In the esteemed words of Snooki… the party’s here!
Woop woop, the tree is up. And this year now that Clara’s a big girl who we think can handle real ornaments (well, we got a few shatter-proof ones for the very bottom just to be sure) we went with a gradient from white to hot pink to red. Booyah. Or as I’ve been saying way too often: boom goes the dynamite.
Oh and we have a bunch of meaningful/special ornaments that we love the most, but we save those for our real mini tree (we got a tabletop one last year and loved it so much that it’ll be a tradition). So we’ll post about that one as soon as we get it (don’t want it to die before Christmas, so maybe next week!).
Anyway, back to our gradient guy. We thought it would be fun to see the color get deeper as it got closer to the floor, and since we already had a bunch of white ornaments from our silver tree in 2007 and a bunch of soft pink ornaments from 2010 and homemade ones from last year’s Pinterest challenge, all we did was grab a few more hot pink and red ornaments (which only ran us about 12 bucks total, thanks to 50% off sales at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby).
Let the record state that hubster wanted it just to go from white to red with some of those silvery pink ones in the mix since we already had them, but I’m a smooth talker… so that’s how hot pink ended up in the mix.
Then we just loaded each of the four colors onto the tree in bands of color with white at the top which led into light pink, hot pink, and bright red at the bottom. Oh and we added some $2 candy canes to the mix since they fit with the color scheme.
But why tell you about it when we can show you? I love seeing Clara’s reaction to it after she woke up from her nap to see it all glowing and assembled. Maybe she thinks magic elves live here and work while she naps? I wish!
As usual we used our faux-sheepskins-from-Ikea to make a tree skirt. Oh and check out that bicycle ornament we grabbed for cheap at Target.
We also went sans topper. We’ve been waiting to buy one until we see one we totally love and that hasn’t happened yet, so wait we must.
Here she is at night. I’ve named her Glowy Glowerson.
And since I’m a list freak, here’s the rest of the stuff on my holiday wish list. I try not to be all stepford and pressure myself about it, but I can’t explain the endorphin rush that I get from crossing things off of a list. And don’t think I won’t cross things off even if I don’t do them if I run out of time, just for the satisfaction of crossing them off, because I totally roll like that.
set up the big tree (gradient, baby!)- get a live tabletop tree again (like we did last year – this year we have a new idea for the ornaments though!)
- decorate the mantel, the built-ins, and the entryway console
- hang our outside lights & decorate the front porch
- shoot a Christmas picture of Clara & Burger for our annual holiday card
- make an advent calendar for Clara? Ahh I’m behind already!
- shop for slash make all the gifts on our Christmas list (about 50% done already, can’t wait to cross this sucker off!)
And since we’re talking trees. Here’s how we decorated ours back in 2007 & 2008 (with the same white and silver scheme):
And in 2009, we went crazy for citrus, and even dried fruit to make ornaments:
In 2010 we had green, pink, and silver shimma goin’ on:
Here’s our tabletop tree from last year complete with homemade ornaments that I whipped up for a Pinterest Challenge:
And here’s last year’s big tree with homemade paint chip ornaments and colorful ribbons (nothing that could shatter since Clara was 19 months old):
Feels kinda festive, eh? What are you guys doing to get into the holiday spirit? Or are you screaming “not ready!” and boycotting Christmas Carols until a certain magical “now it can be Christmastime” date? Are you making a list just for the satisfaction of crossing things off? Are you making anything homemade (gifts, food, advent calendars, etc)? Do tell.
Psst- Still in the mood for more holiday projects and pics? Click here for a gallery with over 25 holiday projects and ideas.
Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15!
Ooh – great timing! We just put our tree up. It’s in the eat-in part of our kitchen, which is all gray, black, and white (like our entire house, really). Our decor is modern and sleek. Our tree is white (which looks amazing against the gray walls!), the lights are all white, and the ornaments are origami cranes that we made from silver wrapping paper. 1,000 for good luck in various sizes. The tree star on top is an origami star tessellation – made by my fantastic husband. Here’s the cool part – at night, with the tree lit, you see all of the silhouettes of the birds in the tree! It’s even prettier than I thought it would be. :-)
So pretty!!
xo
s
Ack! No way! I was totally gonna pick up that bicycle ornament to bring you at your Minneapolis book signing (carried it around in my cart and everything) but couldn’t find anything that screamed $herdog at me and I thought it would be weird to just show up with a gift for John. So instead I brought you guys, you guessed it, nothing. Merry Christmas!
