Victorian Christmas Tree

My Victorian Christmas Tree

One of my favorite Christmas time memories was going to the local nursery with my father to view what seemed like and endless display of decorated Christmas trees every December.  Each tree was different with its own unique personality but very beautifully decorated.  The one tree that always caught my eye was the Victorian-themed tree with its deep reds and golds, old-fashioned bows, and ribbon.  To this day, I hold the image of that tree in my head and the memory of the special time with my father in my heart.  After all, Christmas is about making memories with the ones you love most.

Getting back to my Christmas tree…

I will admit we have several trees in my house at Christmas. One adorns our outside porch, one in the bay window in the music room, a tabletop one I bought at a Christmas craft fair with my in-laws, and our Victorian tree in our family/dining room next to the fireplace.  I am mildly obsessed with my Victorian tree and refuse to let any ornament that does not go with the theme onto it.  Every ornament is special to me, especially the ones my daughter makes, so we have a smaller tree in the music room for these ornaments. Each ornament we receive is special and I love to display them all, however, I want to keep my old-fashioned Christmas tree purely Victorian looking.

Of course you do whatever you love, but, if you’re thinking about sprucing up (pun intended!) your Christmas tree, here are a few tricks I’ll share with you that I think make a Christmas tree look more regal and expensive.

1. The first one is to add ribbon that makes a statement.  Choose a color scheme and stick with it. Mine is burgundy and gold. Wrap your tree with the ribbon or start at the top and let it drape down.  Different textures, like fabrics, add another level of dimension and interest to the tree. There is no right or wrong way of incorporating fabric, just do what you think looks best.  For a coastal Christmas tree maybe incorporate rope ribbon like this and for a rustic farmhouse theme try burlap ribbon like this.  Possibilities are endless!

2. Look for “fillers” to cover up those areas that have holes or just look bad.  Try poinsettia ornaments like this or just a beautiful floral filler like this.  I love this trick because you fix a problem while adding more beauty and interest to your tree!

3.  I truly believe that a tree skirt can really speak to the theme you’re going for.  Try to add one that matches your theme.  For a Victorian theme like my tree, we have something like this.  Valerie Madelyn make beautiful tree skirts like this one with gold fabric cut in a scallop shape. For a silver and farmhouse themed tree this one is gorgeous!

4.  Invest in a beautiful tree topper.  Whether you are an angel person (like myself) or like a traditional star (this one is gorgeous!) you can’t go wrong!  Think about it this way, you spend so much time, effort and money in putting up this tree; don’t skimp on the last element that is really going to make your tree shine!  We’ve had our angel topper for over ten years and it still looks new. If you store your Christmas decorations properly, they will last you a very very long time!  If you’re in need of a new topper, this angel is just beautiful.

Tip number five is put on some Christmas music, gather your loved ones and get to decorating!  These are the moments life are made of and should be cherished forever.  So tell me, do you have any favorite Christmas tree decorating themes or tricks?  What do you and your family like to do for the holidays that is near and dear to your heart?