How to Put Christmas Tree Lights on a Christmas Tree: Part 12

A Few Last Tidbits of Advice:

So, you've picked the perfect Christmas tree, you've put it in the Christmas tree stand (and filled it with water), you've got all your Christmas tree lights organized and ready to go -- just one more thing:

It will be a lot easier if you give yourself 1-2 feet of clearance between the tree and and the wall.  More if you are Rubenesque like moi, and less if you've got a child helping you.  This way you can get all the way around the Christmas tree with the Christmas tree lights.  Let me repeat -- 1 to 2 feet of clearance between the tree and the wall, so your husband/boyfriend/dad/son has plenty of room to move around to the back of the tree. 

While it's not really necessary to put ornaments on the "wall" side of your Christmas tree, you really do need some lights.  You want the lights to shine through the tree and your ornaments. 

And finally, one last word of advice:  if you have a tree topper, don't wrap the very tip-top of the Christmas tree (also called the "spire") with lights.  And if your tree topper lights up, give the tree topper is own place on the power strip.  They use more energy than regular strands of lights.

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Ten

The Omega Tree Stand

Website:  www.omegatreestand.com
   Phone:  866-955-0545
    Email:  omega@rogers.com

Now, I gotta admit that if I was in the market for a new Christmas tree stand, this would be on the short list.  Why?  Every once in a while, I'm a sucker for marketing.

The Omega Tree Stand claims to be designed by a woman.  Actually, Sue Eikenswiller is a co-designer with her husband, Grant.  The husband is a big cheese over at Omega Plastics, out of Ontario, Canada.  Well -- who would know more about what a woman wants in a tree stand than another woman?

I think women all over the world would love to put up the Christmas tree stand all by themselves, when they want it -- even if it's in the middle of football Sunday -- and where they want it.  And I love the line on their website, "Easy set up for children and the elderly."  But what really sold me were the "how to" videos on their website.  Not only do they show you how to put the stand together, step by step, but how to attach it to the tree AND get the tree up.  Click here to check them out:  http://www.omegatreestand.com/instructions.html

And, if you're like me, I always like to get more information from places other than the website, check out this news coverage:

One of the features that I really like about this Christmas tree stand is that it can be disassembled for easy storage.  Because the pot/cup/trunk receptacle is made from engineering grade plastic, it can be used both inside and outside, and the extra thick pot won't leak or rust.  Mr. Grant Eikenswiller at Omega Plastics emailed me that the Omega Tree Stand has a 5 year warranty. 

Out of all the Christmas tree stands out there, the Omega Tree Stands seems to be making a serious impact on the way we put up the Christmas tree.  Miss Sue is getting quite a lot of air time and it's not just because she's a good looking gal.  She really knows her stuff and she is passionate about making the Omega Tree Stand a household name.  That attitude coupled with a great product makes me a fan.

Remarks and Reviews:

•  "The Marriage Saver."
•  "Note to self: make sure the tree goes all the way to the bottom next year."
•  "1 minute.  That's how long it took my wife and I to get the tree locked in place."
•  "User error."
•  "Your search for a tree stand that actually works is over.  I would give this thing 10 stars if I  could."
•  "The last one you will ever buy unless you buy them as gifts for your friends because you like it so much."
•  "The plastic clamp was a little harder to use then the video product website said.  The lady must have hands of steel to be able to clamp the tree so fast and easily.  However, the stand is amazing, works as described and was extremely easy to put together."
•  "What a life saver."
•  "Plain and simple: great."
•  "What a disappointment.  We couldn't get our tree straight no matter what we tried."
•  "Great -- but make sure you follow the instructions."

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Nine

The Wonderstand Chrismtas Tree Stand

Website:  www.thewonderstand.com
   Phone:  877-999967

This is another one of those "as seen on TV" Christmas tree stands.  This is the "Easy up.  Easy down.  Easy all the way around" Christmas tree stand.  If you want to refresh your memory:

It features a two part "cup and base" attaching system which seems to be the way of the future.  It also has a a foot pedal for clamping the cup in the base, and because the cup and base are two separate units, it becomes possible to turn the tree 360 degrees.  Easy access to all sides of the tree make for easier light installation and decorating. 

