Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

  • Home
  • Book
  • Farm Tour
    • Cedar Heights Tour
    • Farm Tour
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Podcast
  • Projects
  • Press
  • Advertising

Our Easy Christmas Tree

By Anita 76 Comments

If you have been following my blog for a long time, then you know we have had an old artificial tree up for many Christmases past. Don’t get me wrong, I love artificial trees, but I do miss a real tree. There’s something special about the scent and the feel of the tree. I’ve missed having  a real tree.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-8

My concern was that we had a tree tipped over and water went all over our floor in the past. We now have a wood floor and I didn’t want to deal with that again. Well I grabbed a new stand that is much more sturdy than the old ones. I am feeling pretty good that this one won’t tip over. So I was ready for a real tree.

This post is sponsored by GREEN VALLEY CHRISTMAS TREES. All opinions are my own.

gvct-unboxing-video-campaign-image-banner

They sent me a Fraser Fir. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TREE

Now let me say I love the idea of going to a tree farm to cut a tree, but with my kids grown, and living in the middle of a big city, having my tree delivered to my house sounded amazing! This one came in a box to my front door. My daughter and I unboxed it, which was lots of fun.

You can see the 15 sec video on INSTAGRAM here.

Then I decorated it with clear lights and mainly silver and gold ornaments and a few lavender ones. Now even though this tree does not have all of the family collected ornaments on it, I DO have another tree in the room that I have given my daughter full rein to decorate. All of those ornaments are going on the other tree. (I plan to show that one later, unless she doesn’t get it decorated, in which case I won’t.)

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-6

I set out a few Christmas things on my farmhouse tray.  The angel is actually musical.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse

I thought I was cool putting greenery in my daughter’s boots until she got home and asked why there was green stuff in her boots. I told her I was deodorizing them. She gave me the side-eye.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-2

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-3

I did have to add my favorite ornament. If you are a Texan you will understand this. We also have a matching armadillo ornament.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-5

I made room for my nativity creche in the dining room. I wasn’t sure where to put it, so it on top of this column.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-7

I decided when I finished decorating I was just going to sit and enjoy it.

 

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-14

There’s a bit of Christmas in my breakfast room with a few bottle brush accessories.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-13

I set up some candles on my island.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-9

I love the way the candlelight flickers.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-10

It’s getting dark outside and we just got a cold front so I may just sit in front of the fire for a little bit.

christmas-tree-cedar-hill-farmhouse-11

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to check out the trees over at GREEN VALLEY CHRISTMAS TREES. They will ship it right after cutting and get it to your door quickly.

christmas-tree-after-dark-cedar-hill-farmhouse-15

Get my ebook, 8 Ways to Add Farmhouse French Style and 3 more bonus PDFs, and my emails... it's all FREE!
CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE - updated country French style
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.

Filed Under: Christmas, Project

Comments

  1. Debra says

    December 2, 2016 at 05:49

    “She gave me the side eye.” Heeheeheeeeeee.

    Reply
  2. Candy says

    December 2, 2016 at 06:26

    It’s beautiful and love the candlelight.

    Reply
  3. Karen says

    December 2, 2016 at 06:28

    Simple but elegant at the same time.Love the decorating.MERRY CHRISTMAS.

    Reply
  4. Lynda Brandly says

    December 2, 2016 at 06:30

    Always beautiful, Anita! I love a real tree too but have had an artificial one for years because of my husband’s allergies. Thankfully, the artificial ones become more and more real looking. I love the Texas and armadillo ornaments in the middle of all the French country! love and blessings~

    Reply
  5. Jacklyn Carney says

    December 2, 2016 at 06:33

    Your home is in a most lovely Christmas spirit!
    I have been looking for that “sleigh” pillow that u have and can’t find it anywhere,
    could u please tell me where u purchased that beautiful pillow?

    Thank you so much for sharing all the lovelies!!

    Fondly,
    Jackie Carney

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 2, 2016 at 15:28

      Jacklyn, there’s a link to the pillow in this post. https://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2016/11/14-easy-christmas-decorating-tips.html

      Reply
  6. Carol (in Delaware!) says

    December 2, 2016 at 07:03

    Anita, I just KNEW your home would be lovely! Merry Christmas and many blessings in the coming year.

    Reply
  7. Georgia says

    December 2, 2016 at 07:05

    Anita: I love your writing style! I am always glad to see an email from Cedar Hill Farmhouse in my inbox. Please keep them coming!

    Reply
  8. Deborah Nisson says

    December 2, 2016 at 07:48

    Beautiful and warm Christmas home. Love the lavender accents. My two daughters are crazy about anything purple!!

    Reply
  9. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 2, 2016 at 08:06

    What a most gorgeous tree and the room too! Love how your home sparkles at dusk….I would sit in front of that beautiful fireplace of yours too and enjoy the moment! BTW..love the color your daughter’s boots!!!

