Who says you have to go the route of tradition and put up a typical Christmas tree? For those looking for a more minimal and modern contemporary spin on the old yuletide decoration, why not take a cue from this IKEA catalog setup where they've taken a trimmed tree branch and decorated it with a striking monochromatic selection of ornaments.
Our only qualm is that presents don't look hardly as nice under this as a traditional tree, but it could be executed as a smaller complimentary holiday decor detail with smaller vases also instead of a replacement for a traditional tree. A good friend created something similar for her wedding reception centerpieces (all by hand, no less!), and they were such a big hit, attendees fought over who could take them. Either way, it's a great way to recycle and reuse some wintertime yard trimmings. [Thanks Peggy!]
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Comments (19)
I put up 2 similar displays in the dining room, while keeping the traditional tree in the living room. in my version, I spray painted them white and hung tiny snowflake ornaments off them, and set a little white feathered bird ornament on top of one of them. it's gorgeous.
Thinking of someone having this as their primary/only christmas tree makes me sad. :(
That display is so fascinating that I'm looking around for room for a branch (and not finding it).
Y'know, if they'd been styling the display to feature the tree, I'm not sure their packages wouldn't have looked fabulous under it. The monochromatic thing is key to the look, and they have varying heights...
I agree.... gorgeous as a secondary christmas display, but it would fall short as a primay 'tree'.
well, for a more modern tree that is present-friendly, did any of you go to the CB2 in SoHo? They have gorgeous narrow /tall white trees with brushed steel bases and more traditional ornaments. We're inspired. I'd love to know what those bases are.... I'm thinking an umbrella stand or something?
I need more holiday decorating ideas. My family is need for a tree topper and my days are numbered for finding one. For the last 20 years we hade a climbing santa but last year he refused to climb after he released a loud sound.
I'm from Nicaragua where there are no real Pine trees, so we used to this.
wow! I should have used spell check :)
I love this, I think real christmas trees are a real pain in the arse.
That tree fits that style of decor, it would probably look awkward in my studio. lol
http://zero255zero.com
luvdecor- Check out Bombay! They have some really cool (more traditional) tree toppers, including a really cute snowman. Right Christmas Ornaments are 20% off. Good Luck!
Thanks!
semi-minimalist
I think it's beautiful. My Christmas tree this year falls somewhere between the above and a traditional tree. I added colorful glass ornaments and a string of lights to my ficus, which I have out year round. It's pretty and I don't have to get into the green debate over fake tree v. real. Also, the older I get the more some "traditional" Christmas displays strike me as kitschy sensory overload.
I don't think "minimalist" has to mean bare or undecorative. I'm currently thinking about taking a secondhand chandelier and looping it with lots of green prisms, with some varied color prisms mixed in as "ornaments". I hope to hang it on a hook rather than install it permanently. Lit up it should look great.
Well, in my hands it would probably come out more "Charlie Brown" than semi-minimalist. Well done here, though.
This reminds me of the soulless ex-wife's house from The Ice Harvest.
It's so serene. I wish my apartment could look like this. Alas, cats stand in the way of having things like candles and glass candy dishes on little side tables.
I like my version better: 7' fake bamboo with a lighted treetop, one string of white lights and a single dated ornament.
I think it's beautiful. I've seen it mentioned on this modern christmas tree list. Although it isn't the best one from there it looks cool anyway.