You can find The Wonderstand Christmas Tree Stand at Amazon.com listed as:  The Best Quality Christmas Tree Stand with a Lifetime Warranty.  By the way, if it matters to you -- and it does to me -- The Wonderstand is made in Tennessee, right here in the good ol' USA!

Remarks and Reviews:

• "Wow!  The infomercial was true."
• "Was surprised at how simple the design and how well it is made."
• "What an awesome stand."
• "Sounds great, but it was aweful (sic).  The screws (sic) that go into the tree strip because of the plastic."
• "I love it.  It's made tough, definitely a quality product."
• "Decorating it was quicker as well, because I was able to easily turn the tree to decorate it.:
• "The answer to our prayers."
• "Worst stand ever."

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Eight

The Dyno Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand aka The One Minute Christmas Tree Stand

You've seen this Christmas tree stand advertised on TV.  You're probably even familiar with the catch phrase, "Clamp it!  Raise it! Swivel it straight!" But there IS a problem with this Christmas tree stand!  It's so popular that it sells out very early in the holiday season and those who desperately want one, find themselves left out in the cold, or purchasing a stand that they THINK is the Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand.

There is only one One Minute Tree Stand, but it comes in two sizes.  Don't confuse THIS Christmas stand with the Christmas Genie by Krinner OR the Wonderstand by Dalen.  Both of those are fine products, but they are NOT the Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand.

I spent quite a bit of time trying to find the original ad shown on TV, but it seems like it's been pulled from YouTube, perhaps in preparation for a new one.  But here is a "home made" video that shows you how the Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand works:

The One Minute Tree Stand is of polymer construction.  What I like about it is that it comes in two parts: the cup or receptacle that is slid onto the trunk of the Christmas tree while the tree is still laying on the ground. Then the tree and unit are lifted and set into the actual stand where the tree is then straightened, which means minimal time spent laying on the floor, screwing and unscrewing bolts and brackets etc.

The bases on both sizes of The Swivel Straight Christmas Tree Stand are 20 inches wide. The XTS3 model weighs an adequate 10 pounds while the XTS1 weighs in at 13.8 pounds.

Some of the remarks I've read state that they had they're first Swivel Straight for 10 or 15 years and they loved it so much they bought another one.  To me, that translates that this is NOT a lifetime Christmas tree stand, but the fans are so adamant that it's a non-issue.  They are in a panic to find another one right away.

Remarks and Reviews:

• "This is the best Christmas tree stand ever.  It is so easy to use and saves so much time.  Our trees have always been straight too."
• "This is the best thing I have ever purchased at Christmas."
• "Durable."
• "Easy to use."
• "Attractive."
• "Fun to use."
• "It's great to find a product that is so well engineered."
• "Best stand ever."
• "It is wonderful."
• "We recommend it to everyone who asks."
• "This is the best Christmas tree stand ever made.  I will never use a different one."
• "No tears or cursing involved."
• "With this stand it is so easy to put up, twist or turn, that it is almost fun.  Everyone is happy."
• "It makes putting up the tree a snap."

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Seven

Standtastic Christmas Tree Stand   

Website:  www.safechristmas.com
   Phone:  713-335-8652
    Email:  hadom@safechristmas.com

At first glance, the Standtastic Christmas Tree Stand looks just a little too mechanical for me.  Brackets?  A screw driver?  What?  But the good news is that there are two videos on YouTube that show exactly how to use this stand.  After watching these, it really does look pretty straightforward. 






Here is one of them so you can check it out yourself:

And if that isn't helpful enough, there are printed instructions that come with the stand, as well as available and viewable at the website.

The Standtastic Christmas Tree Stand has a wide 24" base with four stabilizer brackets that screw into the tree.  Here's the trick -- there is a centering pin in the bottom that goes up into the bottom of the truck BEFORE you place it in the stand and attach the brackets. Then, the four stabilizers are screwed into the trunk with a Philips head screw driver.  Once that's done, the brackets slide and adjustments are made where the stabilizer arms connect to the Christmas tree stand.

Harold Odam -- the inventor of the Standtastic Christmas Tree Stand did a stint on a local television show called Great Day Houston  in a piece called "Inventions for the Home."  Besides being a very charming man and passionated about Standtastic, the panel of reviewers were very positive.  The hostess of the show was impressed that it's lighter weight was easy to handle.  Everyone agreed that the best market would be women, in spite of the fact that it requires a few tools.  You can see Mr. Odom's appearance here: http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_02032010_seg2_home-83445797.html 
If you don't have time to watch the whole segment, Mr. Odom show up around the 6:03 mark.

