Home Stories A to Z

Creating beauty out of chaos and sharing my home decor stories

Ballard Designs Inspired Christmas Tree

I have always done a traditional red and gold tree, but this year I was inspired by this soothing Ballard’s photo to go au natural.

I wanted to create a Christmas tree that paid homage to all the trends of 2010, and I wanted to do it for free!  Here is the breakdown of how I pulled this off:

And now for the close-ups!  I made these mini chalkboards ages ago as garden markers and basket tags.  For a complete tutorial on how to make your own, click here.  I used a chalkboard pen to write the words.  So cute!

In the top left-hand corner of the pic below, you can see one of my book page balls.  

I made these babies last year.  I just stuck a hook on them and hung them on the tree!  To learn how to make your own, go here.
The little white birdies came from the DollarTree last year and the nests were a clearance find at TJ Maxx (last year as well).

My snow-covered pinecone tutorial can be found here.

All of the sea stars were purchased at the Christmas Tree Shop and hung on the tree using curtain ring clips.  

The gorgeous mercury glass ornaments were a gift from my TJ Maxx/Marshalls trip!

And if you somehow missed it, my wax paper faux capiz shell garland tutorial can be found here and was also featured on Apartment Therapy!

Thanks for letting me share my tree with you again!

….And my brick wall :)!

For more great trees, be sure to visit Sarah! For more great Christmas decor visit Julia!

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Comments

  2. jkjkjkb says

    I LOVE your chalkboard signs!! What a great way to list the blessings of the year for all to see 🙂

  3. Michael - Innkeeper says

    um, the wax paper garland is genius! genius! looks sooo beautiful and that tree! amazing!!

  5. Elaine A. says

    You did a great job of making a lovely, inexpensive, beautiful tree. I'm so impressed. and the wax paper garland is brilliant!! Merry Christmas!

  6. Patty says

    I love the starfish clipped on with curtain rings. I'm doing one of my trees with starfish and was wondering how to hang them. Thanks for the tip!
    Lovely tree!
    Merry Christmas
    Patty
    nuestrasaventurasentexas.com

  7. Lettered Cottage says

    Literally one of THE prettiest Christmas trees I've EVER seen. I'm head over heels in love with it!!! Thanks for sharing it with us Beth! 🙂

    Lay

  10. Jemsmom says

    That is just beautiful and prettier than the Ballard one! I know you love to look at it all lit up at night! Gorgeous!

  12. BabiesandBargains says

    amazing! I love it. Not traditional Christmas yet screams Christmas to me 🙂

  15. Mom of the Twinkies and Tot! says

    I love the all natural tree! I think the birds nests and pinecones are my favorite touches on it!

  16. LUCKY 7 DESIGN says

    Beth it came out great. I did a post last week and that same tree was my inspiration this year (great minds think alike)lol I love your handmade ornaments and that fabulous garland I didnt do garland just the birds,pine cones and shimmery ornaments. Great Job! Gotta love Ballard!

  18. Richella says

    It's really lovely, Beth. Restful and soothing but still festive. Makes me want to curl up with a cup of cocoa and read a good Christmas book. 🙂

  19. Mrs.V says

    Your tree looks really lovely! You chose all the right little details – perfect finishing touches!

    Enjoy the holidays with your pretty tree 🙂

    Cheers
    Emily

  20. One Cheap B*tch says

    Your tree is fabulous! Love the starfish on top and the chalkboard ornaments! I have some leftover chalkboard tags and may have to steal that look!

    Jeanine

  21. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    I like the simplicity of it, Beth! It does remind me of Ballard's! I kept mine fairly simple, as well, in comparison to some, but I like it this way. I'll have to post mine later as I forgot to take the pictures off the card last night!

  22. Emily @ Finding My Aloha says

    Wow! Simply beautiful! You have inspired me. Normally I go for the traditional red and green in a pier one style but this is gorgeous and looks like it can be done on a budget. It will have to wait until next year, we dont have a tree this year, movers come to pack us up and move us to Alaska on Tuesday…eek! Just means I have plently of time to make gorgeous ornaments and garland for next year 😉

  24. Shortcake and Company says

    Gorg, Beth!! Seriously. It's be-a-utiful!! I'm thinking I want a second tree for next year…one a little more decor oriented. You've inspired me. I'll shop this year after Christmas, I think.

  25. Haley K says

    oh i absolutely adore it ALL! the newspaper covered balls, the sea star topper, and the little twine-framed chalkboards are my favorite…AND the gorgeous garland!!

  26. Skooks says

    What a gorgeous tree! I love the natural style. And I've never seen the faux capiz garland thing but it looks awesome! I love capiz. My treetopper is made out of capiz. 🙂

  27. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    This tree is gorgeous! I love it! And that brick wall is TO DIE FOR!
    There is just something so warm and inviting about exposed brick inside the home!

  28. { L } says

    You say Ballard Designs and I'm so there. 🙂 Your tree is gorgeous and you did an amazing job with your inspiration photo! The garland looks stunning..truly. It was worth the time. 😉

  30. Karena says

    Beth I love what you have created! It is absolutely stunning!

    Remember to come & enter my $200 Giveaway from Fifi Flowers!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  31. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    Oh, my gosh, it's GORgeous, Beth! I think I like your version even better than Ballards with the brick wall behind it. Thanks for joining my party and sharing it with us. Merry Christmas! 🙂

  36. Rachelle says

    I love how we have such similar trees! Great minds girl, great minds.

    Your garland is fab..fab..fab..

  37. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    Beth, your tree is gorgeous and I love it with the brick wall in the background.

  38. michelle says

    Your tree is so beautiful!! I love all your ornaments and so creative and clever! I love your brick wall too!!! I need one in my home! 🙂

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