A Nostalgia-Inspired Christmas Tree
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyI’m so excited to share my latest Christmas tree with you! My Nostalgia-Inspired Christmas Tree is a nod to holiday memories, designs, and ornaments of the past.
If you’ve been following IBC for a while, you might be aware that decorating Christmas trees is one of my most favorite things to do. Even though it does take work, time, and money, coming up with a new concept (or two) every year and bringing it to life brings me immense joy.
Today is an especially fun day because not only am I sharing one of my Christmas trees, but I’m back with my Seasons of Home blogger friends. There are 16 of us who are showing you our Christmas trees or offering a look into our living rooms decked out for the holidays. This group is always inspiring, so you’ll definitely want to check out the links. I’ll include all of them at the end of this post.
Last week I took you on a mini-tour of my family room. I dressed up my mantel and added a little holiday flair to my bar cart. I also gave you a glimpse of my Christmas tree which I promised I’d be sharing soon. Well, today’s the day!
As the title of this post suggests, I wanted to do a tree inspired by the Christmases of yesterday. And while I know everyone’s holiday memories vary, I chose elements that felt nostalgic to me. This is what I came up with.
Nostalgia-Inspired Christmas Tree Decorations:
The whole process started when I found a bunch of these glass Santas at HomeGoods. I told myself, “One year I should do a whole tree of glass Santas.” Then I thought, “Why not this year?” So into my cart, the lot went.
In bringing this vision to life, I realized I was going to need a different tree. To get the look I was after and showcase these ornaments, I ended up purchasing a faux Noble Fir tree from Terrain. (Apparently, a lot of you bought it too as it’s currently sold out.) I love this tree because it’s not as full as a traditional tree, so there’s a lot of space between the branches for ornaments.
Since most of the Santa ornaments are red, I was inspired to wrap the tree in this holiday hue. I own a lot of round glass ornaments in various colors, so I went through them and pulled out most of the red ones. From large to small, they went on the tree.
I also picked up a few new ornaments that have a nostalgic/vintage feel: red Wagoneers with a tree on top, this cross-stitched red truck, and a couple dozen pipe cleaner candy canes.
And because I like adding ribbons to my tree, I thought this plaid flannel-like ribbon had the perfect classic feel. Because of the openness of the tree (and because this ribbon wasn’t wired), I just draped it between the branches rather than using my usual method.
However, if you struggle with adding ribbon to your Christmas tree, I recommend checking out this post. In it, I walk you through my usual process step-by-step. There’s even a video.
To finish off the tree, I needed two more things. First, more lights! As much as I love the small LED lights on this tree, they just weren’t bright enough in my space.
When I saw these battery-powered LED candles from Balsam Hill, I knew they would be ideal! Not only would they give more light, but the glowing candles would enhance the nostalgic feel I was going for.
(And in case you’re wondering, I’m crazy about them! You can switch to colored lights and adjust the brightness of the lights to the level you like best. I used two sets of twenty on this tree.)
Second, I needed a beaded garland. I was ecstatic when I found this gold beaded garland complete with these vintage looking glass Santas at a local Christmas shop.
To finish off the tree, I dug out my vintage metal star tree topper. I found this guy several years ago. In fact, if your memory is really good, you might remember it from my (somewhat famous) rainbow Christmas tree.
And with that, my tree is complete and my family room is now officially ready for Christmas!
Ain’t she a ‘beaut? I’m so pleased with the look. It’s exactly what I was envisioning.
Putting this tree together was bunches of fun, and I’m just loving how well it complements this room. Paired with that big brick fireplace, this is honestly where I want to be every night: fire roaring, lights on, and hot cocoa in hand.
Want to check out more of my Christmas Trees? Start here:
- Navy Blue Christmas Tree
- Flocked Christmas Tree
- Woodland Inspired Christmas Tree
- White Flocked Christmas Tree in Gold and Green
- Rustic Modern Christmas Tree
Additional Living Room Sources:
- Leather Sofa
- Gingham Chair
- Coffee Table
- Fur Trim Pillows
- Log Holder
- Round Wood Mirror
- “Snowed Inn” Pillow – from a local shop
- Mantel Decorations – check out this post
Now, be sure to check out all of my talented blogger friends below. I’m confident you’re going to love seeing their trees and homes decked out for the holidays.
