I wanted something a little different for our living room tree this year, so I decided to go with natural colors. I decided to use the white tree with browns and tans a’la The Nester.
Since I’m not buying any Christmas decor, I used what I have. Here’s the tree.
First, I added lights and a lot of pine cones that I still have from the wedding. Then, I added a dried floral arrangement that my mom made. Then, I added any ornaments* that I had that were in the brown family (browns, tans, golds). I had more than I remembered. I even picked up that lovely tree topper* from JCPenney last year in January for $1.00.
Then I remembered – burlap is brown. And, I have a lot of burlap (I’m hooked to burlap and I blame Emily for addicting me.)
So, I draped a lot of burlap around and I made these burlap banners – Hope, Peace, Love, Joy.
Burlap Ornaments
I used burlap to make some “ornaments” for the tree. All were quick and easy.
Top left is just a square of burlap tied around a silver ornament (that I had). The others are just burlap put into hoops. I added vinyl letters that I’ve been saving forever for a little pizazz.
The tree skirt
Thanks to Whitney at Shanty 2 Chic, I had a great idea for a tree skirt. As soon as I saw her post, I had to make a tree skirt out of a drop cloth! Genius. Thanks, Whitney. Instead of buying a full-size drop cloth, I spotted a 5×5 foot one for only $4. Score!
I brought it home, cut it based on another tree skirt I had, and thirty minutes later, I had this.
I’m happy with how it turned out. The pleats are not quite as neat as I’d like, but I’m happy with it overall. Especially for a beginner sewer.
What do you think?
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Leigh says
oh no! I’m so sorry, I would have been pissed! The burlap banners looked great though.
pk @ Room Remix says
That’s really too bad because it’s GORGEOUS (or it was). Thanks for sharing the photos with us.
alexandjess says
Your tree skirt looks awesome!! So sorry about the incident with the doggie. Good thing he’s cute, huh?
Sounds like a good excuse to shop for new ornaments or a tree topper at after Christmas sales 🙂
laurenmakes says
how sad kim!!! thank goodness, murphy hasn’t seemed to be the least bit interested in our tree.
the tree WAS beautiful and you did a wonderful job working with what you had. those are usually the best projects, aren’t they?
p.s. i bought that EXACT tree topper at penny’s last year for $1 too! once i got home and took it out of its box there was some kind of oil all over it and it smelled WEIRD. even though it was only $1, i returned it. haha
Kristen @ Miss Prissy Paige says
Oh no, I was just thinking as I read the post “OMG – love the white tree!!”. So sorry to hear of its encounter with your pug.
On to bigger and better decor for next year 🙂
Danielle and Clint says
Gotta love animals. I have a cat that seems to LOVE climbing our tree. She breaks an ornament a day. I get so mad! So I understand your frustration. In a way it is heart breaking and in another way, it’s hard to stay mad at them.
I also have a white tree! They are fun to decorate and you did a great job!!
Laura @ Cameron Crazy says
what a gorgeous tree! i would like to do a theme tree next year. i think i want to have two trees if i do that though. i have to have one with my “traditional” ornaments and then one with my theme! 🙂
Jennifer says
I’m so sorry to hear about your tree! That makes me so sad 🙁
We put our little tree on a table this year since Bella is only 9months and she would destroy it in a minute.
I feel your pain though since I’ve had cats who have done a number on some of our trees growing up.
kirstin & jordan says
Umm, I hate it that your tree and your ornaments were destroyed- hate it!
However, I LOVE your burlap ornaments- I need some of those. And I share your affection for the shanty2chic ruffled drop cloth tree skirt- genius.
kirstin & jordan says
Umm, I hate it that your tree and your ornaments were destroyed- hate it!
However, I LOVE your burlap ornaments- I need some of those. And I share your affection for the shanty2chic ruffled drop cloth tree skirt- genius.
kirstin & jordan says
Umm, I hate it that your tree and your ornaments were destroyed- hate it!
However, I LOVE your burlap ornaments- I need some of those. And I share your affection for the shanty2chic ruffled drop cloth tree skirt- genius.
