Nostalgic Charm Christmas Tree

Hey there, my friend! I’ve just finished decking out my first Christmas tree for 2023, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Say hello to my Nostalgic Charm Christmas Tree! 

This year, I hit a bit of a creative block when it came to choosing a theme for my trees. After 14 years of decorating two or three trees each holiday season, I guess a slump was inevitable. So, I decided to ditch the idea of a theme entirely and simply picked ornaments that caught my fancy. This decision was both freeing and a tad daunting – I’m usually comforted by having a Christmas tree theme, so going freestyle was a new adventure for me.

The one factor I did keep in mind was to add a bit more red than all of the other colors on the tree. Since I tend to use red accents in this room during the holidays, I thought it would help tie the whole look together.

The Tree

The tree itself is my trusty Sanibel Spruce from Balsam Hill, a staple in this spot for the past few years. It’s one of my favorite artificial trees, thanks to its long branches that make ornament hanging a breeze.

Ribbon

If you’ve seen my trees before, you know I usually start by wrapping the tree in ribbon. This time I decided to skip that step and let the ornaments take center stage. But, I couldn’t resist adding a touch of ribbon. I used some gorgeous plaid fabric ribbon from Heather Taylor Home, cutting 28-inch strands, tying them into bows, and nestling them into the branches here and there. They’re subtle, but they add a unique and special touch. (I was also excited to find a use for this ribbon.) 

Ornaments

For the ornaments, I dove into my collection and mixed and matched. There’s a bit of everything – ornaments from past trees, my handmade ones, and a good number of vintage finds. I love blending old and new; it’s like a beautiful homage to the past, coupled with an appreciation for the new.

As you can see I even used the framed vintage Christmas card ornaments I made this year. They worked perfectly!

I did scoop up a few vintage treasures this year, like these glass ornaments with crocheted details and a set of ceramic bells I found for just six dollars at a thrift store – what a find! Other than that, I didn’t buy anything new; I just worked with what I had. 

Under the Tree

Decorating under the tree is another part of the holiday magic I delight in. Alongside a few gifts that match the color scheme of the tree, I love to tuck in an assortment of vintage treasures … plaid metal baskets, a charming pack of mini vintage jingle bells, an old-fashioned metal house, and even some classic holiday packaging for ornament hooks and faux snow.

This special little nook is the perfect spot to showcase my collection of vintage finds. It’s amazing how these pieces transform the usually overlooked base of the tree into a scene straight out of a nostalgic holiday story.

Christmas Tree Thoughts

Admittedly, I went back and forth between liking and doubting my design (or lack thereof) of this tree. But in the end, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I might even continue this approach in future years!

This was the first time in a while that I got to fill a tree with all the ornaments I adore, each holding little memories of past Christmases and the trees I’ve decorated over the years. It was a delightful stroll down memory lane as I handpicked each piece for this year’s tree.

There’s something truly magical about a whimsical and carefree tree design. In a world where everything feels so meticulously planned (my life included), adding a dash of whimsy feels just right.

I’ve got another tree set up in my living room, which I’m excited to show you soon. (It’s complete and ready to be photographed.)  It’s a bit more thematic, but like the first, I didn’t buy any new ornaments for it. I dove into my collection again, selecting my favorites that bring back so many memories. This tree, too, is brimming with personal nostalgia.

Thank you for joining me in my home for another holiday season. Sharing my Christmas trees with you each year is a joy that’s hard to put into words. I hope you’ve found a little spark of inspiration or insight for decorating your tree, whether it’s this year or the next.

Merry Christmas!