My poor husband ... he's such a great sport when it comes to supporting my decorating obsession hobby. He'll make countless trips up into the *sauna-like* attic for me when it's time to decorate for the holidays. HowEVER ... he wasn't quite prepared to pull a Christmas tree down ... in Sept-EMBER! lol
I really wanted to do a *family* Christmas tree again this year ... I'm just putting it up a tad bit earlier. And, it's not *really* a Christmas tree, per se ... more of a FALL family tree, with rustic, muted ornaments (and, okay, a few sparklies mixed in, too)!
I wrapped it in both burlap and grapevine garland and added lots of bird feathers ...
gold and copper-y ornaments (WalMart), and a picture of one of my older sisters and her family while visiting her husband's family in France ...
a few sprigs that have birds' nests on them (with a little gold birdie perched in one now). The glittery topped acorn sparkles away in the lights ...
gold layered balls (have them in copper and apple green, too). I found them at Dollar Tree last year ... 2 for $1 ... score!) ...
a baby owl, who found another empty nest to rest in (alongside a picture from when my husband and I renewed our vows in Punta Cana for our 15th Anniversary, this past July):
pinecones scattered on branches and a burlap *skirt* peeking through (you *know* I love the sparkly leaves) ...
Annnnnd, you'll see branches and more feathers sprouting up from the top, along with bows in pretty colors of browns, golds and creams (gotta add more birch):
But, the most important *embellishments* on our tree are the family pictures and sayings that grace it, reminding us what this season is about .. being thankful for family and friends. I've included pictures of generations past, and I love having them as part of the tree ... part of the season. Even though I'm not good about visiting my family in Virginia, they mean so much to me. I get sentimental putting these pics on the tree, especially as I see members of my family who are no longer with us. Years gone by ... moments that are now memories.
Here's my younger sister (now 35) surrounded by my late grandfather and other relatives, while she models a lovely purse (*ta-da*) at a family gathering. She's always been the stylish one! And, my most treasured picture ... the moment I first held and met my son. Okay, where are my tissues?
Thanks for visiting!
Oh girl, you're a woman after my own heart. I love our Christmas tree and you've given me a great reason to put it even earlier this year! Love this idea. Love your site!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and I love all the photos on it!!
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! YOUR FAMILY TREE IS MAGNIFICENT!!!! LOVE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL FAMILY PIC'S...WHAT AN AWESOME IDEA TO HAVE A FAMILY TREE :) I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT, BUT I LOVE THE IDEA :) THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR BEAUTIFUL TREE WITH US!!!
ReplyDeleteXOX~MARI
That is the most beautiful tree, I love fall colors and you have just combined my two favorites, Fall and Christmas.
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous.
Would you please tell us how you made that beautiful bow at the top with all those different ribbons?
Brooke
Becca the fall tree is a wonderful idea. It looks gorgeous. You decorated it just perfectly for fall. The ornaments are beautiful and the family photos are very sweet. Great job! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! So pretty and unique.
ReplyDeleteOk...you are so a girl after my own heart! I LOVE THIS!!!! What a great idea! And then, you don't have to drag it out again but just switch up your ornaments...or not! I actually decorated a tree one time for an auction and did a wine theme (we have wine on the brain don't we!) with raffia and wine corks and wine glass charms as ornaments. It was then auctioned off with some cases of wine to go with it. It was fun doing something "non-Christmas-y" with that tree and I love how you showed a way to take something we only think of as having one purpose and giving it a fresh perspective! You are a trend-setter!
ReplyDeleteVanessa
STUNNING. And so smart. You're half way there. Now you'll have more time to bake Christmas cookies. :)
ReplyDeleteI secretly dread tree time. I have no room until I can move an armoire out of the room. Thanks for the reminder!!
Donna
It looks great! I'm so ready to put mine up!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, girl, trees are your specialty. You just got me so excited in anticipation of your trees and goodies to come.
ReplyDeleteYour fall tree is GORGEOUS. The pictures on the tree, lit by the lights, make it all that more special. Baby Owl is adorable and the tree topper … F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!! I love the ribbon, the twiggy look, and leaves - spectacular, truly impressive! =)XO ~Liz
That is brilliant! You should sell your tree decorating services woman. That is gorgeous! Can't wait to see Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteSo very pretty Becca! I see feathers...Great idea in using your Christmas tree for Fall.
ReplyDeleteCheers! Linda
Becca your fall family tree is absolutely beautiful. If I could get away with putting my tree up now I would.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful evening.
Gail
I finally found someone more anxious for Christmas than I am! Your tree is stunning! I love the skinny trees you use. Love the white ribbon with the rhinestones on it~~Beautiful! I love the use of the black and white pictures on the tree. It's really a neat idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and love how it turned out! I think this is the perfect thing to create in preparation for the season. Just gorgeous and what special pics you have on it!
ReplyDeleteDD
Just beautiful Becca! I wish I could do that but I like my house 'normal' all the time. Mt personality is such that I like it to look the same all the time. I do put up a Christmas tree though:)
ReplyDeleteHI, I love your blog. I love your tree, I love your kitchen, I love your fall decorations, I love your wall colors - heck I love everything!!! :)) So, I'm a new follower. And now after seeing your house, I must go put out a few more decorating touches of my own.
ReplyDeleteI love fall.
What awonderful idea! The tree is just so warm and lovely. you did a terrific job with it!
ReplyDeleteHi Becca...
ReplyDeleteI came over for Table Top Tuesday...and since this was my first time to visit your delightful blog...I just had to do a little "snooping around"! Hehe!
Well my dear, I couldn't pass this post without leaving you a note! Becca, I love, love, LOVE the idea of a "Family Tree" for the autumn season! I think it's a phenominal idea...one that I may steal from you! Yes, this is the season for blessings and I think that adding all of your sweet family photos is just precious! Ohhh...and the tree and it's decor is simply magnificent! It belongs in a design publication! Seriously!!! I love the warm autumnal colors of copper, gold, and brown! Loved getting a peek at all of your gorgeous ornaments! This is fabulous, my friend!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!!!
I just wanted to let you know that I am adding your delightful blog to my list of blog follows! You are such a creative and talented designer! I am going to really enjoy your blog!!! Looking forward to your upcoming posts...as well as going back through your past posts! It's so very nice to meet you, Becca!!!
Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
Becca, this is stunningly beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
I'm loving the family tree! And besides the love for the colors and the whole idea, what an awesome way to get that Christmas tree up now! :) I may have to see if I can find some of those colors in my local stores this year - I'm an SC girl, too, so maybe I'll have some luck!
ReplyDeleteNow I am really envious of this tree Becca. I wanted to pull mine out. But I would have to get all Fall decor for the tree of course...I am running out of space around here. Yours looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm so late to see this one! What a beautiful idea! I love it! Now you have one less tree to put up at Christmas! I don't know if you plan on keeping it decorated this way during Christmas but it is sooo special it would be hard not too! I love all your extra decor on this tree, it's so fitting for the season, but the photos totally make it!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! What great idea! Everything is like a piece of eye candy. (like the shirtless hottie life guard on a summer day ;D) Let me wipe up my drool. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteFirst ~ where do you find all your energy? I so wish I had just a portion of it. :-) The tree is just gorgeous and I love the "family" theme. It's the perfect time of year for this. I have a dear friend that has a seasonal tree in her family room and decorates it for each season ~ including sea shells, etc. for summer. I don't have room but it is a grand idea.
ReplyDeletePat
STUNNING! STUNNING!! Love it all...especially how you did the topper! : ) Two thumbs up!! You are AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteLove your tree!! I had a much smaller scaled one but due to much peer pressure I gave in last fall and retired it. This has got me thinking abt it!:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning tree! I love absolutely everyhting about it....from the actual ornaments to the menaing behind it :0)
ReplyDeleteI say why not put a tree up in September! With all the work that goes into setting it up and decorating it, what a shame to only be able to enjoy it for a few weeks. I say us decor bloggers start a new trend!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Kim
I really love your idea and the look is just beautiful. You just gave me an idea! and I love it!
ReplyDelete