Tuesday, December 6, 2016

O Christmas Tree...

When we moved into our new to us house last year, I knew right away that I wanted the Christmas tree to go right in front of the large arched window in our living room.  What I didn't realize was that there is a heating vent in that exact spot as well.  A fresh cut tree sitting right above a heating vent wasn't going to work if we wanted the tree to stay fresh for very long, so we decided to get as realistic looking of an artificial tree as possible.  They sure are more convenient to put up and less messy than a fresh tree!  




Unfortunately, faux trees certainly don't smell as nice as a fresh tree.  So, I do two things to help my home smell Christmas-y.  First of all, I bring in cuttings of fresh greens to add here and there in my decor.  Juniper is one of my favorites, both for its appearance and its smell.  A local grocery store carries it in their floral department.  A large bunch is only $4, and there's enough for me to use it in several spots around the house.  Secondly, I buy pine or balsam fir scented candles and enjoy both their glow and their evergreen scent.  

And now, a little photo fun with a sprig of that juniper I mentioned...
  (Photo edited using Kim Klassen's Monday texture)
 (Photo edited with Kim Klassen's scrapit texture)

still following,





37 comments:

  1. Bunches of Juniper, what an excellent idea! Nice ornament shots, they have that handmade look I love.

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  2. I love the smell of real Christmas trees, but I'm a practical gal. There is less to clean up with a fake one. Unfortunately, this year, we're putting up neither as we will be away during the holidays.

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    1. Going away for the holidays is bittersweet. I would miss decorating the house!

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  3. Lovely photos - all of them! And that's a gorgeous tree.
    Advent blessings to you!
    Thanks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-church-of-transfiguration.html

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  4. Elizabeth, I so enjoyed these beautiful photos! Your tree is lovely but then the entire room is stunning. May you & yours have a blessed Christmas!

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    1. Christmas blessings to you and yours as well, Joanne!

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  5. **such** a pretty tree & decor.
    and i have to say .. your living room
    is beautiful 0 love how you've arranged.

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  6. Such a nice variety of textures. I like the bird ornament and pine cone most of all.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Gayle! I'm partial to that simple pinecone photo myself!

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  7. Loving your texture work! We have the same issue with the Christmas and heater.

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  8. We have a faux tree as well...succumbed to the reality of how wonderful life was without having to water a real tree every day :-)
    I like your idea of bringing in juniper branches...such lovely photos.

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    Replies
    1. It is great not having to water or vacuum up needles!

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  9. Your tree is lovely. I'll have to check out the juniper idea. I have one of those automatic sprayers that I put the pine in this year, and I love candles. :)

    Loved see you visit and link. Thanks.

    Peabea@Peabea Scribbles

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your sweet encouragement and for the link up!

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  10. Beautiful tree...beautiful home!

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  11. great idea! I used to have a few ornaments made from fresh balsam wood. They helped bring in the smell of Christmas too!

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    1. Ornaments from balsam, how lovely! Thanks for popping by and taking time to comment!

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  12. You have a lovely home! Merry Christmas!

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  13. Great photos, although I can't say I'm in the Christmas mood yet!

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    Replies
    1. I hope that Christmas joy is yours this season!

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  14. Love your tree - and I agree that an artificial tree is so much easier to deal with. We've had real trees the last two years but our electric heat dries them out so fast that we can't keep them up long. This year we downsized our tree. We bought a smaller artificial tree - and I love it! Even though it just has lights and garland on so far. I hope to decorate the rest tomorrow. Love your ideas about keeping 'the smell' of real trees in your home. I need to venture out and get some new candles. Perhaps I'll find pine or balsam.
    ~Adrienne~

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    1. Marshall's, TJMaxx, Homegoods, Ross and Target are good places to get the candles!

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  15. I love your little bird ornament, Elizabeth! Fresh greenery and candles, what a perfect solution to the smell dilemma! Your home is beautiful, friend, thank you for sharing.

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