Welcome to the Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Challenge with Decorator’s Warehouse. I am so excited to share this year’s elegant, rustic christmas tree with y’all!
Decorator’s Warehouse challenged 12 talented home decor bloggers to design a Christmas tree exclusively with decorations from the store. If you have ever shopped online or visited Decorator’s Warehouse in Arlington, Texas, then you know that the hardest part is choosing just one theme or color scheme. Consequently, there are so many different styles of Christmas decor from rustic to whimsical and elegant which can be found in a variety of trendy, traditional, or neutral color palettes.
Use code CUTERTUDOR for 10% off everything at Decorator’s Warehouse except Christmas trees and resin.
Rustic Christmas Tree
My decorating style is a combination of rustic and casual elegant design. For example, rustic feels distressed, aged or natural. Similarly, materials that exude a rustic feel include burlap, jute, weathered metal or raw wood. It may appear in farmhouse or coastal style homes. As far as the elegant side of the design, I incorporate a little sparkle into my home during the holidays. For instance, think velvet ribbon, glittered balls or stems and twinkle lights. However, I always want my home to feel relaxed and welcoming.
When decorating my home, I I love the look of neutral colors, such as beige, white and grey. In addition, I always gravitate towards cool colors like blue and green. This color combination feels very calming and approachable.
Consequently, my style has not changed from last season. I still love blue mixed with neutrals and creating a rustic elegant vibe that reflects my coastal style. Plus, bells are one of my favorite things to add into my holiday decor. Specifically, I used the large rustic jingle bells on my tree and mantle last year. You can find my previously decorated tree and Tips to Decorate a ChristmasTree, here.
I found these natural fiber deer and pair of trees in Decorator’s Warehouse.
How to Decorate a Rustic Christmas Tree
Basically, there are three things that I incorporate into decorating a tree: floral picks/stems, ornaments and ribbon. However, I used a variety of each to showcase different textures, colors and contrast.
Assuming your tree is pre-lit like mine, the first step is to fluff the branches of the tree. For example, make sure you touch every branch, pulling each towards you and spreading it out to fill in any gaps.
Start with the Spray Topper
Secondly, decorate the top of the tree with a ‘spray topper.’ A spray topper is an assortment of different artificial floral sprays and seasonal stems grouped into a bouquet on top of the tree. In addition, florals, bows, bells or seasonal elements can be added near the base of the topper. For this tree, I push frosted branches, pine and berry style sprays down the top center of the tree, as close to the pole as I can. Next, I add floral sprays in clusters. Lastly, I hang a set of three white washed bells off to one side. These bells have a round circle which I pushed through the tip of a branch before bending upward to secure.
For 9+ foot trees, I remove the top section, place it in a bucket, decorate it using tie-wraps to secure before returning it to the tree. Since, this tree isn’t too tall, I just used my step ladder.
Bells are one of my favorite things to decorate with during the holidays. I have collected many different styles and sizes of bells over the years. However, this set of white washed bells is a recent find from Decorator’s Warehouse. I knew when I saw them that I had to have them. They are so versatile to decorate with. For instance, I hung these on the top and side of the tree. Then, tied a pair on the garland hung on the fireplace mantle. However, they would look great hung on the stairwell or front door or sitting on the coffee or dining table for a unique centerpiece.
Weave Ribbon into the Tree
I prefer to use three different kinds of ribbon with at least one having a bold pattern or texture. For instance, I chose two shades of blue velvet ribbon in two different widths, but added the birch bark ribbon for contrast. Plus, it added another natural element to this rustic Christmas tree.
Wired ribbon is the easiest to work with. It allows you to ‘pop’ the loops out to create more depth. Plus, it can be rolled up and used year after year. Another key factor to working with ribbon is to cut it into controllable increments. For instance, most of the ribbon on my tree is cut between 2-4 feet long. I highly recommend viewing Decorator’s Warehouse tutorials on YouTube for excellent step by step directions to add ribbon to the tree.