Seasons of Home Christmas Decorating Ideas:
Ella Claire | Nina Hendrick Design Co. | Zevy Joy | Beneath My Heart
Boxwood Avenue | Craftberry Bush | Inspired by Charm | Home Stories A to Z
French Country Cottage | Rooms for Rent | City Farmhouse | Nesting with Grace
Thistlewood Farms | Jennifer Rizzo | Dear Lillie | Love Grows Wild
OH! You are so incredibly talented from your decor style to your photography! Thank you for all your inspiration! Your tree is stunning! I love those candy cane ornaments. Where did you find them?
Beautiful, inspiring tree. Your creativity shines through!!! Your tree seems to inspire all of us reading your blog put our hearts into our own as well. Great job!!! Can I ask where u found the red & blue plaid bulbs?
Stunning tree Michael! It has inspired me to get working on my own tree. Thank you for the much needed inspiration !
I LOVE this tree. Beautiful with both plaid (which I am “mad for plaid”) and the “old world” glass Santa’s. It truly is a nostalgic tree. The whole room looks so cozy.
Michael, normally I wouldn’t be too crazy about a tree with lots of one color (that’s a lot of red!), but yours honestly looks perfect! I switched to a more minimalist style for Christmas last year, but my husband and I still love the comfy, nostalgic feel of a tree in the room. Your ornaments are cool, too, especially the toy cars, and I love the idea of putting them by the presents instead of on the tree itself. It’s all so fun to look at, and you’ve given me some ideas for mine now, so thank you and happy holidays!
M, this tree is spectacular! They all are however there’s something extra special about this one. It’s my fav of yours to date!
Your new look in your house is really pulling me in, period. I love all the earthy and original antique woodsy touches that seem to really warm up your spaces.
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!
Your tree is absolutely perfect and gorgeous. I wish you could come and do mine.
It’s beautiful, and it really does capture a sense of Christmases past. I try to decorate our tree somewhat like this, in an old-fashioned way, with a “natural” tree (not shaped and sheared like most people get) with room in it for all of our many, many, many ornaments, most of which are brightly colored glass. We also string bead garlands and drape old-style tinsel for a look that reminds me of my childhood over 50 years ago! While almost all of the trees you see in blogs and magazines, etc., are attractive, sometimes I think they look too commercial or too impersonal–but never yours, Michael. Your tree is gorgeous.
Michael, you have outdone yourself. The most gorgeous tree and room. Ever.
Amazing!!Besutiful fun tree!!
Beautiful
Hi – I found (and ordered) the “Snowed Inn” pillow! (https://chandler4corners.com/snowed-inn-on-red-8×24-lumbar-hooked-wool-pillow/) Michael, thanks for all your incredible work; truly inspiring!
YAY!!! Thanks for sharing. So glad there’s an online source for it!
xo Michael
That tree…..Beyond. Words.
I love a traditional tree…and this is beautiful!
Mary Wildin
Love the red! I found it refreshing after seeing lots of whites and neutral decor. This along with the blue walls in your hallway is making your blog my first stop for inspiration. Thanks Michael!
Gorgeous as always, Michael! Straight out of a magazine! I LOVE all the red!!
Found your blog for the first time this morning from the “Seasons of Home” party. I LOVE everything you’ve done to decorate your family room. I tend toward nostalgic/traditional in my main living spaces as well. Your tree stood out from all the others in the party preview photos. So glad I stopped by. Adding your blog to my reader, and tucking in for a nice long visit with my cuppa and fire blazing. :-). Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
I love it so much!!!
Love your style! Your spaces during Christmas are always a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing!
Your tree is absolutely stunning! Beautiful job!
Thank you so much Margo! I’m digging it too. 🙂
xo Michael