Antlers, Lobsters, and Crystals: 7 Extravagant Christmas Trees and the DIY Secrets Inline
Photo: Hannah Thomson1/9These peacock blue walls called for an unconventional tree. I love mixing chinoiserie blue with hints of red. I skipped white lights for this tree and instead wrapped the branches in red and blue lights. The trick is to use three times as many lights as you think you need and wrap each branch from the trunk out. You want the tree to glow from within. The best assortment of colors and sizes (I also love the vintage look of C7 lights) is at Christmas Lights Etc. Once you have layered at least 3,000 lights, hook them up to a dimmer and lower the intensity just a bit for a softer glow.
Photo: Hannah Thomson2/9Reach inside the tree and remove some branches to make room for extra large ornaments, or in this case, oversize peacocks. Extra-large iridescent balls are perfect for large open holes in the tree and they help reflect the light. Jim Marvin makes glass balls in every size and shape. These nine-inch amber ornaments are perfect.
Photo: Hannah Thomson3/9A beautiful tree skirt can transform the tree. The pattern is simple and any local seamstress can help you customize it for your tree. Here, we improvised by layering cowhide rugs under the tree. Textured skirts are the best because they give your gifts a comfy resting place. And fluffy white sheepskin backed with white suede is beautiful under an all-white tree.
Photo: Hannah Thomson4/9A playful nod to Salvador Dalí who once took up residence at The St. Regis New York, this tree is made entirely of red jeweled and sequined lobsters. A proud Queen Elizabeth, an old found reliquary from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, tops the tree, because why not? She seems right at home with all those glittering lobsters. Forgo the traditional star or angel and hunt for a different, whimsical tree topper. Really anything could work, try a weathervane or a big, beautiful lampshade!
Photo: Hannah Thomson5/9Gilded magnolia leaves dress up a classic tree. Natural elements like leaves, pinecones, birds’ nests, and acorns take on a new identity when gilded with gold leaf. Sepp Leaf is ground zero for gilders if you want to try your hand at the technique. If gilding is just too DIY for you, then head to Knud Nielsen for a great assortment of pinecones and branches. You can even get pinecones on a pick so they are easily nestled into tree branches.
Photo: Hannah Thomson6/9Let your tree tell a story. Hang your ornaments and objects in an unexpected way. I like to think that these two bejeweled lobsters by Kara Ross are sharing a secret. Enlist the kids to help you glitter and sequin. Here, a plastic lobster becomes a work of art.
Photo: Hannah Thomson7/9Bluebirds that escaped their cage are nesting at the top of this chinoiserie tree. Before you head to the tree farm, nursery, or guy at the corner bodega, measure your ceiling. You want your tree to be freshly cut just shy of the ceiling. Don’t forget to leave room for the topper!
Photo: Hannah Thomson8/9Red, lacquered Manzanita branches give this tree a pop of color and a sculptural feel. They can also fill in holes left by wonky or dead branches. These beautiful blue and white ornaments are by Eric Cortina.
Photo: Hannah Thomson9/9No hooks? No problem. Zip ties and floral wire can do just about anything. Here we wired and secured hundreds of naturally shed antlers from Montana to this glittering tree of horns inside The Armarium Chalet at The St. Regis New York. If you can find green zip ties, they blend in the best!
