Celebrating Christmas with the Family & Tree Classics

Jessie’s living room decked with Tree Classics 7.5ft. Kennedy Fir Narrow Artificial Christmas Tree with Quickset LED Clear lights, Wreath & Garland, Tree Skirt, Silver Berry Holiday Picks, and Silver & Gold Ornament Collection

One of the joys of working with Tree Classics is their commitment to celebrating holiday and family. And gratefully, I get the opportunity to enter other people’s lives and spread a bit of Christmas cheer.  This year I asked Tree Classics if we could decorate the house of a friend of ours, Jess, for the Christmas with the Family campaign.  Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, she undergoes surgery in December.  With a husband and two little guys at home, I knew it would be a small comfort & joy to have the house prepared beforehand. 

She picked the pre-lit Kennedy fir with Quickset LED Clear lights (one of my favorites!), and the accompanying wreath & garland. After seeing a few of her holiday inspiration pictures, I chose the Tree Classics, Shimmering Snow Faux Fur Tree Skirt, Festive Holiday Picks in silver and two ornament sets from the silver and gold ornament collection.

Decorating Jess’s house was definitely a team effort from start to finish. Rachel and I had about 4 hours to get the tree, garland, and wreath set up and all the decor in place. Many hands certainly do make for light work, and between me, Rachel, Jess and her friend, Jill, we decked the halls in record time.

So much of decorating for the holidays (and in general) is arranging the things you love and adding layers. Jess already had some beautiful pieces, so Rachel and I quickly got to work setting up the greenery and adding touches of Christmas to Jess’s armoire, seating area, and front entry.

From Tree Classics, 7.5ft. Kennedy Fir Narrow Artificial Christmas Tree with Quickset LED Clear lights, Silver Berry Holiday Picks, and Silver & Gold Ornament Collection. Ribbon from Walmart, gold beads from World Market (past season), and gold beaded garland from local Hillsdale boutique, MaryBeth’s

From Tree Classics: 7.5ft. Kennedy Fir Narrow Artificial Christmas Tree with Quickset LED Clear lights,Tree Skirt, Silver Berry Holiday Picks, and Silver & Gold Ornament Collection, wrapping paper from Target’s 2019, sugar paper, collection.

Rachel and I pulled in a few soft touches & signage to create a welcoming entry. On the landing, we used a mirror as the base and added the 24” Kennedy fir wreath. Mirrors, layers, texture are a great combination. Wreath and garland from Tree Classics. Pillows on steps from Target, 2019 Holiday Collection. Knit Stockings, Target 2019.

Holiday greens, sprigs of berry, and a touch of copper add holiday cheer to Jess’s entry.

Based on Jess’s living room decor and her inspiration photos, I pulled in some soft silver, gold, and just a touch of red to add a spark of color.

While Christmas is so much more than decorations or a tree—somehow the beauty of lit greens, our favorite cherished stockings and ornaments, music playing, a fire crackling, cooking & baking, giving in abundance, and ultimately gathering with those we love, all blended together in December creates beautiful memories. A big thank you to Jess for allowing us to trim her lovely home, and to Tree Classics for sponsoring this post. And definitely check out these fellow bloggers who are sharing their family holiday traditions and decor throughout the week!

Excited to share holiday decor & traditions with these fellow bloggers! Sharon of Sweet Honey Cottage @sweethoneycottage; Kaitlyn of Fresh and Vintage Living @freshandvintageliving; Romelia of Life Through Mama Eyes, @lifethroughmamaeyes, Caitlyn of Caitlyn Neier, @caitlynneier

Source list:

7.5ft. Kennedy Fir Narrow Artificial Christmas Tree with Quickset LED Clear lights 

Wreath & Garland

Tree Skirt

Silver Berry Holiday Picks

Silver & Gold Ornament Collection

A Friendsgiving Menu

Roasted chicken & bread salad via Smitten Kitchen, velvety rich mashed potatoes via Martha Stewart, cranberry sauce via Williams Sonoma, and pumpkin cheesecake via Williams Sonoma | RACHEL CUTHBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

Because my birthday usually falls the week of Thanksgiving (though not this year because the holiday is so late), we often begin the festivities before Thanksgiving. And while we love celebrating with family and all the traditional fixings, we also love celebrating with our friends. This year, we have close friends visiting the weekend before Thanksgiving. They’re English, and back in the 1990s we introduced them to American Thanksgiving customs. For the following ten years as their kids grew up, they would always spend the holiday with us.

