Traditional Woodland Christmas Tree
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Hey there! I’m back with my second Christmas tree for 2023! This one has been fondly named Traditional Woodland Christmas Tree. I wavered a bit on the name – not that trees necessarily need names, but hey, it’s become a fun tradition around here.
Just last week I shared my Nostalgic Charm Christmas Tree, and you all were incredibly kind with your comments. Thanks a ton! It now feels like a tough act to follow, but let’s dive in!
By the way, I wanted to mention that I’ve thrown in a couple of snaps of my mantel and some other festive decor found in this room. I’m not planning a full holiday home tour or anything, so it seemed like the right place to share these items.
While this tree might seem a bit more themed than the other tree, I mostly used items that I already had. The only new additions were the ribbon and three random bottle brush tree ornaments I found at Target (I could’ve skipped them, but sometimes I just can’t resist).
The Tree
The artificial tree is a 7ft Nordmann Fir from Balsam Hill. Funny story: I had completely forgotten about this tree. While rummaging through the attic for a tree to use, I stumbled upon this one and just went with it. It’s a lovely tree, though it has this odd flare at the bottom that may be less noticeable than the last time I put it up.
Ribbon
For the ribbon, I stayed true to my traditional approach. First I nestled in some large pinecones and a few of my oversized mercury glass ornaments, and then I wove in the ribbon which I found at Joann’s. I’ve always had a thing for plaid.
Ornaments
I dipped into my ornament stash and mixed things up. I ended up with a real assortment: keepsakes from past trees, my handcrafted items, and a handful of vintage gems. Some of my favorites are the ornaments that I made this year from vintage Christmas cards – I particularly like the one with little birds on it.
Digging deeper, I reacquainted myself with beloved pieces like my cuckoo clock ornaments, glass cats, and so much more. I even brought out these glass faux clip-on candles which I hadn’t used in ages; they’re back and shining bright! Plus, there are disco ball ornaments that scatter twinkles of light around the room when the sunlight hits just right. So much fun!
Under the Tree
Decorating the base of the tree is another slice of holiday enchantment that I love. Along with gifts that match the tree’s palette, I’ve tucked in a mix of vintage finds: plaid metal baskets, picnic baskets, quaint little tins, a spool of fluffy yarn, and a set of vintage jingle bells. There’s also a vintage metal house with a green roof, echoing the one under my other tree which has a red roof. I like how it connects the two trees. I kept adding ornaments until it felt just right and in the process, the woodland theme emerged organically through glass pinecones, rustic squirrels, owls, snowflakes, and other natural elements.
More Details
I had planned to use my homemade gingerbread cookie garland on this tree to match the garland on my mantel, but it didn’t quite stand out as I hoped. Nonetheless, the tree still complements the space beautifully with its cohesive details and colors.
Over on my ottoman/coffee table, I’ve placed some vintage Johnson Brothers Merry Christmas Coasters I picked up while antiquing. They’re beautiful and suit the room perfectly.
I picked up this little santa holding a tree. He’s so sweet. I have him next to a sheep which I believe was once part of a nativity set painting by the local nuns (at the time) in my hometown.
The mantel decor remains mostly unchanged from previous years with asymmetrical garland, my vintage deer collection, and an assortment of trees. My gold Santa has claimed his spot by the fireplace, flanked by lanterns.
I absolutely adore how this room feels with the lights on and the fire crackling – it’s the epitome of coziness. Even Leo agreed; he popped in for a bit, and I managed to snap a photo of him.
And I think that’s a wrap on my Traditional Woodland Christmas Tree and this space. I hope you enjoyed getting a peek at another one of my Christmas trees. Over the years, I’ve documented so many – over 26 unique designs. If you’re curious, check out my post with all those different trees. There’s plenty of inspiration there if you’re looking to change things up in your own space.
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
This is my favorite yet!
The asymmetrical mantel is so perfectly fresh.
Your trees and home are beautiful this Christmas, as always Michael. I look forward to see what you have created every year. You always give me so much inspiration. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. I admire your attention to every single detail and I absolutely look forward to your Christmas decorations every year!
Thank you so much Amy!
xo Michael
Wow everything is so beautiful!
Thank you so much!
xo Michael
The tree is stunning!
Thank you Sherry!!
xo Michael
Your trees are magical and create such a cozy atmosphere. This woodland tree has so many ornaments, and they work together so well. The plaid ribbon is great. And the fireplace garland is so full and well decorated, matching the tree so well. The mantel too. It all goes together so wonderfully and looks like a warm place to just sit and take it all in. Sorry to hear it is stressful when the end result looks so “right” and inviting. It looks like it would be fun to hang all the ornaments and to create something so lovely. (I guess that is rather naive of me since it probably takes a bit of rearranging and second-guessing….) It is so relatable that you use things you love that you have collected over the years–if you love it, it works together!
