TO TREE OR NOT TO TREE.....

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

Instead of a Christmas tree, artificial or not, I put up a HUGE wreath DH made from the long vertical branches of our formerly tall tree. The wreath is about 5 feet tall (diameter). He wired the lights into it--small green ones against the dark green branches. I used floral wire to attach the hand jeweled, braided, multi -shaped satin balls that his mother made many, many years ago.

I used the QVC Bowmaker to create a magnificent huge white stain bow with streamers. The wreath is beautiful and makes a grand holiday statement by itself -- it's also very heavy. We use a pulley to hoist it up over the highest window in our great room. Instant Christmas !!!

When I used to decorate more, I replace paintings and wall decor with commercial grade boughs decorated with snow, pine cones, gold and silver balls and homemade satin bows. These came from a Cape May, NJ men's store that closed many years ago. Someday they'll go to a good home and be appreciated once again!

The outside lamppost at the end of the driveway sports a long garland with tiny white lights and red bows. The doors have vintage wreaths and are protected by storm doors.

Just think, in 3 months we'll be staring 2016 in the face !!! And, taking down the decorations...for some of us.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

Your Christmas decorations sound magnificant. I too, have always thought that a Christmas tree is not needed to celebrate the holiday.

I love weaths and ornaments passed down through the family and garlands. A tree is a whole lot of trouble and takes up too much room. My DH on the other hand feels that a tree is necessary, I moan and complain, but put one up each year.

Enjoy the comming holiday in whtever way you enjoy it the most. Your ideas sound so personal, intimate and one of a kind.

SHOPR · ‎04-17-2013

What a creative use of a previously used Christmas tree. You should share pics of your huge wreath this year.

Buck-i-Nana · ‎09-28-2010

It sounds amazing and I'm betting it is quite impressive in your home.

A neighbor of mine used to decorate her 2 story colonial from tippy top to bottom with lights and candles and lawn ornaments and it was a very festive sight to see. She moved a couple of years ago and the new owner made a beautiful wreath,decorated with gold and silver ornaments and ribbon and greens. It is perfectly sized to fit with just a few inches clearance from the eaves to the rail where they suspended it dead center at the front of the porch and set a spotlight on it. No other decorations, just that gorgeous impressive wreath and I think it is the most beautifully decorated house in town!