Welcome friends! Today is the day we get to share our family rooms and Christmas trees as part of the Farmhouse Holiday Decor Series hosted by Kristen from Ella Claire Blog. This series has been so much fun and such a good challenge for me! I have loved seeing what everyone creates each week, and I look forward to the next! I’m only a little sad that the series is drawing to a close– we only have 2 more weeks after this one! Crazy right?
Anyhow, I’ve been working on my Christmas tree for awhile now and I am absolutely in love with how it turned out. I will say though— taking good pictures of a lit tree is not easy. I have really struggled to capture this, and while I’m a little disappointed that I feel there is a disconnect between the images and how it looks in real life, I’m still happy with the final product. Real life is what matters most anyways, right? 😉
I went for sort of a woodsy, natural, winter wonderland sort of look. I took inspiration from the color palette of winters in my hometown- Juneau, Alaska and tried to create something that felt nostalgic but was also fresh (fresh bay leaf garlands and wreaths) and whimsical (the snowflakes on the pallet accent wall).
There are also touches of glam in this tree that have nothing to do with Alaska and everything to do with my love of sparkly things (sequin ribbon– hello lover!).
The wooden beads were a serendipitous find at HomeGoods a few months ago– they were just a box of wooden balls (vase filler I presume), but I knew then and there I would use them for a garland. So I bought like 4-5 boxes and drilled holes in them. It ties with the sequin ribbon for my favorite parts the tree. The sequin ribbon I got at the same floral wholesaler I got my fresh bay leaves.
This was the first year in a looooong time we have had an artificial tree. I got this one at Home Depot and I was stunned with how full and realistic it was (is). I love it. And it holds ornaments and such in a much sturdier way than real trees do. This tree is the 7.5′ Monterey Fir and can be found HERE.
This room came together quite naturally– I got a few new pillows and moved the herringbone coffee table in here since it allowed more walking room around the tree.
I balanced out the blanket ladder on one side with a gorgeous canvas ‘Everygreen Branches’ art print by my friend, Kristen– she has them for sale in her new shop, Ella Claire & Co (p.s.– this specific print is sold out, but she will be re-stocking soon!).
I was a little worried that my kids might miss the bright traditional colors of red and green, but as it turns out, adding Christmas lights everywhere really makes up the difference and we don’t miss it much! It’s a fun change, although I do love red. I’ll be using it a little in our front room and our front porch as well.
I went a bit overboard with fresh bay leaves this year. I’m not sorry.
So what do you think of the tree?
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How lovely are thy branches…
Tree decor sources:
Wooden bead garland – made from 1″ wooden balls found at HomeGoods
Blue ribbon – Target
Sequin ribbon – floral wholesaler
White “snow” – Buffalo Snow at Joann (basically just batting)
Mercury glass ball ornaments – HomeGoods (Isaac Mizrahi brand)
Grapevine balls – HobbyLobby
Frosted branch picks – floral wholesaler (but I saw something nearly identical at HobbyLobby)
Fresh bay leaf – floral wholesaler (also sold at most local florist shops)
Wooden star tree topper – Target
Pinecones – HobbyLobby
Be sure and see the rest of the group and their gorgeous trees. I’m seriously extra impressed with this week’s tours and I can’t wait to hear what you think!!
Ella Claire | Kindred Vintage | French Country Cottage | Dear Lillie
Jennifer Rizzo | Jeanne Oliver | Shades of Blue Interiors | Love Grows Wild
Rooms For Rent | City Farmhouse | Liz Marie Blog | Craftberry Bush
And our Featured Guest: Beneath My Heart
I love that wood bead garland! I’ve been wanting to make one of my own for a tree this year and have been putting it off. I think you just gave me the motivation I needed!
Beautiful tree and gorgeous home!
I was raised in Anchorage from 2 years to 25! Hello from a fellow Alaskan! Beautiful job! This is my first year with a decor themed tree…I agree it’s scary! I ended up decorating a small tree with all the traditional ornaments. I couldn’t stand the thought of not putting them up somewhere this year…some traditions just can’t be messed with too much!
Your tree is beautiful and goes so well with your feature wall.
The tree looks like a real one and you are right, they are much
easier to decorate than a real one.
I started at Lucy’s with Craftberry Bush but when she listed all of the various links below her post, yours was the Christmas tree that I clicked on first. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I love how you lit it. Gonna try for something similar at my house this year. Beautiful home.
Glad the wood beads worked out!
The wood bead garland is absolutely stunning and matches that sweet little rocking horse. Where did you get the bells that are hung on your blanket ladder?
I enjoyed everything in your family room. Not overdone over the top, but everything it should be. I never thought of doing some of the things you did, like blanket snow or twigs in the tree, the basil leaves, etc. Such a calming & beautiful room you will have this season!
Your tree is gorgeous! Love all your details to make this room
feel like Christmas.
Your tree is beautiful as is your house.
Your tree is breathtaking as is your home! Wow!
I have been looking for a horse just like the one you have. Wherever did you find it?
HomeGoods last year!
Thanks Rachel!
Your tree looks magical! Love the faux snow…I can’t wait to try that with my tree.
Gorgeous tree and room! The beads are a wonderful touch. Do you happen to know the name and size of your tree from Home Depot?
It’s the 7.5 ft Monterey fir! I got it on sale for $240 but normally it is $299.
Gorgeous! Tree looks amazing, and that fresh green garland on your mantle, oh my.
Very warm and inviting. The holiday spirit is everywhere in this room. I love to make things and this is very inspiring to me. I have to be careful what I put on the floor because my black cat Mulder loves to chew and swallow things! May I ask, where did you purchase the faux fur throw? And Merry Christmas to you and your family.