    Reply
  10. Lucy N. says

    December 2, 2016 at 08:12

    Green Valley! I have to remember that for next year. As you know there are no tree places in our hood so I went down the highway, bought a little tree, let them shove it into my SUV, brought it home, pulled it out, and now have needles in places in my car that will be haunting me next summer! What we do for Christmas. Your house looks gorgeous and ready to go!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 2, 2016 at 15:27

      Oh yes, it was wonderful to get it delivered and they have free shipping right now!

      Reply
  11. Angela Harvey says

    December 2, 2016 at 08:24

    So beautiful! You just got me motivated to decorate more than I planned!

    Reply
  12. Maggie Biscan says

    December 2, 2016 at 08:27

    I love the idea of simplicity. Sometimes that is all we need. I am using some of your ideas this year. I am not always in a “Christmasy” mood but this suits me. Simple or less is more. How about that? Thank you for the good ideas.

    Reply
  13. Maggie Biscan says

    December 2, 2016 at 08:33

    Where did you find or buy the “Bottle Trees”? I ventured on your products page and found the wreath but not the trees? They are sweet and would be an added touch at work!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 2, 2016 at 10:43

      Maggie, you can find a link to them in this post. https://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2016/11/hot-picks-christmas.html

      Reply
  14. Carol says

    December 2, 2016 at 08:35

    Love the beautiful simplicity.

    Reply
  15. Debbie says

    December 2, 2016 at 08:53

    I love your tree and all your decorations. I have a question for you about the church pew you use Annie Sloan paint and wax on. I just received a beautiful pew last night?. Can I just clean it and apply the dark AS dark wax on the pew without painting it?
    Thanks Anita I am just so excited about bring it inside.

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 2, 2016 at 10:42

      Yes you can apply wax to stained or painted wood. Just test in an inconspicuous spot.

      Reply
      • Debbie says

        December 2, 2016 at 12:22

        Thanks Anita for answering so quickly. Enjoy all those beautiful Christmas decorations you have. Merry Merry to you. I will send a picture when finished.

        Reply
  16. Maggie Cooper says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:01

    I love your Fraser fir tree. As a fellow Outlander fan, is there any better tree to have? Your home is beautiful.

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 2, 2016 at 10:41

      Hah, you got the ‘Fraser’ reference! #JAMMFforever.

      Reply
  17. Patty says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:05

    So, so pretty – I want to sit by that fire and sip on a raspberry hot chocolate!! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Rebecca Nelson says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:07

    We spent 35 years in Texas and our three children are all Texans. I love Texas. Your tree looks lovely.

    Reply
  19. Ginger Valdes says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:11

    It all looks perfect, Anita! I’m loving the side-eye too!

    Reply
  20. Charlene Halverson says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:35

    As always, more inspiration!

    Love it all?

    Reply
  21. Denise Culbertson says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:44

    Love getting your emails… thank you for the ideas it’s so fun to use them!

    Reply
  22. Irisheyes says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:48

    How I miss the smell of a fresh cut tree. Unfortunately my daughter is allergic so I have to do with artificial. I’m imagining how it smells though.

    Reply
  23. Connie Evers says

    December 2, 2016 at 09:50

    Bottle brush Christmas trees are all over this year. Love the ones you put out. Thanks for sharing. So pretty.

    Reply
  24. Dianne Smith says

    December 2, 2016 at 10:01

    Anita,
    Where can I find the little “doll” ornaments pictured above: http://mysoulfulhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/shabby-art-boutique-bHome.jpeg ? I went to the Shabby Boutique site but didn’t se them.
    Thanks,
    Dianne

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 2, 2016 at 10:39

      I don’t know Dianne. Sorry.

      Reply
  25. Cathy Farmer says

    December 2, 2016 at 10:06

    Love the simplicity and you made me feel like I would like to be there curled up sipping coffee and listening to Christmas music.

    Reply
  26. Kelly Wilkniss says

    December 2, 2016 at 10:06

    Lovely tree & I love the purple ornaments!!

    Reply
  27. Vicki Gordon says

    December 2, 2016 at 10:29

    What a beautiful post! I love your style – so elegant, but without drama. Truly inspirational.

    Reply
  28. Jamie says

    December 2, 2016 at 11:54

    Oh wow! It’s gorgeous Anita! I love all your details for Christmas.
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply
  29. Helen Graben says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:01

    Thank you for the inspiration. I have been trying to figure out how to give our holiday decor a fresh look this year, and I plan to steal several of your ideas. Thanks again!

    Reply
  30. Julie tegeler says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:07

    It is all beautiful!

