I'll Have a Pink Christmas...

The Pink TreeAll this talk about holiday windows and big trees...you want to know how Christmas comes together in my tiny apartment? Here you go... 

So this is the third year I've done the pink tree... I moved into a large(er) apartment almost three years ago, and despite this, a fat, piney, traditional tree was overlooked for something creative. And create I did, and I've done every year since. Making a tree like this is really fun and easy, and offers a unique way to show your stuff when having friends over for holiday libations - you won't believe the oooohs and aaaahhhhs!

Take some branches - you can find them at the flower mart, or perhaps on a nice walk in the woods somewhere - and maybe add a few wispy madrone branches for  some texture. Then pick a color: I chose pink because it's a warm color without being red or orange, and because "Pink Christmas" was still an unheard-of thing three years ago. (I know Pier1 is all about pink this year, so I'm just stating my case.) Then, put the branches in a big planter - the heavier the better! You will need the weight to counter-balance the branches and keep them ballasted. I space the branches by bunching up lots of paper - usually old grocery bags work - and then weight them down with a bag of gravel. Gravel you say? Yes - it's good to have an odd bag of gravel around. Truth be told, I use the gravel and other rocks to force bulbs like narcissus or amaryllis, but that's for another post.

Once you have the branches in place, start to wrap them with the lights. Think: Tavern on the Green. We're going for lots of light because the tree itself is actually somewhat minimal, what with no pine needles and everything. 

Once you're all lit up, put on your ornaments. I tried to keep it consistent with round, shiny, classic-style ornaments in the pinks, plums, and golds. The round ornaments sort of look like bubbles in the organic branches - actually, the shiny aspect helps to reflect the light too. I also have a big fetish for all vintage things, especially vintage Christmas stuff, and most vintage Christmas ornaments are of the classic, round, shiny variety. I also add in some clear glass and glittery ornaments because they contribute to to the light effects without being too obtrusive.

 This next step is totally optional, but it does happen to soften the overall look, while it also keeps the color consistent. I happen to love Paper Source's flower-making kits, especially the magnolia. When I first made the pink tree, I made about a dozen paper magnolias with pink, white, and gold papers. Like the madrone branches, they give the whole thing some texture.

Now, the whole thing about doing a pink tree is...a sense of humor. It's unexpected and rather clever, but it's also completely funny, (like "ha ha, you're so funny, you made a pink tree!") You just can't escape the fact of it's inherent comedy aspects. So, why not add a kitchy garland? It's just the right finishing touch...

Enjoy your tree!