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.
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.
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.)
I set out a few Christmas things on my farmhouse tray. The angel is actually musical.
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.
I did have to add my favorite ornament. If you are a Texan you will understand this. We also have a matching armadillo ornament.
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.
I decided when I finished decorating I was just going to sit and enjoy it.
There’s a bit of Christmas in my breakfast room with a few bottle brush accessories.
I set up some candles on my island.
I love the way the candlelight flickers.
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.
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.
Debra says
“She gave me the side eye.” Heeheeheeeeeee.
Candy says
It’s beautiful and love the candlelight.
Karen says
Simple but elegant at the same time.Love the decorating.MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Lynda Brandly says
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~
Jacklyn Carney says
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
Anita says
Jacklyn, there’s a link to the pillow in this post. https://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2016/11/14-easy-christmas-decorating-tips.html
Carol (in Delaware!) says
Anita, I just KNEW your home would be lovely! Merry Christmas and many blessings in the coming year.
Georgia says
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!
Deborah Nisson says
Beautiful and warm Christmas home. Love the lavender accents. My two daughters are crazy about anything purple!!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
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!!!
Lucy N. says
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!
Anita says
Oh yes, it was wonderful to get it delivered and they have free shipping right now!
Angela Harvey says
So beautiful! You just got me motivated to decorate more than I planned!
Maggie Biscan says
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.
Maggie Biscan says
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!
Anita says
Maggie, you can find a link to them in this post. https://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2016/11/hot-picks-christmas.html
Carol says
Love the beautiful simplicity.
Debbie says
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.
Anita says
Yes you can apply wax to stained or painted wood. Just test in an inconspicuous spot.
Debbie says
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.
Maggie Cooper says
I love your Fraser fir tree. As a fellow Outlander fan, is there any better tree to have? Your home is beautiful.
Anita says
Hah, you got the ‘Fraser’ reference! #JAMMFforever.
Patty says
So, so pretty – I want to sit by that fire and sip on a raspberry hot chocolate!! 🙂
Rebecca Nelson says
We spent 35 years in Texas and our three children are all Texans. I love Texas. Your tree looks lovely.
Ginger Valdes says
It all looks perfect, Anita! I’m loving the side-eye too!
Charlene Halverson says
As always, more inspiration!
Love it all?
Denise Culbertson says
Love getting your emails… thank you for the ideas it’s so fun to use them!
Irisheyes says
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.
Connie Evers says
Bottle brush Christmas trees are all over this year. Love the ones you put out. Thanks for sharing. So pretty.
Dianne Smith says
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
Anita says
I don’t know Dianne. Sorry.
Cathy Farmer says
Love the simplicity and you made me feel like I would like to be there curled up sipping coffee and listening to Christmas music.
Kelly Wilkniss says
Lovely tree & I love the purple ornaments!!
Vicki Gordon says
What a beautiful post! I love your style – so elegant, but without drama. Truly inspirational.
Jamie says
Oh wow! It’s gorgeous Anita! I love all your details for Christmas.
Hugs, Jamie
Helen Graben says
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!
Julie tegeler says
It is all beautiful!
Julie says
Beautiful home… Your island and kitchen are breathtaking Anita! Merry Christmas!
Lollie Christner-Severin says
Love your daughter’s purple boots all decked out!!!!
charity says
Gorgeous spaces love the unique purple accent color. Happy Holidays
Deborah says
I’ve recently discovered your blog and I love your decorating style. Of course, being a Texan, I really liked the Texas ornament!
Anita says
That’s fabulous and welcome to Cedar Hill Deborah!!!
Kristy Seibert says
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!!
Bonnie says
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.
Jacquie says
Loved the trays and the festive island decorations. A little bit of Christmas in every space, including boots.
Wendy M. says
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!
Judi sesrs says
I too collect the fontanini creche. I set mine up on my sideboard.
Sue Glass says
I love your royal touches of purple!
Linda Charlton says
The touch of lavender makes for an individuality in your decorations. I love your taste as always. Have a Merry Christmas!
Rosa says
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.
Anita says
Great idea Rosa!
Sue M. says
Always love all your special touches making your home so lovely.
Elizabeth Logan says
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!
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
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!
Peggy Lee says
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!
Linda says
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.
Patty Soriano says
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.
Sandra Huntley says
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.
Tonya Schoepf says
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.
Arlene says
Love your style!
Karen E says
Everything is beautiful. I love the touches of purple, especially the boots!
Alexandra says
Love everything about your home Anita! Alexandra
Tracy says
Love the lavender and purple accents, unexpected but beautiful.
Roseanna says
Everything looks so wonderful! Love the unexpected touch of purple.❤️
Barbara says
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.
Lory at Designthusiasm says
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… 🙂
Nicki Bruleigh says
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!
Dana Richardson says
Love the purple accents on the tree and the pillow in the chair.
Michelle Bibby says
What a beautiful tree! I especially love the pops of purple.
Kathleen says
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!
Dominga says
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. ?
Sarah | She Holds Dearly says
Your home is lovely, Anita! I especially love your french chairs
Babette says
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!
Anita says
Oh that sounds wonderful Babette! So glad that they do that for first responders. We need our police!!! Thank you and blessings to you.
Jean says
Anita, I love the purple on the tree. The live tree is nice but our weather is too warm . Merry Christmas Jean