Chris Adams, an About.com Guide, wrote a stellar review and it's his opinion that the Standtastic Christmas Tree Stand is "quite possibly the most ergonomic (also making it the best) Christmas tree stand available."  You can read the whole review here:  http://ergonomics.about.com/od/christmas/gr/Standtastic_Christmas_tree_stand.htm

I believe that while the Standtastic Christmas Tree Stand is still a few years away from being a household name and readily available at a major retail outlet, it is too good of a product to have to wait for.  Thank heavens for the Internet and the Standtastic Christmas Tree Stand website where you can order it right now.

Remarks and Reviews:

• "Packed well with all parts included."
• "Easy and headache free"
• "I had placed my order on 9/29 and did not receive the stand until the first week in December ... However, I corresponded with you by email during this process ... you responded to my questions very promptly."
• "Attaching to the stand was easy and straightening was simple."
• "I only had to add water every 4 or 5 days."
• "No wobble whatsoever."
• "Adjusting and attaching is a little cumbersome for the non-mechanical."
• "Directions could be clearer."

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Six

Home Logic Christmas Tree Stands:

Home Logic appears to have cornered the market on Christmas tree stands as they have placed their stands in practically every major retail market out there.  If you intend to purchase your Christmas tree stand at one of the big box stores, you'll probably find yourself standing in front of a big Home Logic Christmas tree stand display, and confusion will set in.

Home Logic has several kinds of Christmas tree stands and several models -- some are better than others.  Some are for artificial trees and some of those rotate.  Their best seller -- and a favorite of their male customers -- is the EZ H2O Christmas Tree Stand.  Home Logic claims that these tree stands keep "even the most crooked tree trunks standing tall and straight."

The larger of the two EZ H2O Christmas trees, that I found on Amazon.com, comes with a five year warranty and it's made in Troy, Michigan.

Both sizes are made from heavy duty plastic with means that the stand itself won't rust and stain.  What makes this tree unique is its two level eight screw design, which makes perfect sense to me. 

Remarks and Reviews:

• "I would never get this again.  Had this stand for seven hours and it will not hold up my tree do (sic) to holes are stripped from tightening screws to hold up tree."
• "My only gripe is that it's very hard to water the tree."
• "This stand is great."

If The E-Z H2O Christmas Tree Stand seems like the stand for you, here's a link to the product at the Amazon.com website:

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Five

Grinnen's Last Stand

Website: http://www.xmastreestand.com/          

   Phone:  888-469-6271

    Email:  laststand@isp.com

I must admit that I discovered Grinnen's Last Stand Christmas stand completely by accident.  I was on YouTube watching the video for another Christmas tree stand when this one popped up.  It was shown on the DIY Network's Cool Tools segment.  I'm glad I saw it because the concept was hard for me to visiualize how the stand actually works.  Check it out at: 

However, once I watched it, the whole system made perfect sense.

The Anniston Star, a newspaper out of Anniston, Alabama rated several Chrsitmas tree stands back in 2006.  They liked Grinnen's Last Stand, but had difficulty comprehending the written instructions.  Personally, I think that with the written instructions, along with the YouTube video, an average person would be able to set up this Christmas tree stand, no problem.

Coral Nafie, a former About.com guide, loves Grinnen's Last Stand for four reasons:

1. The strap and rachet system.
2. The large water reservoir that is also easy to fill.
3. 30" base, flat to the floor.
4. The price tag.

Grinnen's Last Stand is manufactured by Jim Grinnen and the Last Stand is his invention.  A strap goes around the trunk and is then tightened up against the stand.  Think AGAINST the Christmas tree stand, not IN the stand.  Besides the unique ratcheting system, crooked trees can be manipulated by a "leveler" on each leg.  The stand has a 30" base and it's made out of steel, which is then powder coated. That means no rust!

You won't find this baby at the local hardware store or at Amazon. com.  You'll have to order it directly from Grinnen's at their website:  http://www.xmastreestand.com  That's okay because you really should visit them just to see how amazing this stand is.  If you love it, just click on through to the ordering page.  You can also order by phone or by snail mail.  Grinnen's Last Stand takes PayPal, which is always a good thing to use when shopping on line. 

