The Best Christmas Tree Stands on the Market Right Now

Aside from the ornaments and the topper, never underestimate the importance of a quality Christmas tree stand when decorating your home for the holiday season. "A good tree stand will secure your tree in place and keep it straight," says Tim O'Connor, executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association. "It can also keep your tree from drying out—so it will look healthier and last longer."

So, what elements are essential to a superior tree stand? For starters, O'Connor says it should be able to hold enough water to ensure your tree stays fresh throughout the holiday season. "It is critical that the water in the stand never drops below the bottom of the trunk," he warns. "Just as you would never let a vase of fresh cut flowers run dry, the tree will need new water each day until its uptake slows down." Before you visit your local tree farm, be sure to measure the room in which you will display your tree; the stand's size should be based on the height and trunk diameter of your tree. The taller your tree, the bigger the diameter of the trunk. And if you typically get a tall tree, you'll need a deep stand or one with a tall gripping mechanism. The higher up the stand grips, the more stable the tree will be.

In the market for a reliable Christmas tree stand that you can reuse year after year? From swiveling styles to budget-friendly picks and more, read ahead for seven of our favorites.