Haha, that’s so funny! It made its way home with us anyway! It was meant to be! Haha.
xo
s
I’m not too sure what shipping costs would be like for folks in the US, but amazon.ca seems to have your book in stock! I know I can order from amazon.com from Canada, so I assume the same would work for folks in the States ordering off the Canadian site.
Ooh that’s a great tip Jamie! Thanks!
xo
s
I LOVE the way your tree turned out! Our tree is a hodge-podge of ornaments collected over the last several years. I like your idea of a small tree with special ornaments, and then using the big tree as a more stylized tree. I’m filing this in my mental cabinet for next year!
We are not at all “dude, get on that already!” folks when it comes to Christmas. I love, love, LOVE Thanksgiving, and we have a birthday boy in early December, so we typically wait until a week or so into the month to decorate. I’m usually busy with birthday plans, plus it helps to keep the two separate (well, the three if you count Thanksgiving, bday, and Christmas).
We have two trees, too. An artificial that goes up early – decorated with ornaments the kids have made over the years and also Christmas cards we receive during the month. The second – a live tree – goes up much closer to Christmas with our “family” ornaments. My parents gave me an ornament each year growing up (my mom still does), and I’ve continued this tradition. Each of my kids receive an ornament, and my husband and I share one – usually themed to something that’s happened during the year (a trip we’ve taken, something special to our family, a milestone of some sort). So much fun to pull these out and think about why they are each meaningful – it’s like an ornament scrapbook!
That’s fun!
xo
s
I love it! In review I think it’s your best yet, I’m a bit more a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas trees so designer trees aren’t really my thang but I think this one strikes a nice balance!
Not too much Christmas decorating going on for us since I’m 32 weeks pregnant and getting tired (lol!) but we did get our first tree this year (artificial since I’m allergic to real) since this is the first year we’ll be staying here instead of going back to visit our families a few states away. So far I’ve put on a few non-breakable/non-sentimental ornaments and am waiting to see how our two cats react. So far they’ve been good so I’m planning on adding a few more to the tree this week. It’s crazy to think that next Christmas I’ll have an 11 month old who will be exploring the tree as well!
Confession: I’d really like to have a stylish themed tree like you two do, but my mom has given me a ton of ornaments that were either ones she got “for me” growing up (first Christmas, ones with my name, ones I helped pick out at craft fairs, etc) or ones she picked up on clearance for me over the years – I have more ornaments than will fit on my tree, but they don’t match for any kind of style! It bugged me a bit, but now that I have the tree up and have some stuff on I’m finding I don’t mind as much as I expected, I actually kind of like it. Whew!
Aw, it sounds so pretty! It’s charming to have a huge mix of ornaments and when you flick on the lights it’s perfect!
xo
s
I luuuuuuuuhhhhhv the gradient tree this year! You guys always impress me with your ideas each year. I stink at dreaming up stuff like that…good thing there is the internet for me to steal ideas from! :) Thanks for putting me in the holiday spirit this morning!
love your tree, so pretty.
the hubs isn’t the biggest fan of holiday decor (used to be completely anti-tree for years). so it’s a gradual process throughout December, a little here, a little there, slowly spreading things around the house. by Christmas the house is beautiful and my man is cool with it.
this year i’m stoked because i just noticed that the ornaments i’ve been collecting match our vintage 60’s plaid chair that will happen to sit next to the tree. a happy accident!
Love your tree! I don’t think my hubby would be as willing to let pink slide onto ours :) I am making a bunch of gifts this year, the best one I finished so far is a bearded crochet hat. Next up on the list are some super-hero capes for some good friends of ours!
Santa’s got a couple of Stylin’ Elves at YHL! Your ombre tree is beautiful. And I love how you try something new every year.
Everything looks better with bacon on it! I think Burger’s ears perked up when he heard “bacon”!
Hahahah!
xo,
s
While I did put up the little tree this weekend, the big tree won’t go up until Christmas Eve after my son goes to bed. I grew up with “Santa” delivering and decorating the tree, and I’m keeping the tradition alive.
That’s sweet!
xo,
s
I have hundreds of sentimental ornaments, many of which I made when I was a child. I don’t ever need to buy tons of new ones to fill up my tree, and I’m not sure I’d want to! Your tree is beautiful, though. Maybe when your daughter is older you’ll have more of your own and not just relegate the “personal” to the extra little tree.
In years past, I’ve been a bit of a scrooge, but now that my children are old enough to really get excited about Christmas, I find myself doing the same.
