I got a text the other day from Alison Show who expressed her pet peeve in Christmas tree decorations. Hers is billowing ribbons tucked into trees. Ha! Do you have a pet peeve? She then requested a round-up of trees to gather inspiration. Consider it done, I said.

She then sent over this photo to the left of my ALL TIME FAVORITE Christmas tree from the geniuses at Martha Stewart. She and I were very much on the same page and I was happy to accept her challenge.

I have to admit that I found it challenging to identify Christmas trees that made my heart leap with joy besides this one because I think it’s pretty much perfection. While search results produce a lot of options, the amount of truly clever or unusual and yet meaningful trees is rather limited, but I did find some gems that I’d love to share with you.

As a side note, I have yet to mark my own stamp on the Christmas tree front because they take so much work. Ha! I get ideas but then you have to duplicate all the crafts by dozens and dozens so I have yet to tackle it. Maybe one day…

Without further ado, my favorite Christmas tree list:

Truly Inspiring Christmas Trees

I’ve gathered them into a few different groupings as I think there are things to learn from each type. Let’s get going:

Unusual shapes in unexpected objects

The folks at Martha once again pull through in providing some beautiful Christmas tree inspiration and this list is full of them. And for good reason! This one is from last year’s December issue and made me pause while I was flipping through the issue. Why is it beautiful?

• The unusual and organic shape. You will always make a mark when you re-think the foundation and that’s precisely what happened here. It takes you by surprise, no?
• The beautiful moss tree skirt. Unexpected, earthy, and a beautiful chartreuse color.
• The perfectly chosen color palette of cool shades of greens, teals, blues and whites.
• The lack of a tree topper keeps it refreshing.
  

Photo from here

Here’s another unusual shaped tree. You could  leave it on it’s own and it would be stunning. And the natural elements allow it to sing!

Photo from here 

I’ve loved this one for many years because of the simplicity of the design yet the unexpected glass vessel and lovely shape of the tree. The organic quality keeps it interesting and sculptural.

Photo from here

Tinsel trees

Tinsel was in fashion in the 50s and 60s and we totally forgot about it when I was growing up. Sad for us! A lovely tinsel tree adds wonder! And if you don’t have a beautiful shaped tree or want to pay for a cheaper one, get one that’s disregarded and cover it! These two are also stunning for their sheer size. In this case, MORE IS BETTER!

Photo from here

Photo from here

Floral Christmas Trees

It was only a matter of time before flowers hit Christmas trees once again and I found a few that are stunning (in addition to my Martha Stewart dream, as you know).

Design Love Fest created this beautiful with a continuous downward spiral ombre look made from flowers.

Photo from here 

This floral Christmas once again features an ombre effect and I’m digging the head to toe feel.

Photo from here

Dried flowers are the flowers of the moment and Vanessa Pouzet nailed hers! Plus, she can reuse the flowers afterward.

Photo from here

Another pretty floral tree with a touch here and there. Makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a garden.

Photo from here

Scandinavian Christmas trees

My friend Eva always has the most beautiful Christmas trees. This isn’t hers below (wish I had a picture), but it kind of reminds me of hers. She always chooses a Charlie Brown type tree and decorates it with traditional Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian ornaments–a lot of straw ornaments and mini flag bunting. She lets the tree speak.

Here, I love how it’s all contained in a pretty natural basket and there’s the right amount of triangle bunting and great colors here and there.

Photo from here

Over the top Christmas trees

I will always applaud someone who goes TO TOWN with their trees because it takes so much time and work!

I spotted this mini tree a couple of years ago and loved how they combined the colorful plastic handmade straw ornaments (look at that tree topper!) and the mini straw ornaments (see our tutorial here!). She sets it off with the black and white checked ribbons, which I love!

Photo from here

I can always rely on Aunt Peaches for over the top done well! I love that you can feel her exuberance! She talks about her process in her post. Tons of poms, pom pom garlands, eye of God, and, of course, ALL THE COLORS! She calls it granny chic.

Here’s how to get the look:

 

Photo from here

And for the finale….This is another one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. Too much??? NEVER!!!! Alison, this is what I have in mind for you!

Get the look:

 

Top image from Martha Stewart