Christmas Tree 2016

This year’s Christmas tree 2016 is different.  If you’ve been following along for the last 5 years you know that I won’t get anything but a fresh real Christmas tree.  In fact, if you would have told me I would be decorating a faux Christmas tree even 2 years ago, I would have told you that you are cray cray.

Well, it turns out I am the cray cray one for not giving it a try sooner.  Many thanks go to Tree Classics for providing this beautiful Christmas tree for our family.

Here’s how the story went…you may need some hot chocolate for this.

My tree came in 2 boxes, and they were pretty heavy.  I was in my pj’s and slippers, but I scurried out there anyway and brought them in.  I had a million other things on my plate that day, so I left them in the middle of the foyer for my cat to sniff and sleep on.

Then, that night (remember now, we usually get a real tree and my husband looks very forward to that) my husband came home and asked what the heck are in the boxes.  I told him, and he didn’t seem too excited.  He knew that I would need his help and he knew it was not a real tree.  Well, obviously.

So, we got busy.

The directions were simple and it didn’t take long before it was up.  One thing I didn’t realize is that you have to “fluff” the tree while you’re putting it up.  That is the part that takes the most time, but if you have a partner, it goes by quick.  I also had wine, so that always helps.

Next thing you know…POOF!

Isn’t it beautiful?  Look for Sylvia our rescue kitty in the next one…she lives under the tree.  I think she thinks she’s a tiger in the jungle.

So, before I tell you a little about the decorating…this is the EXACT tree you see in these photos (just in case you want one):

Tree Classics 9ft Fraser Fir

How lucky was I, that Tree Classics also mailed me 2 big beautiful boxes (I’m not joking the boxes are pretty, too) of ornaments.  I had so much fun with these.  I have been known to play with the ornaments before I put them on the tree.  Do you do that?

I should also tell you, that some of these ornaments like the “Joy” sign, and big red & gold balls came from the dollar store.  Oh snap.

And of course I had to have our family’s special ornaments on there from years past, including ones I made as a kid, our girl’s made, and a few vintage ornaments from the tree I grew up with.  In my personal opinion, no Christmas tree should look like it was in a department store.  It should be “unique” to your family’s personal history.

Wait a minute.  Did you see the red & white “ribbon curl”?  You can see it above, or below.  I’ll wait while you look.

*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.  Read full disclosure policy here.

Those curls happened just by chance.  You see, I was having a very difficult time getting the ribbon around the tree. It was driving me crazy, so I gave up and sat down for a sip of vino.  As I was sipping, I noticed a “ribbon curl” on the floor.  I picked it up, and placed it in the tree.  Boom.  The “Ribbon Curl” was born.  (Most ribbon curls on it’s own after you cut it, so there really is no work here.  Just cut the preferred length, and stick the curl in your tree.)

Just look at all those beautiful ribbon curls…and I should also mention that tree skirt is just some old “white tulle” I use to drape over our bed.  I had it up in the cabinet for years.  It makes the tree look like it is floating on a cloud?  Or possibly even in a pile of snow?

Click these blue links to shop Christmas tree skirt “white tulle“, or  red & white striped ribbon for “Ribbon Curls”.  Keep in mind I used approx. 10 yards of tulle, but I could have used more or less.

Now, if you’re wondering if I’ll use this tree next year?  The answer is a big evergreen YES.  I am completely impressed with the “life-like” appearance of this tree, and the overall quality is very high.

Advantages to a faux pre-lit Christmas tree:

• It’s pre-lit, so there is no hassle with the lights.
• No mess with needles, bugs.
• Less of a fire hazard.
• Easier to decorate than a real tree because the limbs are stronger.
• No allergies.
• No watering.
• Less time.
• Easier.

Disadvantages to a faux pre-lit Christmas tree:

• No pine smell.

EEK.  See, I told you I was crazy not to try this before.

If you’re interested in Tree Classics “Extra Large Storage Bag” you can find that HERE.  I can’t wait to try mine.  Talk about convenient.

I made these pins for you…