20 years ago, this dream started out as a road-side stand at this same location. A lot has changed since then. Take a look at how we’ve grown.
The Christmas tree is one of the top symbols of the holiday season, and so of course you want it to feel and look like something special for your family to gather around. I’m about to let you in on my step-by-step guide on how to decorate a Pinterest-worthy Christmas tree!
From decorating Christmas cookies with flour covered grandkids to cuddling up with a hot cup of cocoa for a Hallmark movie marathon, there are many ways to add a little extra magic to the holiday season. There’s a reason it’s known as the most wonderful time of the year; a holiday celebrated with family – whatever that may look like to you – is something kids and adults alike, remember forever.
If you ask me, it all begins with picking out the perfect fresh Fraser Fir Christmas tree. Growing up on a tree farm, that should come as no surprise. You see, home for me is surrounded by rows and rows of Christmas trees. I remember walking through a tree field with my dad as a little girl, pointing and skipping through each line – bound and determined to get the very best tree.
Dad, with his years of Christmas tree growing experience, would show me tree after tree, (all that would fit into his definition of a “perfect” tree), but none of them would be just right. This would go on for a while until I would see it.. and most of the time, it’d end up being one with a hole here, a little scraggly there- but it was perfect, it was MY tree, and that, that was the moment the magic of Christmas would begin for me.
So turn on some Michael Bublé holiday music, light your favorite Christmas candle and let’s bring your #treegoals to life!
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The first, and likely the most important step to reach your #treegoals is the planning process. Start by finding your inspiration, and let your imagination take off from there. Check out what’s trending on instagram, browse through our online shop, think of a memory you want to cherish or feeling you want to feel every time you see your tree. Create a mood board, and always keep your eye on that inspiration!
Now that you’ve got a vision for your tree, it’s time to get started. When your tree arrives take it out of the box and give it a fresh cut on the trunk. Load it into a stand and water immediately. wouldn’t be a tree farmer’s daughter if I didn’t remind you to put a fresh cut on your tree during this step and put water in your stand immediately!
This step is self-explanatory and contrary to my husband’s belief, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. I start at the bottom and work my way up then back down again – which allows me to cover any “dark” areas and generally gives off a brighter glow. Alternatively, you could try out the zig zag technique which allows for easy removal.
Maybe it’s the southerner in me, but I like to go big or go home when it comes to the topper. This is the starting point for me when I begin to add decorations because your topper sets the mood for the entire tree. If you have a traditional tree topper, put that up first to create the focal point. (If you have a tradition of putting the star on last – try to visualize how much space is needed for it – and work around it!) Once I’ve placed a focal point on my tree, this is where I add in a majority of the silk or fresh greenery picks. Strategically place your picks in holes, to make your tree look more full, using wire to tie it into place.
I use anywhere from 2-6 different types of picks depending on a theme – for texture and contrast. If you’re on a budget – try visiting your garden for any evergreen pieces that you can use to fill in. Get creative- spray paint dead allium blooms, sticks and pinecones.
This is where you can really get creative. For focal points on trees I’ve designed, I’ve used lanterns, candles, poinsettia picks, giant bells and even tabletop décor. Use your imagination – because these pieces tend to be larger in size, rest them deep in the tree on top of strong branches and secure with wire.
Story ornaments are going to be the ornaments that tell a story. Think about what feelings/ideas you want to get from your tree, overall. For example, if you’ve decided on a “home for the holidays” tree theme, you would want to look for story ornaments that give you feelings of warm and cozy comfort. Think: homemade cinnamon ornaments, knitted mittens, leather ice skates, or ornaments with scenes on them.
Accent ornaments are going to be the secondary ornaments on your tree. This is where I pull in a lot of color to fit my theme. To keep with the “home for the holidays” theme, I would use the round and teardrop solid ornaments in warm colors- reds, greens, browns, whites. Accent ornaments do not have to be solids- in fact, my favorite accent ornaments to use are ones with mirrors and gems – anything that adds light and movement to your tree is a plus, here.
Look at your tree from different angles to find any holes or spaces. Fill in with silks and accent ornaments, as needed. Once you’re satisfied with your tree, add a tree skirt, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve just learned how to decorate a Pinterest-worthy Christmas tree.
20 years ago, this dream started out as a road-side stand at this same location. A lot has changed since then. Take a look at how we’ve grown.