I love the idea of a real tree at Christmas but sadly I’m a bit allergic to them and come out in an itchy sore rash where I touch them and the falling needles drive me nuts! As a consequence I’ve had to make do with an artificial Christmas tree. I’ve had my tree for a few years now and have developed a bit of a love hate relationship with it.
I love that it signifies it’s Christmas and I get all that wonderful time with family. I love that it displays all the children’s homemade ornaments that hold so many memories. I love that I’m not killing a real tree just for the pleasure of having it in my house for a couple of weeks.
I hate the hour-long spat with it in the wrestling ring trying to wrap those blasted lights round and round ‘elegantly’. I hate having to vacuum after I’ve put it up to pick up all the greenery it’s decided to shed as it inches closer to balding middle age. I hate that it looks, well just a bit pathetic! Just a bit plasticky. Just a bit, dare I say, tacky?
I was recently given the opportunity to try out a tree from Balsam Hill this Christmas. I didn’t really expect there to be much difference between mine and theirs but theirs came pre strung with lights which was an enormous appeal so I decided to give it a go!
Well perhaps you saw my initially response of total glee on Instagram? Believe me, not all trees are equal! I am in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Just look at how beautiful and realistic it is!
I have the 6 foot European Silver Fir prelit tree and it is stunning! I really am amazed by how life-like it looks! And that’s not surprising as it has an incredible 2559 branch tips and each one is cleverly made with a real attention to detail in the style, shape and colouring. It looks so full and lush and REAL! Just look at these two close-ups and compare my old tree to the new one from Balsam Hill! Need I say more?
It was really quick and easy to set up with three sections that slot together. I have a pre lit tree and it has a staggering 550 bulbs! The tree is so beautiful just as it is before you even put any decorations on! It has energy-saving candlelight LEDs which have a wonderfully warm glow to them rather than a stark white light so they’re really cosy and atmospheric.
I wasn’t sure how the wires for the lights would be arranged and wondered if they’d get tangled when you put the tree up or down. They’ve done a great job though and all the wires have been professional hand strung to minimise their appearance and they’re all snug to the branches so there’s no chance of them tangling together, in fact you really don’t notice them at all.
I’m totally surprised by how impressed I am with the appearance of the tree and with its quality. I hadn’t expected to be so blown away by it! You can just tell that it’s going to last for years and years and it does actually come with a 10 year foliage warranty and a 3 year light warranty too. They are obviously built to last!
I also loved the thoughtful extra touches that it came with. It has a robust zip up storage bag, spare bulbs, clear setting up instructions, and two pairs of green gloves in different sizes to wear when you put it up. You don’t have to wear them of course and I didn’t find the tree at all scratchy without them but the gloves made me feel cared for and valued as a customer. The children have now whisked them away for their dressing up box to be elves!
Balsam Hill aren’t the cheapest option for artificial trees but now that I’ve seen one, touched it, decorated it, lived with it and totally fallen in love with it, I would say that they are definitely a worthwhile investment that should give you years and years of enjoyment.
The European Silver Fir that I have is just one of many different types of beautiful artificial trees Balsam Hill have to offer. They have something to suit every size and style requirement and if you’re not sure which to choose you can even order a Branch Sample Kit to help you decide. I think that’s a great idea and if you do go on to purchase a tree they credit the price of it back to your order too.
Win A Balsam Hill Wreath
The lovely team at Balsam Hill are kindly giving a lucky reader one of their enormous and beautiful 24″ Unlit Fraser Fir Wreaths worth £69 seen below. (Ribbon not included.)
To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
Good Luck and Happy Decorating!
I was sent a Christmas tree for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.