Christmas Tree Style: Breaking the Mold

If this morning was all about the traditional tree, then this afternoon is devoted to those renegade trees. You know the ones. They defy nature in shades of pink, silver and gold. They challenge our notions of what the holidays should look and feel like. And they both make me smile and scratch my head. I think when I strike it rich and live in a house with more than three rooms, I will try having a great big 'normal' tree in the living room and then populate the rest of my mansion with a rainbow of these rogue specimens!

Lately I'm obsessed with this ultra-deep shade of midnight blue--I even painted my bedroom ceiling a similar color!--and I'm in awe of the way this bristly white tree contrasts with the dark drama around it. I like to imagine the personalities of people who actually have trees like this (if indeed they do exist) and the owners of this stunner would have to be very sophisticated indeed!

I envision this tabletop number in the corner of a darling little boutique. The proprietress has the best taste in town, and she stocks her store with everything you never knew you needed but suddenly can't live without. She keeps your porcelain mug topped up with hot cocoa and marshmallows while she convinces you to spend thousands of dollars on cashmere 'Kitten Mittons'.

My goodness what a sight! Two perfectly cone-shaped trees flank a dining vignette that practically begs for a signature cocktail created in its honor. And of course the host and hostess--having gone to all the trouble to set this remarkable scene--provide said cocktail in the form of a white chocolate macadamia crantini. The only thing missing is a passel of painfully stylish guests.

Ah, now this is more my speed. The futuristic vibe of a silver metallic tree is countered with homespun table linens and ladderback chairs. What do we think is being served in those big 'ol bowls? It could be a creamy leek soup, or perhaps handmade pumpkin ravioli, but I like to think it's a sundae made from Ben and Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie ice cream. Hey, I'm a girl with simple tastes!

If I hadn't killed three bonsais in as many years, I might be inclined to give this a try. I do enjoy the scaled down size of this tiny tree; it brings back memories of the year that Santa brought my a dollhouse, thus cementing my obsession with all things miniature. Do you think that tweezers are required to hang the ornaments?

All joking aside, I seriously am considering a small set-up like this for my own foyer. As I mentioned this morning, we're not having a big tree this year, and I'd very much enjoy just whiff of pine in the house. Is that so much to ask?

Stay tuned for one last Christmas tree smorgasbord post later this evening, and in the meantime tell me: what do you think of these unconventional trees? And P.S. Don't forget there's still time to enter this week's giveaway and win a killer jacket from Lauren Moffatt!

Image Credits: 1, 6, 7. Martha Stewart Living 2. Inside Out Christmas 3. Canadian House and Home 4. Living Etc. 5. Elle Decoration UK

Comments

[cassandra @ coco+kelley]

omg. the bonzai one. I LOVE! actually really love the 3rd one sitting on the table... that's what i was envisioning for us this year before ben's parents went and bought us a HUGE ONE! next year!!

[RCM]

I think a little table top tree with white lights and red ornaments is perfectly lovely!

[erin]

i like! haven't had time to get a real tree this year, but i did find a few rogue pine branches on my walk home and arranged them into a charlie brown kind of affair! pretty looking and pretty smelling.

[hena tayeb]

loving the bonsai one..

[cara @ City Girl Chicago]

a bonsai tree is actually on my xmas wish list this year ~ I never thought to make it the actual tree until now though! That is brilliant, and perfect for city living / small quarters :)

[blair]

I have always been a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas tress but this year I am feeling quite different and have actually found that image from CHH to be one of my favorites!

[Jessica]

The most adventurous I've been was the year my family picked up a flocked tree. I wasn't a fan. It was too strange to have a big white tree in the house. Apparently I'm a traditionalist.

That said, the fourth photo is dazzling! And the bonsai one is too cute! But the last one is my favorite.

[Susan]

I love the white ones!
xoxo

[caroline - patagonia gifts]

oh my! I'm in love with this tiny cute tree with tiny green balls! sooo lovely! hope you're having a great weekend! xo

[drey @ bijoukaleidoscope.blogspot.com]

oooh the bonsai looks so good

plus of course, the red and white one.

great shots :)

[rooibos]

Lovely pics!I just wanted to make a Christmas tree at my own on this Christmas.I got its idea.I love all these but the most i like that red and white one.Thanks.

[destined to design]

LOVE that last photo - so quirky and fun.

[yajia]

http://www.chinabrandshop.com/

[16gb micro sd]

Hi guy's,
i did find a few rogue pine branches on my walk home and arranged them into a charlie brown kind of affair!

[Ajf 6]

I like your blog, because we have similar outlook and outlook on life!