If you're not happy with Grinnen's Last Stand, return it for a full refund.

Remarks and Reviews:

• "I know an elegant design when I see one.  By definition, an elegant design is one that is characterized by scientific precision, neatness and simplicity.  In practice, it must also operate reliably, be rugged and easy to use.  Your tree stand possesses all these characteristics and I think, is far better, than stands that cost a good deal more."
• "It took 2 minutes to open the box, 5 minutes to put the stand together and 5 minutes to put the tree up."
• "I must tell you that your tree stand made Christmas much more enjoyable then I can remember in a long time.
• "Jim, I couldn't be happier."

 

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Four

Krinner's Christmas Tree Genie

Website:  http://krinnerusa.com/                               
   Phone:  773-841-1490
    Email:  Emily@krinnerusa.com

Krinner, a German based company, manufactures The Christmas Tree Genie, also known as The Hassle Free Christmas Tree Stand.  I discovered it on YouTube right here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXNjLKOYXGg

Instructions read:  "Just place your tree in the stand, hold it straight and simply step onto the foot pedal until the claws firmly grab the trunk."  The foot pedal of the Christmas Tree Genie has a locking mechanism, but I was still skeptical of its stability until I realized the the tree stand has pull out feet.  Doh!

Whenever I get ready to buy any new fangled product, I'm usually pretty skeptical and I rely on third party testers and reviewers, like Good Housekeeping and Consumer Reports.  Good Housekeeping reviewed five Christmas tree stands and placed The Christmas Tree Genie L at the top of their list, stating, "This time saver stand comes ready to go and gets a tree up in seconds."

In 2006, the staff at The Anniston Star, a newspaper in Alabama, did a review of eight Christmas tree stands, The Christmas Tree Genie L being one of them.  The staff determined "Expensive, but -- oh -- so worth it."
Both of the Krinner Christmas Tree Genies stands have heft to them.  The Christmas Tree Genie L weighs in at 13 pounds and the XXL tips the scale at 18 pounds.  The Christmas Tree Genie L comes with a three year warranty and the XXL has five years.

Here is a link to the Amazon.com website for the Christmas Tree Genie L:

And another to the XXL Model:

In my research, there seems to be two problems with both the Christmas Tree Genie L and the Christmas Tree Genie XXL.  The first issue, was that about 10% of the customers submitting reviews claimed they had a leaking tree stand.  The other complaint is that because they are so popular AND made in Germany, the availability is limited.  So if you're thinking about purchasing The Hassle Free Christmas Tree Stand, you should jump on it as soon as you can find one in the stores, or sooner than that at Amazon and other online stores.

Reviews and Remarks:

• "Wow!"
• "The stand works great but it broke upon first use."
• "I am 60 years old and this stand has made it possible for me to continue to have a large tree and put it up myself."
• "Leaked after the first year."
• "Overall I'm very satisfied.  It's not a cheap stand, but based on our experience this year, it's worth it."
• "One handed wonder."
• "Easy 1-2-3."
• "So far, so great."
• "The most frustrating thing about this tree stand is adding water."
• "This is the best tree stand ever.  You simply place your tree in the middle, pump the handle and it's done -- yes, in about 1 minute."
• "The best Christmas tree stand out there."
• "Save your marriage -- buy this machine."

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Three

Christmas Mountain TS9405 Indoor Steel Christmas Tree Stand

Website:  www.christmasmountains.com

First let me clear up some confusion.  Christmas Mountain also markets several Christmas tree stands under the name Santa's Solutions.  They are also sold under a couple of different names.

The Christmas Mountain TS9405 Indoor Steel Christmas Tree Stand is manufactured by Christmas Mountains in Canada.  It weighs in at a solid 10 pounds and features the "Turn Straight Centering System."  You can watch a demonstration of how their patented system works here:  http://www.christmasmountains.com/movie2.htm

Another quality that makes the Christmas Mountains/Santa's Solution Christmas tree stands unique is the patented weight absorbing base design.

Dave, over at Christmas Mountains,  informed me that the Santa's Solution TS9405 comes with a lifetime warranty and that they are made from 100% USA/Canadian materials and assembly. 
They also manufacture another popular Christmas tree stand that looks almost identical to the TS9405.  It's called the Christmas Mountain Mfg. Inc T599 and/or Santa's Solution Original High Quality Christmas Tree Stand.  Make sure you double check the model number so you get the exact the tree stand you want.  You may also see them priced for substantially more, but that usually includes a tree watering system.

