HOW TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE - PART II

As an interior decorator and I get to do a bit of holiday decorating for my clients this time of year.  I'm getting pretty adept at decorating Christmas trees, because I do a lot of them... and I decided to share what I have learned and to break it down into easy to follow steps so that you can feel confident about decorating your tree.   

(Here is Part I, in case you missed it.)

Part II starts with.....

3. THE SKIRT

It may seem I'm skipping ahead here and the skirt should come last, but there are other options out there - not just a traditional skirt - 
that makes addressing this now more important.  

The base can be really hard to do when the tree is all decked out in ornaments and garland - especially if you have decided to use one of the new 
farmhouse style baskets or tubs as your base.  

With all the options we have for the base of the tree, we may need a little prior planning or assembly.  


For example, it is a very current 'farmhouse' look to set the tree inside a large galvanized tub - but very hard to do if the tree is laden with pretty, breakable ornaments...  

Image from My Sweet Savannah

Tubs are an adorable way to skirt a tree - and they have a neat, tidy look to them... and because of their popularity, many shops are offering 'tree collars' in metal and basket styles

Available from Williams-Sonoma

Available from Crate and Barrel

Available from Pier 1

The same is true of basket bases.  Nothing beats wicker for a clean casual style.

Image from Welke

Image from Unskinny Boppy

Tree Collar Available from Terrain

By Stephanie Lynn

Or learn how to make your own here

Depending on size, Urns make a great tree stand

The Hunted Interior

Image from Godfather Style

Image from Martha Stewart

Image from Better Homes and Gardens

And crates are definitely becoming popular for a rustic touch

Image from Pinterest

Image from The Stier Aesthetic

Image from Target

Make your own, here

Tree skirts are a traditional choice and there are a million styles and choices

Available from Ballard Designs

Image from Pinterest

Image from Pinterest

Image from Pinterest

Image from Pinterest

Image from HGTV

But a fur throw makes a great statement, too.

image from Pottery Barn

As do other unique materials...

Like a tree log...

How to at Urban Outfitters

or an oversized lamp shade...

Or a collar made from joined picture frames...

DIY from In My Own Style

A carpet of Pine Cones...

image from Martha Stewart

Or just some burlap, tied up with a bow...

Whatever you use, make it your own unique style. If you have a fresh tree, remember to provide a way to water the tree to keep it fresh without disturbing the decorations.

Next post.... Ribbon and Garland!

HOW TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE - PART I

                  It's that time of year again.

Time to Deck the Halls,
Jingle the Bells,
Dash Through the Snow...

 and decorate your Christmas Tree.

Decorated tree from Rogers Gardens, Newport Beach, CA

Each year I decorate several client homes for Christmas - along with my own.

Over the years, I've learned a few things that make holiday decorating
a little easier - without losing any impact and with beautiful results.
So, with those lessons learned,
here are a few pointers for decorating your tree,
from someone who does a lot of them each year.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING.....

RUSTIC / ROUGH LUXE

If you've been paying attention, you've noticed that Christmas is taking on a  rustic flair.  It started out small, with burlap, and birch bark and forest friends on the tree, but this year its an explosion of rustic and rough luxe cabin style.

the more pine cones, the better

rustic natural style in greens and arrangements

forest themes - owls, foxes, squirrels, bears, coyotes....

deer and birds

add a little shine here and there

some birch bark, twigs or grapevine

 If your mantle is too narrow, take the rustic up and over....

Pheasant feathers and antlers are welcome

tinsel and mercury glass to play opposites

Whether you try for a smidge of the rustic, or completely immerse yourself, here are some ideas sure to inspire you!  This year blackboards are interpreted into pillows, ornaments and signs.  Fabrics are rustic burlap and linen, or lush faux furs...

faux blackboard pillow

rustic Christmas carol sign

rustic rough luxe lodge style

faux fur tree skirts

faux fur is big this season

NEED one for my tree....

Pottery Barn 

and this...

Rustic loves a smattering of plaid

and burlap and linen

and owls - don't forget the owls...

Pottery Barn

Its amazing how elegant a twig can be...

or a simple cascade of greens

check out my pinterest board (Christmas : Rustic) to find out how to make these simple wood burned ornaments

don't forget the shiny and the glitter

to make it magical

too serious?  cover it in paper mache' ...

its up to you how rustic or rough luxe you take it...

 add a lot - or a little rustic to your Christmas

You're the boss!