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Christmas Trees

2 guides

Christmas tree toppers and skirts

The star, angel or bow on top and the skirt underneath: sizes by tree height and how to secure a topper.

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Christmas tree toppers and skirts finish a tree, and both are sized by the tree. Balsam Hill says to leave at least 6 inches between a topper and the ceiling, and to choose a topper light enough to sit safely at the top; heavier ones need zip ties or a stabilization kit. For the skirt, its rule is a skirt at least 6 inches wider than the tree, wide enough to hide the whole stand.

The Christmas tree topper guide covers stars, angels, bows and finials, topper size by tree height and ceiling height, lighted toppers and how to secure one so it stays straight. The Christmas tree skirt guide gives skirt sizes from 18 inches for tabletop trees to 84 inches for the biggest trees, shows how to measure a tree’s width with a soft tape, and works through the size for a full 9-foot tree step by step.

A rustic burlap star tree topper with red berries on a Christmas tree
A woven star topper tied to the top branches.

Star Christmas tree toppers

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Toppers and skirts

Frequently asked questions

How much room does a tree topper need?

Balsam Hill says to leave at least 6 inches between the topper and the ceiling. Under a 9-foot ceiling, a 7.5-foot tree leaves 18 inches; take off the 6-inch gap and about 12 inches remain, yet Balsam Hill's chart suggests only a 4-inch topper. Measure the space and add tree height, topper height and 6 inches before you buy (our reading).

What size tree skirt do most trees need?

A 48 to 60 inch skirt for a 6 to 7.5 foot tree, by Balsam Hill's sizes. Its rule is a skirt at least 6 inches wider than the tree.

How do you stop a tree topper from falling over?

Tie it on. Balsam Hill suggests zip ties through the eyelets of a pole-mount topper, floral tape on a spiral base, and wire or pipe cleaners for a bow.

Sources

  1. Guide to Christmas Tree ToppersBalsam Hill
  2. What Size Christmas Tree Skirt Do You Need?Balsam Hill

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