Oh yes, we’d love to collect more special ones, we just only have enough for a small tree so far! She hasn’t made us any yet… haha!
xo
s
I love changing up my holiday scheme each year, too. :) Your trees are always so fun and festive, but I gotta say I think this year’s ombre tree is my fav! For tree toppers I’ve done a big ribbon/bow, a bundle of silk poinsettias, and have even done a tree all in vintage and handmade Christmas cards (and put the sparkliest card at the top, of course!). This year my four-year-old is insisting that we have a star on top. Hope to find a really cool funky vintage star with some history to it!
That sounds really pretty!
xo
s
We try to wait as closely to Christmas as we can, starting out 30+ years ago putting up a real tree on Christmas Eve and having the tots discover the beauty and bounty on Christmas morning. The children eventually “helped” decorate, and we started doing it on the days the kids got out of school for the holiday to involve their friends. (We eventually invested in a pre-lit fakeroo.) Once the teens lost interest, we began having a tree-trimming party the weekend before Christmas, so our guests and their kids/grandkids get to decorate, amid carols and good food. My kids are adults now and they enjoy recounting the tales that go with some of the ornaments. It’s a great time!
Wow – what a great idea, so pretty! This is the first year in my own house, and I’m thinking of making some of those paint-swirled balls you did last year. How have yours held up? Have you had any issues with the paint coming unstuck inside the balls? I’ve heard of that happening when the acrylic paint dries it can shrink up a little bit. Thanks!
They look great! We actually used the hot pink ones from last year on this tree! You can see one in the third picture down. Still going strong!
xo
s
I LOVE this! Maybe someone already mentioned it (I didn’t have time to read the hundreds of comments… How do you guys do that all the time?! I guess because you’re awesome!) but anyway… Have you noticed that all the Target stores did a gradient tree in their store displays too? At least all the ones in Hampton Roads did… The biggest tree in the Christmas section. Theirs were more of a color wheel gradient but same idea… And I love it! I may be a year late on the awesome trend, but I’m totally doing it next year :)
No way! We didn’t see it! Sounds like so much fun- can’t wait to check it out! Hope it’s at all stores and not just regional! Has anyone else seen it here in Richmond?
xo
s
Target has the gradient trees way up in Spokane, WA too. Nowhere near RVA, but I’ve got to represent the NW! Yours is better :)
That sounds so cool!
xo
s
Such a wonderfully simple idea to execute!
I don’t know why, but the “touch with a finger, like this” was almost too precious for me to handle. Freaking CUTE.
As stressful as it probably is for you all to have fans wanting your book and having a hard time finding a place to buy it….Congratulations on having a book that is sold out and in demand!!!
Aw thanks Katrina! We feel bad because we want everyone who wants it for the holidays to get it, so it’s all about trying to link up and show people wherever it might be hiding! It’s so funny to have dozens here in Richmond but nothing in stock on a giant site like amazon! Hopefully folks are sending our little local business here in Richmond (Mongrel) some great business today by getting it there!
xo
s
That tree is GORGEOUS! I absolutely love the gradient color scheme–it’s so unexpected, and it is simply beautiful. I can’t remember the last time I had such a strong reaction to a Christmas tree. It looks so fantastic!
Aw thanks Elizabeth!
xo
s
Ombre tree?!? You just did that!
Again, another evil-genius-Sherry move because now I want an ombre tree too! Last year my boyfriend and I were both crazy busy in December so we decided to only do a little table-top tree in lieu of our normal full-size tree. I’m excited to go out and pick a big one again this year.
Haven’t started decorating too much yet, but this weekend I did nab the twelve dolla spiky branch wreath like the yellow guy you did for the book. We kept ours au naturel and I added (faux) sprigs of holly around the inner circle. I love the way it turned out and I’m looking forward to swapping out little accessories on it as the seasons change!
Am I the only one who’s glad you chose the word GRADIENT instead of OMBRE? :-)
Haha! It’s what we called this back in advertising. We didn’t know what the heck ombre was for the longest time, and then we were like “oh you mean a gradient?!” – haha!
xo
s
“•shop for slash make all the gifts on our Christmas list (about 50% done already, can’t wait to cross this sucker off!)”
Dude! Everybody gets a book. Done. Cross it off your list. :) PS – I begrudgingly spent my daughter’s birthday with her yesterday instead of coming to the book signing. Just kidding – but I am sorry I missed it! The tree looks great.
Hahaha, you’re so sweet Karin! Sorry we missed you too!
xo
s
Love the idea of changing tree themes each year! Ours is the same each year, but this year we got the kids a 2nd live tree that we will replant after Christmas. Our son is in charge of the decorations for this tree…He has gathered pine cones and we are going to be spray painting and glittering them to hang up!
