With the Christmas tree, that is.
tree c/o Treetopia
I still love our pink tree, but it’s only 6′ tall. It was a little undersized in the old house, but in the Victorian, with its 10′ high ceilings, it would have been way out of proportion. Plus that tree just had its day in Cottages and Bungalows magazine’s Christmas issue, and I wanted to try a green tree for our first Christmas in the new house. We did the same thing when we moved from our apartment (silver tinsel) to the first house (green).
We haven’t decorated the whole house for the holidays yet, but we finished up the tree last night.
I bought my Pretty in Pink Christmas tree from Treetopia in 2009. The second floor is looking a little crazy right now, since that’s where our unpacked boxes have been congregating, but I may use the tree up there eventually. (This year? No promises.) Treetopia wrote to me a couple of months ago, offering the tree of my choice, so I chose the realistic-looking Oh Christmas Tree.
I’ve been arranging and rearranging the two parlors, so the space is a little sparse at the moment. I did move one of the green chairs over that I showed you yesterday. Again, it looks nice — it’s just not in line with what my overall plans were.
We’re so happy with the placement of the tree in front of those curved windows though! It was one of the things that Brandon and I were looking forward to when decorating this house.
Ayanna
November 14, 2013 at 1:10 pmI really LOVED the pink tree so I’m surprised by how much the green tree seems to belong in that space and i think i may like this more. Next year should be a Christmas Tree grudge match to see which one wins.
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 2:56 pmTime for a showdown.
Rebecca H
November 14, 2013 at 1:10 pmIt looks perfect! Cannot wait to see it with tons of presents underneath!
Jessica @ SundayLoves.com
November 14, 2013 at 1:10 pmBeautiful, Nicole! It’s so warm. I cannot wait to see when the design for the parlors is finalized.
Also, that tree really looks fantastic. Very tempting…
Jessica
November 14, 2013 at 1:34 pmBeautiful :) I can’t wait to see the finished space.
Laurie
November 14, 2013 at 1:57 pmIt’s beautiful! But whaddya doing putting a tree up already? It’s too early (for me)!
I adore some of the traditional Victorian ornaments which are sparkly and very grand. I have these large, glass ornaments that just look so gorgeous with the lights behind them.
The pink one should definitely come back somewhere else in the house. We always had two trees growing up. One was ours and one was much smaller, in the TV room and that was where we put our “outgoing” Christmas presents (for neighbors, teachers, friends, etc.). It was really handy actually.
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 2:57 pmIt is early, I know. I think it comes from wanting to feel more settled in the new house.
And how smart, to keep the ‘outgoing’ gifts separate! That’s a great idea.
casacaudill
November 14, 2013 at 2:04 pmOne of my goals with our next house is to have a beautiful “Christmas Tree Window” looking out onto the street.
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 2:59 pmWe first looked at this house in the summer, and that was the first thing we thought about when we saw the front windows.
Leah
November 14, 2013 at 2:17 pmTell me more about the tree….it looks great in the picture…does it look just as good in person? We have been wanting to buy a fake tree. And with or without lights. Thanks!
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 3:02 pmIt took a lot of fluffing to make it look full, but I think that’s to be expected. Brandon and I bought a real tree once (that post that I linked to above, from 2007), and that was the only real tree I’ve ever had for Christmas in my entire life. I guess I’m just used to fakes?
Normally, I only like a fake when it’s really obvious what it is (pink, silver, white, etc.). This one looks good though — pretty convincing. There are cheaper filler branches toward the back, but the nice branches in front obscure them.
Kathryn
November 14, 2013 at 2:19 pmWhat?! Its like I don’t even know you anymore.
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 3:02 pmI know! (Although I have to say that creamy wall color is killing me in these photos. Blech.)
Sara
November 14, 2013 at 2:31 pmSeriously, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! Put that thing away! ;)
Dianna
November 14, 2013 at 2:33 pmLove the green tree! Just a thought…maybe you could put the pink tree in another room of the house? I know it sounds crazy, but I then again, I know a lot of people who have 2 tree’s for Christmas. One more formal one in a more formal room, then the “family” one where the kids can decorate (often their ornaments are pretty low on the tree)! Anyways, love it and it’s really just around the corner!
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 3:04 pmWe’re thinking of moving the TV up to a room on the second floor, and that would be a great place to put the pink tree up. I’m not sure that we’ll be able to get to it this year though — I have a lot of projects that need completion before we can get that room presentable and cleared out enough to decorate.
Wendy
November 14, 2013 at 2:43 pmI say definitely put the pink tree up somewhere! We always chop down a live tree, but I also put up my grandparents silver aluminum tinsel tree from the 50s.
julie
November 14, 2013 at 2:46 pmOh, I know…you did it to match your new GREEN chairs! ;) Tree looks gorgeous!
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 3:06 pmHa! That must be it. Or I bought the green chairs to match the tree.
Marcee ... ILLINOIS
November 17, 2013 at 12:45 pmEither way …. it’s grand, and so very beautiful.
Jill
November 14, 2013 at 2:54 pmA Christmas tree already??? What happened to Thanksgiving? You seem to be in a serious rush to furnish and spend (: I loved the pink tree which reflected your special style. Traditional … not so much.
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 3:07 pmI think that if the rest of the room were more furnished, it would feel a lot different, and reflect my style a bit more. The house is slowly becoming what I envision it to be, but it’s going to take time.
