Tuesday, November 30, 2010

O Christmas Tree...

 How's that for a lame-o completely unoriginal title?


 So, we set up our Christmas tree last week!  We were trapped in our house Thursday night due to the snow and icy road conditions, so... why not put the tree up?  It felt like a Christmas-y thing to do with snow on the ground and cold weather conditions!  We decided to make it a family affair-- we popped a huge bowl of popcorn and let Caleb stay up to "help" us.  It was as horrifically painful fun and stress-free as you may imagine setting up a tree with a toddler might be.  There were ornaments, lights, popcorn, and boxes everywhere.  Caleb wanted to touch everything.  In the end only one ornament was broken.  The vacuum cleaner was only pulled out twice.  I'm going to go ahead and call it a success.

And, here is the finished product!


 My ornaments are blue and gold.
A little on the unconventional side, but I like it!


I even set up a mini-version in the kitchen.  This used to be our main Christmas tree-- we finally had enough room to upgrade to a big one when we moved into this house.

It makes me feel festive while I cook.


Now, there is still one element that I'm undecided on.  The tree skirt.  I don't have a normal tree skirt since most of the ones available for purchase in the stores are either too expensive or too ugly.  Instead, I went through my fabric collection and found two pieces that could be wrapped around the base of the tree in place of a skirt.  Unfortunately, I can't decide which one I like better.  Here are the two options:

This one says:

"Hi!  I'm traditional.  If you're feeling safe today, choose me.  BTW, I'd make great throw pillows for your living room post Christmas."

I like.


 And then there's this one.  It says (I'm using 'it' because I can't decide on a gender):

"Hi!  I'm modern!  If you're interested in a tree skirt with a nautical side, choose me!  I am a nice compliment to the blue ornaments on your tree."

I also like.


Again... option 1.


And, option 2.


Who knew maternity leave could be filled with so many stressful decisions?  

Just jokes.

Which would you choose?

11 comments:

KDees said...

Beautiful tree! :) Not stressful to set up at all! I personally like the traditional tree skirt. You're right - it would make some great throw pillows post-Christmas!

Erica said...

Tough call Elissa! I like the stripes...looks great!

Anonymous said...

I'm with the traditional - Option 1. But since when is decorating my thing? Go with what you like best. Your tree is beautifully decorated.
Charlotte

Anonymous said...

I think I like #1 better up close, but I like #2 better farther away. Is that any help?
Love Trish
PS.. did you know that yours, mine and Ang's trees are all blue and gold... great minds I tell you.

Melissa said...

I like option 1. Both of your trees look fun and festive!

Anonymous said...

I don't have a tree skirt either so I dug into my material collection as well, it works great! I think option #1 is my favorite because it still leaves the main focus on the tree. Can't wait to see you in just a few weeks!
Ang

rachel joy said...

I choose #1 too, subdued and cozy and Christmassy.

Bonnie said...

I definitely vote #1. Number 2 is cool but it draws the eye away from the tree. And the tree is GORGEOUS. Definitely want that to be the focus ;)

Trev and Rebekah said...

NUMBER 1!

Love the tree. Did you put those books in the Kitchen tree picture or where they there already? :0)

Elissa said...

Ha ha... you totally caught me Rebekah! I had a couple of them out, but decided to add a few more for impact :)

The A Team said...

I really like 1...that is my personal fav..but two is nice, too!