Within the past three years, I’ve decorated eight different Christmas trees. That’s a lot of trees, a ton of ornaments, and plenty of glitter. Right now, I’m in the process of putting together my trees for this year. I actually have to come up with 5 or 6 ideas because a special opportunity will require me to completely redecorate my home for Christmas after Christmas. (This has me both excited and stressed.)
At any rate, I thought it would be fun to take a look at Christmases Past as a way to offer Unique Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas. If you’re looking for even MORE Christmas tree ideas, I wrote another post with 20+ Ideas for Beautiful and Festive Christmas Tree Decorations. You can find that HERE. I have been styling trees for a local gift shop since I was in high school, so I have plenty of ideas.
Unique Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas:
First, let’s look at trees of a different color. Gone are the days of only having green trees. Nowadays, trees come in almost any color you could want. While I don’t get overly crazy, I have made a few unique choices.
This silver tree was one I styled for a brand in the summer so it never actually saw Christmas day. Nonetheless, I think it turned out pretty cute. The theme for this tree came from a collection of ornaments that featured sweet treats like cakes and ice cream.
If you’re thinking about styling a new tree, I find that having a color scheme or theme can be helpful. You’ll notice one or the other in all of my trees.
Another non-traditional colored tree that I styled was this gold tinsel one. When I saw this tree, it instantly gave me a vintage-Christmas feel. With that as inspiration, I decked it out with vintage ornaments I bought on eBay. Most of those ornaments are made from styrofoam balls, sequins, and pins. (I even made a fun little video for this tree. Check it out here.)
I also tucked in vintage light-up tree toppers around the tree for added color and light. This tree was featured last year in Romantic Homes Magazine.
My final tree-of-a-different-color was my navy blue one from 2014. People still tell me that this is their favorite IBC tree. (It’s definitely a favorite of mine, too.)
Here, I chose to stick with glass balls in a gradient effect. I started with dark blue at the bottom and worked my way to the top, ending with light green. Copper ornaments throughout tied it all together. If you’re ever hunting for great glass ornaments at a good price check HomeGoods. It’s one of my go-to sources every year for really beautiful ornaments.
I think a gradient effect is an especially fun way to decorate a tree. Last year, I did the same thing in my office. I started with red and worked my way up to light pink. That time I used copper and white to tie everything together.
Another popular non-traditional tree color is white. I’ve seen so many white trees popping up over the past couple years, but to be honest, I’m not mad about it.
Last year, my Adele-inspired Christmas tree was white and worked beautifully in my dining room. I struggled with that tree at first, but in the end, I couldn’t have been happier with it.
I am going to miss it this year. It popped against my dark gray walls.
I was also super excited to have this image featured in the current issue (December 2016) of HGTV Magazine. You’ll have to flip through the issue to see if you can find the photo.
Now, if you want to stick with a traditional green tree, but still mix things up a bit, I suggest looking for a flocked one. Within the past couple years, the demand for flocked trees has been incredible. I had my first flocked tree a couple years ago. I picked it up at Walmart in a moment of desperation. The quality wasn’t the best, but it did have the look I was after.
It’s no wonder that flocked trees have become popular. That snowy effect is magical.
And for all of you traditional tree lovers, have no fear, I created a few trees for you, too.
I called this tree, “Into the Woods.” It was inspired by a country cabin set among the trees. I still love that black and red check ribbon.
This tree continues to live on at my mom’s house. I’ve been recreating this exact tree for her for the past two years and will set it up again this year. However, I suspect she’ll soon be wanting something different, so I’m betting it’s the last year.
Last, but certainly not least, is my rainbow tree.
This is probably one of my most well-known trees. Here, I used all glass ornaments to create a gradient rainbow from top to bottom. Most of the ornaments are thrifted, but a few new ones are tucked in here and there. By my count, there are more than 300 glass balls on this tree. Pretty amazing, right?
However, given that most of these ornaments were purchased at HomeGoods and thrift shops, it’s an economical way to decorate a tree for big impact.
And that’s it. Three years and eight trees have yielded a fun and unique collection of holiday cheer. Don’t you agree? I hope you’ve enjoyed and been inspired by my creations.
Want More Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas?
If you’re still looking for my Christmas Tree Decorating ideas, you’re in luck! I have another post with 20+ Ideas for Beautiful and Festive Christmas Tree Decorations. You can find that HERE.
If you have ever recreated one of these looks (or plan to do so this year), please share it with me. Instagram is best. Tag me @inspiredbycharm and use the #myIBC so I can easily find it. I would absolutely love to see your tree.
