Today I’m sharing my woodland-inspired Christmas tree decked out with red and rustic Christmas tree decorations!
Welcome to Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas! I can’t tell you how much I love participating in this series each year. Honestly, it’s one of the things I look forward to the most when the holiday season rolls around. Not only do I get to share inspiration with all of you, but I get to team up with some of my favorite bloggers. Be sure to check out all of their Day 1 projects at the end of this post.
Also, if you’d like to join us in this 12 Day adventure, we’d love to have you. If you are inspired to recreate anything we make, share it with us on social media using the hashtag #12days72ideas. We can’t wait to see what inspires you!
Technically, I’m cheating on today’s post because I’m sharing a tree I decorated back in October. It turned out super cute, and it is a Christmas tree after all so I hope it’s OK to post about it. Please know that I also will be sharing some techniques and unique touches that you can use to make your tree extra special. Sound fair?
Woodland Inspired Christmas Tree with Rustic Christmas Tree Decorations
I started with a standard green tree. (This one here.). I always think it’s wise to invest in a quality tree. Not only will a good tree last for years, but you get what you pay for. You want a full tree so you can’t see through it. Realistic branches are also always a plus. I opted for the pre-lit variety because it saves so much time.
Whenever I’m decorating a tree, I like to begin with a ribbon. Ribbon offers a bit of a backdrop for your decorations. It also helps to fill up the tree if you happen to be light on ornaments. I chose this thick black and red gingham flannel. I could spend all winter in a shirt with this pattern, so why not wrap my tree in it?
For this particular tree, I opted for an “Into the Woods” theme. Although the tree bears no resemblance, the theme was inspired by the movie of that name that’s coming out soon and Taylor Swift’s new song. (People, you have to take whatever inspiration you can get wherever you can get it, no questions asked.)
As much as I love traditional ornaments, it’s always fun to think outside the box when it comes to Christmas tree decor. (Donna of Funky Junk Interiors is the queen of unique tree trimmings.)
These red lanterns are the perfect non-traditional ornament! Not only do they go with the tree, but you can put smaller ornaments, battery operated tea lights, or other treasures inside the lanterns.
I also found an inexpensive Christmas village, so I just tucked several of the houses right inside the tree.
Lastly, I picked up these adorable woodland creatures (a.k.a. squirrels) and added them as well.
I then threw on some traditional ornaments to fill in anywhere things looked a little sparse.
Finally, to bring my “Into the Woods” theme home, I added some icy red berry picks and a few snow covered pinecones.
What to see more Christmas Trees? Check out these:
- Navy Blue Christmas Tree
- Flocked Christmas Tree
- Rainbow-Inspired Christmas Tree
- White Flocked Christmas Tree in Gold and Green
- Rustic Modern Christmas Tree
With that, my tree was complete! Colorful, warm, and cozy. I think it turned out pretty well. What do you think?
See how the other 12 Days Bloggers are decking their halls.
Front Door Christmas Decorating from Shanty 2 Chic
Branch Candle Centerpiece from Funky Junk Interiors
Blue and White Christmas Decorating from Thistlewood Farms
Advent Calendar from Songbird
Colorful and Crafty Printables from Remodelaholic
Our tree is special because it is truly an eclectic tree. It is adorned each year with a crocheted angel given to us when our first son was born 32 years ago. It has so many special ornaments on it there is no room for extra ribbon or sprigs. I added a separate metal ornament stand last year to hold the year’s newest offerings. We have a few childhood ornaments from my childhood tree, a “Make a Wish” engraved for each year of our son’s lives (the oldest is now married and has his ornaments and the 78 Precious Moments ornaments for thee tree at his married house, my poor, poor DDIL–lol), ornaments we have collected on our travels, Lenox and Waterford ornaments for each year of marriage, others that we have given “just because”, and who could forget the ornaments of the furry ones past and present. Our tree will never when a contest, but is a scrapbook of our lives. It documents the interests of the passing years such as the sports du jour, cooking, art and vine classes, travels near and far. Our tree reflects us. Thanks for asking and listening.