So this year I wanted to celebrate the upcoming holiday with them, but with a twist. It seems like a a bit of overkill (no pun intended) to have the same turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie that we serve on Thanksgiving. So earlier this month I tested out a Friendsgiving menu that would feel festive, but wouldn’t be a repeat of our traditional meal.

I happened upon this roasted chicken recipe via Smitten Kitchen, and I’m sold. It’s so good and I can prep it the night before! I also made the bread salad that accompanied the recipe and I’ve become a huge fan. It feels like stuffing, but healthier.

Roasted chicken & bread salad via Smitten Kitchen, velvety rich mashed potatoes via Martha Stewart, cranberry sauce via Williams Sonoma, and pumpkin cheesecake via Williams Sonoma | RACHEL CUTHBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

Speaking of sides, this is my favorite mashed potato recipe. Pretty traditional, but always a success. I think that cream, butter, and cream cheese makes the richest, creamiest mashed potatoes. I realize Martha’s recipe calls for Yukon gold potatoes, but I had Russet on hand when I was testing it out, and they worked as well. I also added a few peeled garlic cloves to the water while boiling the potatoes.

Roasted chicken & bread salad via Smitten Kitchen, velvety rich mashed potatoes via Martha Stewart, cranberry sauce via Williams Sonoma, and pumpkin cheesecake via Williams Sonoma | RACHEL CUTHBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

I wanted a bit of color and sweetness to accompany the chicken, and this is my favorite go to for cranberry sauce. It’s a more traditional cranberry sauce with apple and orange from Williams Sonoma. I’ve been making it for years and it doesn’t disappoint.

Roasted chicken & bread salad via Smitten Kitchen, velvety rich mashed potatoes via Martha Stewart, cranberry sauce via Williams Sonoma, and pumpkin cheesecake via Williams Sonoma | RACHEL CUTHBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

Finally, another oldie, but goody from Williams Sonoma is this twist on pumpkin pie: pumpkin cheesecake. I’ve made this a few times, and it’s a lovely blend of cheesecake and pumpkin with a gingersnap crust. Also, I haven’t had issue with the top cracking, which makes me happy.

Roasted chicken & bread salad via Smitten Kitchen and pumpkin cheesecake via Williams Sonoma | RACHEL CUTHBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

Bottom line, whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving or serving a smaller crowd for Thanksgiving, I definitely recommend trying a roast chicken instead of a turkey. My family was so excited when I did a trial run of this meal — they told me it felt like the beginning of the holiday season and even wanted to light candles on the dinner table. Needless to say, I will be using these recipes when our friends come next week!

What are some of your favorite Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving dishes? I’d love to hear them in the comments below or on my social channels!

Finally, i’d like to wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

7.5’ Kennedy Fir from Tree Classics; Dinnerware from TJ Maxx; Silverware & Linens, World Marke; Faux Pumpkins & Candlestick Holders, Target; Plaid throw, Pottery Barn

Tree:

Kennedy fir, 7.5’ prelit quick set tree, Tree Classics

Classic Fraser fir decorated wreath, 24” Tree Classics

Greenery:

Wood garland, Creative Co-op. I really like this brand—usually found at boutiques. I found the garland at Lake St. Design Studio in Petoskey, MI and at our local Hillsdale boutique, MaryBeth’s.

Silk flowers & faux wheat: Target Dollar Bin

Faux pumpkins (gingham & pumpkin picks): TJ Maxx

Tablescape:

Water Hyacinth pumpkin, Opalhouse for Target, fall 2019

Gold Candlestick holders , Target

Candles, Magnolia for Target

White plates, Pioneer Woman, Walmart

Brown transferware plates, TJ Maxx

Gingham faux pumpkins, TJ Maxx

Twig Silverware, World Market

Linen napkins, World Market

Tablerunner, Ikea

Plaid wool blanket, Pottery Barn (no longer for sale)

Thanksgiving with Tree Classics

Rachel’s dining room, set for Thanksgiving. Kennedy Fir, 7.5’ via Tree Classics. Table layered with favorite dishes, linens and silverware. Sources listed below.

Happy November! In Michigan, it' is officially late fall (this is not based on the calendar, but the temperature) and ready or not, the holidays are upon us! In our family, the week of Thanksgiving has always been ushered in by a flurry of celebrations. We have 6 family birthdays between Thanksgiving and the New Year, and Brock and I celebrate our anniversary to boot . Side note: I was 23 when we were married and couldn’t fully appreciate the stress/busyness of the holiday season. : ) Yet somehow, despite birthdays, anniversaries and 3 major holidays, my mom and grandma always made the holiday season feel special and full of “sneaky surprises.”

