The other day, I played with a chunky Christmas tree out in the cottage.
It started with those pretty little French blue ornaments
and a sprinkling of snowy white, bleached pinecones
and a charming wicker basket.
Have I mentioned that I am obsessed with Christmas?
Or that I tend to put up just.a.few. trees in the house and the little cottage?
That I think about the colors, styles and look I want
and sort through boxes of baubles
to find the perfect pretty little bits for each tree?
Or that sometimes…
I have no idea just what look, color or theme I will go with until I start playing.
And sometimes I surprise myself
and go with something completely different than I planned.
Like with this tree.
I was all rich teal and gold and bold and beautiful blues…
but as I fluffed away and then stepped back…
I saw nature and soft muted cottage colors dotting those chunky little adorable branches.
Yes, I called the branches on this tree adorable.
😉
There are some trees that have chubby little needles that are simply just so cute-
and this is one of them.
This tree is a big chubby Vermont White Spruce from Balsam Hill.
And when I say big & chubby- I mean it in the best way
and
well, yes, in a literal way too.
Just look at it.
It is a perfect charming big boy for the cottage.
With a traditional Christmas tree look and those chunky needles
and very full look- I am obsessed.
And this tree simply spoke cottage perfection to me.
And the more I looked at it… it made me think of some of my favorite ornaments from last season
that I thought were completely sold out- but are back.in.stock. as we speak..
Pretty Winter Frost ornaments.
You might remember seeing them on my Frosted Fraser Fir last year...
and look at how different they look on a true green tree?
Equally as Amazing.
So this tree is very simple cottage style.
It has just a few ornaments and natural elements for decoration- which honestly, is my favorite look.
Some trees get more- some get less.
Honestly, the tree is so beautiful by itself, it simply didn’t need much more to complete it.
I started with that charming wicker basket that is perfect as a tree stand.
And actually…
it is made to be a tree stand so no fussing to see how you can make it work.
It was the perfect starting point for a beautiful French cottage inspired Christmas tree.
Up next, those Winter Frost ornaments.
Pale blues and blush dotted with a few extra white baubles were perfect.
I also decided to grab some of those huge pinecones that we collected while up near Tahoe
and place them here and there on the tree for a natural touch.
I love them mingling with the eucalyptus – which just brings the perfect soft sage color.
The cottage has soaring ceilings and very simple construction and with it being a bit more rustic than our house- I definitely tend to play up that cottage charm.
With things like grainsacks, ticking striped and old weathered and worn
orchard ladders.
It is unusual to have an orchard ladder indoors- I know.
But this ladder just simply talked to me.
For awhile. And… one day, the opportunity to bring it home came up
and as you can see… it is in the living room.
I placed grainsacks folded over on some of the rungs just to bring in a touch of that red
to play with the soft blue and green.
Of course… there is much more Christmas decor to share in the cottage…
but today it is all about that charming tree.
And I excited to be kicking off the Balsam Hill 12 bloggers of Christmas today.
Each day there will be more bloggers and more trees to inspire.
Here is the line – up
Friday
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
AND offering a $150 gift card giveaway to Balsam Hill
so that you can purchase your very own pretty things for Christmas.
I am going to make it super easy to enter-
just subscribe to my mailing list and let me know by leaving me a comment on this post.
And for a second entry:
Follow French Country Cottage on Instagram or share this post on FB
and leave me another comment on this post and let me know.
And here are the links to the products I used to decorate this tree this year.
Coming your way next week…
my Frosted French Country Christmas tree.
that I am in.love.with.
my Frosted French Country Christmas tree.
that I am in.love.with.
Happy Thursday everyone.
Disclosure:
I am Balsam Hill’s Ambassador, but all ooey gooey love, opinions, obsessions with Christmas and incessantly singing of Christmas carols.. ahem…since June…
are my own. And I am so okay with those obsessions.
Linda says
I love your style and read your blog daily. Just subscribed to your mailing list!
