"Holiday Confessions . . . "
Greetings,
Well, I'm sure we've all had a busy holiday weekend. I know I did. Good food. Good friends. And good heavens, it is almost Christmas. I've already gotten several entries for the holiday contest (there's more about it HERE.) I assume you're all running a little behind - just like I am.
With Thanksgiving being so late in November this year, and such a short 'proper' Christmas season - I really felt the pressure to get my holiday decorating started over the weekend. Now . . . it's time for some really serious holiday confession. So sit down.
This year I used a fake tree. Yes, gasp. Honestly . . . I have a very full plate over the month of December (both with business as well as some personal and business travel), and I was a bit worried about keeping a tree fresh and healthy over the course of the month - even with the shortened season. So after a certain amount of soul-searching, I dug back into the back of the warehouse for the fake tree.
And here it is in all of its glory.
But, as with so many things in the world - one has to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision. So, onward. Each year I endeavor to make the tree specific to a particular theme. This year, I really wanted to play with the idea of a proper Edwardian holiday. Most decorations were chosen because they either 'were,' or certainly 'felt,' antique or homemade.
These charming little faux-fruit ornaments were embellished with glitter and crushed crystals.
And I love these tiny birds. There are about 20 of these nestled in the branches.
And even more, larger birds as well.
My favourite Scotsman - and the solid-brass clips for real candles.
And little tartan riding coats and jodhpurs from Ralph Lauren.
Polo sold these in the early 90's, and I bought tons of them. It's been a few
years since I've used them . . . and I really love how they 'plaid-up' the tree.
And here she is. Wrapped in lights and dripping with gold beads.
A little more 'spare' than I've done in years past - but, the perfect
addition to the Christmas spirit at the house this year.
Yes - I have lit the candles. It's kinda magical.
Cheers - and Happy Holidays,
Scot
Comments
I hope you have a wonderful week and I hope that one of the things on your plate this year is a book! I would love to have a book of all of your designs.
Your tree is beautiful. (Where, pray tell, does one find a good, real looking artificial tree?) I have always decorated a real one. I've always felt either a real tree or no tree at all, but I have to confess, that it's becoming more of a chore every year. This year, for the first time in my life, I went out and bought, yes, gasp, a real tree that I had flocked! Not flocked all over, just on the tips where snow would naturally fall. It actually looks quite beautiful and because of the flocking I was able to get away with far less lights and decoration. It has a sort of a quiet, dreamy, majestic quality. (I'm dreaming of a quiet Christmas.)
Lisa D.
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
I must agree with Elizabeth.... 2014 should be the year for your first coffee table book?
What do you think?!!
Happy holidays.
Alison
This tree is magical. What a beauty with the candles, gold beads, and tartan touches. Bravo!