Actually, that’s not true. I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be in the 50’s today and snow is nowhere to be found (which is fine. by. me.) And we all know my views on Christmas usurping Thanksgiving.
However, I am already excited about our Christmas tree. We’ve had two Christmases in this house, and each year have purchased a live (though I guess technically dying….) tree. I love it. Yes, it does get sap all over my hands as I try to hold it straight while G positions it in the stand. And it does dump pine needles all over my (thankfully) wood floor. But the smell. The smell is divine. I make G decorate it with me to the sound of Sufjan Stevens’ Songs for Christmas while drinking eggnog. It’s a very Norman Rockwell moment.
Where am I going with this? Well, Homage (I’m picturing myself as Stephen Colbert addressing his “nation”), I need your help. Yes, it’s serious. Yesterday I mentioned the new look I am planning for our tree. It has come under some criticism. I won’t name names, but a certain former roommate of mine – her name may start with an “A” and possibly end with “lixxx” (spelling subject to interpretation) – thinks it may look strange. It has put a nasty cloud of doubt in my head, and I need some clarity.
Here is my concept: I want the tree to be more “neutral” and incorporate natural textures (metals, glass, burlap, linen). In the past it has seemed as though red and green exploded in that corner and didn’t really flow with the rest of the house. I like order, and the tree will be there for a month, so this is difficult for my type-A self. I have ornaments in gold, silver, bronze (all finishes from matte to glitter), and clear glass. I will use burlap ribbon and six-inch thick gold ribbon (sort of tulle-like) as garland. I will wrap the tree stand in burlap. Here are some inspiration photos:
And will be wrapping gifts using brown craft paper, doilies, and colorful ribbons (maybe yarn):
Okay, here is the question: will all that glimmer look strange next to the burlap? I have a lot of ornaments. We know what Alixxx thinks. Help a girl out!
Happy Saturday and GO HAWKS!!!!
I say, let “Alixx” stick to Hawaiian shirts and Wisconsin and beers. I think the natural Christmas tree idea is fabulous! I only used sliced, dried apples, oranges and cranberries on my tree last year, and I truly believe it was calming… I totally dig your idea.
Ok, for the record, I don’t dislike this plan. I merely had trouble picturing the burlap garland part. So now that I’ve seen a picture… I get it. I do still wonder about the shiny next to the burlap. But maybe it’s just not my style.
Although any design aesthetic I could possibly claim to have would have been heavily influenced by my years sharing an apartment with K.
Onward, sister! Whoever that girl is has NO idea what she’s talking about! (As a sidenote, sometimes it’s fun to add a “ph” before the rest of that name, but that’s just really naughty and she’ll tell you you’re only allowed to call her that inside your own head) Just make sure there’s enough ribbon/doily to soften up the metal/burlap. I totally agree that sometimes the tree looks awkwardly alone and out of place in the Christmas corner.
This is also rocking my Christmas dreams this year : http://dev.forgetmenotrye.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/featherpick.jpg
Alixxx, you know I love you
I’m glad I rubbed off on you. You taught me to say “soda” instead of “pop.” So I guess we have a mutually beneficial relationship 
~K
I. Love. It.
Fabulous ideas! I may have to steal it myself
) Although I can guarantee hubby is not going to approve. But hey, he can decorate next year!
I’m not a fan of traditional trees– my tree is done all up in mardi gras colors and has little cajun santas and alligators. Obviously- not a hallmart moment.
i like your plan! i think the contrast in textures, will be great – yet it will still be unifying by color. i say go for it!
Hi K!
I’m at work today and trying to appear busy, so went to your blog—am laughing out loud! (Why doesn’t this humor explode all over the place when the fam is together?) And just how do you come up with topics that are so entertaining? (Maybe it’s because you naturally over-think decisions? Just teasing!)
I LOVE the concept for your tree this year—I would experiment with having lots of brown ribbon so there’s a contrast between all the beigy going on.
The conversation between you and D about the compote dish must be repeated at whatever meal you take it to.
Love,
B
Happy Thanksgiving!
[...] morning, lovelies! I thought it was high time to update you on my quest for a neutral, natural Christmas. First, here are a few more inspiration photos I’ve tracked down and tucked away for future [...]