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:
The strap and rachet system.
The large water reservoir that is also easy to fill.
30" base, flat to the floor.
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.
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:
Bowling's Last Stand
Santa's Last Stand
Santa's Last Christmas Tree Stand
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.
