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Dreamy White Christmas Tree at The Little Cottage

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Dreamy White Christmas Tree at The Little Cottage

Today I’m sharing how I decorated the gorgeous pure white Christmas tree that was gifted to me for the holidays from Grandin Road. It’s a dream, the glow is unreal and I can’t believe I’ve never had an all white Christmas tree before. It’s soft and sweet and I used vintage family ornaments, and some shimmering metallic ones too. If’ you’ve been considering a white Christmas tree… I hope this post helps to sway you, one way or the other. Winks. 

Hello sweet foxes, I hope this December is treating you well so far! Wasn’t last week wonderful, seeing all the homes decked out for the Holiday Housewalk!? Always a super way to officially kick-off the Christmas season.

I shared our All Is Calm Christmas Tour of the main house [click here] last week, and today finds us down at The Little Cottage.

If you are new here, or don’t know the story of The Little Cottage, you can [click here] to read all about our guest house (and how we even have one, because it always feels a little pretentious to my own ears).  

Meet my Dreamy WHITE CHRISTMAS TREE!

No slow reveal here, we are diving right in foxy friends. And because the great room has an 18 foot ceiling, I went  B I G. She’s nine feet tall. Which is glorious, but I also needed a ladder to adorn her. Something this blonde with the bad knees didn’t think about. Whoops. 

Oh my gosh though… so worth it!!!

This tree is the most beautiful pure white, with pretty snow-kissed flocked branch tips. It came in a few sections, and was easy to pop together with just a few minutes of Jim’s help. When any tree is brand new, they always need a little fluffing. This one no more or less than any other I’ve had. Maybe a smidge more, as it’s much taller, so there is just more of it. It also comes pre-lit, and I didn’t add any additional lights! 

Just like our Flocked Aspen Pine Christmas Tree at the main house [see it here], I went ribbon free.  Because for me, I feel like on a white tree, you can give yourself a lot of shadows and dead-spots where the ribbon lies and blocks the lights from twinkling through. I wanted every bit of glow this beauty had to offer!

She’s the White Iced Fir Christmas Tree from Grandin Road

I instantly knew when I unboxed her, I was going to use the vintage pink glass ornaments that my mom used on our tree when I was a little girl. I’ve had them in my possession for many, many years. Patiently waiting.

I figure they are about 40 years old now. 

One year, instead of classic red & green holiday fare, the ornaments we made and brought home from school, and our collectable Hallmark ornaments… I recall my mom wanting a “pretty fancy” tree. My sister and I, being girls, didn’t care at all! I’m sure as long as there were gifts under it, we were fine with a “pretty fancy” tree. Besides, I think we did a family tree in the den, so it’s not like we were scared for life or anything. 

That year, my mama bought yards & yards of pearly beaded garland in pink & white, and these divine pink glass ball ornaments with a gold crown, and I’m not sure what else… because while at that age I didn’t have to be told to clean my room, and I asked for new comforters and such as gifts… I guess I wasn’t 100% into tree-trimming yet. 

I didn’t use the beaded garland, because I like it with the ornaments only just fine, and… I’m trying to make things simpler. 

SIMPLER

Anyone else? I’m getting better at! Start practicing now, it’s so freeing. I’m over here just living my “that’s good enough” life. Examples:

  • I don’t tend to like tree toppers, so my tree isn’t wearing one.

  • I didn’t want ribbon on my tree, and didn’t feel an ounce of pressure to use it.

  • My Fa La La banner was a littttle bit long, so I let the extra la la la’s trail off. And it’s OKAY. 

  • We didn’t get my new (I found it at a garage sale!) fireplace insert in, and instead of walking back & forth to the house to gather “props” – I used what I had one hand. And my legs thanked me. 

SIMPLE can be something different for everyone. Look for your simple, and embrace it my friends. Life is short, so short.

For me, simplifying often means MORE happy, and less stress. I’m here to share our home, our DIY projects, decorating ideas, and sure, to maybe inspire a little. But not to create the illusion of some fairytale life. I’ve never wanted to perpetuate a falsehood. I’d actually like to chat a little more about that in the future. 

We used one of our DIY Wood Christmas Tree Boxes [click here for the free tutorial] for this tree — it’s wearing a white paint job, and it’s a smidge bigger to accommodate the larger tree base for this nine foot tall tree. 

The velvet used on this Poinsettia pillow is the most sumptuous thing ever… I want a blanket made out of it! I’ve got a lot of soft pillows and blankets, but oh my. DIVINE! 

Speaking of soft… I grabbed this yummy faux fur blanket last season at Walmart (it’s Better Homes & Gardens) and I noticed that they have them again this year! I love the snowy leopard print on this one, and the back side is a soft furry feel as well. 

We’ve had a beautiful new wood door to install down here and you guys… it’s been a comedy of errors. Starting with my measurements, then “2020”, etc…

So this coming Spring, when the weather gets nice again, and we celebrate it’s first birthday (lol) we should have it in! 