Growing up, I was firmly in the, you don’t decorate until after Thanksgiving. In fact, I remember my mom waiting to get a Christmas tree until mid-December. But over the years—and I’m sure that working for a tree company has influenced me a bit— I’ve grown to love the slow roll out of holiday decor. I start early in November, and by Thanksgiving, I’m in pretty good shape on the decor front. Pre-decorating has opened up my December schedule, and has allowed me to do a bit more holiday baking & entertaining.

This year, I started decorating at my friend & photographer, Rachel’s house. She has lovely 9 ft ceilings and a great dining room for entertaining. I chose one of my favorite trees, a 7.5’ Kennedy fir from Tree Classics to add a bit of holiday ambiance. It’s amazing how twinkle lights brighten a gray fall day!

To bridge the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I mix some of my favorite holiday greens, along with fall accents. This year I chose warm cozy touches—mostly a mix of creams, green, gray, and dark brown hues. So much of decorating is trial and error. I pick some of my favorite colors for the season, shop my houses and then fill in with a few new pieces. Once I start decorating, I just layer, layer, and layer some more.

Layering includes color, texture and size. Note that on the tree I used oversize ivory colored florals, miniature pumpkins, and faux wheat and common cat tail for color and texture. I added black and white buffalo check ribbon that ties together the table and coordinates with pumpkins at the bottom of the tree.

Tree Classics, 7.5” Kennedy fir. This particular tree has been a perennial favorite of mine. It has a slender profile and real feel tips. And it fits beautifully in Rachel’s dining room—providing the soft white lighting and winter foliage, but allowing guests space to move around the Thanksgiving table.

Something old: Buffalo checked ribbon from Michaels, a black and white runner from Ikea, ivory dishes via Pioneer Woman, silverware and linen napkins from World Market. For a full list of all my sources, see my list below with links.

Something new: Water hyacinth pumpkin, candles and candlestick holders, all from Target. Transfer ware dark brown plates from TJ Maxx (I could only find six, and I hit at least 6 TJ’s from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids. ; ) For the tree: Faux pumpkins, gingham pumpkins (TJ Maxx), silk flowers and faux wheat (Target dollar section) and wood garland (Creative co-op

7.5” pre-lit, quick set Kennedy fir.

On social media, I did a quick poll on whether you were team “decorate before Thanksgiving” or “decorate after Thanksgiving.” You all definitely had opinions, which I love, and it was a split decision with a variety of rules surrounding pre Thanksgiving decorating. For me, it’s slowly decorate with a mix of fall and Christmas decor. But definitely no Christmas music or movies until Thanksgiving weekend. Some of you said, yes to decor, but no tree until Thanksgiving. Love it! Others said after Thanksgiving because it’s the natural start of advent, and some strongly believe that Christmas decor belongs in December only. I would love to hear some more of your holiday decor thoughts & favorite Thanksgiving traditions!

Ready for Thanksgiving. The table is set, tree and wreath are fluffed and decorated. Wreath: 24” Classic Festive Fraser Fir from Tree Classics. Tree: 7.5' prelit, Kennedy Fir.

And clearly, I’ve trained my own children to anticipate the holidays. No sooner had we cleaned up the Halloween candy, when my 10 year old daughter asked, “when can we put up the Christmas trees?,” naturally, I was delighted. She loves the the coziness and beauty that comes from a house filled with twinkle lights. And in the midwest, where fall ushers in cold weather and shorter days, twinkle lights and holiday celebrations are a delightful reminder that winter is a great time to cozy up together. So bring on celebrations—family, friends, abundant feasting, warm drinks, and cozy nights before the fire.

A big thank you to Tree Classics for sponsoring this post. Check a few of my other blog friends as they share some of their favorite Thanksgiving memories! Come back next week when I will share a few favorite “Friendsgiving” recipes!

Kicking off the holidays with these Blogger friends!

Kristine of Bold Boundless Blonde, @boldboundlessblonde_

Kelly of City Girl Meets Farm Boy,@citygirlmeetsfarmboy

Mary of Selah Pines Farmhouse, @selah.pines.farmhouse

Lori of My Lovely Texas Home, @mylovelytexashome

Katie of Baker Nest, @baker_nest

Source List:

Kennedy fir, 7.5’ prelit quick set tree, Tree Classics

Classic Fraser fir decorated wreath, 24” Tree Classics

Tree:

Wood garland, Creative Co-op. I really like this brand—usually found at boutiques. I found the garland at Lake St. Design Studio in Petoskey, MI and at our local Hillsdale boutique, MaryBeth’s.

