Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post brought to you by Tree Classics. All opinions are 100% my own.
Remember when the Christmas tree felt like this giant tree that you could practically climb it and the star (or in our case growing up, the angel!) seemed so high that it was actually like a real star in the sky? I can remember looking up at the tree in wonder….thinking that nothing ever seemed so beautiful or so big and that small elves really could live in there if they wanted. I was a weird kid 🙂 But the point is…that feeling is BACK.
This year we received a brand new artificial tree from Tree Classics and at TWELVE FEET TALL…it’s giving me the Christmas spirit in Shaquille O’Neil sized portions. I mean….just look at this beauty!
I’ve been eyeing 12 footers for a while now. This house has really high ceilings so our old Christmas tree (it was a hand me down from my old boss….and they haven’t made that style of tree in like 20 years) seemed pathetically small at times. So when Tree Classics offered to send us a replacement, we were BEGGING for a 12 footer of their Classic Noble Fir. Well…Christmas has arrived people! They sent us our 12 foot tree to review and I am dying to tell you all about it.
Tree Classics also invited us to join their Home for the Holidays – Christmas Housewalk! More on that in a minute!
First I need to tell you all about this tree. It’s freaking amazing.
Okay….so first, let me tell you about these awesome branches…like the whole tree unfolds and it is so FULL. Our old tree was completely hollow in the middle. (there is an old video of it somewhere and if I find it – I will link it!). Our old one was like a hallow sleeve of holiday cheer. Think tall skinny umbrella. Except instead of protective vinyl…it was cheap christmas tree branches that practically fell apart if you touched them. We simply hid the problem with THOUSANDS of lights and so many ornaments, it would make your head spin. The Tree Classics tree is full and so easy to set up. It has hinged branches and you can’t even see to the other side. It actually looks like a real tree. People have been fooled. It’s a Christmas miracle!
The other thing I really love is the Real-Feel needles. They are at the ends of each branch and they are thick and they look and feel really real. I’m also a fan of the fact that if one bulb burns out…the rest will stay lit. That means I won’t be throwing more lights on there because one half of the tree has joined the dark side.
As far as decorations go….this year we went with a classic rustic cottage feel. We used red plaid ribbon and combined it with things we already had in our Christmas stash – red, white and gold ornaments – along with a bunch of cattails for the topper. Also – I have all these grapevine wreaths that I cut straight through on one side and opened it like a giant C clip and ‘clipped’ them into the tree by opening the C and then pushing it directly into the tree before letting go.
See how real those needles look? Crazy good!
This year we also added a wreath above the TV and I love love love it. I used matching ribbon and can totally see this becoming a tradition.
We also have our mantel set up and ready to go. We don’t put any presents out yet because you know…my kids would open them ALL.
We did our traditional mantel….it has our Santa boot christmas trees (with battery operated LED lights) and our stockings and garland. I baby-proofed the stocking holders last year with heavy duty velcro…it stays up all year long and nobody ever noticed! But it’s nice to not worry about the stockings being pulled down. Nobody wants a head injury for Christmas 🙂
And the fun doesn’t stop there….we actually did a whole video on how we put our tree together! It was so fun and honestly, if you have little kids, I highly recommend taking a little video of you guys doing something fun together like assembling your tree. I cried when I watched it back! Every. Time.
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Isn’t that sweet?! I mean…my boys are so exhausting but then sometimes I just slow down a tiny bit and realize how incredibly awesome they really are. It’s such a teary moment for this mama! And that is my version of an ideal Christmas….just enjoying my kiddos and nobody crying. I know bloggers – especially in the home-decor world aren’t supposed to say this….but I don’t really care about our house or our tree. Not when you compare it to the love I have for the boys and Jeremy. I just think that sometimes I let things get in the way….distractions…the ‘wrapping paper and ribbon’ of life if you will….and it distracts from the real gifts. I have this amazing family that are healthy and whole and happy. I guess that is why my heart feels things so deeply….it’s why I ache for people who are experiencing loss or pain at this time of year….or people that are just discontent in general…..I am hurting for them because I know how sweet this life can be. And that sometimes, it is the little things (like a kiddo looking at twinkle lights) that are the best gifts of all. Okay….it’s tissue time again.
Back to the Christmas house walk. Today is my day to tell you all about my Christmas tree…but the good news is, there are nine other bloggers participating and sharing their own version of ideal Christmas and their Christmas trees.
Here is the list of the participants, along with their posting dates:
December 5
- Jennifer Lutz of Tree Classics
- Susan Duane of Love of Home
December 6
- Ann Drake of On Sutton Place
- Katie Bower of Bower Power
December 7
- Janet Coon of Shabyfufu
- Erin Rollins of The Sunny Side Up
December 8
- Shauna Beltramo of The House of Silver Lining
- Heather Thibodeau of Heathered Nest
December 9
- Emily Dinwiddie of Eleven Gables
- Rhoda Vickers of Southern Hospitality
So on those days, you can go check out their blogs and see their trees! It’s gonna be so fun to see so many different decorations and styles! AND – you need to go check out the giveaway for Tree Classics’ 12 Days of Christmas! The link to the Official Contest App is here.
So tell me….what is your ideal Christmas? Eggnog with a peaceful night of classic movies? A full belly and matching jammies? Maybe it’s just no fighting kids and a long night of sleep? (I hear ya! I hear ya!) so whatever it is…I’d love to hear all about it. I think sharing the little things, thinking of our blessings, expressing our gratitude is the very act that makes us grateful and humbles us as humans. And isn’t that the very thing we all want for Christmas? A grateful and humble heart. Merry Christmas y’all!