Here is our tree this year:
http://olneyhomeproject.blogspot.com/2012/12/its-most-wonderful-time-of-year.html
So cute! Love the glittered pine cone idea!
xo
s
Love the theme this year! Still too young to get a real tree for myself (using that as my excuse!) but love seeing what everyone else does to theirs. Growing up we always had a huge, beautiful tree but with the same ornaments. I loved it, but switching things up is so fun!
http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/166844361166817148_DZVJT7G8.jpg
Just saw this on Pinterest and thought of John – Christmas present idea
It’s awesome!
xo
s
It’s so pretty! What a great idea. Adding in the pink HAD to happen.
jbhat
Thanks for the book link- definitely gave your local bookstore some business! You were sold out in DC and then my B & N order was canceled after it was placed- grrr! Do you know some people are trying to sell it on amazon for an insane profit- one for $999?! I kept thinking it was a mis-print, but there were multiple listings like that over the weekend.
Um, that’s craaazy! Hope everyone’s buying it from Mongrel! They’re a great local business and their price is almost 1K less. Haha!
xo
s
This is my favorite tree by far! I love the gradient idea! We put up our tree when our son was napping too and his reaction when he woke up was, “Whoa, you see that??” (repeated about 50 times). :)
This is my favorite tree you’ve decorated so far! I LOVE the gradient! So, so awesome.
Love your tree! I did a burlap tree this year. It turned out so great!
So stunning and SO CREATIVE!
What in the world would it be like to be in the mind of Sherry Petersik?!
I would like to credit John because he sat in the car with Clara for a good 20 minutes while I stood in Hobby Lobby in the ornament aisle waiting for “inspiration” to strike. Hah! I went out to the car and said “I don’t know… gradient?” and John was like “done – let’s get the heck out of this parking lot!” – haha!
xo
s
I love seeing what you guys do every year – we are in the same boat with a 22mo old. The gradient tree is AHmazing. I went for big clusters spiral down the tree and let Thatcher, my son, fill in the rest (at the bottom). We are tree topperless too – sounds a little risque :) – but I just make a crazy top with peacock feathers and a bow. I’ve been trying to come up with an advent calendar as well – was thinking about making bundles of candy/toys wrapped in tissue paper so he could easily tear apart and printing out a number tag on each one then displaying them on my cake stands in the kitchen..BUT haven’t got there yet either. Anyway, you can check out my pics here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200266424412297.2199413.1503820523&type=1&l=145aa2f8cd
P.S. I’ve got your book displayed on my entry table!
That’s so pretty! I love the cluster that spirals down! So creative!
xo
s
I have to admit I am a sucker for bows on the top of trees and big ribbon wrapping it garland style. I won’t be putting mine up for another two weeks since it won’t come down until January 6 after Twelfth night, but when it does go up it will be with all of my bright colored ornaments (including some left over mardi gras bead strands)
I have a little fake tree and have been known to leave it fully decorated and just stored it in a closet covered, but I actually took it apart this past year so…more work.
I have a 13 month old who is all over the place! Should’ve gone the paint chip route, although I think we came up with a pretty picturesque solution – no ornaments on the bottom 1/3. So glamorous.
Also, so great to meet yall yesterday at Mongrel! I was the nerd with the post-it notes, ha! Maybe there’s a chance I wasn’t the only one…
Ha, you’re onto something with your tree idea Brianna! So great to meet you yesterday! We had so much fun and I totally remember you because of your name. So pretty!
xo
s
Love the idea of having a table top tree for the special meaningful ornaments. I may have to do that someday! Thanks for the tip! Your next book should be a holiday book.
I love the color gradient! What an awesome idea, it looks great!! Our new thing for Christmas this year is buying a live tree (one that comes in a pot with all it’s roots intact), and then after Christmas planting it somewhere in our yard. We’ll see how that goes, but we loved the idea of adding trees to the world, instead of taking them away.
I love that! Tell us how it goes for sure!
xo
s
Love it! The gradient is such a neat idea. P.S If you want to make “kid friendly” ornaments, check the cute owl family I just made. I’m obsess. Making them gifts this year. I even made a cute penguin last night, I can’t stop LOL
http://www.larysubero.com/wp/?p=7917
So sweet!!
xo
s
Your tree looks amazing!
Can you tell me where you got that bag for your tree and if you like it? I need a new solution for storing mine.
