In the finale to our Christmas tree decorating campaign, our resident design expert Dagmar Obert unveils her Balsam Hill Christmas tree and the decorating techniques behind her romantic holiday masterpiece.
After 12 of the country’s most talented home décor and lifestyle bloggers shared their holiday decorating styles with Balsam Hill, I found myself all the more inspired to decorate my own Christmas tree: a magnificent pre-lit California Baby Redwood.
Christmas decorating trends come and go, but the timeless look of a romantic Christmas tree will always mesmerize friends and loved ones. A romantic Christmas tree relies on a thoughtful selection of signature ornaments that are more than just holiday accents; they hold a deeper meaning.
Christmas Tree Decorating: The Romantic Style
In decorating terms, the romantic style uses soft colors, patterns, and textures to imbue a space with a calming and elegant atmosphere. Lovely accent pieces create a feeling of warmth.
Little ornaments like the pink ballerina plush doll or teacup on my Christmas tree, for instance, introduce a touch of femininity that is reminiscent of my daughters’ personalities. The use of signature and even vintage pieces is simply heartwarming.
Like the traditional style of holiday décor, a romantic Christmas tree can play with an array of uniquely shaped ornaments, such as stars, icicles, and baubles. The look is softened through the addition of softer fabrics, dainty patterns, and even feathery textures. Silk and satin ribbons, beaded garlands, feathers, and floral accents heighten the romance.
On my own Christmas tree, ribbons, flowers, shaded grass, ostrich feathers, gold bead garlands, and pearl-like beads on twigs are recurring elements that echo the drama.
How to Capture the Romantic Look of My California Baby Redwood
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Choosing a Color Palette
Placing the tree in an area of my home where there are subtle brown overtones prompted the use of warmer, deeper shades of pink and gold ornaments in a variety of shapes and sizes. I used gold bells and glittered baubles to name a few. Using the warm and luxuriously radiant colors of pink and gold glistening next to clear lights creates an enchanting vision.
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Layering a Variety of Textures
I love feathers. The warmth of the ostrich feathers was all the drama I wanted. I coupled these with pearl-like beaded floral picks and added some warm pink shaded grass. The fusion of feathers, beads, and grass was just the perfect combo to add dimension and a little whimsy to my tree. I made 20 of these small clusters to place staggered throughout the tree from top to bottom on the outside layers.
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Placing Christmas Balls, Ribbons, and Garlands on Branches
I placed solid-colored balls first after dividing the tree into thirds, from top to bottom. I also placed the balls horizontally deep within the branches, from the inside out.
Since I have a romantic tree, I made ribbon swags to frame certain points or the ornaments I wanted to highlight. I added a new garland that was almost like a jeweled necklace in that it had three gold strands intertwined. This added a lovely feminine touch and tied in with our Victorian cameo ornaments without making the tree look too antique or Victorian.
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Highlighting Detailed Ornaments
My detailed ornaments are the pieces that have the gold and pink shades but are not in solid colors. They might have pink and gold on them with a design. I usually purchase them in a set of six so that I can decorate in groupings using the same grid or pattern repeated around the tree.
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Highlighting Signature Ornaments
Last, but not the least, are the signature ornaments. These decorations speak of the meaningful ties within your family. Your kids will look for them when they come home.
Since these decorations add a personal touch, turn them into focal points on your Christmas tree. Make sure to place signature ornaments in a prominent area and nestle them securely on the outer branches.
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Layering More Texture
After all my choice ornaments were on, I still felt I needed some texture to keep it updated. I found some glittered grass. I clipped them apart in the sections that were wired and placed them in areas that were not at the focal point in order to bring balance.
A gold organza ruffled tree skirt with gold laminee fabric underneath the organza completed the romance and feminine aspect of this tree. While the look is up-to-date, it doesn’t abandon the memories of years gone by.
How to Find Holiday Inspiration
With the holiday decorating advice we’ve featured this season, you are well on your way to creating a festive atmosphere perfect for a memorable Christmas. Our 12 Bloggers of Christmas have shared their hearts and their homes this season, inspiring readers to give their artisan Balsam Hill Christmas tree a touch of warmth:
Vanessa of At the Picket Fence
Candace of Vintage News Junkie
Kristin of My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Courtney of French Country Cottage
Heather of At the Picket Fence
Learn more decorating techniques here on the Balsam Hill blog, and be sure to Like us on Facebook, view us on YouTube, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Houzz. Happy holiday decorating!
