I finally understand the appeal of a well-made artificial Christmas tree: the convenience, the no-mess factor and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your floors won’t be soaked by a leaky stand.
Last year we lived through the whole fall-down-in-the-middle-of-the-night-and-cause-a-mini-flood debacle. It was a reminder that real trees, while beautiful and fragrant, can bring unexpected maintenance and risk.
Yesterday I discovered, to my dismay, that our plastic tree stand had a slow leak. Four liters of water had slowly seeped into the laminate flooring before I noticed. That kind of damage makes you seriously consider the benefits of an artificial tree. I’m not sure our floor will tolerate another wet stand without costly repairs.
Faulty stands and falling trees notwithstanding, I still adore the charm of our small real tree tucked into the corner of the living room. There’s nothing quite like the scent and warmth a live tree brings, and I love how it anchors the room during the holidays.
This year my goal was to craft an all-white, rustic and natural tree — a look that feels a little old-fashioned and homespun, like something you might imagine in Little House on the Prairie. I wanted simple, handmade touches and a palette that emphasizes texture and warmth rather than bright color.
I spent time making a ruffled garland, folding book page stars and creating a burlap-and-flour-sack star topper. I added a few delicate fabric bird ornaments and a scattering of silver balls for subtle sparkle. These handmade elements give the tree character and keep the overall look understated and cohesive.
While shopping with a friend, I stumbled on a clearance bag of little wooden pears from the fall display. With a simple piece of twine tied to each stem, they became an unexpected and charming addition. I also found a sweet jute flower ornament that felt perfectly in keeping with the natural, rustic theme.
I love homes that are fully dressed for the holidays, but for our family I prefer a quieter, simpler approach. Too many garlands and lights strung across every doorway can make a space feel cluttered and claustrophobic. We host guests throughout the season and want our home to feel open, welcoming and comfortable — not cramped by an overabundance of decorations.
So this year, I stopped when the tree and a few vignettes felt complete. The overall effect is calm, textured and cozy: natural fibers, neutral tones and handmade ornaments that invite closer inspection without overwhelming the room.
If you’re stopping by for the first time, welcome. Here are a few more views from our Christmas home tour that complement the tree and the simple, winter-white aesthetic:
Winter Wonderland Silver and White Entryway
Twinkly Christmas Bookcase
The Birdcage Bling Dining Room
Thanks for stopping by the tour. Whether you choose a real tree for its fragrance and tradition or an artificial tree for ease and longevity, the most important thing is creating a holiday space that feels warm, comfortable and true to your style.
Linking up: The Inspired Room, The Nester, Satori Design for Living
Have a wonderful weekend and happy decorating.