Two years ago I discovered several blogs that gave me the urge and strength to step out and do some creative things around my house. IBC was one of the first spots I fell in love with. You were just changing your gift shop into your office. I related to your zest and color, and I discovered Threshold items. Last Christmas I especially fell hard for the glass water globes, particularly the fox and tree in one and the red farm house in the other. I’ll be adding to them this year with the scooter! So, from the inspiration I’ve been given, I made a large decision to give most of my ornaments from over the years to my adult children for their trees and to do a farm collection of ornaments (we live on an old farm) with a country/city (we love both) theme and lots of color. Have already found some vintage ornaments that will do just fine. I go this weekend to find the just right ribbon and build from there. Again, Michael, you are definitely inspirational with your charm and your love of splash and light. Thank you for all you share (love the simple directions you always include with pictures!)…….and how much heart you put it all together with. Come to Oregon sometime and teach a workshop! Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
~Lindy
I love our tree because it is one that belonged to my son before he passed away 5 years ago
Your tree is lovely! What makes my tree special is after unpacking all the ornament boxes, we
can decorate with the glass ornaments that I have been collecting for 45 years. Each one has a
story to tell since many of them were picked up on trips. Thanks!
Our tree is special because it holds 3 generations of ornaments and love. No theme, no special color, just wonderful memories
what makes our tree so special is the memories that it holds. We always go out and get a fresh noble fir. I like the spaces between the branches so you can see the ornaments hanging. We have tiny handmade German ornaments, unique beeswax ornaments, handmade brown paper bows, and ornaments from my grandparents, parents and children from over the years. And of course we always add candy canes, and there is a pickle in there somewhere along with a mushroom!
Michael, our tree is special, because, we all decorate together as a family, every year!:) love your tree AND blog!! Happy Holidays!
I decorate my tree with ornaments from my travels with my daughters,special occasions
and things that I love. It’s always a beautiful tree to me and my family..
Our tree is special because our 3 year old gets to put all the ornaments on it!!
I moved to the Midwest from the east and sadly left the ocean behind. So my tree is done in blues and greens and driftwood. There are mermaids and starfish and beautiful shells mixed in with turquoise and watery green glass ornaments. No cows, no corn and no stinky manure allowed!
I am already a subscriber so I pinned – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33495590954149003/
Hi Michael,
My tree is made special by the one ornament that remains from my mother and father’s tree. The ornament is a tiny hand painted glass bell. It isn’t very big, but I remember looking for it every year as I grew up. It was always on that tree somewhere. I always showed it to my children, and to my grandchildren and told them where it came from. I hope that one of them will treasure it on their tree the way I did.
PS: Love you blog and follow it faithfully.
Our Christmas tree is special to me because i still have the star that was my mother’s and that I had when I was little.
I love your trees!
I shared them on facebook with my sister and my sister -in- law
I have handmade embroidered mittens for my tree and it is covered with them they are just so adorable than I add ribbon and clear lites..all the little ones want to try on each mitten to see if they fit and that is what makes my tree special..Thank you
Our skinny pre-lit pencil tree is special every year as it only holds ornaments that have meaning to my parents & I. Most ornaments go back to when I was a kid (and I’m 37!).
Michael, I tweeted about your blog and this wonderful chance (crossing my fingers Target!) https://twitter.com/erin_kaven/status/539549285491425280
Michael, since I was married 21 years ago, I have purchased a different ornament from each trip we have been on, and to commemorate each special moment in our family. It has become our “memory tree” always the same, yet always evolving.
Absolutely LOVE your tree, even if it’s not this years…what great style you have in designing it. I love plaid and use it frequently on my tree and on wreaths. Such a country flavor. Have a blessed holiday and above all PEACE!
Each year we would mark each memory.
Such as all different pacifiers when my son
Was born thomas trains wood decorations violins
Ect May you have a very Merry Christmas