Silk flowers & faux wheat: Target Dollar Bin

Faux pumpkins (gingham & pumpkin picks): TJ Maxx

Tablescape:

Water Hyacinth pumpkin, Opalhouse for Target, fall 2019

Gold Candlestick holders , Target

Candles, Magnolia for Target

White plates, Pioneer Woman, Walmart

Brown transferware plates, TJ Maxx

Gingham faux pumpkins, TJ Maxx

Twig Silverware, World Market

Linen napkins, World Market

Tablerunner, Ikea

Plaid wool blanket, Pottery Barn (no longer for sale)

Fall Decorating with Tree Classics

Rachel’s front porch decorated with a mix of real and faux pumpkins, fall mums, and Classic Fraser Fir Festive Wreaths and Garland

Truly a picture is worth a thousand word, and what better way to welcome friends and family than a front door festooned with fall bounty. This year, we are in the process of renovating the front of our house (new door, windows, lighting, and a bit of landscaping). So I asked my friend and photographer, Rachel Cuthbert, if she would mind if we decorated her front porch instead for Tree Classics blog hop, Treasured Celebrations. Graciously, she accepted!

I chose two of my favorites from Tree Classics, their Classic Fraser Fir Festive 6’ garland and 24" wreath. It’s a collection I go back to year after year because it transitions beautifully from fall to Thanksgiving and Christmas. It includes pinecones, faux leaves and small gold buds which lend itself to fall and winter. For fall, I added miniature pumpkins that I found in the Target Dollar bin (always a treasure trove)!

We hung one 6’ Classic Fraser Fir Festive Garland and Wreath. The garland is hung on Tree Classics double door Garland hanger—no nails needed! Though it definitely helps to have two people Hanging it.

To create a bit of visualize interest, I like to add bits of texture and pattern along with real and faux pumpkins. Needless to say, I was excited when I found black and white buffalo check pumpkins at TJ Maxx, and faux straw textured pumpkins from Target. To tie everything together, I used bits of leftover buffalo check ribbon to hang the wreath. Side note, we hung the wreath on her front door with a Command Hook wreath hanger (Love Command Hooks! One of the most ingenious 21st century decorating tools.).

It’s amazing what a bit of color and texture adds. Real pumpkins and mums from our local nursery and Walmart. Wreath and Garland via Tree Classics, and I added mini faux pumpkins from the Target Dollar Bin.

What’s not to love about fall—it’s glorious shades of red, orange and yellow. And so before the north wind doth blow snow, I will savor fall and all of its rich color and bounty. A big thanks for Rachel for letting me use her front porch as my fall decor laboratory! And thank you to Tree Classics for sponsoring, Treasured Celebrations. Check out their current sales and prep for the holidays!

• 10% off wreaths and garlands by using the code: TCWG10 upon checkout.

• Coupon code is valid until Oct. 31

• 10% discount is applied on top of the sale price

And join bloggers, Kristine of Bold Boundless Blonde, Kelly of City Girl Meets Farmboy, and Lori @mylovelytexashome for their favorite fall decorating tips. Happy fall!

Thanks to Tree Classics for sponsoring Treasured Celebrations! ANd Follow along with Kristine at BoldBoundlessBlonde.com, Lori of MyLovelyTexasHome.com, and Kelly of CityGirlMeetsFarmBoy.com as they celebrate fall along with me!

Tree Classics Classic Fraser Fir Festive Wreath

Tree Classics Classic Fraser Fir Festive Wreath. The wreath comes decorated with tiny gold buds, faux leaves, pinecones and real feel needles. I added the faux pumpkins for a bit of a fall touch.

Tree Classics Classic Fraser Fir Wreath

Tree Classics Classic Fraser Fir Wreath and Garland. I originally intended to swag multiple garlands over the door, but decided we liked the simplicity of the single Garland.

Christmas in the Community with Tree Classics

“
“For it is in giving that we receive.”
― St. Francis of Assisi”

As most of you know, I love decorating for the holidays and as brand spokesperson for Tree Classics, of course, I have many opportunities! I have easily set up a dozen tree this year alone. But, while it’s fun decorating our home for the holidays, the most life giving opportunities are when I get to gift trees. So I was pleased to join Tree Classics annual Christmas in the Community campaign where various bloggers gift trees to their favorite community organizations.