The Charm of Home says
I subscribed Courtney. I love your frosted tree! Thanks for the offer!
Anonymous says
I Subscribe to your daily email updates. my4boysand1 at gmail dot com
Anonymous says
I Follow French Country Cottage on Instagram http://instagram.com/my4boysand1/ my4boysand1 at gmail dot com
Rusthawk says
I am subscribed to your emails. Love the beauty of your tree!
Rusthawk says
I am one of your instagram followers @rusthawk1.
Sarah says
Courtney, the trees are magical. You have such a talent. I wish I could see these up close and personal. Thanks for the chance. I'm a fan of Balsam Hill. How wonderful it would be to have this gift. I'm a long time subscriber to your newsletter. Happy Holidays!
Sarah says
Courtney, I'm a follower on IG as well. Thanks again!
Candy says
Absolutely beautiful! Already on your email list.
Unknown says
Love how beautiful your Christmas tree looks! Posted to FB Riverroad.nz
cc says
i subscribe to your newsletter
JewelWood says
I am an email subscriber.
jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
JewelWood says
I follow you on instagram-https://www.instagram.com/jewel5888/
Shared giveaway on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/julie.wood.5015/posts/882323921898615
Thanks so much for a chance to win this gorgeous tree. Your tree looks so pretty!
jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
Unknown says
Hi Courtney,
I already subscribe that is how I see all your beautiful posts and all the French loveliness! I also follow on Instagram!! That tree is gorgeous and I love Balsam Hill. I have a wreath of theirs and it is just beautiful!! Thanks for the giveaway! ☺️☺️☺️
Annette says
What a lovely tree! It's so beautifully decorated. (I'm already subscribed via email.)
Annette says
I follow on Instagram.
Anonymous says
I love those pale blue decorations. What a pretty idea.
My husband is crazy about blue, so we have lots of blue balls, but I tend to use them to fill. The prime spots are for the sentimental ornaments. They might not be color-coordinated or even in good taste (there's a barbecue grill that my mom gave my husband), but they hold memories and meaning, and that's what Christmas is all about.
l8blmr says
I subscribed to your weekly newsletter. I would love tot win the Balsam Hill giveaway. Their items are lovely as is your tree!
Di says
Hi Courtney I already subscribe to your email and have for years. As for the tree …….Perfection!
Unknown says
Subscribed and Shared on Facebook!!
Elisabeth says
What a gorgeous set up you have! 🙂 I'm so excited about this giveaway!
Elisabeth says
I'm following you on Instagram as @egood33
Judy at GoldCountryCottage says
Courtney, all your trees are really beautiful and I look forward to seeing them all. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving..Judy
Cindy says
I am subscribed!!! What beautiful ornaments and trees you are blessed to adorn your home with! Hoping I can have a fabulous tree with Balsam Hill too….
latanya t says
Beautiful colors and tree.
email subscriber
dlatany at gmail dot com
latanya t says
IG follower @sweetums82
Purviscs says
I subscribed to your newsletters!
Purviscs says
I follow you on instagram!
Cblackwell says
Simply beautiful… love the softness of it. I look forward to the emails.
Unknown says
I follow you per email, and Instagram! Your tree is beautiful!
ashley e says
i love seeing how everyone decorates their homes for Christmas!
Unknown says
Your tree is beautiful!
Anonymous says
I'm subscribed, The photos were so pretty!!! I follow you on instagram @plkmrose
Unknown says
Soft, elegant country. The towels pull the country while that gorgeous tree declares it elegant. Thanks for entering…and I've happily added you on Instagram! Thanks.
Unknown says
…2nd try. Please excuse this comment if the other appears. Your elegant tree and French country towels are so lovely. I've subscribed and enjoy you on Instagram. Thanks!
