It's that time of year to dust off the baubles and scope out a lovely festive Christmas tree.
Pines and Needles can either deliver to your door, or you can choose one at one of their pop-up outdoor stores; including Highgbury, Regent's Park, Finsbury Park, Maida Vale, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Brent Cross, and Kenwood House.
Pines and Needles director Veronika Kusak has some helpful suggestions for selecting a stunning centrepiece to your Christmas decorations.
First measure your planned space; factoring in the height of the tree stand, and leaving half a foot clearance from the ceiling to accommodate your tree topper: "Nobody likes a squashed Angel".
Choose a tree with a shiny, healthy appearance, seek out a Nordmann Fir - bestsellers for their non-dropping needles and deep green colour - a Fraser Fir, which will fit narrower spaces, or the UK-grown Noble fir which gives off a gorgeous Christmassy scent.
If possible put your tree in a water-holding stand, not too close to a heat source.
One barrier to a beautifully-decorated long-lasting tree could be a pet, curious about the huge evergreen in their home.
As a dog and cat owner Veronika Kusak advises a pause before decorating: "The smell of a real Christmas tree will spark an inquisitive pet’s investigative streak, so it’s a good idea to leave your tree bare for a few days to allow your dog to get used to it without risk of breaking your ornaments."
Once up, anchor the tree securely so it can't tip over, potentially injuring your pet and smashing ornaments. Hide electrical string lights and wires out of reach from your furry friend, avoid tinsel, which could be a problem if ingested, and keep tree water covered in case your cat or dog decides to drink from it: "Stagnant water is a prime place for bacteria to grow and your pet may end up wit an upset stomach."
Place fragile ornaments higher up your tree, and think about saving the presents for Christmas morning. They look inviting under the lights, but will attract the attention of pets, and may contain food such as chocolate and spiced nuts that are toxic for dogs.
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