I loved seeing this tree on Instagram and had to find your blog. So glad I did! I have been inspired by all the details of your decorations. The pinecones on your mantle garland are enormous! Made me smile to see all the beautiful vintage items with new and handmade mixed together. I saw a brass Christmas tree holding candles on your table and wonder where it comes from. I collect Christmas trees and haven’t seen this before. Thank you for sharing! I look forward to discovering more.
I wish you would do a house tour. I’ve followed you through the years and your house always looks incredible! No one else decorates like you do.
If you follow along here and / or on Instagram you’ll see pretty much of everything. Hope that helps.
xo Michael
Michael, your woodland tree evokes what I had in mind for myself. Great minds think alike, right? I’ve moved away from having red in my house, even at Christmas. I’ve decided to make my non-Christmas stuff do double duty as holiday decor. Because I love nature, I chose “Let Heaven and nature sing” as my underlying theme. Recycle, reuse, redo, repurpose. I love your Scotch tape tins as decor. But my favorite is the black lunchbox under a previous tree. Makes me remember Dad coming home from work, and if I was lucky, a piece of gum might be lurking inside. Merry Christmas!
Hi Michael
I love the way you’re able to combine nostalgia with a fresh twist. I’m not a fan of maxinalism, but your tree and holiday decor doesn’t feel overwhelming. I always look forward to your blog for inspiration. Happy holidays!
Love the tree! Two questions: where are the two green chairs and where did you buy the rug in that room?
The chairs were from Anthropologie and the rug is West Elm. I’m not sure if they still sell either of them.
xo Michael
Michael,
Everything is perfect as usual…thank you for sharing and love your blog! Happy Holidays!
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!
xo Michael
Just gorgeous. I love that you are using what you already have as well as mayor own. That’s what nostalgia and tradition are all about! Merry Christmas!
So true! Thank you Maria!
xo Michael
Thanks for sharing.
Oh my absolutely beautiful. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
xo Michael
I love how you use what you already own, but in different ways. I’ve been disenchanted with a lot of creators who buy all brand new every year, so your content is much appreciated. Thank you!
My parents have icicle ornaments just like those that I hope to use on my own tree one day.
Thank you Sarah. To each their own, but I just can’t do the ‘all new all the time’ anymore. It just doesn’t feel right. And love the icicle ornaments they are such a classic ornament to use.
xo Michael
The room is absolutely stunning! The plaid ribbon on the tree is beautiful. The mantle garland is on 🔥! I always get nervous When you say you are frustrated or possibly burning out, you are my favorite feed on Insta. You are beyond talented and your photography is top notch. Thank you for sharing with us and happy holidays!
You are so kind Peggy. Yeah – I’ve been feeling that way too often recently. Definitely taking some time off in January to reassess and find the joy again! I’m not going anyway, just much switch things up.
xo Michael
Always always always a stunning job! Very inspiring!
Thank you Nina!
xo Michael
All your trees are so beautiful! I’ve been following your blog for years and every year you create stunning trees. So talented! I’ve always wondered, 1) how long does it take you to decorate one tree? and 2) where and how do you store all your Christmas decor? How do you keep it all organized?
Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Joan
It takes me a couple weeks to be honest. I spend most of that time stressing, trying, testing, etc. It really shouldn’t take that long. Haha. And I store everything in large clear plastic totes in my attic. Nothing fancy. I try to keep similar items in a tote, but even that doesn’t always happen.
xo Michael
Wow. ❤️ It’s really, really lovely.
Thank you Rebecca!
xo Michael
It’s SO pretty! No holiday home tour? If there’s a holiday home tour I want to see, it’s yours. Not to add pressure to create more content…but your home looks so inviting and festive. I just want to step inside, and maybe do like Leo – find a cozy spot by the fire 🙂 Beautifully done, Michael!
I know. I actually haven’t shared a full home tour for the past few years. If you’re following me here on the blog and Instagram, you kind of get a full tour throughout the season. I may do a round-up of photos, but no promises. My tank is just about empty for the year.
xo Michael
Absolutely stunning. Where did you get the frames for the vintage card ornaments?
I wrote a post all about them. You can click on the links in this post and it will direct you to the tutorial (that has the links for the frames.) Hope that helps!
xo Michael