Christmas Tree Style: Bare and Beautiful

So far today we've seen the traditional and the not-so-traditional in the Christmas tree department--but let's throw another type into the mix, shall we? More and more, I'm finding myself irresistibly drawn to scrawny, brushy trees in their almost-natural state. I think this is a very European approach to tree decorating (international readers, can you confirm?) and like all things European, it seems so authentic and down-to-earth, yet totally cosmopolitan and sophisticated at the same time.

There are no distractions here. No rigamarole, no tomfoolery. Just gleaming white floorboards, cleanly wrapped gifts, weathered wood accents. The result is that I can't tear my eyes from the drape of the branches, the subtle gradations of green. Simply divine!

Eames rocker + arc lamp + stumpy little tree = lurve. Plus the benefit of this stark modern set-up is that when the tree starts to shed, you don't have to lug out the vacuum. A simple sweep of a broom will take care of any stray needles!

I'm particularly fond of trees that are still living in a pot when decorated. Do you think it would be possible to keep one on the porch year 'round and drag it inside come the holidays? You could give him a name, watch him grow, and feel horribly horribly guilty when you forget to water him and he dies (okay, maybe it's not such a good idea after all...)

I think one thing that really appeals to me about this style of tree is how peaceful and content I feel when looking at it. The frenzied aspects of the season--the time crunch, the crabby shoppers, the insane traffic--slide away and all that remains is the warm glow of peace and goodwill.

So tell me. Of the three styles of tree that I've posted today, what is your favorite?

Image Credits: 1, 2. Inside Out Christmas 3. 4, 5. Bo Bedre 6. Martha Stewart 7. Anna Kern

Comments

[callie grayson]

i am kinda digging the bare and beautiful!
xx
callie

[callie grayson]

and did i just write digging? yes, i did!
man it has been a long week!
beautiful post:)

xx
callie

[Brandi]

I absolutely adore simple bare trees. There's so much so beautiful about a tree already. Sometimes it's best to do one or two little things do decorate it and then just admire what Nature created. LOVE the star on top.

[Melibu]

I don't know why, but I really like the last one. So nude, so simple. Maybe it's because it reminds me of my parent's christmas tree (looked like this one). We all thought it would die the first year. Me threw it away and it began to grow and became beautiful. Then we took it back inside our home and so on and so on every year...
So denuded but so beautiful.

[Ms Jenn]

I've always wanted to do a tree like this. Most of ours are very full.

[Shell Sherree]

I'm torn with the cutting down of trees thing ~ beautiful to have something natural, but I feel odd about the chopping down business. That aside, though, the one with the snowbird decorations is my fave, hands down!

[velvet and linen]

It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who is leaning toward clean and simple these days.
These bare trees look perfect just the way they are.

xo
Brooke

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[Susan]

wow, love these, especially the one with the white birds! I go for black&white this year- I love monochrome.
have a sweet weekend, darling.
xoxo

[casey]

i love that you posted on these simple trees. so often people love the perfectly pruned tree grown specifically for the holiday. i love one you can find out in the wilderness and cut down yourself.

[180]

We always buy potted, plantable trees and we were just discussing the idea of keeping the same one potted since we're running out of places to plant new ones.

[Cris Turek from Brazil]

What a difficult choice.But I'm living in a natural and simple wave, so I loved these trees, speccialy the forth.
Hugs.

[A Life More Fabulous]

I usually love everything bedazzled, but for some reason this year - this is my favourite look!

[Down and Out Chic]

love, love, love these minimalist trees!

[paige anderson appel]

perfect trees.

[This Lovely City]

This is my favorite look for a tree. The second one down is my favorite. This year for our tree we used only white lights. No ornaments. Simple + beautiful.

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i think beautiful to have something natural, but I feel odd about the chopping down business.

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