Tell me about your Tree Topper

12 years ago

I know I am a tad early, but I just bought my first ever artificial Christmas Tree (ordered it from Costco--it is their Bayberry Spruce model with LED lights that can switch from white to colored lights with a foot switch) and therefore have Christmas on the brain.

I love a real Christmas tree, but after the last few years of cutting my hands up trying to get the lights off a dried up tree and then dragging it out to the curb myself (my husband travels during the week, so this task falls to me)--I decided that this is going to be the year we try something different. I asked the kids what they thought, and they were indifferent to the switch to artificial (typical teenagers)--so I just pulled the trigger and ordered it.

Anyway, I grew up with angel tree toppers that I secretly didn't love. (I know, that sounds so mean!). They were just old fashioned and grandmotherly looking to me, and I remember thinking when I get my own tree, I will have a star on top of my tree.

So we had a regular star for many years--until a few years ago when I got into Hallmark Illumination ornaments. We have lots of the ornaments (they light up, glow, and color change)--as well as a Star light tree topper. It was beautiful the first year--it glowed and changed colors and also did this light show thing on the ceiling where it projected stars there. Unfortunately it was just the first year, after that it just lit up one color (white) and that was it. The ornaments are still going strong, but the tree topper has seen better days.

Now I am looking to either replace it, or find a new tree topper. Does anyone have one that they really love?

Featured Answer

Bumblebeez SC Zone 7

12 years ago

I have a mirrored star tree topper that I bought about twelve years ago and still love it. It is hefty and classic looking, to me. I noticed Pottery Barn is carrying a mirrored star tree topper this year that is somewhat similar and I like it very much too.
But I admit I like fairly naturally decorated trees, without a lot of motion or glitz. No bubble lights here!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (33)

FroofyCat
12 years ago
I have a tin star from Shaker Workshops that I bought the first year I had my own tree. It's always a little tricky to get it to sit right on top of the tree - but would probably be easier on a fake tree (perfect branches, easily bendable.) I attach it with a string and tape the end of my first strand of lights to the back of it.

you can see it at the link below:

Here is a link that might be useful: Shaker Workshops
deeinohio
12 years ago
When the kids were growing up, we had a clear hard plastic Hallmark star I loved; it was always DS's job to put it on the top of the tree and he would never let anyone else do it. I always dreamed of a beautiful angel. When DS got married, I made him a gift of the star for his own tree since it meant the most to him, and I bought my (very expensive) angel. Hated it.

