At my house, the Christmas tree changes every year.
Well, not true, one stays the same, our traditional tree. It is laden with keepsake ornaments that have been handed down through the family, plus those precious handmade trinkets my kids have hung with pride when they were little, and now want to burn or bury . . . not a chance!
In another room I dress a smaller tree, choosing any new theme that strikes me.
I get inspired in various ways; it could be the latest fashion in clothes or a new decorating trend, one year it was costume jewelry -- lots of baubles and bangles and glass beads that sparkled alongside white mini-lights. I get very enthused over the look of a well dressed tree, it’s joyful and beautiful and full of memories.
As lots of you know, I’m on Twitter now, and I’ve sent a message to all my Twitter fans asking them to show me a photo of their most imaginative and original Christmas tree. Meanwhile, I’m always on the lookout for a different look, and the sparkling tree you see here is one of my favourite finds this year.
Rather than sitting in someone’s front parlour, this tree is decorating a hair salon called Colourbox. The owner shared her inspiration and how she put it all together.
The theme is Winter Garden, created with a palette of greens that builds from the palest Poinsettia petals to woody stalks, seed pods and crisp deep ever green branches.
Oversized flowers and large ornaments are in keeping with the trends today. Large snow drop ornaments and white balls are glittered to make them twinkle.
Stalks of red berries nestled in the branches cheer up the cool wintery scene as they do in nature.
It’s not difficult to produce a dazzling tree such as this. You’ll find a good selection of silk flowers at craft stores, and the Poinsettia is plentiful at this time of year. Spray paint fake or real branches and twirly twigs, add sparkle with silver and gold glitter, and you have a winter wonderland. Here are some other themes that are hot this year.
• Sweet and Romantic. This one’s fitting for the couple who are perhaps sharing their first Christmas together. Think red, lots of hearts, silk or paper roses, lacy trim, and doilies. Collect small photos of loved ones, frame by gluing onto decorative foil and hang. Tuck chocolate sweets and cookies into the branches. Make it even more personal by adding a few mementos of a holiday or special occasion.
• Girl Time. Host a party for your girlfriends and celebrate by decorating a tree together. Really kitsch it up with the power of pink, trim with flossy boas and oversized feathers. Don’t forget the jewelry, and hide the tree stand under a faux fur wrap – either pink or snowy white.
• Glam Fest. Splurge with a tree that dazzles with the glamorous aura of silver and gold. Before you decorate, wrap strings of the new tiny LED lights in soft white. This is your chance to go over the top. From the brilliant gold star at the top of the tree to the silver lamé skirt for the stand, load the tree with balls, birds, and bells in shimmering silver and gold. Use paint or foil and mix these two precious metals for a stunning contrast.
Whatever your theme, have fun, share with a friend and take some time off to enjoy the wonders of the season. Happy Holidays.
Debbie Travis’s House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com