Most recently, Tree Classics donated a 7.5’ Lake Forest Fir Snap Tree, tree skirt and ornaments to the SPARC program (a local non-profit that provides programs and support for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families) at our children’s charter school, Will Carleton Academy. And I can’t say enough kind words for how warmly the students and staff welcomed me. They were so excited to decorate their new tree! We spent a morning listening to holiday music, putting ribbon & ornaments on trees, and drinking hot cocoa.

SPARC student, Sam, decorating the tree. Photography by Rachel Cuthbert Photography.

Making bows and stringing ornaments.

SPARC students & faculty at Will Carleton Academy charter school.

You can imagine my delight when they invited me to see their fully decorated tree and to share more popcorn and hot chocolate. And they made me a lovely salt dough ornament tree along with thank you cards. Very thoughtful! A big thank you to Tree Classics, and Tammy, Char, and Paul with SPARC, and Colleen Vogt the Director of Will Carleton Academy for welcoming me into their community. Merry Christmas!

Hand crafted Salt dough tree; fully decorated Lake Forest Fir Snap Tree.

Holiday 2018 Wrap Up!

The Lutz living room all dressed up for the holidays. Majestic Blue Spruce tree, Classic Fraser Fir garland and wreath. Photography by Rachel Cuthbert Photography

I’ve been decking all sorts of halls this year… Here are a few of my favorites!

This year I opted for a more narrow tree in my living room, the Majestic Blue Spruce decorated with mercury glass and gold ornaments and topped with gold and velvet green ribbon from Hobby Lobby. For the our fireplace and door, I used the Classic Fraser Fir garland and wreath from Tree Classics—both are battery operated—and honestly, I’ve had them up for over a month and haven’t had to change the batteries.

Next, is my friend and photographer, Rachel’ Cuthbert’s, Christmas tree. Her newly renovated family room has vaulted ceilings which is perfect for a 9 foot tree. We chose a Deluxe Noble Fir—this is one of my favorites with full green, down swept branches. I have used the 7.5’ version of this tree the last few Christmases and love it. I pulled in Tree Classics Woodland Collection, letter ornaments for each member of the Cuthbert family that I found in the Target Dollar bins (I often find some great buys there), berry picks from Tree Classics to add a bit of color and texture. I also like using berry picks for tree toppers as well. We finished it off with bulky yarn that we turned into garland. I found super thick arm knitting yarn at Hobby Lobby and twisted it into garland—it reminds me of a cozy sweater!

Finally, in our family room, I decorated a Flocked Alpine Spruce. Because of the wood paneling in this room, I like to brighten the space and the flocked tree both brightens and adds to a woodsy feel to the room. I also used the new Woodland Ornament collection and red berry picks for this tree. I pulled in gingham wired ribbon from Michaels and topped it with a bow. I love seeing Rachel’s tree and our family room tree next to each other. We both used the Woodland ornaments, but look completely different because the trees and the garland vs. the ribbon. Let me know your favorite!

A few tips from the tree decorating trade:

1. If you are using an artificial tree, take time to fluff the branches. I know it’s time consuming, but it makes such a difference. Especially towards the back of the tree, branches should be fluffed like a peacock feather. This creates a fuller tree and conceals the trunk.

2. If you decide to use ribbon, wire the ribbon in first. Here’s a link to a step by step video for adding ribbon to trees.

3. Vary ornament sizes. I try to decorate with 3 sizes—small, medium, and large. Large ornaments add that wow factor to the tree so don’t be afraid to use them. In fact, put them on after you add ribbon to the tree. Step back from the tree and visually break it into six sections. Place the larger ornaments accordingly, then add medium ornaments and finally smaller ornaments.

4. Layer detail onto the tree—tree picks—such as the berries I used in Rachel’s tree and my flocked tree, gold leaf picks that I used in my living room tree, etc…, a tree topper, garland, ribbon, and a finally a tree skirts.

5. Finally, I am often asked, how do you create a cohesive, styled tree if you’re using a variety of mismatched ornaments? My suggestion: pick at least 3 things to tie everything together—a tree topper, garland or ribbon, and a tree skirt, then you can pull in all of your family favorites and heirloom ornaments. Finishing off with coordinating wrapping paper for gifts is another simple way to create a tree that looks and feels coordinated.

That’s it for holiday decor 2018! Would love to hear what’s your favorite of the three trees, and if you have any holiday decorating tips or questions. Wishing you the merriest of Christmases!