Basically, ribbon is added with a series of loops and tails. To create ‘tails’, cut the end at an angle. However, I prefer a ‘dovetail’ by folding the ends in half and cutting a diagonal from the center to the outer edge. To create loops, leave a tail, twist ribbon to create an 8 inch loop to ensure the top of the ribbon always shows. Then, repeat to create either another loop or tail. Simply twist ribbon between the tree branches to secure.
These table top pine trees in galvanized pots look so real. When tied with velvet ribbon, they are a perfect mix of rustic and elegant.
Fill with Floral Clusters and Filler Sprays
Floral clusters are a bouquet of floral, textured, and leaf style ‘sprays’ or stems. These are the basic elements when creating a floral arrangement, as well. Decorator’s Warehouse has a beautiful selection of Christmas flowers in an assortment of materials, colors, patterns and sizes. I chose the grey sugar poinsettia, burlap faux fur edge poinsettia and a green velvet poinsettia with glitter detail.
For winter, artificial ‘leaf’ stems may be cedar, spruce or pine needles and frosted or snow covered branches. Textured stems are usually three dimensional and may include those with faux berries, pinecones, glittered balls or ornamental details. You can shop for both, here.
Therefore, layer at least 3-5 different sprays, including at least one floral, textured and leafy stem. For instance, place a poinsettia over a dewberry pick, frosted branch and pine spray. Then, hold in one hand and with the other, grab the end of one of the more flexible stems, and twist the bunch together. This will allow you to easily push the floral cluster along a branch on the Christmas tree while securing with a tree branch. Make at least one floral cluster per foot of tree.
Lastly, set aside about one dozen each of 3-4 different kind of sprays, as well. These individual sprays will be the last thing that you add to the tree. Basically, these are used to fill in any empty spaces and repeat color and pattern throughout the tree.
Add an Assortment of Ornaments
For a 7. 5 foot tree, Decorator’s Warehouse recommends to use 6 different styles of 5 balls. Then, add 12 different styles of three specialty ornaments. However, this is just a recommendation and you should always decorate in a way that you love.
When choosing ornaments, be sure to consider a variety of different finishes, colors, textures, and sizes. For example, select matte, shiny, natural, glittered, rough, smooth, detailed, big and small. If you enjoy a monochromatic color scheme, simply choose different shades of one color. If you prefer modern look, lean towards smoother textures and cleaner lines, but choose matte and shiny metallic finishes.
Continuing the same elements in the room is great way to make a room feel cohesive with the holiday decor. Last year, I styled a nine foot Belgium pine garland on my fireplace mantle. I loved it so much that I decided to do it again this year using the same beautiful ribbons, bells and floral, berry and leafy picks as the tree. Additionally, I decorated a wreath to hang above the mantle.
In addition, you can use floral picks and sprays for floral arrangements, centerpieces or garlands hung on the door or staircase.
Think outside the box.
If you find something you love, but it doesn’t fit your plan, can you make a simple change to create something perfect for you? Perhaps, you cut some of the larger sprays into smaller pieces for floral arrangements.
Or, like me, I found a garland of beautiful green glass ornaments tied together with jute. It was the same shade of green as the velvet poinsettias. Therefore, I untied the ornaments from the long jute and retied the ornaments in clusters of two. This allowed me to hang them on the tree as ornaments and repeat the color I love. Or, lay it across the coffee table for an easy styling solution with potted trees, like these I tied ribbon around.
Use code CUTERTUDOR for 10% off everything at Decorator’s Warehouse except Christmas trees and resin.
Looking for more holiday inspiration?
Take the tour to see the rest of the Christmas trees in the Decorator’s Warehouse Christmas Tree Challenge. You will find so many different ideas to decorate your tree in a variety of color schemes and styles.
During the holidays, I decorate many Christmas trees for myself and clients. Honestly, I do get bored decorating with the same or same kind of decorations year after year. Therefore, I love to challenge myself to come up with new ways to decorate a tree, at least new to me. For a few weeks, I had an idea to strand hundreds of shatterproof ball ornaments together to create an ‘ornament garland.’ Last week, I was able to decorate a pink Christmas tree using this notion and it turned out amazing.
