What Are Flocked Christmas Trees and Are They Right for You?

As the holiday season approaches, many households begin the process of transforming their homes into winter wonderlands. Out comes the festive décor, like wreaths, stockings, and mistletoe hung in doorways.

And while decorating the home for Christmas can look different from person to person, family to family, and culture to culture, in most homes, the main centerpiece of holiday decorating revolves around the classic Christmas tree.

If you’re no longer getting the show-stopping look from your tree that you’d like, it might be time to try something different. To mix things up this holiday season, you might want to consider getting a flocked Christmas tree, especially if you’ve ever wondered what makes this snowy style unique.

What Is a Flocked Christmas Tree?

A flocked tree looks like it’s covered in freshly fallen snow. To get the look, the branches are coated in a white fluffy material that mimics snow resting naturally on the tree. Both artificial and real trees can be flocked, and the result is a tree that looks like it’s been taken right out of a snow-covered forest.

Flocked Christmas trees gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. They fit well into this era, symbolizing a blend of traditional holiday décor with a more stylized, modern twist. Advertisements in magazines and catalogs promoted flocked trees as a chic, wintry option for creating a winter wonderland inside the home. Movies also helped shape the trend, inspiring many families to bring the snowy look into their living rooms.

Today, people often compare flocked vs. unflocked Christmas trees before making a purchase to determine which style better fits their decorating preferences.

Flocked Christmas Trees Today

Flocked trees continue to offer a modern look while also invoking a sense of nostalgia. With decorating styles constantly evolving, many shoppers still wonder whether flocked Christmas trees are still in style, and the answer is yes. They’ve actually seen a resurgence thanks to improved materials that create a more realistic and affordable snowy texture.

How to Shape and Decorate Your Flocked Tree

Flocked trees can be decorated the same way as any other Christmas tree. Ornaments, garlands, lights, ribbons, and bows all work beautifully on a snowy backdrop. Because the flocking gives the tree such a distinct look, you can choose styles ranging from minimal and elegant to full and festive.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for decorating a flocked Christmas tree:

1. Fluff and shape the branches as you would with any artificial tree.

2. Add lights, mixing large and small bulbs for a decorator’s touch.

3. Wrap garland, ribbon, or tinsel between the branches.

4. Hang ornaments, starting with large pieces and filling in with medium and small ones.

5. Choose a tree topper that fits your style.

6. Add a tree skirt to finish the look and cover the base.

Flocked Trees: Real or Artificial?

Although real trees can be flocked, artificial flocked trees are neat, maintain their snowy look throughout the season, and require little maintenance with no watering and no needle cleanup. They are also a great choice for people with allergies or sensitivities to pine sap or pollen. If you love the fresh pine scent of a real tree, add a spray fragrance to your artificial tree or use scented potpourri to get that fresh-tree smell.

DIY flocking is also possible. With the right spray and a well-ventilated workspace, you can create the snowy effect on your own tree. Just be sure to follow the instructions and allow the tree to fully dry before decorating.

If you prefer a ready-to-decorate option, Nearly Natural offers a wide range of flocked trees that deliver the snowy look instantly without any effort on your part.

Flocked Tree Options Beyond Real or Artificial

Today’s flocked trees come in a wide variety of styles. Some have a light dusting that looks like a gentle snowfall, while others are covered more heavily for a bold, dramatic effect. The level of “snowiness” is entirely up to your personal preference.

Colored flocking is also an option, allowing you to explore more modern Christmas tree color themes like pink, purple, or icy blue. These styles have become increasingly popular with those who want a bold or unconventional approach to holiday decorating.

Flocked Trees: Are They Right for Your Decor?

Flocked trees have been in use for decades, but their popularity has shifted with trends over the years. Today, there is renewed interest as more people embrace a modern yet nostalgic approach to holiday style.

So, what does a flocked Christmas tree mean for your holiday décor? It’s a fresh twist on a traditional tree, offering a cozy, wintry look that aligns with both personal style and seasonal themes. The snowy branches bring a sense of magic and nostalgia, making flocked trees a timeless, worthwhile option for home holiday decorating.