I went to ebay and found a four-sided gold Hallmark star and retired the angel after only one Christmas. For me, I prefer a star.
Related Discussions
tell me about your favorite tools/supplies
Q
Comments (13)
You all have helped convince me to buy a King of Spades spade and a one-sided bevel grafting knife, but I'm still trying to figure out some details. On the spade, do you all prefer a long handle or a D-handle? I did use a King of Spades brand spade once digging bamboo at someone else's place. He had the kind in the link below. I just showed the picture to my wife and explained how it worked, saying it was kind of like a built-in T-post driver, to which she asked why one couldn't just drive a long-handled metal spade with a regular T-post driver. I suppose the feasibility of that idea might be obvious if I actually had a regular, long-handled spade in hand, but I'm curious now. But apart from that idea I would be leaning toward the D-handle as it would seem less likely to bend/break since I wouldn't be able to exert as much leverage on it as with the longer handle. Or should I go for as much leverage as I can get, because these things are so heavy it won't matter? On the knife, I saw a one-sided bevel knife at a local hardware store this week that they call a "floral knife." I almost bought it, but then I remembered the orchardist that taught the grafting class that got me started recommended carbon steel over stainless steel, and this knife was stainless. What's the practical difference between stainless and carbon steel, and which would you want for a grafting knife? Also, with a one-sided bevel will it be like a chisel such that I need to start paying attention to which way the bevel is facing when I make cuts, and if so, which way should I turn it? Here is a link that might be useful: bamboo spade
...See More
Tell me about your SFG
Q
Comments (22)
I'll be cursing in July, but it was beautiful here today, so of course I was out in the garden. I added on to my strawberry bed so it will be about 6x6'. It's somewhat lasanga-d with some fresh manure and scraps on bottom, then layers of topsoil and finished compost. I'm also building a U-shaped bed around a stump, with a plum in a tub on top of the stump. This bed will be for my melons and summer squash. I also put in another bed, about 8' long, and 3' most of the way, then tapering at one end. This will be for tomatoes, cukes, and probably peppers, eggplants, and okra, if there's still room (the bed will extend the other way another 8'. I'm planning a long, narrow bed to use up the remaining space, probably about 2'x10'. I'm thinking it will be mainly for cutting flowers this year (and to attract pollinators), and I may put in my perennial herbs there. The job for tomorrow is to haul slash wood out of the corner and dig it up for potatoes - blue and Yukon golds. My peas broccoli and cauliflower are doing well, and my carrots are coming up. I also found some volunteer lettuces from last year's beds, and transplanted them, so should be in salads in a few weeks. Outside of the garden proper, I'm sheet composting and will be tilling in OM for a 4x30' bed for 3 varieties of corn and sunflowers, with watermelon, pumpkin, and wintersquash rambling through them. Should make a nice screen until I can get a proper fence built along the alley.
...See More
Show Me (or tell me about) Your Desk/office in Kitchen & give ide
Q
Comments (7)
Here you go, the uppers have the calander hanging on one side and emergency numbers on right door and all the office things live here. There is an outlet for charging cameras and "my" stuff. On the counter is an outlet for the land line. Antique tray is our magnet board. Top drawer has a powerstrip attached to the back for DH's electronics this is "his" drawer for keys and anything else. Bottom drawer is the coupons, and "junk" drawer as I have found it is inevitable! Basket is home for shoes. There is now a cushion on the dog kennel. Once Buddy is no longer we can pop an end panel on kennel and the lid under cushion lifts for more storage. Hope this helps! From Kitchen before and after From Kitchen before and after
...See More
Question about crystal tree toppers (non-electric)
Q
Comments (3)
I have a non-lit topper similar to the third pic, but larger and more dimensional (think Sputnik with glitter). The only way to get it to sparkle and reflect light was to thread the end of a light string up through the backside carefully. Works great! Of course, in my case, the artificial tree was in three sections so I kept the topmost section with the topper fully decorated and stored that way, lights and all. And a bigger topper might work better perhaps. Good luck and I hope yours works out!
...See More
cindyloo123
12 years ago
Funny you brought this up Lisa. I've been searching through the stores now that the Christmas displays are out, in search of something I would really like.

Last year I gave in to many years of harassment from DH and went artificial. All those years of live trees, half the time I didn't have room for a topper, so sometimes I put one on sometimes now. But I don't love any of the toppers I have, so I never cared about putting them on anyway.

I spent a lot of time last year searching for one. I never found anything I loved. I did notice that they now sell toppers that are attached to a fairly long pole, which can be stuck down along your trunk so that the topper will be perfectly centered above the tree, no matter what branches you may or may not have there to hold it. DUH, why didn't I ever think to secure a topper to a dowel and do that myself?

I look forward to hearing more about the toppers the GW folks have.
mtnrdredux_gw
12 years ago
Ive always used a bow. A few of the years when we had big parties, we had a local florist do live garland all the way up the banister, with French wire velvet double bows. After the holidays we would take down the garland and salvage the bows. I use them as tree toppers.
ttodd
12 years ago
We use an open weave type star that is painted gold w/ glitter. It lights up. It was a lot prettier on line - wasn't overwhelmed when it arrived but I use it every year anyways because Santa brought it and topped the tree w/ it one year when I realized that we didn't have a tree topper for the kids. Pre-kids I'd always used a bow.

My mom uses a primitive country style wooden crow sitting in front of a crescent moon for her tree topper. I think it's wonderful and quirky!
zipdee
12 years ago
Not for everyone, but I have stocking cap that looks like it fell off an elf :D But then again .. I have Christmas frogs too. I think I'm going to fill out the tree more this year with lime green mesh ribbons .. I've bought more ornaments too.
nancybee_2010
12 years ago
I have a star that lights up. For some reason my (grown) kids think it's tacky, but I don't think it is at all! They also hate it when I try to color coordinate the tree, and think I should put up the decorations from their childhood, things they made, etc. They also much prefer a real tree, which is fine.
fluffybutt
12 years ago
I have a wax angel that my parents got in Germany 30 years ago. I've always loved it but it looked a little small on our 9 ft tree so last year I just bought some ribbon and put a bow on top.
birdgardner
12 years ago
I have an angel - one of those with the stiffened fabric skirts, sometimes we have gold ribbon streamers coming down from her.

