A few weeks ago, I was invited by Michaels to decorate a tree with their ornaments this year as part of a Dream Tree Challenge.  I’ve shopped my local Michaels for so many years and especially during the holidays, so I readily accepted their invitation!

Our family buys a flocked real tree at our local tree farm for the living room every December, but the kids loved the idea of a Christmas tree to call their own.  We came up with a bright candy colored version decorated with some new ornaments and also some of their favorites from the past.

The three of us went shopping together at Michaels and their bright eyes quickly settled on a “candy and disco balls” theme – it was a glittery candy garland and a set of faceted disco ball ornaments that set the color palette for our tree and we got to work!

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Today is the last of the Holiday Home parties, and Sarah is hosting Christmas trees, so it’s the perfect occasion to show you ours.  Just like last year (and because it reminds me of my grandmother who always had the same) I picked up another flocked tree at a local lot.  Instead of a tree skirt, we placed it in a wine barrel for a rustic look.  I’m using up all of my red decor this year, so the tree is covered in various favorite ornaments and also bulbs and flourishes in crimson shades. 

Wedged in the tree are several branches of red berries for color and contrast.

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When I was little, I remember my grandparents always had a flocked Christmas tree.  As a girl, I always loved sitting under my Memah and Papa’s white tree, it was so enchanting, like something out of a storybook.  The tree had a crispy texture and funny smell, but I still loved it.  Every single time I see a flocked tree in reminds me of my grandparents.  (And that mothball scene when Lucy hides in the wardrobe before she discovers Narnia, strange but true.)   

Growing up, my parents always kept it green and natural, so after I got married, I followed their lead.  Never ever have I even considered a white Christmas tree in my house.   At the lot the other day, while walking passed the flocked trees, I told my hub about my affection for my grandparent’s tree.  Funny, we’ve spent fifteen Christmases together and he never knew! 

So this year, we decided we wanted a flocked tree too, as a throwback to their generation.  The decorations are a fun but unexpected mix of gold berries, mini disco balls, teal plastic garland, crystals, brown ribbons and mercury glass, and of course, new and old treasures. 

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