Hi guys! Welcome to this year’s Christmas tree reveal. I’m calling it our “Cotton Candy Cane Christmas Tree”. Did I just say cotton candy cane? Why yes, I did 😆 . You can blame my Dad, Bob for this one. Let me explain… when I was a little girl my Dad would get out “the box” every December and it was probably one of the most exciting days of the year for me as a child, and has probably had a “little” something to do with the reason I enjoy decorating so much. The box was filled with all of our Christmas decorations and my Dad & I would get everything out with my Mom not too far, making sure we did a good job. I learned quickly how to decorate the tree and follow the “rules”, and my Dad & I made a fantastic team.
Now-a-days, my dear Dad is 83 and he still decorates their apartment, just maybe on a smaller scale. Me, on the other hand likes to get a little more crazy creative, so I guess you could say I’ve spread my wings a bit. I absolutely love to experiment when decorating our tree. This year is no different except that I was invited to join some very talented bloggers in the “My Home Style Blog Hop” created by the wonderful Casa Watkins Living. If you are new to redheadcandecorate.com and happen to be joining us from the talented, Sara, from Twelve on Main I hope you’ll stop by again, or maybe even sign up for my free DIY home decorating newsletter here.
All of the amazing blogs in this Christmas tree blog-hop will be located at the end of this post. Okay, so let’s get to the Cotton Candy Cane Christmas Tree, because Sylvia the kitty is waiting very patiently {be sure to check out Sylvia’s new baby brother at the end of this post}.
Sylvia, our rescue cat always seems to know when to swoop in for a photo shoot. I think she hears me puttering around and moving everything and wants to know what the heck is going on. She made it easy for me this time and stayed around for the entire shoot.
This view below is my favorite spot to look at our tree this year. We have never put our Christmas tree in this room before because it use to be my office, and before that it was the dining room. We recently transformed it into a cozy colorful family room, so I really craved a fun, less snooty Christmas tree this year and this cozy spot next to the main kitchen area was perfecto.
By the way…this is also a sneak peek of our new kitchen pendant light fixtures. That big reveal is coming up next week 😆 .
I feel the tree looks very cute…but what you don’t realize is that the tree has some secrets. Let’s move in a little closer and maybe you can figure out what I am referring to.
Did you happen to notice the red star (source listed below)? Well, while I was placing the star on top of the tree I had a really tough time keeping it up there straight. It kept plopping over. So, I sat there and thought for a second and knew that if I could hang it from the ceiling it would be so much better.
I grabbed some fishing line from the garage and tied it around one of the star points and my husband tacked it up there with a white tack. The only issue was that the star rotated and the back side of the star is silver. Luckily, I had another star to wire to the back so when it rotates both sides are red. We were absolutely shocked at how cool this looked. The star actually looks like it is hovering over the tree while rotating, and even makes the tree look taller. TIP: Tack the star onto ceiling where you want the tree to go first.
Now that we have the first secret out of the way. Did you figure out the other secret yet? If you look closely to the tree itself, you may be able to figure out what I repurposed and used to decorate the tree with. Look closely now.
When I showed my sister she thought the little snowballs were marshmallows 😯 . Now, although that is kind of a cute idea, I chose to use good old fashion large cotton balls for a mini-snowball effect. I actually panicked and thought, oh geeze, someone probably already did this and I am late to the party. Well, I researched and all I found was cotton ball garland which is also a very cute idea.
I feel like the snowballs give off a cute, down to Earth “wintery” look that everyone will enjoy (or laugh at), and hey they are cheap. They definitely would “break the ice” at a party if you catch my “drift”…
You’re thinking how in the world did Julie get those cotton balls to stick on her tree, right? Honestly, I just put them on there and they “stick” really well. The hairs attach to the imitation tree with ease. Kind of like my cats 😯 . I know this for a fact because we presently have a 12 week kitten running around and he doesn’t even notice them. Well, okay there was that one time, but he hasn’t gone back! You could always do less on the bottom if you have pets. It only took 1/2 of a large bag of large well made “cotton” cotton balls to cover our tree with snowballs.
Lastly…although not a secret, the candy cane classic theme was carried through with the ribbon, and of course the humungous candy canes I found at a place you won’t believe (see sources below). You can never go wrong with red & white stripes because it truly is a classic Christmas color combo. You can view more of how I carried the traditional red & white ribbon throughout our home here:
Christmas Porch with Fresh Pine Garland & Repurposed Nightstand
That’s our new little rascal rescue kitty under the tree, “Forest” who was found in Detroit. We also call him “Woody” and “Baby Boi”.
Hey, there’s still more. If you want to head to the next stop in the Christmas tree blog hop, be sure to stop at PMQ for Two. I think you will love her colorful blog. I fell in love last night!
*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Read full disclosure policy here.
X-Large Candy Canes- Dollar Store
Wide Red & White Striped Ribbon- Joann’s
Red & White Striped Wrapping Paper
Santa Head & Large Red Bulbs-Dollar Store
Santa Ornament-Target
Merry Christmas Sign- Dollar Store (I spray painted it white.)
Red Star- Dollar Store (2 needed to make floating star with my directions above.)
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Tags: Christmas, Christmas tree, dollar store, holiday, repurposed, tree
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Ahhhh! I love the ribbon and the star idea! Nice work.
Thank you, Jewel! My friends call me “Jules”. Lots of J’s in this tour! XO
You had me at rescue kitties. I adore Sylvia and Baby Boi! Love the names too and of course your beautiful tree. I will never get tired of a beautiful red tree and yours is a stunner.
Awww…thank you, Julia 😉 Baby Boi is finally taking a nap. I feel like I have a newborn again, lol. ~ Julie
Glad you remember, Its the best thing a parent can do. love to all, Dad in NY ps just finished our little tree with Mom.
