Decorating our Christmas tree is one of my favorite Christmas activities. It all starts with a family trip out to the tree farm where we cut down our own tree. We get all bundled up, pick up coffee along the way and hike through the fields of trees. We always go with a Noble Fir so it is somewhat easy to narrow down our pick. It’s such a fun day.
We are also one of those families that has a themed tree every year. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the ornaments we have collected over the years but I need a theme. My husband and I both agree that when we move into a home with a little more space we would love to have two trees 1) with all of the sentimental ornaments and 2) a themed tree. But that will have to wait :)
This year I did something I’ve never done before and I added red into my Christmas decor. By adding a touch a color and some book pages, my I ended up with a Rustic Red & Gray Christmas Tree!
Our Christmas tree sits in our more formal living room (I haven’t shown this room on the blog yet), all nestled up to our fire-place. It’s such a cozy room and I have really enjoyed sitting in here at night blogging and looking at the beautiful lights glistening.
Most of my ornaments come from the Dollar Tree or Target and there are a few homemade ones in there too. When I decorate my trees I like to add several different shapes, textures and colors so your eye keeps moving around the whole thing. This year my tree is filled with red, silver and gray ornaments along with glittery snowflakes, berries, pine cone, branches, ribbon and book page garland.
I also like to add clusters that make a big impact. I created several of these clusters that include berries, faux eucalyptus, branches and pine cones.
Is it just me or could you sit and look at Christmas trees for hours? They are just so peaceful and I love looking at all of the ornaments on people’s trees.
The snowflakes on the tree were actually foam coasters I found at the Dollar Tree, I bought 12 for $1! All I did was add a hook and hung them on the tree. I love cheap and easy projects :)
Under the tree you can find brown paper packages tied up with string…
…and adorned with my Handmade Sharpie Gift Tags.
Just a few more days and all of those presents will be opened! Eeek!
I secretly wish we could keep our tree up year round :)
About Taryn Whiteaker
Hi! I’m Taryn! The voice behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. I launched this brand over 11 years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. What started as a small craft and mom blog eventually grew into a full time design and DIY site. My goal has always been to inspire others (especially women!) with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you the tools you need to complete them yourself!
Beautiful tree!! And I prefer brown packages tied up with string myself :o)
I love a tree with sentimental ornaments. Your tree looks so pretty with all the different shapes and textures in the reds, greys and silver. I like the look of solid color for package wrapping too. I found your post at 36th Avenue.
Your tree is so pretty, welcoming and real. I could sit and look at all your ornaments, try to imagine the stories behind them even if they are from a $ store. It’s how you decorate it and make it feel like you. Your family and love involved in your tree are what count. Enjoy it all. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Your tree looks fabulous Taryn!! I love the colors!
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous! One of my favorite trees this year! I love the colors you chose! I love your wrapped gifts, too! ~ Virginia
Gorgeous!
KC
I love staring at our tree too! But ours is much more sparse than yours. Plus, no ornaments below 4 feet off the ground! It makes for an interesting look, that’s for sure. No presents under the tree other. I guess when she’s grown and gone, I’ll be able to do all that :)
Beautiful- we are doing brown paper wrapping this year too.
Your tree is just gorgeous, Taryn! I absolutely love every detail!
Your tree is so pretty and full, love the packages too.
Beautiful! you know I love all your stuff!
Your tree is beautiful – I especially like the cardinal ornaments since I’m from Virginia and they’re our state bird.