How to choose a Christmas tree topper that actually fits

Start with the leader, not the topper

The leader is the single upright branch at the very top of the tree. Everything about a topper's success depends on it, so measure it before you shop.

1. Length. Measure from the highest ring of side branches up to the tip. This is the space your topper's sleeve or base must cover. If the leader is only 4 inches long, a topper with a deep sleeve will rest on the side branches and lean.
2. Thickness. Measure the leader's diameter about an inch from the tip and again 4 inches down. Many topper openings are made to fit a range of widths, but the narrow end of your leader must be wide enough that the topper does not slide, and the wide end must fit the opening without forcing.
3. Straightness and strength. Run your fingers up the leader. Artificial trees often have a stiff, wired leader, while real trees have a soft, flexible one that bends under weight.

Match the size to the tree

A topper that is too large pulls the eye away from the rest of the tree, and one that is too small looks like an afterthought. A common design rule of thumb is for the topper's height to equal about one-tenth to one-seventh of the tree's height. These are guidelines, not hard limits, but they give a sensible range.

Width matters as much as height. Wide, fan-shaped or bow toppers should not be much broader than the top two tiers of branches, or they look top-heavy. Slim trees do better with narrow, upright toppers such as stars with a small body or tall finials.

Pick a style that suits the tree

• Stars work with nearly any theme. A flat star looks neat from the front, but a three-dimensional one looks good from every side, which matters on a tree seen from across the room.
• Angels and figures suit classic trees and need a stable leader. They also catch the eye, so choose a size that reflects the whole tree's scale.
• Bows and ribbon toppers are light and forgiving, which makes them a good choice for real trees with flexible leaders.
• Finials are tall and slim. They suit narrow trees and glass-ornament themes.
• Burst and spray toppers made of picks, branches or stems can be built from craft materials and tailored to the tree.

Weight and balance

Weight is the invisible issue. A real tree's leader can bend under a heavy topper by the second week, which is hard to fix without removing it. Light materials such as paper, wire, thin metal or ribbon are the safest. If you love a heavy ceramic, resin or glass topper, you will need extra support: tie the base to the two or three nearest side branches with soft floral wire, or place a short, thin dowel or bamboo stake alongside the leader as a hidden splint, secured with ties, and slide the topper over both.

On artificial trees, the wired leader is usually sturdy enough for a medium-weight topper. Even so, avoid pushing a tight sleeve onto the wire or forcing it, because that can bend the wire and snag the lights.

Lighted toppers and cords

A lighted topper adds a glow at the highest point, but it also adds a power connection.

• Check whether it plugs into the tree's light string, uses its own cord or runs on batteries.
• Plan how the cord will run down through the branches without being pinched or stretched, and keep it away from sharp wire ends.
• LED toppers typically run cooler than older incandescent bulbs, which is a plus on a real tree. Whatever the type, keep it clear of dry needles.
• Respect the maximum number of connected strings stated on the light sets. A topper connected into a long chain may push the circuit over its limit.
• Use lights and topper accessories listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our tree lights and fire safety guide covers inspection and limits in more detail.

How to install a topper step by step

1. Do a dry fit before decorating. Slide or clip the topper on, and check from several angles and from across the room.
2. Shape the top branches. Spread the uppermost branches around the leader so they frame the topper without poking through it.
3. Secure it. Use two small pieces of floral wire or ties around the base and nearby branches. Keep the wire hidden behind the topper's body.
4. Run the cord (if any). Tuck it behind side branches and follow the trunk down.
5. Check straightness. Stand back, check that the topper is vertical, and adjust.
6. Check again in a few days. Real trees dry and sag a little, and leaners often appear on day three or four.

Fixing a leaning, spinning or bent topper

• Leaning: Add a second ties-to-branches anchor on the opposite side, or reduce the weight with a lighter topper.
• Spinning: The opening is too loose. Wrap a little ribbon or floral tape around the leader to thicken it.
• Bent leader: Splint it with a thin stake, as above, then cover the splint with the topper's body. Do not try to straighten a dry, brittle leader by force.
• Too tall for the room: If it touches the ceiling, move to a shorter tree stand position or switch to a lower-profile topper such as a bow.

Safety and storage

Keep glass and sharp finial toppers away from children and pets until the tree is in position, and handle them gently on a stool or step ladder rather than at full stretch. Never climb on furniture to place a topper. Use a stable ladder with a helper when the tree is tall.

After the holidays, remove batteries from lighted toppers, wrap fragile pieces in soft tissue and store them upright in a box where they cannot be crushed. Write the tree height on the box so you remember what it fit.