I think Target? It works well! We’ve had it a few years now.
xo
s
I made an easy advent “calendar” on Friday night for my 2 yr old. I took 24 random envelopes, put a gel cling (or two) in each one, taped some left over wrapping paper across the front, wrote numbers on them and hung them up with leftover clothespins on a line across our mantel. It actually looks better than it sounds and he has loved pulling one down each morning!
I wish our tree was up. We apparently picked one with a very curved trunk and failed last night at keeping it upright.
That’s sweet!!
xo,
s
Actually, I’m taking a wee break from my Christmas-y pursuits at the moment. About to get back to making the kids’ Christmas ornaments (I make them a special one each year to add to their personal mama-made collection), and still need to get to making a stocking for the little babe (there is a gaping hole right now where hers should be!). Wrapped up a handmade garland a few nights ago and need to pull a Dude, Get On That on finishing off a Christmas quilt I started last year. Lots to do! Keep napping, kiddos. KEEP NAPPING.
Can’t believe you wrote of “lists” today… I got so much done over the weekend that I hadn’t planned to, that I want to MAKE a list of all of them so I can cross ’em off!!! :)
Haha, do it!!
xo
s
Did you see this White House Tree? It’s so, so, bodacious!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/a-glimpse-at-the-glittering-white-house-holiday-decorations/2012/11/28/a6a84ff2-39ab-11e2-8a97-363b0f9a0ab3_gallery.html#photo=17
Ooh it’s so pretty! I love the swirl!
xo
s
I love all your trees but I think I like the fruit one the best – it seems that it would remind me of summer and warm weather when it is cold and snowy.
This year we cut down a HUGE tree (10 feet tall and about 7 feet diameter at the bottom). We don’t even have a tree skirt since the branches are so wide that you couldn’t even see the base. This is the first time that we have been able to fit on all the ornaments and it only filled up the front 2/3 of the tree. We have ornaments from when my husband and I were children (including some we made) and many special ornaments from family members that are no longer with us.
The kids also have little trees in their rooms that they decorate themselves. They didn’t get lighted trees until they were older but they started decorating their own trees when they were about 3 years old. They loved to rearrange the ornaments and still love to get a special present from Santa under their own little tree. This is a great way to distribute those handmade ornaments from school.
LOVE that idea!
xo
s
Nice! And December 1 is the “now it can be Christmastime” date for me… I can’t believe how many people got started earlier!
I am so NOT in the mood this year… Xmas will be me & my pets, New Year’s will be… ditto… ((yeah, insert pity party here))I love to entertain and feed a big group at Xmas and NY, but unless I round up some homeless folks (which, really, could be interesting!) it’s just not going to happen this year.
My favourite tree is your paint chip one, and I have to say I wasn’t sold on this year’s hot pink “layer” but it’s real pretty when it’s all lit up at night!
I think I’ll kick myself in the butt and put up some lights at the windows this weekend. Fake it ’til I feel it sort of thing. Floor trees are a no-no ’cause one of my “boys” will lift his leg on anything green! I love him to bits but he’s a big boy, with a big bladder, and I don’t want to chance my house smelling of Eau de Doggy Wee :-D
Happy holidays, but damgnabit, where’s my book?!? ((just joking, I know Amazon.co.uk is back-ordered….))
Haha, hope it makes its way out there soon!
xo
s
Hi Sherry & John!
Love your tree theme this year!
I was wondering if you might do a short post on how to take a good photo of a Christmas tree? I’ve been trying in vain to do it! On Facebook, I see many terrible quality photos of Christmas trees that I know must look awesome in real life, so I can’t be alone!
I know it’s not technically about design but it’s about taking a PHOTO of a design! Does that count? haha
Rosie
Oh yes, here’s the tip! Put the camera on a tripod and turn the shutter speed way down. Since it’s on a tripod it’ll hold steady but the longer exposure helps get a better pic of the tree in the dark! Hope it helps!
xo
s
I had to share that I was embarrassingly excited (I may have squealed and did a little dance in the aisle) yesterday when I went to Target and found the same white feather Christmas tree that you use to decorate every year. I immediately grabbed one and explained to my boyfriend that it WAS, in fact, necessary to purchase the “John and Sherry” Christmas tree for our apartment. I looooooove it!! :)
Ooh yes, I saw them too! So fluffy and new… must. resist. buying. more.
xo
s
My family has a hideous burlap angel tree topper that my parents acquired many, many years ago. One year, my mom tried to bring in a new “pretty” tree topper, and there was such a revolt among the kids, that the burlap angel remains to this day. Some traditions you just don’t mess with, regardless of how “ugly” they are!
Hahah! That’s hilarious!
xo
s