When artificial and shiny Christmas trees were manufactured in the late 1950s, their appeal was not that they were reusable, environmentally friendly, and easy to store, but that they were shiny, space-age, and chic. Millions were produced between 1958 and 1969 in New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and other parts, with their largest models, reaching heights of over two meters, selling for about 25 dollars. Over time, the trees gradually fell out of fashion and were relegated to attics, basements, and heaps of trash. Our friends from ActitudFem share with us the story of artificial trees.

Aluminum trees were not the only substitutes for the ubiquitous natural pines. Feather trees were popular for decades, and other charming trees were crafted from wood, including carved branches. And I've seen quite a few vintage trees made of fringed paper attached to wooden stems.

Now it seems that artificial trees are all the rage again. They are indeed a lovely alternative to fresh natural pines, as a sensible response to environmental concerns. No tree needs to be cut down. No tree has to be tossed or recycled.

Personally, I have always preferred aluminum, feather, or paper trees. I have delighted in finding more of them over the years in antique shops (I found a mother lode in Portland, Maine), as well as new interpretations of vintage specimens in stores like ABC Carpet & Home in New York City. Instead of costing $25, those trees, old and new, can sell for hundreds of dollars. And even the cultivated natural Christmas trees, which last only a few weeks, can be just as expensive.

I have arranged a few trees around the house. In fact, even the living rooms are adorned with shiny trees. Arranging them is simple, but fluffing and straightening the branches, which have been stored in boxes or small barrels, takes time. Still, that initial fluffing really enhances the final appearance.

Once the trees are plump, I hang the ornaments and try to make each tree a presentation of color or coordination within the space it occupies. Aluminum trees look great with one or two color balls and garlands. Feather trees allow for a bit more diversity and can have hundreds of ornaments if arranged carefully. The new shiny trees with intricate branches look best with a theme and unique hues.

I have never put lights on those trees. From my inquiries, I understand that they were never intended to be lit with light strings but with a wheel that rotates at the base of the tree, illuminated and reflecting colors. I haven't found those wheels, but I don't think my beautifully decorated trees need any additional embellishment.

This year, I will be using bronze trees in my dining room, with silver sparkles and vintage red ornaments. In the living room, I plan to arrange silver trees. The trees will be adorned with green and turquoise ornaments, and bead garlands I have collected. In my bird room, I want to use the large greenish-blue aluminum tree I found in Maine. It will be covered with golden ornaments and golden brocade garlands.

Our collection editor, Fritz Karch, also likes that artificial trees have no tips, don't need water daily, and are reusable and versatile. He reminded me that trees come in many colors, including white, gold, blue, green, pink, red, and bronze. I gifted some white ones to Susan Magrino, my publicist, who places them in a modernist space with light Heywood-Wakefield furnishings. My daughter, Alexis, adores the rare pink trees in her contemporary rooms. Kevin Sharkey, our decorating director, also loves the pink trees and fills their branches with hundreds of silver and crystal ornaments.

I will always use those trees, and I agree with that sales refrain from a 1960 Sears catalog: “Whether you decorate with blue or red balls... or use the tree unadorned, this exquisite tree will be the talk of your neighborhood. Aluminum with great enhancement gives a dazzling shine. It is really durable (and) fireproof... You can use it year after year.”

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