Jennifer
November 14, 2013 at 2:55 pmWhy do you put your tree up so early in the season? Is it because it was a sponsored post and they wanted it up by a certain deadline for promo? Just curious if you would typically put it up so early…
Making it Lovely
November 14, 2013 at 3:06 pmThey gave me the tree at no cost, but I wasn’t paid to write the post. I know it’s a little early, but the tree was here and I was eager to see it up. It makes the house feel much more homey — more ours.
Jessica @ Of Sand & Snow
November 14, 2013 at 4:22 pmIf people can celebrate “Christmas in July”, you can, certainly, celebrate in mid-November.
Marcee ... ILLINOIS
November 17, 2013 at 12:50 pmIt isn’t that early. Thanksgiving is around the corner Jennifer! Lots of folks have trees up for their holiday meal. Makes everything more charming and enjoyable. Our trees (2) will join us for Thanksgiving also! Totally fun. Love this season. We have so much to be grateful for.
Stefanie
November 14, 2013 at 3:32 pmBeautiful tree. With our extended families the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday blend from mid November until January. It is great fun.We just layer in decorations as the time goes on. Enjoy. Love the green chairs with the striped settee.
jbhat
November 14, 2013 at 4:45 pmIt’s a beautiful tre. It really does look real, and your decorations are so pretty. I too think it’s early to put up a tree….but hey, why not? It’s not like it’s going to dry out and be all brown before the big day like a “real” tree would be. And your kiddos can gaze upon it in wonder for a good long time. Just promise me that you’ll have it packed away before Valentine’s Day rolls around. ; )
jbhat
Marissa
November 14, 2013 at 5:26 pmGeez. I’ll never understand the “it’s too early to put a tree up” argument. I LOVE an early tree!! More time to enjoy it, especially when you have little ones. We’ve hosted Thanksgiving with our tree up many a year, and I think it only adds to the festivities. For us, the tree is a celebration of the winter season, family, giving, holiday magic… To all the naysayers, try it one year! You’ll have more evenings to snuggle with your family in the glow of Christmas lights, watching the Sound of Music and sipping hot chocolate.
Your tree looks fabulous!
Sheila S
November 14, 2013 at 7:38 pmThat tree looks great (love, love that photo of the kids facing the tree) and I completely understand how a beautiful big tree like that can furnish and decorate a room all by itself and why you’d want to do that now. Bet the wall color even looks OK at night with just the tree lights glowing!
When I was little, my parents put up the tree on Christmas Eve, after we went to bed. We thought Santa did the whole thing! It was fun but gee whiz, not much time to enjoy.
Your pink tree made me buy a red one last year. Decked it out in silver and aqua ornaments and it was big fun!
selena@howaboutcookie
November 14, 2013 at 8:36 pmGorgeous! May I ask where the ornaments are from? And how do you string the lights so evenly? Our tree always looks like I gave up half-way to settle for an adult beverage (which is usually the case).
alisa
November 14, 2013 at 10:18 pmI <3 Kathryn's response above since I think she posts just as much as I do…
But yesterday I hated those chairs. Today, looking into the room with the striped sofa, I LOVE them.
Perspective is everything, I guess.
erin @ House Envy
November 15, 2013 at 7:22 amThe tree is gorgeous!
Crystal
November 15, 2013 at 7:57 amBeautiful! I’m so ready for the Holiday season. I can’t wait to decorate this year.
Dana@chocolateandsunshine
November 15, 2013 at 9:06 amI love your new home. Your tree is glorious. And, I adore the photo of your two little kids sitting on the floor. Precious. I’m beginning my holiday decorating this week-end and just wrote a fun post about starting early because so many that I know give me trouble for rushing the season. I just want to enjoy the process. Been a long-time follower.
Caroline
November 15, 2013 at 9:07 amWhere did you get your tree topper? My husband and I have been on the hunt for the last few years and haven’t found anything that works for us but yours is really cute!
Making it Lovely
November 15, 2013 at 9:09 amI bought it at Pottery Barn years ago, but it looks like they’re no longer carrying it.
Judy
November 15, 2013 at 11:33 amI love your tree and the children are darling but my question is about the app you use with your photography. I was just about to buy Photoshop 6 online and It occurred to me you have mentioned something else that you used and I don’t recall the name. I f you could please mention again Thanks and I hope you keep up with all of the décor ideas and the ongoing saga of your lovely family.
Carrie Lea
November 15, 2013 at 11:35 amI love it! It looks so Victorian! I really love it with that light fixture, which I probably wouldn’t like for anyone else but you (somehow, I am not a fan of pink except when you use it.).
Nicole
November 15, 2013 at 1:39 pmI’m on team real tree, but yours looks very nice! I am hankering to starting decorating for Christmas already- I usually try to hold out until the weekend after Thanksgiving, but I think I am going to get a few things out this weekend. ‘Tis the season!
Alana
November 15, 2013 at 9:56 pmAhh! I love it. So family-traditional and very pretty. :)
Kate
November 17, 2013 at 3:18 amReally? The tree is up and decorated weeks before Thanksgiving?! And it is plastic to boot? Def. not “traditional” in my mind.
Miss R
November 18, 2013 at 5:20 amThat Christmas tree is gorgeous! And it looks so real! You did an amazing job Nicole!
Treetopia Design Council 2013: Nicole Balch from Making It Lovely | blog.treetopia.com
November 21, 2013 at 6:13 am[…] Photo from Making It Lovely […]
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December 23, 2013 at 3:08 pm[…] The Christmas tree got a few welcome additions from the kids. […]