It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Today is day 1 of this years French Country Cottage 12 trees of Christmas- inspired by a Something Vintage, Something Blue Christmas Tree.
Vintage Blues Christmas Tree
All things Merry & Bright, twinkling trees and Christmas magic in the house. And I am so excited to kick off this years 12 Trees series with something vintage, something blue. This tree is a snow covered beauty full of vintage charm & a glistening star. And surprisingly, it was inspired by a set of vintage ornaments that I bumped into. I decided after the crazy couple of years the world has had- I was going for that inkling of inspiration they sparked and giving them a try.
Snow Frosted Christmas Tree
Frosted snow covered trees are my favorites. I put several up every year and just absolutely love how they create such a beautiful warm glow in the house. This tree is the Frosted Yukon Spruce and I love that it has a heavy dusting of snow and a whole lot of charm.
Vintage Blue Beaded Ornaments
I mentioned above that I found these vintage ornaments and they inspired me. I did a little back and forth but decided to give them a go.
These are vintage satin blue ornaments with velvet ribbons and pearl beads. You might remember ornaments kits you could purchase to create beaded ornaments – I believe these are likely handmade from a kit. I love the idea that families would sit together and create beautiful ornaments like these. And that is why I ultimately decided to bring them home. The nostalgia and beauty and the feel good memories of old fashioned Christmas that they bring. I am mildly obsessed with vintage ornaments of all kinds and have had a few of the beaded ribbon ornaments in my collection for awhile. I love the pearls and little velvet bows these have on top to hang them by and this particular bunch had so many ornaments included- almost 50 of them-and between you and me- they inspired a few more to come home too. You will see them soon. 🙂
I started out using just about 1 dozen of them on this tree and then layered the other ornaments and found myself adding a few more of those vintage ones as the tree came together. Even after covering the tree and placing about a dozen on the mantel- there were left over ornaments.
Ornament Mix & Mingle
Do you know how the method to my tree decorating madness works? There is usually one thing that inspires the look of the tree. Whether that is the tree itself, a particular color or the ornaments. This tree obviously started with the vintage ornaments as the jumping off inspiration for the blue & white color palette. Then I used a mix of ornaments to work with those vintage blue & greens to get this look.
TIP: When using any pop of color- mix in shades of that color and also quiet neutral colors to compliment and keep the tree from feeling overwhelmed.
I pulled out a few boxes of vintage blue ornaments and also a few boxes of creamy White European Essentials Ornaments.
I also incorporated ornaments from several different Balsam Hill collections that fit the color palette and echoed the vintage look. One of my favorite last minute additions were the Glittery Icicle Teardrops. My favorite thing about these is how the add that shimmer and shine to the tree- without overwhelming the look. I also love the glittery gold wire ornaments that you can barely see in the photos- they add a shimmer and elegance without taking center stage.
On the Mantel
On the mantel – I kept it fairly simple and just echoed the look with the ornaments & glittery gold and added a couple sprigs of fresh cut greens and candles.
It feels like it leans a tad ‘vintage modern’ to me – which is not necessarily my usual look. But the fun part of the 12 Trees of Christmas is that I get to flex my design aesthetic wings a bit and try different ideas for all of the trees.
TIP: Don’t be afraid to mix in something that is talking to you. Even if that is a ribbon or ornament that feels a little over the top. Even ‘over the top’ in small amounts can work beautifully and will help create a look and tree that is uniquely yours.
Shop The Look
Flocked Tree | Icicle Ornaments | Essential White Ornaments
Coming your way
Another day, another tree in our 12 Trees of Christmas Series. I went in another colorful direction for this next one- stay tuned for that one. You can see all of the 12 Trees of Christmas from last year HERE
Happy Monday all.
* I am Balsam Hill’s Brand Ambassador- but this post isn’t sponsored. All my love of Balsam Hill and Christmas is my own.
I just don’t think your trees could look any more BEAUTIFUL 🌲💙🎄
YOUR style and talent are a gift for all Of us💙
Very Pretty!
It just doesn’t get more beautiful than this!
Hi courtney,
The vintage ornaments brought back sweet memories of a Crafting November growing up. our family craft table was heaped with red satin balls, gold ribbon, medallions,pearlsand small pins from which we created magical ornaments. So, of course, I love that the blue ones spoke to you. They are lovely on your tree.
Diney on Camano island
So gorgeouS!!!!!
Simply beautiful. The right touch of blue frost of winter. I love it.
Karen
I discovered you thru pinterest and Since then you’ve been the most inspiring in home decor. Last CHRISTMAS your GORGEOUS trees brought joy to my eyes!! Thank you for another season of your magical Holiday beauty. ✨🎄✨
Thank you for bringing back the handmade ornaments…that is what is on my tree, and the memories that go with them as I made them with my mother are priceless. Beautiful Courtney!
Love lOve this tree and ornaments! So beautiful! I went with blues and a little green and golds for christmas year before last and love how it coordinates with the colors in my house. Those ornaments are beautiful!
This tree is beautiful Courtney and the mantel look pulls it all together. Thank you for sharing with us. I look forward to this ever year. Where did you get the tree topper, I love it?