Sunday, December 2, 2012

out on a limb...our tree


The inspiration for our tree came out of frustration...
decorating the tree at our house was never an anticipated, memorable tradition to ring
 in the season, it looked more like this...

After wrestling the HUGE U-Haul box out of the tiny 1938 basement closet, and lugging
 it upstairs we'd argue about ponder a location for our artificial tree that wouldn't interfere
 with viewing sports on TV. Donning ski gloves, we'd assemble and fluff sections of prickly
 branches in the correct order. Last year after it was all assembled, it barely resembled a tree
 because we had an entire section left over....#3 to be exact.
 You see the previous year we'd had issues as well, and Mr. Simple decided to take
 matters into his own hands and create a foolproof numbering system...hence...
two sections numbered #3! 
After disassembling and reassembling with sections 1, 2, 3 AND 3, 4, 5, etc.
the lights didn't work, we purchased new lights and basically threw them at it before
 decorating.  After decorating half the lights went out, never to come back on...I could go on.
You get the picture...not exactly a merry and bright start to the season!  

We LOVE our unconventional tree...it took all of 15 minutes for Mr. Simple to hold the
 branches I'd spray painted, while I scooped kitty litter into the brass bucket holding them!
 Serious, delirious JOY!!


The Craigslist hutch, you can read about the transformation here.


Set up as a bar ~  ready for our end of the day martinis...ha!

 


Looking from the kitchen...


A closeup of favorite ornaments, I used Ikea battery operated lights...





My favorite girl, Rio...resting up for tomorrow's party,
if you missed the deets you can check it out here.


Hope your holiday season is off to a joyous start!
  

Joining Megan @ Honey We're Home here



Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick here



50 comments:

Katie @ Creatively Living said...

I love it! I think it looks beautiful!
--Katie

CreativaCale said...

Your tree ia amezing:)))

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

My kind of indoor decorating. Love it. I would also love a few new martini recipes is you have any?

Nancie N Bartley said...

Does Rio always wear pearls?
Thanks for the tree inspiration..I have decorated the entire house except for putting up the tree. We have a 9month old bulldozer puppy that eats everything and I can just see the tree being knocked over, eaten, destroyed. Been trying to come up with an alternative to the huge artificial monster. Now...all I need is a place to get some bare branches...

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

Love your home. I have been following your blog for some time now, but will be honest I have never left a comment. I could not resist today. The hutch is gorgeous. Looks great in your home.
I too have a golden and he is such a good boy. His name is Roscoe. If we ever got another one we would get him/her in white color or very blonde like yours. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us followers. ANA

gina said...

That is gorgeous!! I just might have to copy you!

decorayadora said...

Love your home. That georgeous !!!!i love your blog!!,

Cindy @ a curious gardener said...

I love the tree! Smart idea. I have been asking for the last few years if we could get a tabletop tree. Our youngest will not go along with the idea so we are still doing the fresh cut tree up to the ceiling. I am still trying to convince him for this year, we don't get our tree until the second week of December. Ikea battery lights..brilliant!

The beautiful hutch looks like it has always been there, perfect bar. Your holiday touches are very pretty. I am always slow to get going on the decorations, prefer the minimalist approach now, mainly plants. Just a wreath hung and bulbs planted so far.

Pearls suit Rio perfectly, she and Andy could be siblings, same coloring, head shape and pink nose which I think is from living in a cold climate. A vet told me that years ago when I asked what happened to Dudley's (our first Golden) beautiful black nose.

Unknown said...

This tree is infinitely better than that old 123345! So beautiful, so Pam and of course the styling! Your hutch looks amazing to, love it as a bar. Will there be martinis served tonight? And Rio looks so elegant in pearls....

Donna@anangloinquébec said...

Gorgeous tree. I love the unconventional aspect as it just soars with beauty and originality!! Your house is sooo beautiful.

Cassie Bustamante said...

LOOOOVE it!!!!!!! it looks so chic!

Dana Frieling said...

It's all about thinking outside the box! No need for arguing over silly trees...Santa knows where to drop the goods. ;) I like it!

Cotton said...

The hutch looks even better with all of the decor--it really is a perfect addition!

Also, loving pups pearls!! I want some for my angels!

Don't forget to check out the giveaway going on at Cotton's Pickins right now, too!

Unknown said...

Wonderful idea! It looks great in your room too!

Sew a Fine Seam said...

I LOVE that tree! I did a small version of that a couple years ago! Loved it and will probably do it again sometime!

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Oh yes, and I forgot to say that I am having a serious coveting issue over here on your rug. My living room is really really wanting a cowhide rug in white and soft tan. Sigh. Wish Santa were real!!!!

Amanda said...

it looks so beautiful and that hutch is stunning in that room!

Mallory High said...

That is absolutely beautiful!

Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell said...

