Source photos by Meri Meri, Crate & Barrel, Piecework

Our biggest piece of holiday-decorating advice? Resist the urge to pick up the first kitschy bauble you see on the shelf. Tasteful, high-quality decorations can last for years—rather than falling apart after just one season on display.

Our experts have rounded up our favorite festive finds, including starry tapered candles, colorful and delicate glasses, and a twinkling light that can be displayed in a number of ways.

’Tis (nearly) the season→

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Got a boob light? We tested this renter-friendly option for covering an ugly ceiling fixture→

Our ultimate guide to vacuum cleaners Behold: the crème de la crème of our expansive vacuum coverage, from robot vacs to upright canisters to handheld models→

“I’ve brought home lamps from Japan and Italy. But this $30 IKEA one is my favorite.” This chic orb emits a warm glow and looks great anywhere→

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Many experts think real trees are lighter on the planet, in terms of carbon emissions and resource depletion, than artificial trees. But it’s complicated, and opting for a real fir still has ecosystem impacts—if you keep your fake tree long enough, there will come a time when its footprint will be less per year than if you bought a real tree annually.

How to mitigate your tree’s environmental impact, according to our sustainability editor→

Simon Pearce

Our gifts editor calls this gorgeous, handblown glass tree an “instant heirloom” that’s sophisticated and versatile enough to stay on display well into winter. It makes a pricey but fantastic gift for your stylish friends who pull out all the stops for holiday decorating. Or maybe, you are that friend, in which case—congratulations.

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