Unknown says
Wow ! What a beautiful job you've done decorating & with the photography too ! Magical !! I am similarly obsessed with photography , prettily things & Xmas decorations. I have a pale pink & white shabby theme & love bringing out all the nice decorations to admire over Xmas. I have subscribed to your newsletter & am following on Instagram. Hoping your comp is open for Australians too ! ????????❤️????❤️????❤️
Unknown says
Wow ! Just magical ???????????????? As a similarly obsessed admirer of pretty things, photography & Xmas decorations it was lovely to see this post. . I have a pale pink & white shabby vintage theme & look forward to bringing out the special decorations ( & adding to them ) each year. To admire over the Xmas season. I have subscribed to your newsletter & am following for more pretty posts on
Instagram. Hoping your compnis open for Australians too ! ????????????????❤️????❤️????❤️
Our Hopeful Home says
I subscribed to your mailing list and I'm already an IG Follower. I've been a GFC follower for years! xo Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}
Michele says
Hi Courtney,
Christmas is my favorite time of year, decorating my house is something I look forward to. I am inspired by what you and the other bloggers do I love sitting scrolling the house tours with my coffee in bed. It pushes me to think beyond what I did last year. Obsessed with blush ornaments and blush everything right now. Thanks again and Happy Holidays. Michele
Debbie Simpson says
Just subscribed…don't want to miss a single thing!
Debbie Miller of Onion Patch says
Hi Courtney! I've been receiving your updates,I subscribed a while ago.
I enjoy your blog so much…a true inspiration!!
Thanks so much,Debbie
Pam says
I signed up for your newsletter. Your trees are absolutely stunning.
Pam says
I follow you in Instagram.
Marisa Franca @ Allourway says
I have been a subscriber for quite a while.I love following what you're doing and your style? FANTASTIC!! Your trees and ornaments have me pea green with jealousy 😉 I gave all of my Christmas decoration away because we leave the day after Christmas. I truly regret it because now I'd put up the tree at Thanksgiving and enjoy it through the Christmas season.
polkadottedowl says
I've subscribed and shared on FB!! Love your blog, but the holiday ideas gives me goosebumps!!! Gorgeous all around????????
Judith says
I am a subscriber. Thank you for leaving the sources for your decorations.
Amy Orvin says
I just subscribed to your weekly newsletter as [email protected]
Amy Orvin says
Following you on Instagram as @amyorvin
[email protected]
kellyr78 says
I subscribed to your mailing list.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
Steph says
Done and thanks!
Kim says
I subscribed! [email protected] and I already follow you on Instagram. So pretty! 🙂
Cindy says
Following on Instagram and shared on facebook!! [email protected]
Unknown says
Hi Courtney! I signed up to receive your weekly newsletter. I love your posts and style! Thank you so much, Kenda
Unknown says
Just shared this Facebook post and I follow you on Instagram. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway, Courtney! ❤️
beverly e says
Gorgeous tree! I subscribed to your newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway!
Wendy says
I absolutely love how you are decorating for the holidays! I subscribed to your blog (wjmcswain@…).
Wendy says
I am now following you on Instagram! Wendy McSwain
Unknown says
I subscribed to the newsletter: [email protected]
Unknown says
I follow on instagram as @wasabilime
jennifer.essad says
I'm a subscriber, decorating for the holiday is something I really enjoy, I try to style our home in a soft glow
jennifer.essad says
I'm Follow French Country Cottage on Instagram
jennifer.essad says
Hi – I shared on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.essad/posts/1110425579070726
jennifer.essad says
I Follow French Country Cottage on Instagram
Anonymous says
I subscribed to your mailing list and already follow you on instagram (@rebtarma)
Just Jenn Jo says
I just subscribed to your list.
Just Jenn Jo says
I now follow you on Instagram
Unknown says
Your trees are always amazing, and yes, adorable. Following your blog as well as IG. Thank you for such a great give away, Gina
2ndthoughtsofnj@gmail
Unknown says
Your tree is elegant and beautiful. Thank you for the give away.
