FAMILY TREE

T r i p T i p s

Take a camera withyou soyou can create a

scrapbook of the day. Have the kids take pictures from their

unique perspectives. Consider bringingatape measure—when

the sky is the ceiling, trees in afield look deceptively small, and

it’s easy to overbuy. Most farms will runyourtree through a

machine that shakes off excess needles and nets the tree for

easy transport home.

WHITE PINE

This tree’s soft

blue-green needles grow on

slender branches that look fetching

with smaller and fewer ornaments.

Because it has little fragrance, the

white pine is also a good choice for

the allergy-prone.

BLUE SPRUCE

This tree’s pretty,

powdery blue needles grow on stiff

branches that will support heavy

decorations. Spruces tend to drop

more needles in a warm room than

firs or pines, so keep well-watered.

NOBLE FIR

Buy a little more tree

than you need, because the dense,

dark-green foliage makes great

wreaths and garlands. The short

needles and stout branches keep

well and support heavy ornaments.

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DECEMBER 2008 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS