Trimming the Tree

There's something special about the way a beautifully decorated tree lights up a room during the holiday season. Whether big or small, it makes the room so cozy and inviting. I was inspired by some Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas at CountryLiving.com...if you still need to do some tree-trimming of your own, I hope these ideas will inspire you, too!

The tabletop tree, above, is adorned with white lights and glittery gold accents. The chairs on either side of the table make the setting extra cozy!

You can add a natural touch to your tree decor by placing it in a wicker basket. This is a nice look for a smaller tabletop tree and also works well for a slightly larger tree displayed on the floor.

Get creative by making your own "tag" ornaments, with handwritten messages, vintage or new family photos, or clippings from your favorite Christmas card designs and wrapping paper. You can find plain tags to decorate from your local craft store or office supply store.

Make your own pinecone tree using a cone-shaped foam base. Place the foam in a container with a heavy object to anchor it. Then wire the pinecones onto 2" wooden floral picks. Insert picks downward into the foam (start at the bottom with the larger cones and work your way up to the top with the smaller cones). To cover the foam, tuck some sheet moss among the pinecones at the bottom.

Keep your tree decorating simple but beautiful with plain glass ball ornaments of different colors against a backdrop of white twinkling lights. I love that white brick fireplace, too!

Here's a quaint idea...display two trees in a room: one more simple or modern and one more traditional. The contrast in sizes is appealing, too.

Adorn your tree with Fruit ornaments...apples, oranges, and pears! Slice the oranges and then dry them before tying on branches; the apples and pears can be tied to branches just as they are. Festive red ribbon is a great choice to use to tie the fruit to the branches; you can also use jute or twine for a more natural look. A garland of popcorn and cranberries makes a nice finishing touch!

These are just a few of the many tree decorating ideas at CountryLiving.com. Do you have a special way you like to decorate your tree?