Unknown says
Your tree is elegant and classy. Thank you for the give away.
Naomi says
I am already subscribed to your blog and I just started following you on Instagram. The Christmas trees are beautiful. I have been doing mine–I only have one!–in silver and white for the last few years. I don't like hodge-podge trees with all the colors mixed in. The silver and white is more calming to me. This year, however, I will have a second tree for my twin grandsons who are temporarily living with me. Theirs will undoubtedly be a "hodge-podge"!
Becky says
I am subscribed! This tree is just delectable! The muted colors are a welcome change from the traditional reds and greens. This year, I am making a dress form tree,(like those seen on Pinterest) and keeping it very simple, with a white faux fur wrap accented with a silver brooch on the top. I'm using white lights on the skirt (made of Garland), and some white pearl strings cascading from the waist. Can't wait to see how it looks when finished!
Vickie V says
Lovely and enchanting.
Perfect colors and look for my sweet cottage style..French and beach decor.
I've been a subscriber for about a year..love your blog.
Follow you on all social platforms.
Vi
floridagld at yahoo
Cindy says
I subscribe! Thank you so much for the giveaway. 🙂
clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com
Unknown says
I subscribed! Love your style!
Unknown says
I subscribed! I love Christmas!
Emma says
I subscribed. You are so talented!
Unknown says
I follow on Instagram! ☺️☺️
GG says
Subscribed to your email and following you on Instagram, love your style.
annc999 says
New email subscriber.
Unknown says
Subscribed to your emai land would LOVE the $150 towards Balsalm tree because I am desperately in need of a new indoor tree <3
Elaine says
Subscribed and following. Downsized to a condo that only fits a tabletop tree, living vicariously through your blog.
Elaine says
Subscribed and following. Downsized to a condo that can only fit a table-top tree, living vicariously through your blog, thanks!
angela eagle says
angela eagle on facebook. thanks for the inspiring beautiful trees.
Karen says
I subscribed to your email list.
Thanks!
Karen
Karen says
I follow you on Instagram as well!
Thanks,
Karen
Raylene L says
I am a subscriber. Your decorating is so beautiful and your trees are just magical! Thank you for being such an inspiration, Happy Thanksgiving!
popcrazy says
Already a follower on facebook but subscribed today to email and also following on instragram now. Great place for inspiration.
Unknown says
I subscribe!
Unknown says
I just subscribed to your email. Thank you, Kenda
Unknown says
Following you on Instagram and Facebook. ❤️
careyavitua says
A follower on facebook and subscribed to the newsletter today. Great blog, thanks for the ideas!
Naomi says
I am subscribed to your blog and am following you on instagram. And I love that beautiful frosted Frasier fir!
Naomi says
Following you on Bloglovin'.
Unknown says
I happily signed up for everything. Love it all
Can I come for a visit?
Happy Thanksgiving
Pat says
Happy to subscribe…now I only need a Balsam Hill tree! 😉
Unknown says
done and done ????
Kathysue says
We got a Balsam Hill tree this year and we could not be any happier with it. I have subscribed and followed you on instagram, I would love to get one of their garlands and if I win that is what I will be getting!! Thanks for the opportunity,
Kathysue
Darcy Carmichael says
I subscribed! I have been a follower on bloglovin for a while, but I now subscribed to be an email subscriber!
Drei says
I was wondering if you had as much trouble as many other customers of Balsam Hill’s. I for one did not get to see their amazing tree as two weeks later I am still waiting on my order and had to go elsewhere for my Xmas tree. Trustpilot is full of miserable customers unable to get in touch with the company. Would be nice to know how you got on with them.
Courtney says
Hi Drei,
So sorry to hear about issues you have had! No, I have not had problems with Balsam Hill- they have always done a great job with shipping, etc and I am a huge fan of their products. I would be happy to forward over your contact info if you would like to email it to me ? Maybe they can help?