As a designer, I often get asked if I think people should have a beautiful, matching, very decorated tree or a colorful tree with handmade ornaments and memories. My answer is always, both! If you have the room, have two separate trees. If you don’t have the room then incorporate both.
Growing up, we always had a really pretty tree. Which ever color scheme my mom decided to go with that year, the gorgeous ornaments were front and center. We always had lots of glass, crystal, and white ornaments that would go with any color scheme. Our handmade ornaments always went in the back unless they were a neutral color and then they would get to go in the front. 
This is the first year that I have had two separate trees – a white and grey tree for me, and a colorful tree for the kids. I was really excited to have a tree that would be pretty to look at. I got the Colorado Mountain Spruce tree from Balsam Hill.
The Christmas Tree
This is the nicest quality of tree I have ever had. It looks very real in every aspect, from the tree branch texture to the branch spacing. It was really easy to set up (I did it all by myself) and I love that the pre lit tree is easy to figure out. All the cords and plugs come already put together, they connect inside the tree trunk so everything is connected when you put the next tree section in. Another added bonus was the detail put into the tree. It came with storage bags with handles, making it easy to store and move the tree when we take it down. A red bag came with it, stocked with gloves to protect your hand while shaping the branches, as well as extra lights, extra bolts, and a handy tool to remove bulbs if they burn out. I had one branch that needed one bulb replaced or tightened, so I was excited to use that handy tool.
The Decorations
I love the grey and white color trend, but I wanted a lot of white added to the tree to make the colors show up more. I really wanted a flocked tree, and considered doing a DIY flocking project, but in the end I decided the tree was too pretty, I wanted to leave it as is. Besides, in a few years I may change my mind about the flocking, or might not want it with a different color scheme, so I decided I wouldn’t mess with perfection. Instead, I added a secret household item to add the white snow looking pieces to my tree. What are they? I would love to know your guesses.
I started decorating the tree with the Crystal Palace glass ornament set and added in the white fur and ribbon to the tree. I also bought some inexpensive silver trays and added different pictures, quotes, and artwork using my Cricut Explore to cut some different colors of vinyl and added them to the trays. 
I finished by adding some small family ornaments to the tree. This includes some glittery branch stars I am reusing from last year, a photo ornament with a wedding picture that my husband gave to me on our first Christmas together. There are also other ornaments from previous years that I have added.
- Christmas Tree – Colorado Spruce 7.5′ with clear lights
- Crystal Palace Glass Ornament Set (35 pieces)
- Pewter Ginko Picks (set of 12)
- Velvet Ribbon (online it says rich brown but its really a dark grey)
- Cricut Explore
- Grey Vinyl
- Craft supplies, as needed.
Last Years Christmas Cards
Easy Winter Wreath
Alicia says
November 19, 2015 at 2:44 pmoooh, your tree is gorgeous. I agree, two trees are the way to go. Love the white and grey. So fresh, so winter. Great job Brooke. Love it!
Debbie says
November 19, 2015 at 4:11 pmThe tree is beautiful. The decorations are beautiful. Good job Brooke
Dana says
November 19, 2015 at 4:43 pmSo pretty!
Kyla says
November 19, 2015 at 5:42 pmGAH. I love your decorations. You have such great style, lady.