We had a second small tree last year - a fir hybrid whose needles had a lemon scent and lasted forever - for weeks after we hauled it outside they were still soft and not dropping - wish I could remember the hybrid name. Anyway, that one had a very tall spike that we did not cut back - wired one of those embroidered beaded Indian stars to it, and a large blue glass bird, and a small glass bird.
eandhl
12 years ago
I have a primitive Angel. We came home from our honeymoon 2 days before Christmas a LONG time ago. Beside getting our clothes, opening more gifts we stopped at a nursery. We couldn't afford a tree, lights and decorations so we bought just the Angel. She is worn as we are about to top our tree this season for the 44th time. Well 43rd as she sat alone the first year.
Oakley
12 years ago
Below is my new tree topper. It also has a lot of ribbon that hangs down. It's pretty big, but so is my tree. My tree is a white artificial tree. I can't wait to put it up again!

{{!gwi}}
stu2900
12 years ago
DH and I bought a star that lights up for our first Christmas and we're still using it. That was 40 years ago. We have the original box and the price tag says $2.49. Our kids have actually gone to great lengths to find something as close to it as possible.
Fun2BHere
12 years ago
We usually use some combination of ribbon bows and something else...gilded branches, papier mache angels, shooting stars. It's a little different each year.
lisaincalifornia
Original Author
12 years ago
I am loving hearing about everyone's tree toppers! It's funny-I have never seen anyone with a "bow" tree topper, but it is pretty.
I really like the one from Shaker Craft as well. I keep looking for the perfect tree topper, but haven't found it yet. I think I want a star that will really light up. There is one from Lowes that has 50 lights on it, but I don't want it to be blinding! You should still be able to glance at your tree without causing retina damage, you know?
If you have had the same light up star for many years--how do you keep all the lights working? That seems to be the problem with lighted tree toppers.
juddgirl2
12 years ago
I haven't had any luck finding a tree topper for my 9ft artificial tree. Most are too heavy for the top branches. No one else has that problem?

I like the idea of using a bow like Oakley's.

Zipdee your tree is very pretty!
patty_cakes
12 years ago
I don't know if you're familiar with 'ting tings', but I started using them in gold when they first came out, about 10 years ago. I now use them in lime green, and add many other 'layers' of other types of decorative glitter branches(all lime)to the top 12"-14" of the tree(10'). I also stick them thru out the tree, as well as using them on the mantle stuck among the greenery.

With all the ornaments, the branches add even more sparkle. I use them in bronze on the DR tree, as well as using tons of the glittery 'things' on stair railings(with garland) and all table decorations. When it comes to Christmas decorating, it's like Christmas 'threw up' all over the place! LOL

Here is a link that might be useful: ting tings
jakabedy
12 years ago
Mine is a big bronze-colored glitter snowflake. I think I got it at Target. It references a star, but is a little bit different.
busybee3
12 years ago
we have an angel that we bought ~ 20 years ago... very pretty, but delicate looking- mostly white with some pink and some strands of 'pearls'... not christmasy looking except maybe on a victorian decorated type of tree... every year i put her up and don't love the look, but it's 'what we have/do'... a few years ago i bought a gorgeous, very large angel tree topper that i display on a side table in the dining room (she's wearing mostly browns, bronzes and golds) and i've been thinking of displaying this other angel in a similar way and looking for something different for the tree...maybe i'll look around this year and see if something strikes me.....
leafy02
12 years ago
We started our family life with a red glass spire tree topper. One year it broke on Christmas Eve. I couldn't stand the idea of a topless tree for the big day, so I ran out to buy a new topper. The best I could do at that hour was a silver and gold plastic star from the only open store I could get to. Yikes! Plastic! With glitter on it!

I fully intended to go to the after-holiday sales to buy a new spire, but my kids were outraged at the idea of replacing the glittery star. So, yes, a Rite Aid star has topped my tree for four or five years. I guess it has grown on me, because (shhhhh) now I kind of like it. It has a certain 'presence', and accurately reflects the fact that I think almost everything in life is better if it has a little glitter on it ;-)
lynninnewmexico
12 years ago
Lisa, we had to switch to artificial trees when I developed an allergy to the real ones. I think you're going to be so happy with yours! I love mine now, but tuck real pine cones that I drip a pine scented oil onto for added tree smell and realism.

As for tree toppers, I grew up with an angel topper but DH pleaded for a star, like he had as a kid. I gave in on that, but it took me a while to find ones that looked "right" to me. I put up several trees at Christmas time and all but DD's have stars. I'm surprised that I don't have a pic just of this star on our big family tree, but this is the only one I could find. I like it's antique look.
Lynn
nancybee_2010
12 years ago
I liked your story, leafy. I like inexpensive Christmas decorations such as some of the kind you would find at rite aid. And there are some really great ones at Target!