We can talk more about these pretty chairs then too. 

I’ve been planning and saving and selling on Facebook Marketplace. Just waiting for my sofa to be delivered now (again, a 2020 thing) and then I’ll put it all together. With real grown-up furniture.

The sofa delay was actually a good thing, as I had the living room all set up as a bachelor pad/bedroom for my dad when he was here, so it’s all good! The bed was much more important. 

Now, you know I took so many more pictures (I always do) but I’m going to say goodbye for now, and not subject you to any more of my love-fest with my new tree. I’ve already watched ELF and a few other movies down here. It’s like my own little girly Christmas getaway. 

I’m wishing you all a lovely December day! I hope you are baking and wrapping and finding all the Christmastime JOY you can. I know this year is not the same for so many of us, and my heart truly, truly hurts for the loss and devastation our country is experiencing. I stay quiet here out of respect, so I can be an escape… but please know I care. xo Shannon 

I’ve been so fortunate to partner with Grandin Road since we met-up after I bought my Ava chair and a half. I am so deeply thankful for how generous they have been with me, and were again this holiday season. It is not taken for granted. My job is an odd one, with long hours, little security, no benefits, sick days, etc… but I’ve experienced some lovely opportunities. 

SOURCES:

  • White Iced Fir Christmas Tree, Atticus Deconstructed Chair, Holt Carved Side Table, Poinsettia Pillow — Grandin Road

  • Vintage Fireplace Mantel, Gate, Mirror — Thrifted

  • Faux Fur Blanket Throw — Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart

  • Pink Ornaments, Vintage — I used 36 total 

  • NEW White & Silver Ornaments — Big Lots 2 boxes of 16 for $16

  • All other ornaments — I had on-hand, primarily silver & gold

  • Fa la la la la la Glitter Banner — Pottery Barn Kids $22 (currently sold-out) 

  • Firefly Lighted Jars — HomeGoods, I’ve had them for year

  • DIY Wood Christmas Tree Box — find the free tutorial by clicking here

Comments

  1. Debbie Painter says

    Shannon
    Your home is beautiful! Your talent shows in all that you do. Your husband is an amazing man. You say Jimmy I would like to have…, then he makes it! I will miss your daily Facebook posts but I completely understand how much time it takes and you need to have free time to enjoy your hubby and the fruits of your labor! Much love to you and yours at this time of the season!

    • Shannon Fox says

      Debbie, it’s so hard not to post on FB. I’m having the hardest time, torn between visiting, and not wanting to be angry. LOL
      Jimmy is such a support of my dreams, however the manifest. We are not perfect, but he is perfect for me.
      HAPPY CHRISTMAS 🙂 ~ Shannon

  2. Barb Hughes says

    Everything is so lovely… can’t wait to start decor this week. Although we gave most of it away, we will do what we can SIMPLY. Thank you for sharing so much.
    I SCORED a full size patina green wrought iron patio set this morning and LOVE it so much. The weather is getting delightful here in Arizona. 79-80* and that beautiful sun. Still amazing after moving here from Pacific Northwest! We embrace it. Keeping in touch…

    • Shannon Fox says

      Hi Barb!! It really only takes a few touches scattered about to create that Christmas feel 🙂
      I’m sure you’ll make it feel warm and cozy. OH that sounds wonderful!!!! Our first patio set was in the trash down in a fancy CA beach town.
      It was fabulous, and I only let it go last Summer. Wrought Iron takes a beating here.
      Enjoy that glorious weather. xo Shannon

  3. Dawn Walker says

    Ahh, everything looks so warm, cozy, beautiful and inviting. You are the best…..very talented and a blessing to many of us. Always look forward to your blogs ~ and all the pretty pictures.

  4. Miche Ortega says

    Just GORGEOUS, Shannon. I have had trouble with flashing adds too, and not being able to see the pictures, but I discovered that if I click on the refresh button (rounded arrow) at the top of the page, that usually fixes it.

    • Shannon Fox says

      I’m so sorry… this is my full time job, and the ads pay the rent 😉
      BUT, I don’t want too many. I’m always trying to scale them back, and then they creep in getting too many and too flashy. Thanks for letting me know!

  5. LINDA WALTON says

    THIS WHITE TREE IS BEAUTIFUL….so many tips on simplifying life and letting the Light shine. Thank you Shannon love your humour. I climbed the ladder to decorate and fell so here I am with a broken right hip! ouch!
    It’s a good thing we have the beauty of Christmas to wave good bye to 2020. May 2021 bring blessings to everyone.

  6. LINDA WALTON from Canada says

    THIS WHITE TREE IS BEAUTIFUL….so many tips on simplifying life and letting the Light shine. Thank you Shannon love your humour. I climbed the ladder to decorate and fell so here I am with a broken right hip! ouch!
    It’s a good thing we have the beauty of Christmas to wave good bye to 2020. May 2021 bring blessings to everyone.