Regardless of which size you choose, everyone seems to really love the Santa's Solution/Christmas Mountains Christmas tree stands.  The only complaint I found was on Amazon.com.  The buyer claimed it took WEEKS to get their Christmas tree stand.  The seller was a company called UnbeatableSales Inc.  And they state clearly that "product ships within 3-5 weeks."  Yikes!  So buyer beware when your dealing with that outfit.

Here's a link to the Christmas Mountain TS9405 Indoor Steel Christmas tree stand at Amazon.com:

And here's a link to the same Christmas tree stand only this one is being listed as Santa's Solution Original High Quality Christmas Tree Stand:

To avoid a hefty shipping charge -- because these stands are made from steel -- the Christmas Moutain TS 9405 or as Santa's Solution Original High Quality Christmas Tree Stand can be found in retail stores like: 

• Do It Best
• Ace Hardware
• Menards
• L & G

Remarks and Reviews:

• "Easy to assemble."
• "Good quality."
• "Great construction."
• "No leaks."
• "Very solid."
• "Sets up in 5 minutes."

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Two

Bowling's Last Stand:  
Website: www.christmastreestand.co         Phone:  888-556-467
Email address:  bowlinginc@yahoo.com

Bowling's Last Stand is made of steel, folks.  STEEL!  As a matter of fact, the company's motto is "Where plastic fails, steel prevails." 

Bowling's Last Stand is manufactured right here in the USA, Bear Lake, Michigan to be exact.  The smallest of the Bowling's Last Stands (for live trees) weighs 15 pounds and the largest weighs in at 107 pounds.  Besides the sheer weight of the Christmas tree stand, the tree trunk itself is held in place by three heavy duty T-bolts.  In all my research, I was not able to find ONE person who wasn't totally smitten with this Christmas tree stand.  However, prepare yourself for sticker shock.  Bowling's Last Stand comes with a hefty price tag as well. I must add that for those who bit the bullet, once Bowling's Last Stand was purchased and used, the price was no longer an issue.

You can purchase Bowling's Last Stand at their website with Paypal  It comes in five sizes:

I was also lucky enough to find four sizes of Bowling's Last Stand available at Amazon.com at a substantial savings -- plus one of them had FREE shipping -- and who doesn't like FREE shipping? 

Here's a link to the most popular size (and the one with free shipping):

To avoid those hefty shipping charges and fortunately for us, Bowling's Last Stand is also available at quality garden centers and hardware stores in 29 states.  To find a store near you, go to: www.christmastreestand.com/states.html

Remarks and Reviews:

•  "This stand is truly the last stand you'll ever own."
•  "Worked beautifully."
•  "Worth going with the 10-12 foot stand as it holds so much more water."
•  "Design allows closer placement to the wall."
•  "The tree is as stable as if it was still in the ground."
•  "Awesome, sturdy and easy to use."
•  "The best tree stand I've ever owned."
  
  

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part One

A Christmas Tree Stand Review Overview

The process of "putting up the Christmas tree" has probably caused more marital fights, stress and hurt feelings than every other part of the holiday season combined.  It was during our first Christmas as newly weds back in 1977 that I realized that my handsome, grown up, ex-Navy Seal, strong, calm, handy husband was an -- ummmm -- Christmas tree erection challenged.  I learned that he had no idea what "a little to the left" meant, nor was he able to take instruction OR construction criticism.  I learned that "good enough" is not anywhere near to being acceptable. 

As I sat on the couch and watched him manhandle the Christmas tree, I realized that maybe I would have to let go of the antique Christmas tree stand that had held all my childhood Christmas trees and replace it with something newer, something better.  Which we did -- he did -- in 2009.

A word about Christmas Tree Stands:
While most folks head for the stores the day after Thanksgiving to start their Christmas shopping, most don't really think about the Christmas tree stand until right about the time they are getting ready to put up the tree.  If you wait until mid-December to purchase a new stand, there is a good chance you won't be finding one.  In large metropolitan areas, the best models of Christmas tree stands are sold out by the first week of December. 