This made me think of a (narcissistic!) in law who wrinkled her nose at my tree (I had a lot of child-made decorations) and said, "Well, all of my decorations are Hallmark!"

I don't think Hallmark are the priciest but she was kind of a snob about it!

I guess you could say I'm very democratic about decorations, there are lovely ones in all price ranges!
dalmadarling
12 years ago
I use a fun star or nothing at all to be honest. I haven't gone the artificial tree route yet, but I have purchased a tree that's just slightly too big (oops!) so nothing goes on top and it looks just fine.
When I did my search, I found this amazing tree that I had to share with you all for a very different style of decor. Monkey on the top of the tree anyone?

[kids design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kids-room-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_24653) by other metros interior designer Tobi Fairley

Here is a link that might be useful: More fun Christmas tree and holiday decor ideas
fauve01
12 years ago
we have a Belleek Star that was given to us when we got married 18 years ago. I love it! I've tried to find another one for my Dad's tree, but it doesn't seem to be available.

Growing up, we had an angel on top of the tree.

Here is a link that might be useful: Belleek Star Topper
bleigh
12 years ago
The last few years I've used bows and fillers for toppers. For me, this is the best way to fill out the top of a larger tree. My clients prefer this way too. Here is one of the trees I just decorated this week.
Oakley
12 years ago
Bleigh, what a gorgeous tree! Did you place the bow only on the front or does it go all the way around? I like how you wove the ribbon. I haven't decided how to weave mine yet so I'm looking at a lot of pictures.

Okay kids, here's my first Christmas decor. Kind of. I'm such a procrastinator it can take me forever to address my cards. So I set up a "station" on my game table tonight so I can do at least one a day before I mail them!

It's definitely getting me into the Spirit of Christmas.

{{!gwi}}
patty_cakes
12 years ago
Bleigh, very, very pretty! I see you've used the glittery 'sticks' as well. I can't imagine my trees w/o them~~great fillers and for adding extra sparkle.

I *love* decorating for Christmas, and have thought of trying to start a seasonal business. May I ask how you got started? TIA
arcy_gw
12 years ago
I have a bit of a collection of tree toppers, as I like a lot of angels at Christmas. Traditionally the Christmas tree is the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which is why we light it up so. Due to this I would never put a star on a "star". An angel is the only option in my home.
work_in_progress_08
12 years ago
bleigh - can you tell me where you purchase your ribbons? I am having trouble finding the 3" mesh wired ribbon.

TIA
lisaincalifornia
Original Author
12 years ago
Hi all, thanks to all that took the time to post. I ended up getting the GE tree topper that I was thinking about, and it is just beautiful! I haven't put the tree up yet, but we will on black Friday. I will try to post a picture then.

The tree topper I bought I got at lowes (they had it in stock and I bought it there, not online) and it was very reasonably priced. Lots of lights. It looks amazing with our chandelier, which will be right next to it. We have a Pottery Barn brushed nickel chandelier with strands of crystals on it, and the crystals are similar shape to ones on the tree topper.

Here is a link that might be useful: crystal tree topper
clubcracker
12 years ago
I have two - a PBKids Snowman (soft) that I bought when DD was born, and then a few years later my mom gave me the angel that was on our tree when I was a kid. The angel has a special place in my heart - my parents have 8' ceilings and our artificial tree was so tall, the poor angel's head got flattened and she lists slightly to one side. She's not exactly elegant but she's my tipsy angel. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: PBKids 2011 Santa tree topper
newdawn1895
12 years ago
I have several that I love, one is made of silver glitter and was very expensive. The one I truly love is made of tons of little sea shells and is very heavy too and was only five bucks after Christmas at Marshalls.

Just like displaying antique wedding toppers displaying Christmas toppers is gorgeous to me.

.....Jane
nhb22
12 years ago
For years, we put up a straw and wire angel bought from Kirkland's(remember the store?). The angel originally had a crown of beads on her head, and she smelled like cinnamon. The children loved her, and would fight over her put her up each year. Once they started going off to college, we would wait until that child came home and they would get to put the angel on top of the tree.

Last year, I finally bought a new topper...a star that is very plain and pretty.

This year, I am not even going to put up a Christmas tree. Don't feel like it, and I also don't get any help decorating. Besides, we are going away for Christmas.