We love to have a "real" tree but may not always have one. We may succumb to the artificial ones. We love to have natural elements mixed in with the faux stuff. When conditions are right, meaning there's enough & I have time, then I love making our own natural wreath for the outside of the front door. I would love to have more of the evergreen inside such as on the mantle & placed here & there but the sap. Ah, the sap is a problem so laying it along the top of the mantle can leave you with a sticky wicket. Instead, I try to incorporate them where they won't leave sap on something that can be ruined.

I've always had a live tree, and would rather not have one at all (as we have chosen this year) than a fake one. But I do have some fake greenery, wreaths etc. around. And this is my favorite of all - it comes out the day after Thanksgiving:

We always have a real Douglas Fir !

We have a Frazier Fir each year. After New Year's I cut away the branches and lay them over my garden gladiolus. This simple winter covering has allowed them to return year after year without lifting and storing.

I see a gardening tip in that post Chelle.

Artificial tree here but sometimes I do bring in holly as it holds up better than the pines and firs.

I have tried the artificial , but it just not the same. Now it is pretty much back to all natural.