Decorating & Design
November 27, 2023
10 Magical Christmas Trees To Inspire Your Holiday Decorating
Get into the spirit of the season with a look back at some of House & Home’s best Christmas trees from the archives. Whether you prefer subtle decorations with artful wood accents or a more vintage-inspired look with rich garlands and antique ornaments, get inspired by 10 magical Christmas trees from Canadian holiday homes. Scroll down!
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.
Outside, a lantern collection decorates the entrance and surrounds a small Christmas tree subtly decorated with string lights.
This exterior living room has cosy 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.
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’s Coal Harbour neighborhood. 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. The result is a chic, French-inspired feel with a relaxed West Coast vibe.
Come early December, florist Alison Westlake begins her holiday decorating in a Scandi, farm-to-floral style. “I like to keep things fairly minimal, using natural materials and a soft palette,” she says. In the parlor, Alison decorated the tree with vintage ornaments, pastel ribbons, twinkle lights and a dried orange slice garland.
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.