I love, love, love your tree! I have to be honest...I am sort of over the traditional Christmas tree, so yours is very refreshing. And Ikea has battery powered lights? I've been searching high and low for some for my outdoor wreath, but had never thought of looking at Ikea!

Unknown said...

This is so beautiful! I love your styled hutch and love Rio- did I tell you we're getting a Golden puppy in Jan? Im so excited. Have a wonderful time at the party!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Is it weird that I'm saying OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH I LOVE IT I LOVE IT to my computer????? Ooooooh it's SO pretty --- your house looks like a magazine spread!!! The hutch - I have no words!!!! It is gorgeous Pam! Gorgeous!! And the tree - so pretty - fun - sparkly - unconventional. The presents in the brass bucket? Fabulous. Everything. You blow me away with your creativity!!!

Brandy~GreyLaneHome said...

It's so pretty. The presents with the greenery and that perfect hutch. Ahhhh I love it all. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Calypso In The Country said...

Awww, Rio looks so pretty all "dressed up"! Love that tree and that hutch - gorgeous! I hope you have time to sit down and enjoy the martinis tomorrow!
Cheers! - Shelley

Crissy @ House of Marlowe said...

Stunning.... magazine worthy, Pam!

Donnamae said...

I LOVE this!!!!! And, I could so do this! It is beautiful...stunning...and argument free. Just what the holiday season needs! And did I mention it's stunning??!! ;)

Leslie said...

Oh Pam! Gorgeous! .. and Rio is darling :) I had to laugh.. and I thank you for stating the reality of all the assembly required. Nothing about this holiday is simple :) We got our tree, put it up, and entertained in two days. Bad idea.. I'm exhausted and my house is a mess. I know we need to prioritize, say no, and let things go at times.. but I have a hard time heeded this advice! You look so organized and I appreciate all the effort you put into things. It's NOT easy!

Enjoy the festivities!
leslie

Leslie said...

.. heeding this advice!! {I need a nap!}

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Love love love it Pam!! The whole display looks beautiful! Rio is a sweetie!

Lori said...

Oh Tannenbaum! I love it. Setting up the tree in our house is far from a Norman Rockwell moment. I just need to convince the Scrooge to copy your idea! So pretty and airy. I love the hutch, beautiful packages, and styling of the hutch. I'm so glad you go out on a limb!

Lori said...

I forgot to mention how stunning Rio looks in pearls! She is priceless.

Nancy Carr said...

Love the tree and the dog's collar.

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one with Christmas tree woes! Your tree looks stunning and I can't get over your hutch- that belongs in a magazine! Perfectly styled, along with Rio!

Pat@Life At Lydias House said...

Another magaine worthy presentation!!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

OH...I LOVE IT.....ALL OF IT!!!
AND THE HUTCH......WOW!!

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

Looks great ....love how the hutch came out!

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

Great idea! I love the way it looks. I have always loved branches in decor. So pretty! And that hutch- AMAZING!

A room with a view said...

That is a magnificent hutch, Pam - a great score, and I love your unconventional tree. I have contemplated something different over the years but my kids expect the same type every year so until they are older that is what will go up. Also love the brass pots you have - great sizes.

erica said...

wow! Absolutely stunning!!! I wish I had your talent. xx

Danielle said...

Ah, no about fighting. Last year I hated our lights. They were LED and looking at them made me feel sick. We got new ones this year.

Holly Gruszka said...

Oh my goodness...Rio in the pearls is priceless. As is your tree - I love it. And the hutch/bar too. You are so good Pam!

Jesse C said...

Love your tree! Great inspiration for 2013. I already put our Christmas tree up. But I looove yours!

Unknown said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your tree!!!! And that hutch is amazing!

Erin {Home Everyday} said...

I think this is the most beautiful tree I've seen in a long time. I love that it is unexpected, rustic yet classy and oh so sparkly! I saw this on Honey We're Home, and so glad I clicked! Happy Holidays!

Jennifer@ClassicStyleHome said...

I love that your dog wears pearls, lol. Your tree is perfect. Kitty litter? Hmm...I might have to try that to get my branches to stay in place!

Vel Criste said...

I've never seen a non-traditional tree as beautiful as this - you are truly creative, love it!

LaurenFaythe said...

Beautiful! I love it - so simple, and elegant. I love using branches to decorate! I just got a little teaser - I have to go see the rest of your blog now!

Megan // Honey We're Home said...

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Guerrina said...

Hi,Pam! I just popped over from your link at TDC's and love your tree! For different reasons, I did the same last year and did 2 of them, but they didn't look remotely as elegant as yours! This year back to fake evergreen tree :), but you've inspired me to add a branch tree on the sofa table!

Unknown said...

I love that whole space - it's so beautiful! The colors are gorgeous.

ohiofarmgirl said...

I think i will use this idea for after Christmas snowflakes...a winter tree! It is beautiful. Dianntha

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