First of all, I loved all of your opinions and comments when I asked for help choosing the theme for the Michael’s Dream Christmas Tree Challenge 2013. When it came right down to it, I decided to take the advice many of you gave about challenging myself. After all, this is a Dream Tree CHALLENGE. So I decided to face a decorating fear of mine and go for “super elegant”. My fear with a super elegant theme is that I could totally mess it up and add elements that just don’t go. I wanted to steer clear of the gaudy look, but still have a tree chalk full of Christmas beauty. That being said I went a completely different way from my previous thinking and chose a Silver & Gold theme. The ornaments I chose are so glittery and perfectly elegant. They aren’t bold and bright or traditional, but they still make a gorgeous statement.
Let the challenge begin!
I made a trip to Michaels Crafts, but this time to actually purchase the tree décor instead of wandering around wondering what theme I should choose. Once I spotted the Silver & Gold decorations, I was set on using it! I filled 2 carts with spools of ribbon, dainty silver and gold ornaments, glittery sprigs and 6 over-the-top gorgeous giant glittered reindeer (3 silver and 3 gold). With the trunk of my car full of beautiful sparkly awesomeness, I could barely contain my excitement as I drove home to start decorating.
I laid out all my ornaments, ribbon, sprigs, and décor, set-up my most amazing tree and just stood there…sufficiently challenged! I had no idea how to even begin such an undertaking. I took a picture of all the loot I had scored and my naked Christmas Tree and sent it to Kari with the text “HELP!” hoping she would drive right over and show me how to create a Christmas tree that would wow you! After all, she did create a gorgeous tree for the Michaels Challenge last year. Instead she sent a text back that said, “Start with the biggest ornaments and work your way down to the smallest ones.” Are you kidding me? That’s it?! I thought, “there is no way it is that easy!” Then I took her big sister advice and just started placing the biggest ornaments: the giant reindeer.
Then I placed the big gold stars. Then the glittery balls, etc. Surprisingly, this was actually easier than I anticipated. After a couple of hours and lots of “stepping back to have a look,” I had all the ornaments in place. Now to fill in the holes; for this I used ribbon and the many sprigs I had purchased. Finally, I was finished and I plugged in the lights on the tree for the first time.
I LOVE IT! This Elegant Silver & Gold tree shines! It is truly my Dream Christmas Tree. I am so glad I accepted the challenge to go beyond what I would normally do and stretch myself. The results are far greater than I thought possible!
Thanks to Michaels Crafts for providing the beautiful tree and gift card to purchase the ornaments. I had a fun time and am more than pleased with the results.
Post By…
Lisa says
I love it! You did a great job. I think with the white lights, it really plays up on the sparkly silver and gold.
Kari Sweeten says
Becky your tree is GORGEOUS!!! I absolutely love the classic silver and gold theme! Breathtaking!
Pam says
Beautiful !!!
Victoria Jenks says
How much did you spend for the decorations? I always shy away due to my perceived cost of such an undertaking…
Becky Marie says
Hi Victoria,
The cost of the ornaments, ribbon, etc. cost about $400 with everything on sale. I love Michael’s sales!
Wendy says
It looks Fantastic! You did an Amazing job!
SkiptomyLou says
Love it! Those reindeer are so cool!
Coleen says
The tree looks stunning!
Dana - http://chocolateandsunshine.com says
Beautiful tree. You have patience to wait to turn on the lights until AFTER the ornaments are on. I have to do it throughout the decorating process. This had to be fun to work on a tree from start to finish with new decorations as we usually incorporate existing ornaments into our trees. I usually decorate at least 4 trees so I better get started soon…
Fun project!
Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com says
Your tree turned out so great! I love the colors!!
xox
Simple Simon and Company says
Lovely…just loverly.
~elizabeth
Amy {The Idea Room} says
LOVE the silver and gold! Smart thinking ;)! Love the reindeer too!
butterfly843 says
What a beautiful tree!!
Lil' Luna says
Turned out great! The silver and gold is such a great combo!!
I {heart} Nap Time says
Love your tree! Turned out fabulous!
Nike says
Gorgeous! Love the shine and muted snow tones.
HawaiianLibrarian says
Absolutely divine!
Abby Kell says
Did you get your big reindeer ornaments this year? I love them and can’t seem to find them at Michaels 🙁
Cathy B says
IVe seen those reindeer at dollorama….cheaper than Michaels too.