BEFORE
AFTER
This tree looked a little like the one from ‘Charlie Brown.’ However, with a few hundred ornaments, it became a show stopper!
Pink Christmas Tree
Sharing our gifts and talents is one way to spread kindness, but also the holiday spirit. When my friend Dawn, who owns a salon, mentioned not feeling the holiday spirit yet, I knew that I was the one to bring it to her. So, I asked her to pick a color palette and I would do the rest. While I love my blue decorations, I was so excited that she chose silver, pewter grey and blush pink Christmas tree ornaments. It’s feminine and a little edgy!
Again, I like to think outside the box to create something unique. It makes decorating more fun. So, here are a few ideas that you can do, no matter what color you decorate with.
Strand clusters of ornaments to create an over the top garland.
Don’t just hang ornaments on the tree. Push floral wire through the top of bottle brush trees to hang.
Again, hang a few oversized pieces related to your theme on the tree. For instance, disco balls, bells or signs! The oversized look creates a ‘wow factor.’ Floral wire is great for this.
For the base, I wrapped a cardboard box in pink and silver wrapping paper. Then, placed the tree stand inside. Lastly, I tucked tissue paper into the box, under the tree branches, to look like a gift box.
Spray topper is a cluster of floral stems, picks or ‘sprays’ on top of the tree. See more details, here.
DIY Garland
Hang Bottle Brush Trees
Disco Balls
DIY Ornament Garland
400 shatterproof balls (for a 7 foot tree)
20+ large shatterproof balls (optional)
50+ mini shatterproof balls (optional)
floral wire
wire cutters
First, push one ornament through a 3-4 foot section of wire. Then, make a small circle loop about six inches from the end to prevent the ornament from going though.
Next, strand balls onto the section of wire. Be sure to push balls around so that they lay accordingly and leave no gaps. Add in a few large and mini balls to fill in.
Make another small loop with the wire about six inches from the end. Then, use both end sections of the wire to tie onto the underside of the tree branches. Simply, wrap wire onto the branch.
When one strand ends, make another and hang end to end at different angles to create an organic or swag like look. Work in 2-3 foot sections to maintain control.
TIP: When hanging the garland, an extra set of hands is helpful.
FYI: Some balls may pop off from their plastic topper. Simply replace or hot glue back on, if necessary.
Decorator’s Warehouse
Here are a few pink Christmas ornaments from Decorator’s Warehouse in Arlington, Texas. If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, I encourage you to shop in the store as the selection is much wider than online. Plus, there are over 13 fully decorated Christmas trees in many different colors and styles to get inspiration from.
Christmas is in full swing! Therefore, I have rounded up a few simple Christmas decor ideas that you can DIY or repurpose from things you probably already have. Plus, I included a handful of my favorite decor finds that make decorating easier for any season.
6 Simple DIYs To Do This Season
One way to personalize a home is to fill it with personal touches that are handmade or unique. Basically, this can be achieved by incorporating a few DIYs or crafts into your holiday decor.
Two Table Top DIYs
For instance, I cut and tore long strips of cotton fabric to create frayed ribbon. Then, I tied the silverware together to add a romantic touch to my holiday table. This is great trick for holiday wrapping, as well.
In addition, I sliced and dried oranges in the oven for four hours. Next, I wrapped the dried citrus and fresh eucalyptus stems with yarn on holiday gifts for eco-friendly gift wrap.
Christmas DIY Decor
The best way to give new life to inexpensive or old bells (or anything metal) is to apply ‘Rub N Buff.’ For instance, I love the antique gold color. Read all the instructions, here.
Cutting bead board into ornamental shapes is still one of my favorite holiday DIYs. Since I typically have a pile of scrap wood in my wood shop, this is easy and inexpensive. Use any weathered or chippy wood, or textured wood panels for this project. Then cut, sand and hang. Get the full instructions, here.
Lastly, I like to make ‘snow globes’ to decorate during the holidays. Consequently, by adding faux snow and a few holiday figurines, like bottle brush trees, reindeer, or Santa Clause, to any glass container, it looks like a snow globe. For example, here are a few that I made, or you can use any lidded glass jar, cloche, clear ornament or even a gumball machine to create a snowy scene.
