Our Tree

So this is our tree this year. 

Ohh Ahhh.  I feel like it doesn't photograph very well but I love it.  It's my best work.  It should be considering I decorated it, undecorated it, went to Hobby Lobby and redecorated it.  

Here are the details.  Bear with me this week, I am trying to get used to photoshop and as you can see I'm not too advanced yet.  

My theme for this year was to add more natural elements and to avoid as much sparkle as I have used in the past.  I wanted it to be more homespun for lack of a better term.  I wove burlap ribbon through the tree. 

 I have two tips for using ribbon in a Christmas tree...

1. Put the ribbon in before you place ornaments on the tree.  It will make your life easier. 

2. Make the ribbon move in and out of the tree in waves.  Do not just lay the ribbon in front of your ornaments but instead tuck it back into the tree and then pull it out so it comes in and out of the branches. 

I tried to use shatterproof ornaments on the tree entirely but to avoid buying all new ornaments I hung our sentimental and mercury glass ornaments very high.  

I started with mercury glass ornaments I bought from Pottery Barn.  Then I added our sentimental ornaments and then I filled with gold glittery shatterproof ornaments and these cute ornaments from Land of Nod.  I put those within Ella's reach so she could touch them. 

After that I still was not incredibly thrilled with our tree.  It seemed boring.  The day before I had been in a flurry of wrapping and I really was proud of my gift wrapping (as I have stated here like 50 times) so I thought.... "Putting the presents in the tree!"  

My mom always put small presents in the tree when I was a kid and I loved that.  I tucked the gifts into the tree.  

I then used burlap fabric and draped it around the base for a makeshift tree skirt.  

Ta dah!

Happy Tuesday!