10+ Magical Christmas Trees To Inspire Your Holiday Decorating
Get into the spirit of the season with a look back at some of the best Christmas trees from the House & Home archives.
Whether you prefer subtle natural decorations accented by white lights, or a more maximalist look with rich colour and vintage baubles, you’ll be inspired by the magical Christmas trees in these Canadian holiday homes. Scroll down!
In the Cabbagetown, Toronto home of Colin Baird and Chris Bell, the tree is decorated with a green color scheme. “We aim for elegant and understated versus an explosion of Christmas,” says designer Colin Baird. “I think the green keeps it classic.”
In designer Colin Baird’s Toronto home, the vibe is rustic and simple. The tree is decorated with a string of lights set on a dimmer give a soft, inviting glow, and is accented by tonal and Kraft paper gift wrap.
In this Toronto home by designer Sabrina Albanese, the palette for the holiday ornaments riffs on green and gold. A chorus line of mini potted trees wrapped in burlap is a fresh alternative to a more traditional centrepiece.
A nature-inspired holiday tree is tucked into a corner of the dining room in this rustic farmhouse in Prince Edward Country. Tasseled pampas grass tops are an easy and unexpected way to adorn the boughs.
Homeowner CeCe Krecsy decorates the tree in her B.C. barn with vintage green glass ornaments suspended by twine, instead of hooks. “Fresh greenery takes you back to another time, when decorating was more natural and organic,” says Stephanie Geisbrecht, who consulted on the design of this barn. In an all-white backdrop, the pretty tree, wreaths, and branches pop and add vibrancy and life. “Evergreen boughs placed in water are long-lasting and have a festive aroma,” notes owner CeCeKrecsy.
Festive inspiration came from many places for Kimberly and David Jones: a nutcracker, a tree decorated with a pearl garland, an old world Christmas picture and even an image of a 19th-century dress that Kelly happened upon. The palette is in shades of cinnamon, brown, burgundy, olive and antique gold. “We chose to use rich, muted tones throughout.” In keeping with the nostalgic vibe, Kimberly sourced antique velvet ribbon and accents on Etsy in the U.K.
The children’s playroom in the same home has a whimsical tree decorated with string beans, little mice and candy canes.
This exterior living room has cozy throws and a vintage fondue set that are ideal for West Coast winter evenings. The Christmas tree is inspired by the outdoors with acorns, lemon peels and soft string lights.
In the home in Bordeaux, France, an artificial Christmas tree next to the fireplace is a realistic dupe, enhanced by curated ornaments in a white and gold palette. Sinatra’s Christmas carols are playing on repeat and festive touches of green and gold extend as far as the eye can see.
Matthew and Rick Bettencourt of Betterncourt Manor sourced this vintage Christmas tree at a secondhand shop in Ottawa. Every year, they decorate the bright white tree with natural elements including grasses, pinecones and wooden ornaments.
“A Parisian Style Townhouse With West Coast Edge.” That was the ask from designer Negar Reihani’s clients, who had just purchased a 2,000-square-foot townhouse in Vancouver. When they didn’t have enough space for a tree in their petite living room, they placed it on the patio and set the scene with rustic elements including wood logs and woven baskets. The tree’s heart ornaments were made of leftover fabric from Negar’s previous design projects.
When it comes to designer Sydney Carlaw’s holiday style, the decorating is subtle and simple. “With all that pine and cedar just outside our door, I bring the forest in,” she says. “I love the look of berries and holly, and they already smell like Christmas!” A Christmas tree decorated with twinkly lights and simple ornaments takes centre stage in the living room.
Designer and forist Cynthia Zamaria prefers an understated display of holiday. “I like things more restrained,” she says. Simple lights adorn the Christmas tree in her circa-1857 Georgian home. “For me, the holidays are about clementines, natural boughs and greenery that make the house smell wonderful.”
Designer Ami McKay also took a “less is more” approach with natural holiday decorations in her client’s Kitsilano house. Ami decorated a simple tree with artful wood accents like birch offcuts. “It’s not garish, but it’s still festive,” she says.