My wife and I have sharply contrasting points of view about this. We both like a real tree. That is where the similarities in preference end. Thus, we have two trees, and we alternate years to determine who gets the prime main level spot in front of the bay window and who gets the family room spot in the basement.

She likes to make the tree "personal" and throw every single ornament she has ever owned on the thing. Mulit-colored lights and a hand-sewn angel that some ancient relative made probably on the actual night of the blessed birth.

I prefer a carefully thought out theme. Since I have the VIP spot this year, I have gone with a balsam fir, white LED lights and silver, white, or clear crystal/glass onaments. I have a great silver and white star that tops the tree.