A century-old tradition, these artificial Christmas trees continue to charm homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Photo: Maison Decor

Like many of our cherished holiday decorating traditions, feather trees originated in Germany during the Victorian era. Their construction was simple but ingenious. Dyed goose feathers were attached to branches with wire to resemble pine boughs. The branches were then inserted into a wooden dowel “trunk”, which in turn was set into a base. Tiny faux berries or candleholders sometimes graced the tips of branches as well.

Vintage German Feather Tree

Feather trees were brought to our shores by German immigrants in the early part of the 20th century, enjoying widespread popularity with American consumers during the 1920s and 1930s.

Importation was halted during the Second World War, and in the years that followed, the use of feather trees declined. The delicate decorations now seemed a bit old-fashioned for post-war tastes.

Collectors kept the tradition alive. Today, feather Christmas trees have made a comeback. Antique examples are highly sought after by some, but their high price tags ($300 and up) and fragile condition lessen their appeal to others. Fortunately, there are numerous new creations to choose from, many of which sell in the $40 to $80 range.

Slideshow: Trending Now: Feather Trees

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