It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here, and I’m loving it! If you follow my blog regularly, then you may have noticed that I went completely M.I.A. last week. I was buried under Christmas bins, and Christmas crafts, and Christmas everything! I love inspiring others with my decorating ideas–and to do that I need to decorate a little bit ahead of the game.
When my boys asked me last month what color palette I was using for my Christmas decor, I laughed out loud! They are obviously the children of a home decor blogger! #notnormal I told them that this year I wanted to go with red and my youngest exclaimed, “Oh yay! I love it when you use traditional colors!” Ha! As much as I love a glitzy-glam tree, it was a good reminder that this time of year is especially magical for kids. I set out to create a kid-friendly yet bloggermom-friendly tree.
Scarf on deer | Deer Head | Skiis | Toss pillows
Whenever I begin brainstorming decorating ideas, I always ask myself how I want the space to feel. This year, I wanted my home to emulate my own childhood Christmases growing up on Lake Michigan. There is nothing more magical than the woods in Michigan after a heavy snowfall! I wanted to capture that look, so I chose Balsam Hill’s 9′ Frosted Sugar Pine Tree and then added some polyfill batting to create a magical snow-covered tree.
Plaid throw blanket | Antler pillow | Wreath pillow (similar)
I just love how it turned out! Every branch on the Sugar Pine tree has a light dusting of realistic snow that sparkles in the light! To decorate the tree this year, I made several inexpensive “semi-homemade” ornaments. Stay tuned for more info on the ornaments! I’ll have a blog post up soon with all of the details!
Did you know that this is our first year EVER to have an artificial tree as our main Christmas tree? I was a bit nervous that I would miss having a fresh tree, but the attention to detail on my Balsam Hill tree is amazing. It’s also so much easier to decorate a pre-lit faux tree! I didn’t know what I was missing out on. 😉 I took it out of the box, followed the step-by-step set-up directions, and was ready to go! I fluffed each branch using the special gloves provided in the box and it looked amazing! Just a warning that the flocking on this tree does come off as you fluff it. I am used to vacuuming up pine needles every year after set-up, so this was no more trouble but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Vintage Bike (similar)
After all the decorations were up, my pomeranians wasted no time at all getting cozy on the couch! Isn’t Eowyn so cute with her little crossed paws? She often sits like this and it cracks me up. She’s such an adorable dog.
Red snowflake pillow | Red cable knit pillow | Boxwood garland
For my tree topper, I bought these gorgeous antlers and accented them with beautiful Velvet Plum Blossom Picks from Balsam Hill. The picks feel as nice as they look! They are soft, full, and luscious. I also used Balsam Hill’s White and Silver Snow Ornaments to add the touch of sparkly glam I was craving.
Antler Decor | Red Velvet Blossom Picks | Antler Ornaments
We live in a smallish row-home in the city, and I wanted our tree to greet us at the door this year! I usually place the tree up against the brick wall in our dining room but wanted a change this year. It’s a fabulous change, and I’m glad I took the risk to move some furniture around and try it in this spot.
Tip: If you want your decor to feel fresh this year, try placing your tree in a new location in your home. Don’t be scared to switch things up!”
Bar cart | Scarf on deer | Deer Head | Skiis | Toss pillows
Here is a confession for you. Since I’m not on the ball enough to have my Christmas shopping done, I had to wrap empty boxes to put around the Christmas tree for this post. I told my kids that I’ll let them open those beautiful empty boxes on Christmas morning—to get the thrill of opening something—and then hand them their presents. They were less than excited about this idea. 😉
And here are just a few more beauty shots of the tree because I can’t help myself!
Merry Christmas!!
Bela Banyay says
Hi,
We received our Frosted Fraser Fir tree today and we noticed that it is losing the frosting a lot. Could you please advise us how could we prevent this, or what would be the right procedure to follow before first time set up to avoid a heavy snowfall in our living room?
Thank you.
Kind regards, Bela
Beth says
Hi Bela, I was given the tree to style as part of the Balsam Hill Blog Hop, but I do not work for Balsam Hill. I mentioned the shedding in my review as well because it is worth noting—and it is excessive. The tree is gorgeous and I just vacuumed up the mess once set-up was complete. It shed a lot during the dismantling process as well. I would contact Balsam Hill directly to ask their advice and register your feedback.
