I was looking for a tall bright and festive item (not necessarily a stocking hook) for the center of our fireplace mantle...this fit the bill. My only issue with it was that the metallic paint that is distributed inside was "globbed" at the front & top, not allowing the light thru. Since I didn't need to use it as a stocking hook, my husband cut the plastic hook off, allowing me to turn the tree around. The back of it was perfect, and it looks soooo pretty now.