Home for the Holidays with Tree Classics

Family room mantle decked in Christmas Morning Frost garland. Photography by Rachel Cuthbert Photography.

Welcome!  I’m excited to be kicking off Tree Classics Home for the Holidays blog tour.  One of my favorite things about being the brand spokesperson for Tree Classics is decorating for Christmas early, previewing some of their new product, and “window shopping” other bloggers holiday decor! Today I’m sharing with you some our favorite holiday traditions along with our family room decked in holiday finest and a few tips for decorating like a pro.   

Perhaps it’s cliché, but Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.  It’s as if the world takes pause, for even a half second to celebrate what is good and beautiful and true.  We do this by decorating, baking and cooking, gathering those we love and hold dear, sharing meals together, and gifting our time and resources.  And over time these activities create indelible traditions and memories.  

A few favorite Lutz family traditions include (in no particular order):

• Wrapping and reading 25 picture books to celebrate advent: December 1-25th

• Decorating the house & making it Christmas cozy (my daughter loves this!)

• Christmas music!!! Again, a bit cheesy, but it makes me so happy!

• Pulling out special holiday mugs—especially for hot chocolate (my 9 year old twins have already started using theirs)

• Baking and gifting cookies & coffee (my husband roasts his own coffee and I bake)

• A special day of lunch & shopping with the kids (they exchange names and we take them to the city, in our case, Ann Arbor, to shop)

• Wrapping gifts while watching our favorite holiday movies (White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf… to name a few)

• Gathering with friends and family.  We live in a small community & my husband works at a college 7 minutes from our house. Our work, school and church life all intertwine (think Mayberry meets Stars Hollow), and no exaggerating, for two weeks in December, we have at least 4 events a week.  Of course, it’s a bit exhausting to fit in all this celebration along with Christmas prep.  But then I ask myself, what would it look like if we didn’t celebrate?  If we didn’t take pause each December and truly celebrate. “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices…” O Holy Night, composed by Adolphe Adam, 1847, text by Placide Cappeau

Flocked Alpine Spruce Tree, Woodland Ornaments, and Red Berry picks from Tree Classics

On to decorating!  I began “decking the halls” in our family room. Tree Classics has fun new product this year—Christmas Morning Frost Wreath and Garland set as well as new ornaments and tree skirts.  Our family room has a rustic feel with knotty pine unfinished planked walls, and I immediately knew that woodland ornaments along with my Flocked Alpine Spruce tree, and Christmas Morning Frost wreath and garland set would create a beautiful winter woodland landscape.  

A few quick designer tips… Really fluff your tree, garland and wreaths.  I’ve linked to a short video of me going through the steps of fluffing a tree. The beauty of pre-lit Tree Classics greens is that they look full and real, and you can adjust the branches to look fuller and fit ornaments (we call it fluffing). In the inside of your tree, fill the holes and blank space by moving your branches upward to mimic a peacock feather.  For exterior branches, look at the picture of the tree online and shape your branches up or down accordingly. I promise, you will be much happier with the end product if you take the time to fluff your branches.  

Fluff your tree branches for the best shape & fullness!

Other notes, I always keep twine, green floral wire, green pipe cleaners, wire cutters, and command strips on hand.  To get a really designer look, I will wire ornaments to branches—so that they hang perfect.  You have more control with a wired ornament—you can hang lower or higher. Command strip are amazing for hanging holiday pictures, wreaths, and garland, but you do have to have the right surfaces.  Command strips don’t work as well on uneven surfaces such as the wood in my family room. 

I added the lovely Woodlands Collection ornaments to the tree.  I really like the detail in these ornaments—the owl has real feathers & the cardinal is beautiful.  The red berry tree picks add color and texture—they even have a bit of crystal sanding to mimic snow & add sparkle. I often add ribbon and, for this tree, added gingham ribbon that I purchased at Michael’s earlier in the year.  

Two of my favorites from the collections—the strand of acorns and the owl with real feathers. Love the attention to detail!

For the tree skirt, I chose Tree Classic’s Rustic Plaid Faux fur tree skirt. Seriously love this!  We live in Michigan, and I love anything that looks & feels cozy during the winter months.  Sort of related side note: I just ordered winter boots with shearling lining and am currently looking for the warmest winter coat I can find—faux fur trim would be a bonus! If anyone has favorite WARM winter coats, let me know.   

To tie together the tree and give a cohesive look, I try to use wrapping paper and ribbon that coordinates with the tree.  Home Goods and Ikea are two of my favorite places to shop for these items.  In this picture, both wrapping papers are from Ikea. 

