Embrace the Art of Themed Christmas Trees
As the holiday season approaches, adorning your home with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree is a cherished tradition that sets the tone for festive celebrations. While the classic evergreen tree remains a timeless choice, the rise of themed Christmas trees offers an opportunity to elevate your holiday style and infuse your personal touch into this beloved annual ritual.
Themed trees allow you to tap into your creative side, curating a cohesive and visually striking display that reflects your unique aesthetic and holiday preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a neutral-toned palette, the whimsical charm of a nature-inspired design, or the nostalgia of a vintage-inspired theme, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your Christmas tree.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of themed Christmas trees, offering practical tips, inspiring ideas, and in-depth insights to help you discover the perfect look for your home this holiday season.
Defining Your Decorating Style
The first step in creating a captivating themed Christmas tree is to identify your personal decorating style. Take a moment to reflect on the design elements that resonate with you throughout the year – are you drawn to clean, modern lines, cozy rustic accents, or the timeless elegance of traditional decor? Understanding your aesthetic preferences will serve as a valuable foundation as you begin curating your holiday ensemble.
For those with a penchant for neutral tones and organic-inspired elements, an “Organic Modern” theme may be the perfect fit. As Elisa Irvolino shares, “I like to infuse natural elements into my holiday decor. I usually use a neutral tone palette: I describe it as living in Scandinavia in the Alps. I love the simplicity in whites, beiges, and browns with a touch of gold.”
Conversely, those who gravitate towards nostalgic charm may be drawn to a “Nostalgic Noel” theme, as highlighted by Nell Hills. “Elegant Christmas decor is a way to set the tone for the season, and I am excited to embrace this style wholeheartedly this season. My mom had spent years accumulating this special collection of hand-blown glass ornaments and other spectacular pieces.”
Regardless of your personal style, the key is to use your home’s existing decor as a guidepost, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious look throughout your living space.
Curating the Perfect Tree
Once you’ve defined your decorating style, the next step is to select the perfect artificial Christmas tree to serve as the foundation for your themed display. While the classic green tree remains a beloved choice, the rise of innovative faux tree options offers a wealth of opportunities to elevate your holiday style.
For those seeking a sophisticated, natural-inspired look, a noble spruce or Balsam fir tree may be the ideal choice. As Cait from Classically Cait shares, “This year I probably put together and took down a total of 9 trees! I had a very specific look in mind – I wanted a noble spruce Christmas tree look, the ones that are a little bit sparse and a little less full.”
Alternatively, a flocked tree can lend a serene, winter wonderland-inspired ambiance to your space. However, as Nell Hills cautions, “If a flocked tree is more your style, be very careful on where you purchase one from. I have heard nightmare stories of the flocking falling off, being uneven, etc. My Frosted Yukon Spruce from Balsam Hill is nothing short of perfect.”
Regardless of the tree type you choose, investing in a high-quality, well-constructed artificial tree is crucial. As Nell Hills emphasizes, “Just take a look at the Mountain Meadow wreath and garland. Each piece of fir looks just like real fir branches. The best reasons for faux greenery are: Places to use faux greenery are your fireplace mantel, around a door frame, on a front door, over sideboards and china cabinets, along shelves, on top of cabinetry, and down the center of your dining table, etc.”
By selecting a tree that aligns with your desired theme and provides a sturdy foundation for your holiday decorations, you’ll be well on your way to creating a visually stunning focal point in your living space.
Bringing Your Themed Tree to Life
With your tree as the centerpiece, it’s time to dive into the fun and creative process of adorning it with thoughtfully curated ornaments, garlands, and other festive touches. This is where your personal style and attention to detail can truly shine.
For those embracing an “Organic Modern” aesthetic, consider incorporating natural elements such as dried citrus slices, pinecones, and delicate glass ornaments in soft, neutral tones. Elisa Irvolino shares her approach, “I am never afraid to break out the spray paint or my paint brush. One year I wanted to flock my tree but Amazon would not deliver the flock in time for my party. So I did what any respectable DIYer would do. Pull out the chip brush and the white paint. I had that tree flocked in no time!”
Alternatively, a “Nostalgic Noel” theme may call for the use of heirloom-inspired, hand-blown glass ornaments, vintage-style garlands, and classic holiday imagery. As Nell Hills explains, “My mom had spent years accumulating this special collection of hand-blown glass ornaments and other spectacular pieces. I try to add a piece or two to my Christmas decor each year, but I have found it very hard to find pieces as pretty as she had. That was until now. Balsam Hill has come out with a number of collections of elegant hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments, magnificent garlands for the tree, a capiz shell tree topper that is the prettiest star I have ever seen and a bunch of other beautiful elegant Christmas decor pieces.”
Regardless of your chosen theme, the key to achieving a cohesive and visually striking look is to pay close attention to the color palette, textures, and overall styling of your tree. Avoid the temptation to overcrowd your tree, instead opting for a more refined and intentional approach to decoration. As Nell Hills advises, “Remember the key to elegance is restraint (not too much) and refinement. Just pick the best places to add greenery and leave the other places bare.”
Elevating the Ambiance with Lighting and Finishing Touches
Once your tree is adorned with the perfect ornaments and garlands, it’s time to turn your attention to the lighting and finishing touches that will truly elevate the ambiance of your holiday display.
Nell Hills emphasizes the importance of “candlelight” style lighting, stating, “Personally, I think that ‘candlelight’ style lighting is a better choice when trying to achieve an elegant look than cool light or colorful lights because they create a warm glow which makes all the decor look so much better. Candles on fancy candle holders are also perfect for this time of year. If you aren’t keen on real candles, faux candles have really advanced and look great.”
In addition to strategically placed lighting, consider incorporating other textural elements, such as a luxurious tree skirt or an artfully designed tree topper, to complete the overall look. As Nell Hills shares, “This faux fur tree skirt is so soft and thick it makes you feel like it is real fur. The coloring is perfect – not too white and not too yellow.”
By thoughtfully layering lighting, textiles, and other finishing touches, you can elevate the visual appeal of your themed Christmas tree, creating a truly enchanting and cohesive holiday display.
Embracing the Joy of Themed Decorating
As you embark on the journey of creating your themed Christmas tree, remember to embrace the joy and creativity that this process can bring. Whether you’re drawn to the understated elegance of a neutral-toned display or the nostalgic charm of a vintage-inspired look, the key is to let your personal style shine through.
By infusing your home with thoughtfully curated holiday decor, you’re not only setting the stage for memorable celebrations, but you’re also cultivating a space that reflects your unique personality and design sensibilities. As Cait from Classically Cait reminds us, “December is finally here, and so is my Christmas home tour for 2019! December is my favorite month of the year, it’s my birthday month and, of course, we have Christmas!! I love everything about the holiday season, the parties, the food, and of course decking the halls!”
So, let your creativity soar, embrace the art of themed Christmas trees, and transform your living space into a holiday haven that exudes the perfect blend of style and festive cheer. Happy decorating!