    • Shannon Fox says

      Oh LINDA!!!! I gasped and my hand flew over my mouth when I read you broke your hip. You poor dear!
      I hope you are able to get comfortable, and are healing well.
      Yes, it’s soothing to have Christmas soften the blows of 2020.
      Wishing you good health and healing. xo Shannon

  7. Genelle Wolf says

    Your tree is stunning! And so fun to have a large one! I’ve always wanted a big grand tree but alas, no room! So I will enjoy yours!

    • Shannon Fox says

      Genelle,
      I’d never had a big one either!
      But it’s funny… I like the tiny trees just as much.
      To me, every tree is beautiful, just like brides & babies.

      Happy Christamstime!! xo Shannon

  8. Sandra Magle says

    I would have loved to see your post, but the battling ads and blinking videos…totally held up the beautiful photos ability to load. Sigh! I think the tree was beautiful, not sure! Sandi PS, 8 min in…and it’s finally all loaded. Life is too short for this.

    • Shannon Fox says

      I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware I had any videos playing? I’ll make sure to look into this.
      8 minutes should not be the case.
      Thanks for letting me know.
      Shannon

  10. Wanda Walton says

    You’re such a welcome voice in my home, I just love you and your blog. This year has been so different for me. I’m 63, currently going thru a divorce, going back to work to support myself and in a new apartment. It is a very nice one but I live vicariously thru other ladies’ homes now. I have a fake tree for the 1st time in my life and I bought a 7′ flocked prelit tree and I just love it ! I seriously thought about getting a pure white one, so very happy to see your’s. It really is beautiful and you decorated it beautifully. Thank you Shannon, you are a true blessing in my life right now. May your and your family have a dream filled Christmas holiday.

    • Shannon Fox says

      Wanda, thank you for taking the time to write me.
      You’ve had some big changes, I am glad to hear you’ve found a nice new place for yourself amongst the changes.
      I have so much respect for your courage in your new situation!
      Faux trees have so many good qualities. I think it’s been 10-15 years since I had a real tree!
      I’ve got a little white on I got on clearance after Christmas last year for a few dollars, I’m thinking of putting it in our bedroom just for fun!
      I hope you have a happy, healthy holiday season and a BLESSED New Year!! xo Shannon

  12. Becky says

    So pretty! I went with all natural this year, but I’m thinking next year of a white tree and this color combination!

    • Shannon Fox says

      There are SO many gorgeous tree combinations, and I just happen to love them all!
      It sure makes it had to pick a theme, but using what I have really helps narrow things down.
      Which is a blessing, or I’d never be able to choose!

      Merry Christmas 🙂

  13. Shannon says

    I love white trees and have a cheapy little almost 4′ one in the apartment. My husband doesn’t quite know what to make of it–lol. Yours is killing me–it is gorgeous! Both your trees are gorgeous (and I didn’t know about Grandin Road and their trees, so thank you!) and I am completely sold on the beautiful boxes you made for them. I will do that next year, for sure!

    • Shannon Fox says

      Shannon I’ve got a wee white one (from Walmart) and now I’m going to try to get it set up in our bedroom… even though it’s already less than 3 weeks until Christmas.
      I’m starting October 1st next year. I swear… LOL
      Happy Christmas, Shannon

  14. Vicki sutton says

    Please don’t. You were my first FB group to follow 9 years ago. I don’t follow many others any more. Stay on IG at least. Such an inspiration of what someone without mucho bucks, a huge house, and clout can do with just talent, a good husband, and ingenuity.

    • Shannon Fox says

      Thank you sweetheart.
      I’ll continue as long as I can.
      Just dealing with broken tech and such is wearing my nerves. LOL
      Have a wonderful week 🙂

  15. Vicki Sutton says

    It is absolutely gorgeous! I went with your plan…only ornaments and I love it. Not to mention less fuss. Facebook Marketplace? Not familiar with you on it. How do I find you, and are you still doing it? Miss you on FB, but I hate it, too.

    • Shannon Fox says

      Oh that’s so nice to hear! I’m really glad that worked well for you!
      Oh that’s a selling part of Facebook. Though without my own profile, it’s odd to sell under Jim’s name. lol – I had a five star rating. (I’ve sold a lot)
      It’s kind of like a garage sale section, but on FB, and there are groups too.
      I know… I keep wanting to post, and then I’m like NOPE. Not giving any more of my time when I have no security.
      And then, PayPal let a fraudulent charge in from FB for 250.00 and took the money right out of my account.
      I’m about this close to just giving up I tell ya.
      TAKE CARE ~ Shannon

Dreamy White Christmas Tree at The Little Cottage

Dreamy White Christmas Tree Reveal at The Little Cottage - 9 foot, lightly flocked + decorated simply in soft silver, gold and vintage blush pink ornaments!
 
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