Ho, Ho, Holiday Decorating

I love the Holidays, and while I appreciate those who love to decorate for any and all seasons, I like a light touch when it comes to Holiday decorating. I tend to lean towards simple, natural materials like branches, live trees, and ornamentation that speaks to, well, nature.

Throughout my childhood, we would head out into the hills of Inverness to find our annual Christmas tree. These were not the manicured, shaped trees of our current tree farms but wild and organic in shape. It still brings a smile to my face to think of the years of trees, independent in their own character. It makes me think of my Dad. It makes me miss him more sharply.

This is my take on that Inverness tree idea that we used this year up in Sea Ranch. Seemed apropos with my Dad’s blue piece right behind. I love the simplicity. I ordered the felt mushrooms with this tree in mind. He probably would have argued for Chanterelle.

When the kids were smaller it seemed like finding the largest tree that would fit into our house was the goal. Now that they are grown and hunt for their own trees, the goal has shifted to finding a small, table top tree that checks all the Christmas boxes. I keep contemplating getting a fake tree, but I am not sure that I am made for that. There is just something about how the house smells with a cut or fresh tree. Nothing beats that. So, maybe in that way I am a traditionalist.

This year, I found just the right size to fit in my silver punch bowl, which I adore. I used green velvet ribbon and a combination of vintage and reproduction glass ornaments, mostly pinecones with a few Santas and Snowmen thrown in for good measure. It is small and simple but it feels right for 2022.

This year has gone by in a flash and because we are waiting for our second grandchild due on December 29th, I already feel better that the tree is up and the stockings are hung. Now we just need to wait for a baby girl and good old Saint Nick. Let’s see who comes first…

Happy Holidays from TBD!