Friends, she has arrived! And I could not be more excited with how this beauty came to life. It’s so fun for me to dream up a vision, and create something new. I’m also so grateful and excited this years tree was again featured by Decor Home Ideas (more here). So where did I draw my inspiration for this years tree?
Growing up, my parents would put two trees up. One whimsical one in the family room full of nostalgia and charm including all of the classics passed down from generations, and another formal tree in our living room, boasting of glamour and pastel, feminine colors. So this year I decided to combine the best of both worlds. This tree is full of pretty pastels and ribbons, reminding me of our formal living room tree, and I’ve added in some whimsical charm this year, with the peppered in pink and blue beach cruisers and classic white car ornaments from the LC Lauren Conrad Collection at Kohls. I plan to add to the collection for this tree each year with dashes of whimsy charm, creating new tradition (spoken like a true Grand Millennial).
So where do I start? As tradition has it, many of you will be buying your decor during the black Friday sales, and decorating your trees this very Thanksgiving weekend. So I wanted to be sure to create this post full of all the details in re-creating this look, should you want to make your own similar flocked tree of pretty pastels! I purchased this 9 ft. white flocked ponderosa tree two years ago at Hobby Lobby 50% off. And isn’t she a beauty!
Now where to start…So I begin with the tree topper, which for me, being uber feminine and from the South, there’s nothing better and more true to my style than a big classic bow, in true southern belle allure. I start with this, to set the tone and spacing for the rest of the tree, and it helps me see the vision, beginning to come to life. Cue the Ana from Frozen excited face!! Eeeee!
I found this Velvet pink wired ribbon at Hobby Lobby by the ribbon boutique in color Whisper Pink. It’s 2 1/2” wide and It’s currently 50% off.
Next I start placing ornaments and faux snow to fill the gaps. I usually place the large pink faux fur poinsettias after the snow, to conceal any additional gaps and to stagger the placing of the pinks and blues I’ll begin to add. Next I’ll hang lengthier statement ornaments on branches (usually perimeter branches) that will allow for them to hang properly. Pro Tip: It’s good to mix and match all different sizes and shapes of ornaments in pyramid like shaping for dimension and personality. Most of these ornaments were found at Hobby Lobby and Homegoods over the last several years now. Usually the last things I do is add in the whimsical ornaments, like the ones I added this year from the LC Lauren Conrad Collection, (all of which is currently on major sale) and tie small bows with left over ribbon to polish the look.
I used the same brand ribbon (the ribbon boutique), found at hobby lobby for the satin pink and blue bows (5/8”).
Next let’s talk about these big french blue ornaments because they weren’t so easy to come by. Every pastel blue ornament I could find was the wrong blue. They had frozen blue, frost blue, tiffany blue, icey blue, the list goes on and on. But none were a true pastel french blue and it was tricky because some looked close to it in the photos, but when they came in, the color was not right at all. So I improvised! And you can too. Here’s How.
I ordered these 6” matte blue ornaments (8 to be exact) and also ordered this spray paint that sticks to plastic, in color french blue. Simply hook the ornaments (2 at a time) on a cheap plastic hanger, one on each end to balance, and step outside to spray paint, rotating until all sides are coated. Hang in your laundry room on an opened cabinet knob to dry. They dry within 5-10 minutes so it’s actually not that time consuming. Pro Tip: If you have painted nails, wear cheap gloves, take off your jewelry and try not to do it on a windy day or you’ll end up with spray paint on you and your shoes. Walaa…you now have the perfect pastel, french blue ornaments for your tree!
One of the things I have gotten without a doubt, the most questions on over the years (as I haven’t changed this element on the tree), is where did I find the faux fur pink poinsettias? Sorry to disappoint, but I found them at Michael’s two years ago (this years version from Michael’s, here)and haven’t been able to find them since. The good news though is that I found some very similar ones on-line at A-floral this year. Just search faux fur pink poinsettias on their site or click here for them. I love these ones because they are so different than what you see on everyone’s tree with the sparkly pink ones from Hobby Lobby. Don’t get me wrong, those are still gorgeous, I just like the uniqueness, soft color and texture of these ones better.
Can we all just take a moment now to pause and admire how adorable these pastel holiday houses from LC Lauren Conrad are, and the adorable pink and blue ornaments? I love how they created the perfect palette of pretty on and underneath my tree, throwing in that whimsical, feminine charm that you know both you and I lovvve. The houses light up by the way, and are under $20. I’ll take it as a much more affordable option to the pretty pastel, ceramic Caitlin Wilson Design holiday houses.
I love how the pink and blue beach cruiser ornament reminds me of my bike that Mark and I got shortly after moving into our Florida home, right off of the bike trail. I think that’s what these whimsical, unique ornaments are all about. Bringing back a happy memory or inspiring you to make new ones!
Like this ornament, of the white classic car and Christmas tree on top! Owning a classic car one day is one of my husbands dreams, and my grandpa used to collect them. I’ve also dreamed of one day bringing home a real tree on top of the car, just like you see in those pretty holiday post cards and iconic movies. Maybe, this will be us one day. PS- You can snag this classic car ornament for only $4 right now y’all.
Let’s talk about what else is underneath the tree now, besides my cute fur baby, Archie! Each year, around the holidays I’ll save my amazon boxes and wrap them with matching gift wrap and leftover ribbon from the tree and then I’ll save these faux presents in big black trash bags with the Christmas decor to re-use and add to the following year. More to come on my gift wrapping tips soon, but for now you can shop the wrapping paper and bows I used, here, here , here, here, and here .
Last but not least, let’s talk about this outfit. This is from the Rachel Parcell Holiday collection, which this year completely stole my heart with the classic reds and the pretty pink, feminine designs. It all fit me true to size, fyi- wearing a small in both. Shop the dotted bow blouse and full twill skirt. Then there were the shoes. Could they be more perfect, in the same silky pink hue and the crystal embellishment? I lovvve! I topped the look off with some modern pearls, with these hoops by Rachel Parcell too.
So there you have it! I hope you loved this years tree as much as I do! Be sure to tag @frappsandfrills in your photos on instagram if you decide to try out any of these decorating tips and ideas! I love seeing what y’all create too! Until next time…leave inspired.
