Let’s talk about pairs. You have lots of pairs in your life, but here’s an idea you might not have thought of: Put up a pair of Christmas trees this year. No, not green trees, either fresh or man-made. How about some shiny aluminum? These trees are lightweight, reflect and attract light, are easily decorated, and store with ease. And they require no maintenance, which is great, when you think about what you have to do about consistent water level and temperature around the live variety, and the amount of space a man-made green tree might require up in the attic, even if it breaks down into branches and trunk. Aluminum trees can be the answer for practical reasons, but anyone who seeks a fresh approach to Christmas décor will be thrilled at the use of, not just one, but two. They can flank each other in front of a mantel, or in a large window, or within seating areas, and two trees are just as easy to incorporate along with existing furnishings as one.
You can purchase these trees pre-lit with clear lights, and then add old-fashioned colored light strings, like I did here. Adding additional lights means even more reflection. Decorate your trees as much alike as possible. Use the same colors on both, and the same assortment of ornaments, if possible. I used vintage ornaments, because I have many. Making the trees mirror images of each other will also mean making your design statement more emphatic. There’s something about matched pairs that’s pleasing to the eye, whether it be racehorses, chairs, or an (unexpected) Christmas tree twosome.
And don’t concern yourself with erecting a mountain of wrapped packages under your trees, either. Potted poinsettias are easy to maintain, and can take up that space nicely. With the number of poinsettia colors now available, you’ll be able to find the right shade to contrast or complement your tree decorations nicely. You can paint terra cotta pots for your poinsettias, and place all on a tree skirt.
Now, it starts getting good. Once your trees are in place, create echoes of that shininess in other area of your room. You may recall these stacks of antique slide boxes I use most of the year on my mantel. I got them at an estate sale in San Diego last year. I added miniature Mexican-made trees to the box assortment. These table-top trees are also aluminum, like their large brothers, and are painted in clear, yummy colors that just happen to work with the color palette of the big pair.
When you place something right at eye level, like the small trees on the mantel, details are important. The colors of these little trees pop, and the glass bead centers of the flowers are easily seen. Using vintage lights on the mantel underscores the look of the tree pair in front of the fireplace.
And don’t forget tree toppers for both, like this aluminum number to finish the shiny effect. Same color, same feel. Use the same touch throughout your design, the same palette and elements. Keeping this sort of unity means your design is that much more important.
You can purchase the table top trees, pre-order the full-size aluminum trees, and find an array of cool and unique holiday décor at Botanica and Plantopia. Think about the glow your holiday guests will encounter, when cast by, not one, but two lovely, shiny Christmas trees.
Live life to the fullest,
Chris H. Olsen
Botanica Gardens
