We put our Christmas tree up a few days before Thanksgiving. We wanted the boys to see it when they came home for the first time since August. Even though it wasn’t decorated, the lights were on and I knew it would mean a lot to them to see our tree, decorated or not. Last week I put the ornaments on and posted a picture on my Instagram story. I was surprised to receive so many questions/comments about it. So I thought I would share a few more deets about it with y’all today.
Some of you may remember my review of the tree which was given to me by Kennedy Classics. It’s always lovely when a sponsored post turns out to be a favorite and this tree definitely is. I chose a slim tree to save us from rearranging the entire house to accommodate the tree and I’m so glad I did! We just drop it into place, plug in the lights, and boom. Many of you commented on the basket that I found several years ago on Terraine. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available, but there’s a similar one here and here. The felt garlands came from West Elm last year. I used three but could stand to have one more.
The tree is beautifully natural, but it really comes alive when the ornaments are added. A bit about the ornaments…Mom has given each of us a Christopher Radko ornament every Christmas since the boys were born. If you aren’t familiar with Radko ornaments, they are heirloom quality, mouth-blown, and hand-painted glass ornaments from Eastern Europe. I love the vibrant jewel tones and the glitter reflects the tree lights in the most magical way. If you are interested in starting your own collection, you can find them here, here, and here. You can also find retired ornaments on eBay.
As far as storing the ornaments, I kept the original boxes they came with. Inside each box I tried to describe the ornament and who it belongs to so when the day comes to give the boys theirs, hopefully, we will get it right, lol. I store them in giant plastic tubs and it is a matrix to figure out how to get them to fit back into the containers each year. If you have any storage tips, please share! Let me know if you have any more questions about our tree.
Long-time reader, first-time commenter from Atlantic Canada here.
You could take a photo or two of each bin once it's packed, then print and tape it to the lid. Guess work done.
Beautiful tree! I've always wanted to have a slim tree. Will have to look for one on sale after Christmas. 🙂 I've been hit with a virus so my Christmas decorating has been delayed.
Nice to hear from you BJ! Thank you for the great tip! Why didn't I think of that? Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I love your paragraph about storing the ornaments. I, too, have bought my son and daughter an ornament each year with the intent they will take them for their own trees one day. On the top of the box, I write something to each child. For example, on an ornament with Santa riding a bear (Hallmark's Santa's Magical Bear) I wrote: To my Super Sam who has always loved mishkas 2009. Not only does it bring a smile to my face when I unpack it, I hope it will do the same for my son one day! So I also save the boxes and store in a big plastic bin, struggling to get them to all go back in after Christmas. Love the take a picture idea! Merry Christmas!
Your tree is beautiful. I just sent my husband a link and he says not this year, next year. We have a tiny house and last year we only had a tabletop tree, which I think is a little sad but bothers our (adult) daughters more than me. We have a pretty kitten-y cat (came with our daughter who moved back home for awhile) so I'm reluctant to put up a full sized tree anyhow.
Beautiful tree Rene…..Every year I say I am going to put one up but then get lazy:) When I stop working I am going to have the best holiday decorations ever!!!