The best time to buy a Christmas tree stand is right after Christmas, when the stores are dumping inventory just so they don't have to store it or look at it until next October.  We got our Santa's Last Stand at Home Depot for $10 ... in late February.  Of course these good deals will be last year's models, but I've found that most manufacturers do not overhaul their Christmas tree stand designs every year. 

If you're looking for a good deal, don't forget to check out the Craig's List in your area and also flea markets and garage sales as well as Ebay. 

While compiling research for writing my 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review, I rated the stands by the following criteria:

• Durability
• Appearance
• Cost
• Availability
• Ease of use
• Water capacity
• Size of tree that the stand can handle, both in height and diameter of the trunk
• Warranty
• Customer satisfaction

I've tried to find worthy Christmas tree stands to fit every budget as well as stands that are readily available across the United States. 

Prices for Christmas tree stands are starting to fluctuate as we get closer to the Christmas season.  I've done my best to keep the prices currant, but these could change daily. 

As I write this blog post, there seems to be several "Last Stand" Christmas tree stands:

1. Bowling's Last Stand
2. Santa's Last Stand
3. Santa's Last Christmas Tree Stand
4. Grinnen's Last Stand

The companies Jack Post and Great Tidings have several stands available not only on line but in retail stores across the country.  Some are really good, and some are really, really bad.  Make sure you get the right model number.  And if you're buying online, take a few minutes to read the reviews and ratings as well. They could save you some money and a ton of headaches.

And while we're on the subject of Christmas tree stands -- wouldn't a Christmas tree stand be a freakin' great wedding or anniversary gift?  I know!  Is it even possible to register for a Christmas tree stand?  Even if the young bridal couple doesn't think that far in advance, they will remember you and sing your praises every Christmas!

When choosing a Christmas tree stand, The National Christmas Tree Association recommends that your stand should be able to hold one quart of water for every one inch of tree diameter.

No matter what stand you chose, sticking the Christmas tree trunk in a large galvanized horse feed bucket, filled with rocks, then suspending the tree from the ceiling with fishing line and an eye hook is NEVER an acceptable alternative.  I'm just saying.

The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review: Part Seven

Website:  www.santaslaststand.com
   Phone:  800-589-7058
    Email:  customerservice@lewistools.com

In order to do my very best for The 2011 Christmas Tree Stand Review, I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to figure both of these stands out.  One of them had far better reviews than the other.  So I will pass on what I learned and let you decide.

From what I can tell, both are manufactured by Lewis Tools.  They both are round. They both have Christmas tree motifs on the side.  But they are packaged differently and their fastening system, while similar is still different.

If you go to their website, you can click on a video that introduces to Dan Wright, the President of Lewis Tools, and The Santa's Last Stand Christmas Tree Stand.  For you manufacturing geeks (and I count myself amongst you), here's a clip on how the Santa's Last Stand is made:

Santa's Last Stand (the one with the solid Christmas tree motif) comes in two sizes and they weigh approximately six pounds.  The base for Santa's Last Stand is 16" across and has three T-bolts for tightening the tree trunk into the stand.  The smaller of the two is for trees up to seven feet tall, and the larger is for trees up to 10 feet.  Both of the two Santa's Last Stands can accommodate a tree trunk up to 7" in diameter.  The reviews that I did find were mixed in with the reviews for THE OTHER one, Santa's Last Christmas Tree Stand. So I can't say that I'm 100% sure that the reviewers were NOT as confused as I was.

It appears that Santa's Last Christmas Tree Stand is made for Christmas trees taller than 10 feet. The base is one inch wider across -- 22.  It weighs almost twice as much at 15 pounds.  This large Christmas tree stand is made of steel and has a lifetime guarantee.  There are also 4 T-bolts to attach to the tree trunk, not just the three as found on Santa's Last Stand.
I emailed Lewis Tools to find out what the water capacity is for all the tree stands, but never heard back from them, so I had to do my own deducing.  Since the cups are 7"wide and 8" deep, it seems like there wouldn't be much room left over for water.  I do NOT want to water a tree 4-6 times a day for a month.  It would make it difficult to keep a tree fresh for sure.  On the other hand, I really, really love the looks of both Santa's Last Stand and Santa's Last Christmas Tree Stand.

Both of these Christmas tree stands are marketed under both names, and can be found at a variety of Internet sites as well as retailers across the United States.