Your new tree is beautiful!
The tree is beautiful and your room is just so pretty!!
Wow! Your tree is stunning! Thank you for sharing it with us! xox, emily
Very beautiful tree!!! So creative and colorful! Also, I absolutely LOVED that video. Made me think about how I really need to not just TAKE the video but do something with it! Any tips of software to use? Bloggers with some good video editing tutorials? And do you guys do your own videos or have someone edit and produce for you? 😉
I use just the generic iMovie that comes with my computer. I have always used the standard stuff…it’s free and works great!
xo – kb
The tree looks beautiful, Katie! It’s the perfect size for your living room. As for Christmas, I love it all…the food, the music, the decorations, matching jammies, all of the traditions (cookies, advents, etc), the Christmas program at church, lights, shopping…all of it!
Love your video Katie! I have 3 boys that are growing up waaaay to fast! Melted my heart seeing your little ones. Beautiful tree! Merry Christmas!
Stunning. Loved your sentiments & also the grapevine wreath trick! : )
How have you managed decorating the upper half of the tree? Aren’t you afraid of heights?
Beautiful tree! Our family is expecting a new baby New Year’s Day however this event has now been moved up to Sunday, December 11th. We pray all goes well with the new mother to be and the baby. I cry thinking about them but I know it will be fine. So yes, the decorations don’t mean a lot to me but then again this mom and baby make the holiday that much more meaningful. Thanks.
That tree is beautiful. We used the same ribbon on our trees this year. Bought them on after Christmas sales last year.
Does anyone know of a place where you can order a tree extension? For example, we have a small 6 ft. Tree in the living room. I would really love a way to extend it. Make it fuller and a bit taller. I wish I could find a place that sells an extension if you will that will make the tree bigger. Our tree is in three sections and I’ d love to add a fourth. My husband loves this tree as it was our first tree and he won’t let me get rid of it. Any ideas.
I’m always so impressed when people theme their trees … we have this hob-glob collection of (special) but very random ornaments that go on every year.
I’ve been on the hunt for a plush gooey snuggly looking tree skirt like that! Simple is hard to find these days! Did you make it?
Just beautiful. Looks like something out of a magazine. I’m curious how you keep Max (or any of the boys) away from it. My ornaments had to be moved up on my tree because of my 2 year old.
WOW!! That is beautiful. Love it. You had lots of helpers. 😉
Your tree is freakin amazing! I love how your room is so festive, yet simple and livable at the same time. I am with you…I like the decorations, but I would rather spend time with my family and serve others than trying to get my house “just right.” I can’t wait to see the rest of your home!
Max’s face when he was watching the lights. Heart melted!
They still love touching. Max is generally really compliable with instructions so yeah…but I still have Weston so heaven help us all 🙂
xo – kb
Terrified! My neighbor lent us his A frame ladder that is 12 foot and it’s super sturdy so I did it but I could only do one ornament at a time because one hand was always gripping the frame. I didn’t like it…but it’s done 🙁
xo – kb
That is a great idea and no I’ve never heard of it before. Let me know what you find if you do!
xo – kb
It’s a queen size blanket from Target 🙂 I just gather it around and make it snuggly looking 🙂
xo – kb
Oh wow! I will be praying! Jeremy’s birthday is Dec 12 so you might have a birthday twin on your hands 🙂 Congratulations!!!
xo – kb
So beautiful!! I am not sure if this is a stupid question, but how do you do the ribbon? Your house looks beautiful for the holidays!
I just pass it around the tree and when I want to secure it, I tuck it further into the tree and bend a little branch over it. Happy Holidays!
xo – kb
Question, do y’all decorate the back side of the tree since you can see it from the backyard?
Ohmygosh that’s amazing. I never would have thought of that. You’re seriously my favorite.
I haven’t been here before, but your home is gorgeous and what a stately tree!
Janet
Welcome Janet! I appreciate your visit!
xo – kb
We do….but not because of the backyard thing…but because I can see the reflection in the windows 🙂 Ha!
xo – kb
Katie, that video is so stinking cute!! Your family is just precious and that tree in your big room….spectacular!! I’m so happy you joined us in the House Walk this year, it is gorgeous and I just love how you put that tree together and shared it. xoxo and Merry Christmas, sweet friend!
Thanks Rhoda! And this House Walk is so fun! Can’t wait to see all of the tours!
xo – kb
I love the tree! It’s GORGEOUS. Question for you…how high off the floor is the bottom of your TV? We are building and I want to do my fireplace/mantle/TV combo like you have it but I’m worried that it will be too high for comfortable viewing. Also, how large is that TV? Trying to get an idea of scale. THANK YOU!
What a perfect tree for that space!! It looks gorgeous!! Happy holidays to you guys!
Whoa! This tree is giant – in a good way. I love it. I can’t even imagine the feat it took to decorate the top – but as always, I’m inspired by your decor.
Aww thank you Kim. You are always just the sweetest 🙂
xo – kb
Everything looks so beautiful! I’m wondering how you attached the wreath to the stone. Our new home has a stone fireplace and stone pillars outside that I would love to decorate for the holidays, but don’t want to ruin.
Jeremy put an extra long nail between some of the stones!
xo – kb
Your tree looks amazing! And I love the stockings. What size did y’all end up getting?
Hi Diane! the bottom of the tv is 5 and a half feet from the floor, and it’s a 55″ tv. We’d prefer it lower so we’re not looking up as much, but the previous owner already had stone cut out for the wall mount. Sometimes you work with what you’ve got. 😉
xo – kb