In a few days, I’ll be back with some of my best tips for decorating a tree. Please stay tuned.
Wow, those are some great Christmas trees. I love the time and thought you put into each one. So beautiful and I’m feeling inspired to decorate my own tree this year. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous trees! We love following all your posts. You have amazing talent!!
Thanks so much Kimberly!! 🙂
xo Michael
Love these trees!! Can you share how you did the ribbon on the tree you did for you Mom?
Wendy, if you click the link I added into the post (near that tree), you can see it in more detail. I’ll also be posting some tree decorating tips soon.
xo Michael
They are all so beautiful that I can’t decide which one is my favorite! Gorgeous, gorgeous…thanks for posting.
Good to know my tree decorater is still available, it was fun looking at all your trees again. Can you guess my fav?
You are really amazing! All 8 trees were so cool! I think my favorite was last year’s …or maybe the blue one?? Tough choice!
I love all of these trees! I think the rainbow one is my favourite because it’s all baubles and I have a think for baubles! I would hate to count how many I use in my own home at Christmas. ?
I cannot chose a favorite. Stunning!
I love your decorating ideas, thanks for sharing. I was thinking of getting a flocked tree this year…after seeing yours I am definitely getting one. You are so talented.
They are all simply awesome! I can’t wait for your next post. In the meantime, I will dream about the gold tinsel-vintage tree- that one still has my heart…oh, and the ADELE tree…amazing!
My fav-o-rite is your green & gold…. so pretty. Next is the gradient.
I use a different color scheme each year. I told myself I’m not buying anything new this year and mix & match what I have. I’m thinking red & aqua. But, I may buy the snowman topper and go that route…. I love snowmen.
xo
I just love your blog, Michael. I always walk way feeling so inspired and your talent is just incredible. I love your images, the way you write and how approachable you are. I am constantly impressed by how great your content is. I just always think this and yet never say it and that’s just a bit crap of me, right? So I thought I’d say it today. You’re awesome. 😉 xx
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment. It lifted up my entire week. Seriously. Thank you so much. 🙂
xo Michael
I remember these trees,they are gorgeous. Honestly,I can’t decide which one is my favorite. If I had your talent and creativity i would leave them up permanently.
I love all of your trees (the navy blue being my favorite)! Great talent you have, Michael!
Oh my gosh, just beautiful. I’m so happy to see other people have themed Christmas trees too. Do you decorate all the way around the tree?
I do decorate around the entire tree. However, the back is definitely not as densely covered as the front.
xo Michael
I love them, my favorite is the current tree. Pinks into purple and teal! Fabulous!
I love this post! The Christmas trees are absolutely beautiful! I can’t pick a favorite because they’re all fantastic. Thanks for the wonderful pics.
Hello Michael! I don’t usually leave comments (cause I figure bloggers are too busy to read all the comments to do so) but I have to tell you that I love your blog. To echo the sentiment of Kimberly Duran’s comments above, you are so approachable, down-to-earth, and fun. There is no snooty pretense with your blog and while I think you are immensely talented and creative, I really appreciate how you explain, in simple and easy detail, to us mere mortals on how to accomplish beautifying our own homes and executing easy peasy entertaining, without feeling overwhelmed and defeated like a Pinterest fail. Keep doing what you do cause it is fabulous! My best, Eowyn
P.S. I love how your mom left a comment…I would do that to my son!
Your trees make me happy. Thank you!!
Thank YOU! 🙂
xo Michael
What beautiful tress you’ve created over the years. I really can’t pick a favorite the rainbow tree, blue gradient tree and the silver tinsel tree are at the top of my list. And the Adele inspired tree is pretty fabulous too! Thanks for always inspiring and providing great design and decor content for us all.
p.s. I’m a ribbon collector (aka-hoarder) and would love to know the source for the red and pink ribbon used on the silver tinsel tree.
Wow is all I can say! I can´t decide which is my favourite, they all look amazing. You are so talented…I definitely love your blog, I´m inspired by you. Thanks!
Michael, I love your taste and talent. The trees a fun and beautiful. I’m grateful for all your looks as they bring a smile to me. You are the best.
Beautiful!
You decorated it wisely, would love to do the same this year
I’m loving the trees! They’re all beautiful. I also found a Christmas tree keepsake which is cute and could be hung in the doors and walls. It creates a unique, festive and awesome feeling in the atmosphere in your dwelling. Great post Michael! I always enjoyed reading your blog.