Whether you love the real thing or prefer to fake it, a well decorated Christmas tree can become the focal point of your space for the festive period. And displayed in a window may well be the envy of your street.
We have 16th Century Germany to thank for the Christmas tree (we think!) when people would use evergreen foliage and wooden pyramid-shaped structures to decorate their homes.
Christmas tree lights have also been an important element of the Christmas tree tradition for almost 400 years - the first person to be credited with putting lights on a Christmas tree was Martin Luther, a German priest and religious reformer, who used candles on his tree to replicate the beauty of the stars in the night sky. The idea was exported to the UK by Queen Victoria in the 1840s – and the rest is history.
Today the tradition is still going strong. And although candles are no longer used, we might look instead to replicate the stars in the night sky by a cascade of twinkling battery-operated fairy lights – or even a Light up tree topper. Not only does it add a touch of magic to your holiday decor, but it also serves as a beautiful focal point for your tree. In this article, we will explore the significance of star tree toppers, discuss popular designs and styles, and provide tips on how to choose the perfect one for your Christmas tree.
The Symbolism of Star Tree Toppers
The star has been a powerful symbol throughout history, representing various concepts such as guidance, divinity, and hope. When placed atop a Christmas tree, the star tree topper embodies the star of Bethlehem, which, according to the Bible, guided the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and adds a spiritual touch to your festive decorations.
Popular Designs and Styles
Star tree toppers come in a wide array of designs and styles to suit different preferences and themes. Here are some popular choices:
Traditional Five-Pointed Stars
The traditional five-pointed star is a timeless and classic option. They come in a range of colours and patterns. From classic whites and neutral tones to colourful maximalist designs.
Glittering and Sparkling Stars
For those who want to create a dazzling display, sequinned star tree toppers are the perfect choice. These stars are adorned with sequins, reflecting the light and creating a mesmerising effect.
LED-Lit Stars
Bring a warm and magical glow to your Christmas tree with LED-lit star tree toppers. These stars are embedded with small LED lights, allowing them to illuminate your tree and create a cosy ambiance in your living space. LED-lit stars often have adjustable settings, allowing you to choose different colours or lighting patterns.
Unique and Whimsical Stars
If you're looking for something unconventional, there are plenty of unique and whimsical star tree toppers available.
How do you choose a Christmas tree topper?
Size and Proportion
Ensure that the size of the star complements the overall height and fullness of your Christmas tree. A small tree may be overwhelmed by an oversized star, while a large tree might require a more substantial and prominent topper.
Check your ceiling height. It's important to have enough space between the ceiling and the top of the tree. You don't want the focal point of your tree being squashed!
Theme and Style
Make sure your tree topper complements your Christmas tree decorations and ties in with the overall theme of your decor. Try a white tree topper to match a traditional display with neutral colours and minimal patterns. Although if your styling is colourful and maximalist, you may want to pick a tree topper to match!
Personal Preference
Ultimately, choose a star tree topper that resonates with your personal taste and brings joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether it's a simple and elegant star or an extravagant, eye-catching design, prioritise your own preferences and what makes you feel the most connected to the holiday spirit.
Sustainable Christmas Decorations Ideas
We all love the ritual of opening a box and rediscovering the decorations of Christmas past - and tradition and keepsakes have always been key parts of the festive season.
Now, more than ever before, people are looking for ways to celebrate with minimal waste – which means that re-usability and sustainability are playing increasingly important roles in our festive choices.
If, like many people, you’re looking for cost effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable Christmas decorations, the good news is that our starlights are re-usable – simply fold them flat after use and put them away, ready to be rediscovered for Christmases to come. They’re also fairly traded and made from responsibly sourced paper.
If you’re not having a Christmas tree this year, don’t worry! You can still use a star as a festive centrepiece on your dining room table – or display in your window or on your mantelpiece as an alternative to hanging stockings.
How to Install a Light up Christmas Tree Star Topper (Using your star lantern!)
There are several ways you can use a star lantern as a Christmas tree topper:
- Wrap LED fairy lights around the top of the Christmas tree. Then, open your star by holding it flat, placing one hand inside one of the outermost points and gently easing the point of the star outwards. Repeat this action with the remaining points of the star. Then, using the two pieces of cord provided, gently bring the two outermost points together and place the opened star over the tree.
- You can also place fairy lights inside the star and tie it up, using the same method as above. Then position it on the top of the tree.
- If you have enough space above the tree, rather than placing the star over the tree, try hanging it from the ceiling above it to create a clever illusion. To light the star you could use a plug-in pendant light fitting. Or place LED fairy lights inside it and hang from the ceiling with a ribbon attached to the tied-up cords of the star.
- Star lanterns also look fab as unlit decorations and they don't have to be illuminated to make an impact.
For more tips on how to use your star lantern. Visit our guide here.
Sustainable Christmas Trees
Add a magical touch to your Christmas tree. Whether you choose a classic white star or something more bold and colourful, we have a wide range of designs that will match any style and budget. We also carry an assortment of lighting accessories so you can add that extra bit of sparkle!
However you choose, it will add the finishing touch to your tree and bring together your Christmas Decorations for the whole family to enjoy. You might find you don’t want to take them down on 6th January!
Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @paperstarlights and show off your Christmas tree topper styling!
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