in all the right places.

The post The best artificial Christmas trees – 2021’s top picks for the home appeared first on Ideal Home.