Every year, we're greeted with a host of new Christmas trees and while not all of them may be on your radar, we at M get to see everything out there - from the classically gorgeous to the quirky, weird and wonderful ones. From skinny, tall trees to multicolored trees, trees with taller trunks to stop the dog and cat knocking them over, to flat-backed trees that sit against the wall neatly... we've seen them all. John Lewis & Partners Christmas Buyer Dan Cooper says that as well as trends, the evolution of Christmas trees has changed considerably over the years, too. 'Our trees are always getting taller and bigger. The normal height up until the noughties was 4 to 6ft. Now 7ft is standard, and we go up to 9ft. The tree really has become more of a centerpiece.' Dan continues: 'The noughties brought height and width to trees, but it's been the past ten years that the truly quirky trees stepped into the spotlight. We wanted to do something more, so we introduced the upside-down tree, and the reaction was incredible.'
1. The Bare Branched Tree
A true break from tradition, this Scandi-style pre-lit tree tapped into the Nordic minimal trend. It could be used indoors or out, and the bare branches allowed the decorations - the few that it could take - to really take centre stage.
2. The Upside Down Tree
In 2010, John Lewis & Partners launched its upside down tree. Billed as a solution to having a small living room with limited floor space remaining once all the presents are under the tree, the brand literally turned the idea of a Christmas tree on its head. And in that, solved the issue with the fuller end of the tree at eye level.
2. The Charcoal Tree
The charcoal branches of this striking tree allowed twinkling lights to really shine out and decorations pop against the deep, dramatic background. The branches had a delicate sheen, too, highlighting the decor further.
4. The Singing Tree
This September, the brand launched it's first 'singing' tree. Called the Evergreen Classic Holiday Symphony Rainbow Christmas tree, this pre-lit tree can play music while simultaneously flashing its lights to the rhythm. 'Not so long ago, a tree was considered lavish when it had 300 lights', says Dan Cooper. 'Today, some of our pre-lit designs have three times that. This year is all about the Symphony Rainbow Pre-lit tree. It's mesmerising.'