ENTERTAINING HOLIDAY decorations

The Making of my Christmas Tree

tips on how to design a christmas holiday tree theme

It has been 6 years since I made a Christmas tree at home. But this year, I was unable to resist the urge to deck my home with a festive tree. It also meant that I needed to come up with a brand new Christmas theme.

The Design

The craftsy animal ornaments were my starting point. Except for the touch of red, they are neutral. I took hints from my home decor, revisited the tree ornaments I already owned to make my own version of the 2009-2010 Christmas trends. I mixed the elements of two trends: comfort and winter. It works because I analyzed what was common to both to design my own theme.

designing my christmas tree theme

To repeat the blue accents on my room, I spread a dozen of night blue Christmas ball ornaments. I did the same by limiting the number of red ornaments. Everything is based on metallic colors, with gold and silver at the center stage. I also use plenty of white and clear glass ornaments. The winter trend calls for lilac, which would not go with my home decor. Therefore, I used copper instead.

pine garland backdrop for my holiday tree

My tree sits next to my airy staircase. Putting a pine garland on the handrail was essential to ground the tree in the space. I kept the garland bare to not compete with the tree. I simply dressed it up with an ornament on which there is a Christmas tree illustration. That is enough to make a statement.

I ordered a few animal ornaments and skating ornaments from Crate and Barrel. This will put the finishing touch. I cannot wait to see it complete.

Being Creative with the Tree Topper

my christmas tree topper

It soon became obvious that the usual Holiday tree topper would look funny on my tree. For a while, I thought of leaving empty the top branch until I rediscovered my red bird ornaments. They added the touch I was looking for. The best part is that they are inexpensive ornaments that I kept over the years. I think they were the first Christmas ornaments I bought after university. I am glad I did.

Things to Know to Select the right Christmas lights

I upgrade to the LED lights. You have the choice between Warm white and Pure white. Think of the color of your walls before purchasing yours. Warm white lights coordinate with the warm tones of my walls. A pure white light will clash with my decor. Instead of going for my usual choice, the mini-lights, I switched to the C6 strawberry lights to compliment my theme.

  • Jenn
    December 14, 2009 at 09:47

    This tree came out great! I love how you coordinated all the different themes to match your home decor.

  • HeavensGateHome
    December 14, 2009 at 13:32

    Cute blog for the holidays ~ The Making of my Christmas Tree http://bit.ly/5tdZTP

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • Sandy
    December 14, 2009 at 22:55

    The end result is very pretty & unique!

  • Yasmin Ponce
    January 4, 2010 at 18:00

    Your ideas are great! I find it helpful as I am looking forward to further improve my family’s Christmas tree for 2010 Christmas as early as now. With a soon-to-be 3 year old son and another one coming this year, reading your article gave me already an idea on how to decorate our Christmas tree for 2010.

    Thanks so much!

    Yasmin