Sometimes keeping it simple is the best look in a room. And when it comes to Christmas decor and decking the halls & Fa-La- La-La- La -ing all through the house- a simply decorated tree can be absolute perfection.
I have been decking the halls over here for awhile now. And actually truth be told, started decking the halls for a few video and photoshoots back in July. But you know what? I just.decorated the living room tree yesterday. As in Yesterday.
Why did I wait so long? It has been twinkling away in the living room since October. And there was just something about the tree wearing just all those lights that felt so magical and enchanting. And so my original plan for baubles galore- went right out the window.
But yesterday, as I sat and stared at the tree, I saw something. One of those random little dings that come out of nowhere and sparks an idea. And so- Yesterday with less than a week until Christmas- I decorated the living room tree.
Gold Baubles
But not the usual kind. These are layers of iridescent clear baubles in several sizes. Ones filled with gold glitter, or drizzled in gold etchings. Some that are a muted matte gold and even a few small mercury glass gold ornaments as well.
The secret here? This 8′ tree is covered in just only about 60 or so ornaments. And almost all of them are clear – and look a bit like bubbles. I also added 10 gold leaf picks here or there to add a bit more texture.
Simple European Charm
You know what it was that talked to me and inspired the ribbons?
Those packages. Truth be told between you and me- they are faux. Photo shoot props that I had used for a different tree and I brought them in the house to wrap again and left them by the tree. It was that beautiful pale peachy blush ribbon tied in a bow and draping to the ground gracefully that caught my eye. I loved the color with the color of the tree- and thought why not try a few ribbons on it as well.
I added just about a dozen bows of different sizes to the tree and absolutely love how the pale color mingles with the green branches and gold ornaments. I absolutely love how simple and European elegant they make this tree feel.
Warmth underneath
Under the tree- I kept is simple for a skirt and used a knit blanket. I often use blankets and other random things for a skirt (like that rug I used on the tree by the barn) I love the simple more rustic feeling it brings. Especially when the tree is as stately and elegant as this one is. It is a perfect spot for all those pretty packages tied up with velvet and satin ribbons.
A crate of Wee Gold Trees
You might notice that there are a few wee trees in the photos as well. Another thing I had brought inside to use for a different room & plopped down and they stayed. For a bit.
What I like about them is that they are dainty and small and very light in feeling- aka- the gold blends in quite well with the other golds in the backdrop and so- you really just see a bit more of the twinkle lights.
Shop the Look
Burnished Metals Ornaments– Sold Out
Gold Mercury Glass Mini Ornaments
Gold picks- These are from several seasons ago- linking some picks for a similar look
What do you think of how this tree turned out? More coming in a Christmas at night tour on Monday.
See you tomorrow for some last minute gift and wrapping ideas.
Happy Saturday all.
It is just gorgeous! I especially love the ribbons. Will use that idea next year!
Exquisite creativity.
Diney on Camano Island
very nice indeed
the tree with all its lights…is gorgeous……
This tree is absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful Pictures. Enjoying all of YOUR Christmas posts this year as I’m not decorating . Two poinsettias on my kitchen table are it. No family get togethers. No big meals to prepare. This year easy peasy, nice and quiet. No huge amounts of decorations to put away, no extra loads of laundry to do for company. No extra meals to prepare. You know after 50 years of doing it all, I think I will enjoy this downsized christmas!
Courtney, I also visit the blog Welch House 1900 she used pink ribbon for her holiday decorating . I think you would enjoy a peek. Beautiful post as always
Denise
Courtney this ended up Being very pretty. It shows that less is more and the bows add a sweetness to the tree, which would never occur to me.How much ribbon do you use per bow? Thanks for all the ideas this year it has been inspiring and fun.
I love this tree and the simplistic way you decorated it. I also love how bright it is with all those twinkling lights 😉
Absolutely breathtaking! However, i noticed your tree’s lights look soooo much different than the silverado spruce in “shop the look”…many, many more,lights and smaller bulb size too…How do you achieve this?
Hi Melinda! There are several types of lights available on the Balsam Hill Silverado Slim- this tree is the Ultra Bright version. It has small fairy light lights- but many many of them. I haven’t added any lights to it. 🙂
It’s absolutely stunning, courtney! As are all your trees and vignettes! Thankmyou for the information on the silverado.
Hi Courtney! EUROPEAN simple RUSTIC ELEGANCE at its finest, I love your style and in my opinion saved the best for last! Simply magical! I want to thank you for inspiring me to what I now know is my STYLE! And incorporating blush all year long. I also have this TREE purchased this yr in SEPTEMBER, so I was thrilled to see you have this in your home. 🤗 You have inspired me to duplicate your DESIGN.., including your gift wrap ideas! Crossing my fingers the burnished METAL baubles come back from blasam hill. Do you have any insight on this? And, I have the winter wishes in PINK. Would you ad these or leave off the 🎄 and display in WOOD dough BOWl that I also have identical to yours. Merry Christmas Courtney! ♥️
Beautiful tree! I love French Country Cottage! Can you show us some Slim Corner Trees that can be put on a corner table? Mine is 6 1/2 feet tall, but I sit it on a table due to lack of floor space. I would love to see your ideas!!!