Nicole Peterson says
The tree looked gorgeous and I think you did a terrific job at taking unconventional material in turning it into beautiful decorations. I have the same fear with my kitty in his younger days that he would jump on the tree and hurt himself. You are lucky Franco was ok and unscathed through the whole thing. The most important thing is that he is ok.
micah @ the yellow front door says
Your tree *was* so pretty!! At least you have a good story to tell now… The Tree That Was 🙂
micah @ the yellow front door says
Your tree *was* so pretty!! At least you have a good story to tell now… The Tree That Was 🙂
Kiersten says
I am so sorry to hear that! I would have been crushed, too. It looked beautiful though!
Stephanie says
Pugs are dangerous, dangerous animals 🙂
Freckles Chick says
*GASP*
It’s beautiful!! Hands down my favorite tree in the blogosphere by far! You had me at burlap. And neutrals. And “used what I had”.
I am so glad that you got pics of the tree b/f the Wrath of Franco ensued. Little bastard!
Linda says
WOW…what a beautiful tree…love the burlap ornaments and “JOY” garland…soooo PRETTY! Sorry that your dog got to it:( Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Linda
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
I’m so sorry to hear about your tree! At least you have these beautiful pictures to remember it by…
Have you thought about getting a 3 foot tree and setting it on a table covered with the burlap then using the remaining ornaments to decorate it?
Tricia says
Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry about your beautiful tree. I have to tell you though, that I am IN LOVE with your little burlap embroidery hoop ornaments. In love like, “I think I need to run to the store right now and buy some”, in love.
It’s probably not much consellation, but you definitely inspired me. 😉
XO*Tricia
Centsational Girl says
Hello ? Read, why don’t ya Kate? Those are vinyl letters ? Sheesh. Thought you were stitchin’ again. Fooled me !
xoxo
Kate (who needs to put her contacts back in…)
Centsational Girl says
Where to begin ? First of all, I am so in love with your white tree. I was so close to going with a flocked white tree this year so I’m definitely already planning for next. I.LOVE.YOUR.WHITE.TREE. Second, OMG your hand embroidered ornaments make me swoon. Seriously. Yes, you are addicted now. And I love it – keep it coming !!! Third, your story about your tree (I’m sorry) just made me laugh out loud in an “OH NO” kind of way. You crack me up. So glad you kept it all in perspective after a sniffle. 🙂 And yes, you DID get the photos, so I’m just overwhelmed by the beauty of it !!!
Hugs
Kate
Lindsey says
I love your tree, so gorgeous!!
Kristi says
I am so sorry that your tree is destroyed! What a bummer!!! Bad dog, bad dog!! I am glad that you are recovering.
I feel like I should send you some shatter proof ornaments!
Abbey @ Practically Perfect says
I am SO GLAD you took great pictures of your tree! It looked amazing and you can still put those burlap banners up anywhere, right?
Kristen says
oh no that’s so sad! I’d be devastated! At least you got some beautiful pictures before it was destroyed!
KatherineAnne says
Dogs…(sheesh!)
….I am so sorry your pup ruined your tree! It was a beautiful tree! Well done! I hope you are having a good Tuesday! xo, KA
ashley morgan says
Oh no! That has to be a horrible feeling. We thought we’d have the same situation this year with our cat since it’s the first year with a real tree, but surprisingly he has no interest in it. He sits under the fake one though.
I LOVE the burlap ornaments with words in the middle. So cute.
Jen says
Sweet Mary Mother in Heaven!! :-S I can imagine you were devastated! Thank goodness no one or no pug was harmed in the destruction of the beautiful white tree!! It was gorgeous.
Meredith says
I am so sorry, and I totally relate! I keep catching the cat trying to climb our tree. We’re having to lock her in the bathroom when we’re gone because I am sure she would knock over the tree if left unattended all day!
*claire* says
🙁 that really sucks, sorry! and sorry, but i had to laugh a little at “raging pug” … yes, at least you got some good pictures first! i love the idea of a tree with uniform colors and a theme of sorts. the whites and browns looked great together
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
Kim, that is so terrible! You did a great job with the tree, and just think, now you won’t have to deal with putting it all away after the holidays. Right? 🙂
Mom says
Oh Kimmy…..it WAS absolutely goregous. I’m so glad you were able to take some pictures before my grand-dog destroyed it. Great ideas and it looks simply beautiful. Once again, I’m so proud of you!
Mrs.CFH2 says
Oh no! Well, the pictures are beautiful and that’s how we’ll all remember it in our heads 🙂