Go out on a limb
In defense of fine fake trees and other faux finery
Typically, I do not like fake things. I do not like fake sugar, fake wood or fake news. If given the choice, I will almost always opt for the real McCoy: a real Christmas tree, real flowers and real candles. But lately my discerning eye has been fooled; technological developments and improved manufacturing capabilities have made it possible to create some of the best impostors ever. Some are so good that even I may change my ways. Yes, they are pricey, but trust me, if you are going to buy fake, buy the best fake you can find.
Ultimate fake tree
Balsam Hill offers a dazzling choice of artificial evergreen varieties, shapes and sizes — including Fraser fir and Norway spruce look-alikes, from under 6 feet tall to over 15 feet, both lit and unlit trees, and even trees that are pre-lit with LED color and clear lights. (You can alternate between the two with one click of a remote control.) Trees start at about $349, and each comes with a stand, storage bag and extra bulbs. The company also sends a pair of “shaping gloves” to wear while you shape and bend the branches into realistic formation. Full shaping instructions, including photos, are available on the Balsam Hill website (
Undeniably, these artificial trees make life easier: no watering, no needle dropping, no light hanging and no messy cleanup. But one thing is missing (and it's arguably the most important): the smell of a real tree. I suggest a good-quality evergreen-scented candle or diffuser, such as the Frasier Fir scent from Thymes (
Prettiest fake flowers
Although decent fresh flowers are readily available at grocery stores these days, most of us limit our purchases to special occasions. However, flower arrangements, potted plants and orchids from Diane James (
Coolest fake candles
The most impressive invention I have seen in a while is the dripless, waxless candle from Lucid. The very real-looking “candle” is made of a synthetic material that never burns down. (You can even put it in the dishwasher to clean it.) The candle holds liquid paraffin, which the company sells by the bottle. Just twist off the candle's top and fill the candle with the fluid. When you put the top back on, the candle's fiberglass wick falls into the liquid paraffin and draws it up. Light the wick and only the liquid paraffin is burned, so there is no soot and no dripping — no more wax all over your tablecloth and no more scraping wax out of votive holders! And unlike battery-operated candles, Lucid candles have real flames, so the glow is exactly what you would expect from a traditional candle. Fun fact: These candles are based on a design that the Lucid parent company has been making for use in churches for 30 years. The company has spent the past several years perfecting the technology for home use. The new designs will be available next month through Lucid's website (
Most luxurious
fake fur throw
Over the past few years, faux fur throws have become a staple in decorating magazines and catalogs, but all are not equal. The first time I felt a really good faux fur throw was at the home of New York-based decorator Katie Ridder; I really couldn't tell whether it was real. When asked where it was from, Ridder shared that she regularly orders the faux fur throws from Restoration Hardware (