Dad…I remember all of it. I remember you stringing the lights across our floor checking every bulb. I remember you on a chair putting the lights on. I remember Mom teaching me how to put tinsel on. I even remember the pink box with all of the bulbs in it. It had a cat on the box and I can still picture it. Oh, and there was a grey hound on “the box”. Wonderful memories I cherish forever.
Such a fun tree! Twisting the red/white stripe ribbon is such a smart idea, I would have just wrapped it around the tree, but the twist gives it extra dimension. The cotton balls are such a clever touch, too!
Thank you, Lora! That got a little tricky at times ?.
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Cutest tree ever Julie!
Thank you, Cindy!
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Love your tree Julie! Wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas 🙂
Thank you, Penny! Merry Christmas!!
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What clever tree tricks you’ve shared! So pretty and I agree with you that shot through the kitchen is stunning!
I absolutely love this tree! Much of of it may be at our house next year on the family room tree. Those cotton balls are perfect! Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m so happy you liked the cotton balls, Nancy!!
That star is genius! I really like that! I also love how your dad makes comments and gives you “old memories” cues. So sweet and special..?Nothing can replace my childhood Christmas memories!
Thank you, Colleen! ?
Hi Julia: Or can I call you “Jules”. I feel like we are friends in a way. What a “homey” Christmas tree and very nicely decorated.
Sylvia looks just like a cat my Mum had, her name was Mitzy.
So nice of you to take in a rescue baby kitten, love the name.
It’s a magical time of year and I wish you and your family a wonderful Merry Christmas. (note they are saying Merry Christmas more).
Merry Christmas, Bette! And yes, we are friends!
Hope the kitties are getting used to one another! Beautiful tree! Not surprised! Love the snowballs!
Hi Kyle! Sylvia wants to lick Baby Boi and Baby Boi wants to play. It’s a vicious cycle ?. Thank you for asking!!
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Love that floating star and your tree is gorgeous! Great view from the kitchen! Merry Christmas Julie!
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Absolutely fabulous!!! So genius to float the star over the tree and I love those cotton balls as snow ball! And I know I’ve already told you how much I adore that shot through the kitchen! 🙂
Hey Brynne! It waa nice to get to know you during this hop! Thanks for stopping over ?
Absolutely love your tree! You did an awesome job, you are so creative! Love the ribbon as garland on the tree. It looks so perfect .Was it hard to get it to stay on? I have wanted to have the opportunity to tell you that I am loving being in the group on FB. I love seeing their decorations and ideas. Keep up the amazing job! Always look forward to your posts! Merry Christmas!
Hi Pam! Thank you so much for the feedback. Sometimes I wonder how people feel about the group! I am so happy you are enjoying it. I feel sometimes bloggers get so wrapped up in their own stuff that they forget that their readers have a lot to share, too! It feels good to give them that opportunity. Merry Christmas!!! Oh and the ribbon wasn’t too hard. You have to start at top and twist it. Then tuck in here and there.
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Hi Julie, I always feel heartwarming when checking your posts. Love your simple but cozy and lovely ideas to turn a house to a home. Your Christmas tree looked fabulous, with the floating star, the cotton ‘snow’ balls………So glad Sylvia has a cute little brother. I am going to get my cat Momo (Velmo) a sister or brother very soon (probably next month as my hubby said the shelter would be busy for people going for adopting dogs or cats for presents on Dec.) I do hope not – adoption is a good thing but not for presents.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Yeay!! I am so excited for Velmo!!!
I know I’m way behind on commenting; been busy and kinda ignored emails for a couple (maybe more) days. Your Christmas tree is fabulous; love the red n white!! Very unique and so pretty! I very much like the little tiger striped ornament under the tree 🙂
Glad you have another kitty to keep Sylvia someone to snuggle with. You’ve done another wonderful job Julie. Every year is a pleasant surprise! Merry Christmas to you and your familiy.
Just think, Carol…in 2 weeks Christmas morning will be well underway ?
Julie this is amazing! I love the cotton candy inspiration and the tree topper is SUPER CUTE!! Beautiful tree decor and I love your Christmas decorations.
Thanks for stopping over, Stephanie! I had fun in your blog hop!
Love your festive and gorgeous tree Julie!! Clever idea for the star too- Merry Christmas!
I need that ribbon! it totally makes the tree.
Thanks for having us by! Happy holidays
Ha–brilliant trick with the star! Such a fun, cheerful tree! And congratulations on being the first with the cotton ball idea–I love it when that happens 🙂
Hey Gretchen! Thanks of stopping by. Merry Christmas! ~ Julie
Did you ever wonder why you always put the xmas items back in the same old box every year, Im talking 30,40,50 year old box. Its sacred, thats why. and who would ever put that in garbage?
I use plastic bins now, Dad, but it’s the same plastic bins since 1994. Ha ha
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Cute, Clever and CHRISTMAS ♥ I love everything about it! Beautiful Ü
Beautiful tree. Love the Sign Christmas.
[…] As for the rest of the tree decor, I decided on blue ombre ornaments to represent the different types of arthritis. Blue is the color of choice most arthritis organizations use to represent it. Most of the ornaments I had in my stash, or found at local craft stores. I incorporated clear iridescent ornaments that reminded me of bubbles (can you believe I found those at a thrift store?) just to add a little bit of “ice”. The ribbon went on after the snow, but before the ornaments. The star floats, rotates, and yodels (just kidding) cost $2 and the tutorial for that is found here. […]
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[…] and I’ve also filled it in with lots of shades of green. Then I topped it all off with a dollar store rotating star I hung from the […]
love the tree
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