Nostalgic Charm Christmas Tree
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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!
Michael I loved your nostalgic Christmas tree this year. That’s how I do mine every year and everyone always loves it and says it’s the best Christmas tree they’ve ever seen! I have never done a theme tree before, believe it or not. We are not doing gifts this year (it takes the pressure off!) so I li e your idea of putting a few cherished things around the base of the tree. Going to do just that! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
The tree is spectacular! I simply love the vintage ornaments mixed with those that evoke special memories. To me, that is what a perfect Christmas tree does! You must have well trained kitties to keep them out of such tempting eye candy! Have a Merry Christmas
I just adore this look! Your home is always so inspirational. I am from the Pittsburgh area, but living elsewhere currently. So always a treat to see your
recipes that remind me of that area and your amazing decor ideas.
Love it all!
I think this is one of the best trees you’ve done. Love all the different ornaments!
Beautiful tree, my favorite design, just plenty of pretty ornaments or whatever else works at Christmas. My tree is a compilation of ornaments collected over 52 years of marriage, 3 daughters, 6 grands and even some of my mothers ornaments. Love the combination of all and the nostalgia involved. Merry Christmas to all.
Oh Michael, my favorite tree you have ever done. You really nailed this one for vintage has never been more on trend, and never goes out of style. The sentimental ornaments, the handmade, the memories….all what make it so over the top, that money can not buy! Fabulous!
Michael, your tree captures Christmas perfectly! Nostalgic, whimsical and sparkling with Christmas magic. I would want to keep it up all year long because looking at it brings such joy! Merry Christmas!
Your tree is truly stunning!
Pat yourself on the back and relax.
This is the tree of my childhood. Very nostalgic & lovely!
Michael, I absolutely LOVE this tree!!! I’ve been so committed to “theme” trees for the past several years, this tree you’ve done really has inspired me to dig through my past trees and have FUN putting all kinds of treasures together! Thank you SO MUCH for your inspiring story!
This tree is lovely and because it’s less themed looks like it’s more sentimental – I love it!
Do you have links for the red pillows on your couch?
Yes!! That is so true! The large red pillow was Crate and Barrel but it’s not on their site at the moment. The smaller plaid is from HomeGoods.
xo Michael
Well done and Merry Christmas!
I absolutely adore your tree!! It represents all the joy of Christmas past for me!! It’s so beautiful!!
Thank you! Thank you!!
Love this tree. I did an anglel tree this year but already thinking of next year. the tree next year I want it to be one like I had as a child. This tree or yours is an inspriation to me. Merry Christmas.
This tree is absolutely beautiful! It speaks so much to me – I totally love vintage ornaments and decor!!
This is a wonderful tree – so pretty and festive and charming. Love the way you have carefully scattered the red and blue on the tree to keep the eye moving. Love love love the ornaments with history and patina. They all work together so well. The plaid bows are fun too, not too big, not too many of them, just right. And the vintage items under the tree are so nice. Love that you used what you have in such an artistic way.
Absolutely stunning! To me, it says, “Welcome home!”
Michael, I love your tree…and your house, and your creativity, and your taste, and everything you blog about! Thanks for all the fun and ideas, especially this time of year.
I love the Sanibel Spruce from BH. I love a real tree but you (and Kelly from Lilypad Cottage) are making me think about a SS from BH!
Your tree is so fun to look at. I love when trees have a lot of different little treasures. Congratulations on having what must be two well behaved kitties!
It’s beautiful! Love all the sweet little touches and the vintage ornaments. I like to decorate my tree with ornaments that I’ve had for many years and always enjoy remembering past holidays. Well done and Merry Christmas, Michael!