It can often be a family heirloom and stars are always popular.’ We typically think of stars as being more traditional, however, the tradition of using Christmas tree toppers began in Germany in the 1800s. The Rauschgoldengel, or the tingled angel, was a shiny golden foil angel that became popular during this era,’ say the experts at Balsam Hill. Also remember you need a topper which fits! Ideally you want a good few inches of space between it and the ceiling, so you may have to bend or cut the top branch to make your choice of topper sit correctly. Do you put the tree topper on first or last? Invest in a few different shapes and sizes and continue adding more to the collection as the years go by.’ Your design should reflect or echo the theme of the tree decorations, or any Christmas style you have running through the room. People in Scandinavian countries tend to use the same tree topper to complete their Christmas tree year after year,’ muses Sandie Wallman, Founder of Nordic House. Another really easy way to begin building this look is with multi-coloured lights which impart an instant touch of nostalgia.' FAQs How do I choose a Christmas tree topper?

It’s important to choose a tree topper that is to scale with your tree,’ says Sylvia James, interior designer at HomeHow.co.uk. ‘Leaving it until the last minute without any thought will result in a topper that is disproportionate and using the same one with a different tree is lazy.' A brilliant trend for those who like to mix and match their extensive decorations collection, eclecticism is the name of the game, so don't be afraid to combine colours and textures,' says Jennifer Derry, chief merchandise and design expert at Balsam Hill.The two most common Christmas tree toppers are far and away stars and angels. And different sources will suggest that one is more popular than the other, but there’s no definitive answer.