While I used some new product for the woodlands collection for the tree, for my fireplace and piano—I mixed and matched product this year.  Tree Classics has a rustic wreath and garland set, but I wanted to carry the flocked look over to my mantle.  Again, I just really like how the flocked brightens up my wood paneling. Often, I will swag my garland, but this year decided to place the garland on the mantle.  It’s so rich and full with red and silver ornaments, berries and pinecones that I didn’t need much extra décor.  I found a fun mirror at one of my favorite local specialty shops, MaryBeth’s.  There is very little room between the ceiling beams and the mantle, and this distressed, narrow mirror was a perfect addition.  Hanging it was a bit tricky, but gratefully, I had wired twine on hand, and it seems to be hung securely.  

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care… And can I say, I’m so happy I found that mirror! I love this particular shot. : )

For the piano, I placed the garland and added candlestick holders that I found last year at a resale shop, along with the lamp that usually sits at the piano. Finally, I hung the wreath above the piano—so far I haven’t added ribbon, but may still add one.   

Christmas Morning Frost wreath from Tree Classics

And that’s it—my tips for creating an inviting home for the holidays!  Check out my fellow bloggers who will also share their décor and favorite holiday traditions.  And please, share your traditions as well and let me know if I can answer any tree questions. 

Home For the Holidays participating bloggers

Nov 12: Jessica of Domicile 37
Nov 13: Linda of The Home I Create
Nov 14: Jen Lutz of Tree Classics/Jennifer Lutz at Home
Nov 15: Caroline of Caroline Bivens Designs

Nov 16: Haley of At Home with Haley

Nov 17: Kathy of Up to Date Interiors
Nov 18: Heidi of Home by Heidi
Nov 19: Jennifer of The Ranch Uncommon

Nov 20: Shirley of Housepitality Designs

Nov 21: Monica of Monica Wants It
Nov 22: Cindy of Edith & Evelyn Vintage

Nov 23: Ashlee of Ashlee and Her Tribe

Nov 24: Leah of Life as Leah

Treasured Celebrations

This fall my husband and I hosted friends for our 20th college reunion, a celebration of some of my most treasured, life changing friendships.  Needless to say, when Tree Classics invited me to kick-off their Treasured Celebrations blog hop, I knew that this was exactly what I would share with you as we head into Thanksgiving… the beauty of gathering friends and creating memories, along with approachable menus for feeding a crowd and simple décor ideas.

Décor: Front door & table decor

It doesn’t have to be complicated.  For real! I’m laughing a bit as I type this because prep for our Homecoming gathering was a little crazy & complicated. But, that’s because we did a full remodel on our main bath this summer, our master bath is currently gutted and one month out from friends arriving, we started a DIY update of our basement bath. Ha! I will share these bathroom remodels in future posts, but let’s just say, I wouldn’t recommend this level of home improvement this close to a major event.  However, it was a huge impetus to keep moving and get work done. And miraculously, with much thanks to my husband, a handful of college students, and local friends who pitched in last minute, we got most of it done.  

My real recommendation is that you add a few seasonal touches to the house: some fresh flowers, candles, and music right before guests arrive. On the front door, this is one of my favorite wreaths from Tree Classics because it’s beautiful for fall, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Countryside Wreath

Fluffing Tree Classics Countryside Wreath

On the inside, I hung this Classic Fraser Fir Wreath.  Again, this is another wreath that works well from fall to Christmas. I added this Thankful sign that a dear friend recently gave me. I love little reminders sprinkled about the house, and truly, I am thankful.  Thankful for decades of friendship, and the bounty that comes from gathering with those we love and cherish.     

Classic Fraser Fir Wreath from Tree Classics. I added the Thankful sign from Hobby Lobby.

For table décor and food, I often employ a few strategies. First, I look to the season.  It’s fall so I pull in the rich colors of the season, thus pumpkins, squash and gourds.  Also, I often buy flowers at my local Kroger—they have great prices for roses and sometimes I even find great prices on discounted flowers. Second, I shop my house. After years of party planning and hosting, I’ve collected quite an array of cloth napkins.  I’ve even made some of my own as well.  And I layer my dining table with a runner, seasonal décor, placemats and mix & match dishes.  

Fall harvest tablescape—table runner & placemats from Ikea, plates from Pioneer Woman (Walmart), print napkins and silverware from World Market, bowls and burnt orange napkins from HomeGoods.

Dining table as it gets darker outside. Loving the pillar candles from Hearth and Home collection at Target.

