Artificial or Real? The Great Holiday Greenery Showdown

The holiday season can bring with it timeless debates that we love debating. Our current quandary: Should you deck your halls with ARTIFICIAL or REAL greenery? 

At Crewe & Drake Design Co., we are a house divided. Let's explore both perspectives and see if one side can win the festive decoration battle.

Team Artificial: Emily makes the case.

During the holidays at my home, you will find the best in artificial greenery - it’s convenient, practical and beautiful. We made the switch many years ago, and I can confidently say, we’ll never go back. Here’s why: 

1. Realism: If you haven’t recently checked out artificial greenery and trees, it’s worth your time to do so. These beauties have come a long way in recent years. 
2. Ease: I splurged for a gorgeous pre-lit tree that can alternate between lovely warm lights or festive colors. All we do is assemble, fluff and plug it in. Voila! Ready to decorate. 
3. Investment: While a really good artificial tree or greenery can be expensive, this investment pays off over years of use. Our current tree is about seven years old, has moved with us and still looks fantastic. 
4. No more allergies: This was initially the reason we made the switch. Our first year with an artificial tree was the first year we didn’t roll into January with inflamed allergies. We’ve never had an issue with this since. 
5. No mess: No dead needles. No bugs. No sap. And bonus reason: it’s fire resistant!

One last tip: Invest in a decent storage bag. I did this a few years in and it’s a game changer. Having wheels makes it easy to move around/store, and I’m confident it’s clean and bug free when I unpack it each year. 

Team Real: Marci weighs in.

Nothing compares to the magic of a real pine tree, and for me, it’s all about nostalgia. I’m reminded of piling in the car and driving to the Christmas tree farm with my family where we'd walk through endless rows of trees to find the perfect one, and then, cut it down ourselves. Followed by hot cocoa and wagon rides, these are some of my favorite childhood memories. And while I don’t have access to a true Christmas tree farm where I live now, my kids and I still enjoy the hunt for the perfect tree and it's STILL one of my favorite days of the year.  

Although there are many benefits to artificial trees, there’s just something special about a REAL Christmas tree. Here are a few more reasons why I'll never go artificial:

1. The Authentic Smell: The moment you bring a fresh pine tree into your home, the entire space transforms. The authentic scent of evergreen—crisp, woody, and utterly nostalgic—cannot be replicated by any artificial spray or candle. It instantly evokes the spirit of the season.
2. A Natural Beauty: Real trees come in various shades, shapes and scents, each with its own unique beauty. We’ve tried many different types over the years and enjoy the variation. (The Nordmann Fir is my current fave.) And a real tree brings nature into your home, which is a design goal I’m personally always trying to achieve.
3. Supporting Local Businesses: Buying a real Christmas tree often supports local tree farms and businesses, which we love.
4. A Sustainable Choice: When responsibly sourced, real Christmas trees can be a sustainable choice. They absorb carbon dioxide and provide habitat for wildlife.
5. A Memorable Tradition: The experience of choosing and decorating a real Christmas tree with your loved ones creates special and lasting memories for families.

We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite and why?

Drop a comment below and share your perspective. Do you have a cherished family tradition? A funny story about tree selection? We can’t wait to read them.