Antiqued Bells
Bead Board Ornaments
Glass Jar Snow Globe
DIY Wreaths
One of the best ways to add seasonal touches to your home is by changing out the wreath on the front door. However, I love to use seasonal wreaths indoors, as well. For example, hang wreaths over mirrors, interior doors, or above the fireplace mantle. Here are two different wreaths that I made for Christmas to match my decor.
On the left, I took a plain pine wreath and added blue and white poinsettias with sprigs of faux lamb’s ear, pinecones and blue berry picks. Then, I tied in large shatterproof balls and wooden heart ornaments with gingham ribbon.
On the right, I tied faux florals onto two pine greenery sprays secured to a gold hoop with floral wire. Lastly, I added blue velvet ribbon that I used throughout my home to hang miniature wreaths.
Pine Wreath
Gold Hoop Wreath
Many of the ornaments and picks are from Decorator’s Warehouse, the largest Christmas decor store in Texas, y’all. Use my code Cutertudor for 10% off!
6 Ways to Repurpose Old Things
Many times, I decorate my home by reusing and repurposing things that I already have. I love the challenge of thinking of new ways to use old pieces. For instance, I repurposed vintage cookie cutters into napkin rings and flower frogs into holiday postcard stands. To make a wreath, I used the rings of an old basket… probably a basket that my dog decided to eat!
Sometimes, it is as simple as using a piece in a new way. Other times, it becomes part of another decoration altogether. For example, architectural pieces are always great to repurpose or layer into something artsy. These decorative moulding pieces were the perfect base for miniature wreaths and figurines.
Books can be used many different ways, especially old books with worn pages. They add character to a space and texture when stacked together. Plus, the words or images on the pages themselves provide an additional pattern or graphic quality. From stacking books to use as risers that elevate the decor to using pages as placemats, the possibilities are endless.
Cookie Cutter as Napkin Ring
Flower Frog as Card Holder
Basket as Wreath
Books as Risers
Hymnal Pages as Place Mats
5 Fabulous Finds that Never Go Out of Style
I picked five things that are classic enough to use year round, but especially fun to style during the holidays. These are great pieces to have in your decorating repertoire.
Glass Cloches
I love glass cloches. Not only are they one of my favorite things to style, but they are functional too. In addition, you can turn any table top decor into a ‘snow globe scene’ by adding some faux snow. It’s such a pretty way to display all the treats that you will be baking this holiday season. You can find some great ones, here.
Miniature Wood Boards
These miniature decorative bread boards, pictured below are From: Susie, and come in both rectangular and round shapes. From serving as drink coasters to candle risers, they are so versatile. Plus, you can personalize each with a decal cutting machine for ornaments, gift tags or place cards. You can purchase both, here. Just use code ‘cuter10’ for 10% off!
Wood Cutting Boards
The snowman shaped cutting board is food safe and perfect for holiday parties, hot cocoa bars, and charcuterie food boards. Frosty makes a pretty cute plate charger, too. When not using, simply layer with other wood boards for a quick holiday touch in the kitchen. You can find a beautiful selection of wooden boards, here.
Lanterns
These particular wood lanterns are handmade in Texas and available in 3 different sizes and colors. Find more ways to style these lantern trays, here, or buy them here.
From holiday centerpieces to coffee table decor, they are perfect for showcasing seasonal decor or candles. For example, fill a bowl with ornaments or pinecones to place inside. Or, add faux greenery like a mini wreath or pine garland and bottle brush trees or Christmas figurines. Antique Farmhouse has an amazing selection of wood and metal style lanterns, here.
Tiered or Flat Trays
Trays are one of my favorite things to style seasonally and for holidays. Find my tips to decorate a 3 tier tray for Christmas, here. Where else are you going to show off your Christmas collectibles?
You can find lots of flat or tiered trays at Antique Farmhouse, here, like these I pictured below. For instance, I love the white washed wood tone of this set of footed trays. Plus, the round design easily acts a a riser for pottery with seasonal stems, candles or groups of miniature Christmas trees, like these.