    Reply
  31. Julie says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:07

    Beautiful home… Your island and kitchen are breathtaking Anita! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  32. Lollie Christner-Severin says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:10

    Love your daughter’s purple boots all decked out!!!!

    Reply
  33. charity says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:12

    Gorgeous spaces love the unique purple accent color. Happy Holidays

    Reply
  34. Deborah says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:18

    I’ve recently discovered your blog and I love your decorating style. Of course, being a Texan, I really liked the Texas ornament!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 2, 2016 at 15:26

      That’s fabulous and welcome to Cedar Hill Deborah!!!

      Reply
  35. Kristy Seibert says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:20

    Everything is so lovely- you always do such an amazing job. I particularly love the touch of LAVENDER- which is quickly becoming a favorite color of mine! So fun blog hopping with you this week…wishing you a wonderful holiday!!

    Reply
  36. Bonnie says

    December 2, 2016 at 13:01

    The real tree is beautiful. I love the way that you decorated it. I’m from Texas also. We are a loyal bunch – aren’t we? I also like your tray on the coffee table that’s filled with so many pretty things.

    Reply
  37. Jacquie says

    December 2, 2016 at 13:31

    Loved the trays and the festive island decorations. A little bit of Christmas in every space, including boots.

    Reply
  38. Wendy M. says

    December 2, 2016 at 13:36

    I love the smell and feel of a real tree, as well! My family is volunteering at a tree lot this year on a few weekends, and the smell is truly wonderful! Thank you for sharing your tree! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  39. Judi sesrs says

    December 2, 2016 at 14:07

    I too collect the fontanini creche. I set mine up on my sideboard.

    Reply
  40. Sue Glass says

    December 2, 2016 at 14:55

    I love your royal touches of purple!

    Reply
  41. Linda Charlton says

    December 2, 2016 at 15:09

    The touch of lavender makes for an individuality in your decorations. I love your taste as always. Have a Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  42. Rosa says

    December 2, 2016 at 16:59

    I’m with you I love the smell of a fresh tree, however with the dry California climate it doesn’t last. I always pick up a fir scented candel and have it burning through out the season to trick my senses into thinking my tree is real. The purple ornaments look lovely.

    Reply
    • Anita says

      December 3, 2016 at 10:42

      Great idea Rosa!

      Reply
  43. Sue M. says

    December 2, 2016 at 17:07

    Always love all your special touches making your home so lovely.

    Reply
  44. Elizabeth Logan says

    December 2, 2016 at 17:08

    Your tree is beautiful, love the simple elegance! I hope to get mine up this weekend now that the carpets were cleaned yesterday, ours will be an artificial one. It takes me forever to put the ornaments on mine because with each one I think of the treasured memory that came with it. There is something to be said for generic “store-bought” ones . . . 🙂

    I love the styling of your other Christmas items too.

    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  45. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says

    December 2, 2016 at 17:16

    I’m super envious of your fresh tree Anita. Where I live in Australia it is too hot to have a real tree, but I do love the smell. Yours looks lovely with the silver and purple baubles. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  46. Peggy Lee says

    December 2, 2016 at 20:12

    So pretty Anita!! looks so cozy,simple but refined. also, thanks for the links to some of the other places. i have alot of work to do on Christmas for the house this week! Get out the Creche, my little houses with lights and little trees,and try to get some more listings and items in my shop too!I’m going to move things around this year, I think. I love the trays filled with lovelies. I think I will do that too!
    thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your beautiful home!

    Reply
  47. Linda says

    December 2, 2016 at 21:04

    Wehave had many Christmas trees but one stands out for our grown children. The 3 of them went with their father to cut a tree on family land. They came home with a holly tree. Yes! a Holly! It was full of red berries and a beautiful tree. But have you ever tried to string lights on a holly tree? Put Christmas decorations on one. Lots of yelps and ouches and we had a decorated tree. Trees are all about the memories they make.

    Reply
  48. Patty Soriano says

    December 2, 2016 at 21:29

    Deodorizing the boots, hmmm? Good one! — wait! I’m in Texas…. should I have an armadillo in my tree? On my tree ? Do possums count ? — I saw OUTLANDER above and had to go back and read it…. you’re a fellow Scot-Lover ? I’ve read all the books over and over…. every time a new book comes out I start over from the beginning. LOVE Diana Gabaldon! I don’t get Starz, so I don’t get to see the series. HUGE hardship on me! 🙂 — I like seeing another tree done in purple. I have a small one I put out completely filled with my favorite color, but the main tree is decorated with the ornaments I grew up with as well as those my hubby and I have collected on our travels.

    Reply
  49. Sandra Huntley says

    December 2, 2016 at 22:01

    Your tree is gorgeous, love the colors you have used to decorate it. It’s very elegant. I also prefer live trees but have had artificial trees for years due to my back and knees, being unable to get down to water the live ones I had to resort to the artificial ones. But I miss the smell of the live tree and using the extra limbs from the bottom to decorate with.

