CasaSugar

Deck the Haus: Chiasso Mod Trees

CasaSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:15:22 -0800

Is it me or do these Chiasso Mod Trees ($20) just scream Paris Hilton? Or maybe Legally Blonde? I don't really love them (I actually think they're rather tacky). However, with coordinated décor they could have a lot of potential. I also like that Chiasso describes them as "contemporary plastic"—what does that mean? How would you class up these mod holiday trees?

How To: Get Your Tree Home

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:00:28 -0800

Lately I've been seeing trees precariously tied to the tops of cars - I even saw one slide off the top of a station wagon over the weekend! To ensure that transporting your tree is safe for you, your special tree, and for everyone else in the vicinity, please check out my tips for getting your tree home for the holidays.

To see my tips, just read more

If your travel time is in excess of 15 minutes, wrap the tree in a tarp, or place it in the back of a pick-up that has a topper. Winds of 60 mph, especially when combined with weather, can damage a tree quickly.
Put the bottom of the tree aiming forward to protect the needles from being blown off.
Tie your tree securely! If the tree is carried on the outside of a vehicle, loose ties can be a hazard to your valuable tree, your car, you, and other travelers, so relearn your knots or bring someone who knows how to tie them well.

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Casa Verde: Save the Christmas Trees!

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:00:53 -0800

A recent This Old House article discussed the virtues of live Christmas trees. One family in the article brings in a live tree to trim indoors, and after the holiday is over, they plant the tree on their three-acre property. "You can look at it every year and think, remember when we did that?" points out landscape contractor Roger Cook. "It's fun for kids because you can point to it and say, 'That's your tree.' You can't do that when the tree's ground into wood chips."

Live trees are also fresher, and thus more fragrant, add value to your landscape property after they are planted, and can begin a family tradition. However, the trees are heavy, may cost twice as much as a cut tree, and cannot immediately be planted if you live in an area that gets a hard freeze. Still, I think it's a good option for folks who have some outdoor acreage to spare. I even know of a family in Berkeley who bought a live tree last year and then planted it in a local wildlife preserve after the holidays, so the possibilities are even there for apartment dwellers.

Is a live tree something that you would consider?

If you're curious, you can read the whole article here.

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Deck the Haus: Anthropologie Tree

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:00:25 -0800

This adorable little Anthropologie pewter tree ($98) features laser-cut partridges frolicking in a pear tree. Look close to see even more details, including fruit, flowers, and even a monkey. I think this would fit in well in the home that wants to display a bit of holiday cheer but not go over the top with festooning the festivity.

What Do You Top Your Christmas Tree With?

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:22:47 -0800

There are so many options for tree-toppers these days, it's almost intimidating. But, you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose, as long as you choose something!

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Deck the Haus: Urban Outfitters Charlie Brown Tree

CasaSugar — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:00:22 -0800

I've had a love/hate relationship with Charlie Brown ever since I was a kid. In fact, if truth be told, I probably relate more to Lucy and her football than Chuck and his constant anxieties. Still, I can't resist this Charlie Brown Christmas tree $24. An exact replica of the tree from the cartoon, made of bendable wire branches and plastic needles with a criss-cross wooden base, the set comes with one red Christmas ball ornament, because that's how Chuck would want it. Granted it's a bit of a high price to pay for some plastic and wood bits, but the true Charlie Brown fan will love you for this gift.

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Tips on Selecting the Best Tree

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:13:51 -0800

I love looking for a Christmas tree. There's always such anticipation as I head down the fir-filled rows of wrapped trees at the tree lot. But don't let a sentimental attachment to a particular tree get the best of you. Use some common sense tips to get the best tree for your money.

To see my tips, just read more

Make Sure Your Tree is Healthy! Avoid any tree that's dropping green needles, has dry, brittle twigs or smells musty.
Get the right size for the job. A too-large tree is going to just be a pain in the butt to hack down to size. I spent one holiday getting my hands and clothes all sappy while I took a hand saw to the bottom foot of our tree. Avoid this unfavorable scenario by using our handy tree height guide.
Check the bottom branches. Are there large branches at the bottom of the tree? If so, see if the lot attendant can remove these before you take it home and attempt to put it in your tree stand.

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Our Handy Tree Height Guide

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:32:51 -0800

Need some help picking out the right size of tree? Then check out this handy height guide we whipped up. We don't want you getting a tree home that's too gigantic for your ceilings, or looks tiny in your great room. All this guide requires from you is a measuring tape and some simple math skills.

We hope that this guide helps you to find the right tree for the job!

Nice and New: LED Forever Lights

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:30:32 -0800

These Forever Lights ($18.95) do just that. Using LEDs, these holiday light strings have no filament to burn out and will last for about 200,000 hours. Even better, they use almost 80 percent less electricity than incandescent lights. If one bulb goes out (after about 20 years!), the rest stay lit. The Forever Lights can be hung both indoors and outdoors and are virtually unbreakable.

Nice and New: Aaron Thomas Acrylic Christmas Tree

CasaSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:34:27 -0800

Aaron R. Thomas's Acrylic Christmas Trees are back this year due to popular demand. It's the most retro holiday "tree" I've seen yet, but it's certainly not as festive as the Unica Home Bottle Brush Tree. It looks great decked with monochrome silver ornaments, but I don't think it really stands on its own. So be prepared for some quality tree-trimming time. The tree is available in both 3' ($500) and 6' ($850) and each is limited edition, signed, and numbered for the 2007 season.
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