Thank you for stopping by the blog today! I hope you are having fun ‘decking the halls’ this holiday season. Finally, if you love finding new ideas to decorate, be sure to subscribe to the blog, here.
Recently, I found the most beautiful magnolia bud plant from Nearly Natural. The leaves and white blossoms look so real. It comes in a vintage inspired bowl with a copper detail. As soon as I saw it, I knew that I wanted to use it for my Christmas centerpiece. However, it is such a quintessential Southern favorite that I will display it year round.
I love the look of natural looking greenery. Therefore, I paired the green with a few pops of navy blue and neutral colors in my dining room. I love it! It’s simple and classic and the calming colors I am drawn towards. It feels casual yet elegant.
Christmas Centerpiece
Typically, a centerpiece consists of a floral arrangement and candlesticks placed on a table runner. Therefore, I paired this beautiful magnolia bud floral arrangement with navy blue candles in vintage, brass candlesticks. Then, added some large pinecones for a natural element. Lastly, the over sized ball ornaments add an unexpected twist.
Magnolia Garland
In addition, I found a set of four magnolia stems from Nearly Natural, too, that I decorated the cabinet in my dining room with. First, I tucked one stem into the pine garland above a holiday sign. Then, I placed three magnolia stems onto a vintage sled with my paper mache nativity scene that I have had for years.
The key to faux floral stems looking good is to work with the wired pieces. Don’t be afraid to bend the leaves and move them around to pop them out. You want them to look organic and lush. These came in a box, but opened up beautifully.
If you missed my rustic, yet casually elegant Christmas tree and fireplace mantle garland, see it here. But first, a few more pictures from my dining room.
As someone who loves to decorate, changing seasons, and holidays, this time of year is my favorite. I call the time between late October and December the ‘Fallidays.’ Not only are there fun holiday traditions, but my home is typically decorated with beautiful Fall inspired textures and twinkly Christmas decor. However, another reason that I love this time of year is because gratitude and gifting are prevalent. By gifting, I don’t mean buying the latest and greatest gifts to give, but rather sharing of our God given gifts, talents and blessings.
For some, their gift may be that they are a great cook, or good listener and encourager. Others may have a heart to help the needy by serving a meal, or donating to a shelter. Whatever your gift, I encourage you to share it with others. I enjoy baking treats, hosting family and friends in my home, and decorating Christmas trees for others. While you may not think that your gift is a big deal, it may be the answer to someone’s prayer or simply the break that someone needed after a long, stressful day.
The Giving Basket
You have probably heard of a giving plate. However, let’s make it a giving basket because a basket can hold all kinds of baked goods that are perfect for sharing during the holidays. Think of all the fresh baked breads, cookies, muffins and pastries that you can share with friends, family, and neighbors.
This basket shall have no owner
for its journey never ends,
it travels in a circle
of our family and friends.
It carries love from home to home
For everyone to share,
The food that’s placed upon it
was made with love and care.
So please enjoy what’s in the basket
Then fill it up again,
Then pass along the love it holds
to your family and friends!
Shop vintage bread baskets, From: Susie. When using anything vintage for food service, I line the basket with parchment paper. Then, place a pretty napkin or tea towel inside before putting in baked goods. Lastly, I tied with a pretty ribbon and tuck in a few sprigs of seasonal stems.
My mother in law found an amazing recipe that tastes better than the Starbucks Pumpkin Bread, here. So, she made these pumpkin bread muffins for our family. The batch didn’t last 24 hours in our home. Thank you, Martha! It was a nice surprise on Sunday morning to see you with a basket full of muffins and fresh fruit.
Read our Gift Gasket Guide for tips to put together a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Lastly, I hope your holiday season is filled with many blessings as you share your gifts with others.
Recently, I sliced and dried red pear and orange slices for simple holiday decorations. Soon after, I realized that the dried fruit would look pretty in a bowl of potpourri, too. It is so simple to make, y’all! Therefore, I decided to share how to make a potpourri mix with y’all.
