We still use tinsel - the new plasticy; sticky kind as that is all that is available. And yes, I dress the tree with it still one strand at a time. Don't use garland. As to ornaments - hubs and I have exchanged ornaments for the 25+ years we have been together plus those that have been given to us by others. It's a bit eclective but it works for us. We're actually running out of room for ornaments! And we don't do a small tree! It's a chore, to be sure, but one I'm not ready to give up. A friend recently asked if we were getting an artificial tree this year as I've developed allergies, but no, we're still doing real! I'm allergic to my dogs also and I'm not getting rid of them either!