Food fit for a crowd

We host friends and family. A lot.  Often, I am quickly throwing together a dinner party, but when I hatched the idea to invite a dozen friends to visit for Homecoming weekend, I knew I needed to be organized in planning—many friends were coming from a distance (East Coast, West Coast, and even Europe!). I couldn’t potluck this shindig.  

Though I did enlist help from a close friend who also happens to be Italian and a fantastic cook.  No joke, she made homemade lasagna (noodles and everything) and traveled 2 hours with them on ice along along with a delicious Italian Cassata cake from Mannino’s Bakery in Detroit.  She also brought Italian bread and real deal mediterranean olives and parmesan and Romano cheese from a speciality grocery store. I promise, I did make a few things—homemade meatballs, salad, and steamed green beans (I really like the French green beans from Costco, also great for feeding a crowd).  

I think we’re all more likely to host if we say yes when people ask to help.  Obviously, this doesn’t work when people are travelling on planes or super long distances, but when in-state friends asked if they could bring things, I said yes.  And it was a huge help to me—fresh fruit, even bottles of wine, snacks from Costco and Trader Joe’s (places that I can’t readily shop) were a great addition to the festivities.  

Side note: We’ve lived in a small town for the last seven years, and there are so many things that I love (living close to everything—school, work, friends, church—you really develop daily community in a way that is more challenging in a bigger city).  But, I do miss the Cleveland food scene.  Specialty grocery stores, bakeries and ethnic food that I took for granted, oh how I miss you!  

Homecoming weekend menu:

• Friday dinner: Artisan cheeses, crackers, assorted olives, homemade lasagna, sauce, meatballs, green beans, Italian bread, Italian Cassata cake 

• Saturday breakfast: Ham & veggie egg bake, fresh fruit, coffee and toast

• Saturday lunch: A la carte—cold cut sandwiches and such

• Saturday dinner:  Barbecued chicken, pulled pork, grilled hot dogs, assorted salads, baked beans, dips (one of my favorite easy go to dips is Costco’s prepared spinach artichoke dip) and a variety of potato and corn chips, salsa, etc…

When feeding a crowd, I often choose desserts that are plentiful and not overly complicated. As I’ve mentioned before, we’re nearly 90 minutes from the nearest bigger city (Ann Arbor is my go to) and so buying desserts is not a great option for me).  Thus, my friend carted a cassata cake all the way from Detroit for our Friday dinner! For Saturday evening, I had my mom make the Pioneer Woman’s chocolate sheet cake.  Everyone always loves a bit of chocolate, and this recipe feeds a crowd.  

PSA: Along with Ina Garten, the Pioneer Woman is one of my go to’s for recipes.  She cooks for a crowd, people always enjoy her recipes and they’re mostly fail proof!  Don’t believe me, check out Jennifer Garner’s#PretendCookingShow.  By the way, I want a pretend cooking show!  

 A friend who lives in town brought these Pumpkin bars (seriously, I have made this recipe three times since last month).  Delicious and not labor intensive.  It reminds me of pumpkin roll, but easier.  No trying to gingerly remove from the pan, cool and roll.  Just fill pan with batter, bake, cool and frost!  

Pumpkin cake—I wish I had a better photo. I promise, it feeds a crowd and is delicious. Way better than the photo depicts.

Pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting.

As October is quickly drawing to a close, holiday prep is on many of our minds.  From décor to menu planning to strategies for getting the house in order, it can seem like a daunting task.  I think it’s often so overwhelming many of us choose not to do it.  But my encouragement for today is that yes, it requires some extra work, but gathering friends and family over the years has been the most rewarding “work” I have ever done.  Don’t let your house or fear of feeding a crowd keep you from gathering people.  Memories and friendships really do begin around the table.  

Thanks again for Tree Classics for sponsoring this blog hop, Treasured Celebrations. Starting next Monday, October 29th, these other bloggers will be joining me, sharing their home decor and fall traditions: Emily of smallstuffcounts.com, Monday, October 29, Kathy of uptodateinteriors.com on Tuesday October 30th, Kendra of joyinourhome.com on Thursday, November 1st, and Kaitlyn of @freshandvintageliving | freshandvintageliving.com on Friday, November 2nd! And of course, I would love to hear about your fall gatherings and traditions!

Celebrating our 20th college reunion & 24 years of friendship! So thankful for these women and the rich heritage we have built.

Join us as tree classics kicks of the holiday season with our treasured celebrations blog hop! Each of us will be offering our design ideas for creating a welcoming fall home.