Marko Zupanic says
Wow… beautiful Christmas tree 😉 Merry Christmas, Beth
Stacy Tucker says
Love the antlers as your tree topper. I too used a non-traditional item (rustic wood marquee star) as my topper this year and love it. So pretty!!
Kim {Tidbits&Twine} says
Absolutely gorgeous! Your DIY ornaments are so creative. 🙂 It was fun being on the tour with you this week! Enjoy your weekend!
Beth says
Thanks for visiting me Kim!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
This is stunning, Beth! The tree is gorgeous, and the entry styling is perfection! Wow! So fun being on “tour” with you this week! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Beth says
Thanks Abby!
Amy says
I love it so much Beth! I especially love the frosted tree and the touch of “snow” on the branches. The whole space is beautiful!
Dagmar Obert says
Beth, I love plaid and you have a knack for placing and using it just right. Plaid always says “fall” or “winter” to me and on your tree, it’s so homey and welcoming. The Frosted Sugar Pine looks elegantly adorned with the whimsy of ribbon and the velvet plum blossom picks are pretty special aren’t they? I’ve used them several times and they’re so rich with just the right amount of red. Love the use of the red birds, as well as the darker green ornament bulb. It’s such a reminder of what the tree might look like without snow and makes that Christmas time experience all the more for celebrating as it only comes once a year.
Alicia@Eco Friendly Homemaking says
It all looks so beautiful! I love plaid at the holidays and I really like the Merry Christmas sign.
Bliss says
Love it. Love it all. Love love love it!
Beth says
Thank you Bliss! 🙂
Carmen P says
I love it!!!! I love the traditional look and the plaid. My favorites! I think I will use some faux snow in my tree this year too.
Beth says
Thank you Carmen! 🙂
Lesley says
Beth Oh I love this tree. And aren’t Balsam Hill trees amazing. I love how they come with “fluffing gloves”. Why didn’t I ever think of that! Love the rustic and traditional look it’s beautiful!
Beth says
The fluffing gloves were a God-send. 🙂 This tree required a lot of fluffing and it saved my hands! Thanks so much for visiting me Lesley. <3
Lindsay Eidahl says
Your tree is gorgeous!!! I love it so much! It is so festive. That bike is so cute and I have some old skis I found to use this year too!
Beth says
Thank you Lindsay! I’ve always wanted a pair of skiis for decorating and was glad to receive some this year. Thanks for visiting me and taking the time to comment. 🙂
Elizabeth@ Rustic Maple says
That is one gorgeous tree and you decorated it so nicely. The decor in the entry is also lovelyl! You captured the beautiful snowy look so well.
Beth says
Thank you Elizabeth!
Debbie Refresh Restyle says
Your tree is beautiful! Love every detail of the entry and the tree! So warm and welcoming.
Debbie
Beth says
Thanks Debbie! I LOVE what you did with yours!
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
Beth you captured a magical Christmas with your tree! Love all the red… definitely a classic Christmas tree… love it!
Beth says
Looking forward to seeing yours Maryann!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. says
It’s so pretty! I love all the colors and the little deer… such a warm and outdoorsey Christmas! I love that your boys have learned how the blogging roulette of decorating works… you never know what’s coming!
Beth says
Thank you so much Betsy!
Shannon says
Oh Beth, it looks so beautiful, and I love it by your entry. It looks fantastic with the white board and batten. You picked such a pretty tree, and you decorated it just darling!!
Beth says
Thanks girl! 🙂
Becca says
What a beautiful tree … and you’ve decorated it fabulously! I love the red, white, black and green … and, of course, the splashes of plaid! Such a wonderful welcome for friends and family. Happy Holidays!
Beth says
Thanks so much for stopping by Becca! 🙂
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
The tree is gorgeous! It’s so cozy and festive! I love every element of it!
Beth says
Thank you sis! And thanks for always being my sounding board when it comes to styling!
Kristin Cadwallader says
Love it Beth 🙂 the mug ornaments are so cute! It just gives me warm fuzzies xoxo
Beth says
Thanks love! <3
Jenna says
Your Christmas decor is gorgeous! There is something about a green base with red and white toppings that makes me giddy. Truly beautiful, Beth!
Beth says
Thank you Jenna! 🙂
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
I love your tree with all the red and plaid, so perfect and you have decorated with such amazing accessories too. Those ski’s and that deer are fabulous.
Beth says
Thank you so much Marty!