    Reply
  50. Tonya Schoepf says

    December 2, 2016 at 22:42

    I wish I had a daughter that would put up the Christmas tree, I wish I even had a daughter. I have 3 boys and they love the decorations but are no help at all. But I’m really hoping for a granddaughter some day that will love to help me.

    Reply
  51. Arlene says

    December 3, 2016 at 02:35

    Love your style!

    Reply
  52. Karen E says

    December 3, 2016 at 03:38

    Everything is beautiful. I love the touches of purple, especially the boots!

    Reply
  53. Alexandra says

    December 3, 2016 at 03:38

    Love everything about your home Anita! Alexandra

    Reply
  54. Tracy says

    December 3, 2016 at 06:30

    Love the lavender and purple accents, unexpected but beautiful.

    Reply
  55. Roseanna says

    December 3, 2016 at 15:26

    Everything looks so wonderful! Love the unexpected touch of purple.❤️

    Reply
  56. Barbara says

    December 3, 2016 at 22:23

    My favorite is the lavender boots, I want some! Your use of the greenery in different places spread around is pretty and … I’m a Texan too so I do understand. I need an your ornament to put on my tree here in Missouri.

    Reply
  57. Lory at Designthusiasm says

    December 4, 2016 at 02:51

    Love the greenery in the boots!! Deodorizing them! Hah… good one! Love all your little details as well, and of course how nice it must be to have the fresh tree… 🙂

    Reply
  58. Nicki Bruleigh says

    December 4, 2016 at 05:46

    I am a real tree kinda’ gal too! Both kinds are pretty tho. I have a country tree i keep up all year long, just in case i really need to see the white lights flickering!! Love lights on a tree!

    Reply
  59. Dana Richardson says

    December 4, 2016 at 06:25

    Love the purple accents on the tree and the pillow in the chair.

    Reply
  60. Michelle Bibby says

    December 4, 2016 at 09:44

    What a beautiful tree! I especially love the pops of purple.

    Reply
  61. Kathleen says

    December 4, 2016 at 21:42

    Purple is not my favorite color, but I like the ornaments you have used on your live tree! it is also a color we use for our Church’s Advent Celebration Banners, and to complement wreaths/greenery, etc., during the Season. It is nice to see it in your home, as well!
    I like the simple touches you have used for Christmas … greenery, pillows, candles, and the beautiful cloche …
    Thanks for sharing ~ sending an early Merry Christmas wish!

    Reply
  62. Dominga says

    December 6, 2016 at 08:29

    I miss a real tree, too. When our kids were little we went to a local Christmas tree farm and chose the perfect tree each year to cut down ourselves. Good memories. A tornado damaged their farm one year (we’re in AL) and I think they closed their business after that. We started buying real ones from Lowe’s, or wherever, but after 20 years of real, I was ready for the convenience of artificial, lol. I do miss the real thing, though. Maybe next year. ?

    Reply
  63. Sarah | She Holds Dearly says

    December 9, 2016 at 18:00

    Your home is lovely, Anita! I especially love your french chairs

    Reply
  64. Babette says

    November 22, 2017 at 07:59

    Hi Anita,
    Just joined your blog today! We always get a real tree! We are fortunate because a really nice small company called “Santa’s Tree Farm” comes from up north and brings a huge load of trees! They send a mailer each year with a coupon and if your number is on their list you get $25 off! My husband is a police sergeant so they give 1st responders and military a 10% discount! We love going there and it is something we do as a family every year! Love your tree! So pretty! Can’t wait until we get our tree! Blessings!

    Reply
    • Anita says

      November 25, 2017 at 21:10

      Oh that sounds wonderful Babette! So glad that they do that for first responders. We need our police!!! Thank you and blessings to you.

      Reply
  65. Jean says

    December 6, 2017 at 18:11

    Anita, I love the purple on the tree. The live tree is nice but our weather is too warm . Merry Christmas Jean

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You might enjoy my book, podcast, and MORE!

french accents by Anita Joyce


Affilate Disclosure

Search This Blog

Categories

Archives

Copyright Notice

All the photos and text this site are copyright protected. Email requests to anita(at)cedarhillfarmhouse(dot)com

Disclosure and Privacy Policy

For my Full Disclosure, click HERE
For the Privacy Policy, click HERE

Disclaimer

Perform any project shown at your own risk. The author assumes no liability for loss or damage that result from these projects. If unsure, seek professional advice before attempting any project.

Copyright © 2025 Cedar Hill Interiors, LLC · Log in

Get my ebook, 8 Ways to Add Farmhouse French Style and 3 more bonus PDFs, and my emails... it's all FREE!
CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE - updated country French style
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.