Making potpourri is fairly easy and a great way to add a seasonal scent into a room. Plus, it is an inexpensive, eco-friendly gift idea for friends and family. Simply, place in sachets or jars and tie with ribbon.
Spritz. Store. Enjoy.
How to Make a Potpourri Mix
Potpourri is a mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant materials displayed in a decorative bowl or basket. There are many different kinds. Therefore, you can choose from this list of suggested materials what goes into your potpourri. First, choose any greenery, spices, or herbs for natural scent. Then, add color with dried flowers and fruit. Woody materials are absorbent and will hold the scent well. Lastly, extra oils will elevate the scent.
What You Need:
Dried greenery – pine, eucalyptus, bay leaves
Dried fruit – sliced citrus, apples, pears
Dried spices or herbs- cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise
Dried flowers – rose buds or petals, lavender
Woody filler – pinecones, nutmeg, driftwood, sola wood flowers
Essential oils in spray bottle or oil based room spray
Airtight container or gallon ziplock bag
How to Dry Oranges
You can find more ways to use dried oranges and tips to drying fruit on my friend Susie’s blog. For example, click here to read “How to Dry Oranges” or this blog post for beautiful Natural Gift Wrap Ideas.
1. Preheat oven to 170°F.
2. Cut oranges into 1/8 inch slices.
3. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or a baker’s mat. Then, pat orange slices with a paper towel to dry. Next, lay them on the cookie sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for approximately 4-6 hours or until dry. To ensure the slices dry evenly and not curl, turn them over every hour. Remove from oven and allow to completely cool before using.
The rose buds are dried from Valentine’s Day years ago.
Essential Oils
You can use a combination of your favorite essential oil scents like citrus or cypress. I purchase essential oils from Doterra, because I know that they are pure and high quality. In addition, I love the Krumpet’s home sprays for the holidays. Find them, here. My favorite scents are the cinnamon, ‘Christmas’ (sweet berry) and shiplap (woodsy).
When working with oils, be aware that some may stain or can be irritable to skin and eyes. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear gloves when handling materials directly covered in oil. However, I wash my hands thoroughly after this project. In addition, I do not spray directly on my wood table or use containers that are used for food.
What You Do:
Gather your materials and spread them out on newspaper or in a flat bowl. Spritz your materials with 15+ sprays of your choice of essential oil.
Wait a few minutes to dry, and store mixture in an airtight container. For example, a lidded jar or ziplock bag works great. Leave this to ‘marinate’ for 48 hours.
Then, pour mixture into a decorative basket or bowl to enjoy for weeks. Once scent begins to dissipate, simply respray.
You can use my code CUTER10 for 10% off everything in the shop, From: Susie.For instance, I display my potpourri in this vintage bread basket that Susie and I found in Round Top, Texas.
If you enjoyed this learning how to make a potpourri mix, save this to your Pinterest board for ‘Things to Make.’ Happy crafting, y’all!
Fall is one of my favorite seasons to decorate in my home. Probably, because I am drawn towards neutral colored decor which really allows the textures to take precedence. For example, cozy cable-knit throw blankets and woven rattan, cane and wicker accents add a beautiful detail to any space. I like to keep things more simple and natural, before the entourage of glitter and flocking knocks at the door for Christmas.
Here are a few ways that you can add fall decor into your home.
Place a seasonal wreath on the front door.
Use traditional Fall accents like pumpkins, pinecones, acorns, dried corn, or gourds.
Replace greenery in vases with leafy, textured and floral Fall stems.
Decorate with natural materials like wooden bowls or rattan baskets.
Replace candles and hand soaps with Fall scents like cedar wood or pumpkin spice.
Add Fall themed pillows on sofas, sitting chairs or entryway benches.
Swap out lightweight throw blankets for chunkier knit textures or cozier fleece, sherpa, or wool.
Dress up the dining table with neutral decor and invite family and friends to share a meal.
Add warm, metallic finishes like gold, brass or copper.
Style a few seasonal vignettes with trays or glass cloches.
