December 2, 2009

Trimming The Tree

I am not sure why it has been so difficult getting things decorated around here this year!  It seems as though I have been at it forever.  I am a year older – maybe I’m slower.  And, there’s the fact that I am rarely satisfied with my first attempt at decorating.  So, there are a lot of do-overs!  Then everything HAS to be fluffed. (Nothing is worse than flat garland and crushed bows!)  It is amazing how much time I can spend trying to get things just right!  Oh, I know that it won’t be perfect.  Nothing is perfect.  I am afraid I stress a little too much over the tiniest of details!!!  Sometimes, I wish I could just throw stuff up and call it done…then again…maybe not! 

The Way I Decorate My Tree:
Two years ago, we caved and purchased a “faux” tree after twenty four years of buying fresh trees!  Of course, I miss the smell of a real tree and I miss the trip to pick out that special  tree.  I do not miss untangling lights, sweeping up dried needles,  and trying to keep the dogs from drinking the water from the stand!!!

My favorite tree is the Frasier Fir.  I love the way they have some tucking space between the branches.  And I adore the way they smell.  Most of our trees over that twenty four year stretch were Frasier Firs. 
Before we ordered an artificial tree, we did our homework.  We researched, and watched videos.  We chose a  7 1/2 ft. Frasier Fir from Frontgate.  It was not  inexpensive, but it really does look  believable and that was real important to me.  I love the way they have a few longer branches jutting out just like a real tree.
It is prelit and even comes with a remote control!!!  Get Out!  I am almost embarrassed to admit this, but it came with a bottle of spray – tree scented.   Sort of!   We don’t use it!


I fell in love with the lime green and red color combination a couple of years ago!

It’s fresh and fun

 

Lime green beads and baubles



Red glitter/velvet ribbon all tucked into those spaces


Red and lime green floral stems and fruit pics


Big green peacock???    Little clip-on boy that I have had for 25 years or more



Little red and green birdies

 


Red and lime green ornaments

 

A vintage table scarf serves as a tree skirt


Transformation Thursday

It is Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage. 

 

Holiday Linky Friday @ The Inspired Room

Join the party on Friday at “The Inspired Room” for Holiday Linky Friday.


Rhonda

21 comments:

  1. Absolutely stunning nice job!!
    I feel slower this year too for some reason.
    Love that frontgate frasier fir. A client of mine has one. It is a beautiful tree. I could give up real for that ,,,maybe next year! ?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the tree. The mix of the red and green ornaments on the tray are beautiful...would be a great display as is.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lime green and red... never would have even thought of it! I love it not to mention, I love the peacock! He's a bute!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Don't feel bad, I am in the same slow boat to decorating this year. I am off, not sure why!
    I am almost done though, finish up this weekend.
    Ooooo I love your colors, they are right up my alley. Looking beautiful at your place.
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rhonda, your story of the tree mirrors my own... I never thought I would give up the "real" tree... but, I have to say, the fake is much easier. LOL. Just to make you feel better that you are not the slowest... I actually talked with the painter yesterday about painting before Christmas... I may be putting up the tree on Christmas Eve! LOL. Crazy. Just crazy.

    Your decorations are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bonjour Rhonda! The tree looks so great. I wanted to post on yesterday's post, 'Mary did YOu know' but could not get the links to work, one of my favorite songs. It was absolutely beautiful, and a powerful reminder of the reason we are celebrating Christmas! One

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your tree is very chic and smart! Being an artificial diva for a few years, it helped ease the pain when I discovered the wonderful scent of Yankee Candle’s Balsam & Cedar.
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your tree is beautiful! I love the colors! It looks very 'real' to me! I always hated sweeping up the needles too! Been there done that!

    Hugs,
    Lee Laurie

    ReplyDelete
  9. So pretty, Rhonda! I love all the birds you have; I just started noticing them more as decorations this year.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Lord gave this verse to me today, on my birthday, another year older, "But those that wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 I too am struggling trying to decorate. But I have hope it will all come together before Christmas Day! Thanks for your blog and have a beautiful day.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautiful tree! I LOVE those colors too! Love the sparkle and bling!!

    Lou Cinda :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. That tree is beautiful! If you hadn't said so, I would have sworn its real! I love all the touches you've added, and you have given me a great idea- using a table cloth for a tree skirt! I bet I could find a really cool one.... Thanks for stopping by my blog, yours is so lovely, I will be back often. *followed!*
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I agree, those colors are perfect! Everything is so gorgeous. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am in love with your unique ornaments. Your tree is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Stunning! I love the peacock, takes me back to grandpa's farm.

    So nice to be back blogging and visiting again. I just left the other Rhonda's and had to stop by yours next.

    All three of us now have faux trees (I like that terminology so much better than fake).

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love red and green for decor at christmas. Yours is gorgeous! suzie. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love your peacocks and all the other things on that chair. I know that fluffing is a pain. I need to redo some of my stuff too...
    @cheapchichome.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Rhonda,
    You do a lovely tree...after doing 115 so far this year, I've gotten fast..too fast...enjoy the process, savor the results. You are very good.
    As to untangling lights, when I take my lights down, I take a flat piece of cardboard, which I have "slotted" with a knife on both ends...start with the plug end in one slot, and wind it around-and-around the board, tucking it into the slots...lays flat, stores well, and saves alot of stress next year...
    You are so talented, my dear..I love your tree.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful. :) I love all the colors you have there.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Rhonda...

    I'm just coming over from your link...just had to see you fabulous Christmas tree! Ohhh...it IS gorgeous! And you're right...it really looks real! I have been wrestling with the same idea of a faux tree...living in Colorado we have a nice selection of real trees and they smell sooo good but they always dry out way to quick, even with watering them...and I hate cleaning up those pine needles all the time! I'll have to go and check out the place you got yours from. Thanks for sharing the link!

    Now...I just love all of your beautiful lime green and bright red ornaments! I agree...it's just a "step away" from the traditional and so fresh looking! I just love all of the many beautiful layers that you use to decorate...thank you for sharing the "step-by-step" of what you do! Your tree is gorgeous, my friend!!! Ohhh...I DO love Christmas!!!

    Warmest wishes and Christmas Blessings to you and your family...
    Chari @Happy To Design

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Rhonda,
    I work with your niece Leisa, and she talks about how wonderful you decorate. So I had to see for myself. I love it. I envy your talent!!
    I love looking at all the pictures. Keep up the great work. I don't know where you fine the time, but sure glad you did.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family. God Bless! Angie V.

    ReplyDelete

So happy you are here - I love your comments!