Monday, December 14, 2009

Our Own Little Forest


It's Three or More Tuesday with our hostess Tam @ The Gypsy Corner as well as Deck the Halls @ Thoughts From Over the Rainbow. So today I'm sharing the Christmas trees around our home. For years my husband and I bought a fresh tree at one of the local Christmas tree lots. It was the typical ritual of pulling various trees out of the stack, holding it up to check the symentry, fullness, height, etc. Once selected there was usually a bit of drama associated with getting it in the trunk of the car and securing it within since the size of the tree no longer allowed the trunk to close. When we returned home my husband would saw the end, secure it into the tree stand, and bring it into our home to a spot where we had invariably moved something out to make room for a tree. Well, about ten years ago, we finally joined the ranks of those with artificial trees. My husband, now with sap free hands, appreciates the change!


A Trio of Alpine Woodland Trees
(Click to Enlarge Photo)

Actually, I never thought about how much easier it would be to decorate an artificial tree as well as being much more economical. At the time ten years ago, fresh trees were becoming more and more pricy. It was also a hassell to move the furniture in order to make room for a full size tree. By chance one day, I spotted a set of three Alpine woodland trees. They were graduated in size 3', 4', and 5'. I figured they would fit perfectly on the seat of the bay window of our living room. I purchased them, set them up in the bay window, and now they are known as "our little forest of trees".


Slender 9' Tree in Dining Room
(Click to Enlarge Photo)

Since that purchase, Christmas decorating at our home has become hassel free. We simply pull the trees out of the attic, set them up, decorate them, and presto. . . the tree, or rather trees are done! In fact it so easy that a few years ago we also began putting up a small table top tree on the sun porch, and this year added a large slim tree to our dining room. The dining room tree holds an assortment of shiny glass ornaments made in Europe for American companies. Our little forest of trees in the bay window has company, and we now have more branches on which to hang our favorite ornaments.



Small Tabletop Tree with Roosters and Hearts
(Click to Enlarge Photo)

The small tabletop tree on the sun porch is the "Rooster Tree". One day I realized that I had quite a few rooster ornaments and decided to use them on a tree of their own. At first I just used a simple metal tree, but a couple of years ago I began using a little larger tree to accomodate the roosters as well as some of my "folkart" pieces. This year a thoughtful friend gave us this Santa riding on a rooster. All the pieces on this sculpture are vintage. It is made by Gloria Becker.



Gloria Becker Soft Sculpture Santa with Vintage Toys
Riding Wooden Rooster



Katherine Collection Lion, MacKenzie-Childs Glass Drop, John Toole Egg

Most of the ornaments on our trees are those that have been gathered through the years. Many are gifts from former students, friends, or family. Some are handstitched needlepoint ornaments that I've made through the years. It's an electic assortment, but all hold special memories!

Following are some ornaments from our trees . . .



Jay Strongwater Baby Elephant



Ceramic Cow Made by a Friend



Handstitched Needlepoint Ragady Ann Ornament



Handpainted Tin Rooster Ornament



Old World Santa, Katherine Collection Lion, MacKenzie-Childs Fondant



Handstitched Wool Snowman, Williamsburg Artist



MacKenzie-Childs Truffle



Handpainted Ceramic Rooster



Golden Wishbone Ornament Made by My Mother-In-Law



German Handpainted Handblown Glass Heart From My Mother



Miniature Soft Sculpture Rabbit (1 " Tall)


MacKenzie-Childs Glass Star


Ceramic Rooster


Ribbed Glass Heart with Glitter


Handstitched Needlepoint Humpty Dumpty



Silvestri Boy


John Toole Glass Pear




Jay Strongwater Rooster



Frosty the Snowman



Brass Tree




Glass Rooster


Old World Glass Heart



Katherine Collection Rooster



MacKenzie-Childs Bon Bon



Katherine Collection Monkey




Patriotic Tin Rooster



Patience Brewster Rooster




Old World Santa



Three French Hens Box



Glass Rooster

Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave a comment below before joining Tam @ The Gypsy Corner for Three or More Tuesday and Thoughts From Over the Rainbow for Deck the Halls.



Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

37 comments:

  1. oh this is so beautiful, i love all your little details! the blk and wht ribbon is great too, perfect with your new dishes~

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Sarah...

    My friend, your Christmas trees...all 5 of them...are simply gorgeous!!! I have never heard of Alpine Woodland trees but I love that there are three of them and at varying heights! They make for a really beautiful tree vignette! I must tell you that I am just at awe of your fabulous tree in the dining room! I love, love, LOVE that beautiful black and white plaid ribbon...gorgeous!!! Ohhh...and I really enjoyed looking at your ornaments...up close too! You have a very beautiful collection, Sarah!!! Hehe...your rooster tree just tickled me! I don't think I would have ever thought to do a rooster themed tree but my friend, it looks marvelous! So fun and festive!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing more of your beautiful home with us...and all of your gorgeous trees! Such a treat!!!

    Warmest wishes and Christmas blessings to you and your family, Sarah!!!

    Chari @Happy To Design

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, what a post! So many beautiful images I hardly know where to start!
    Your wonderful little forest of trees is so warm and inviting.
    Lovely!
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very pretty and festive, I love the check ribbon and the trees and ornaments are gorgeous! Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh so festive and inviting! The closeups are incredible! Thank you for sharing your lovely home.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Sarah,
    Your trees are just wonderful all 5of them! But you know I love the rooster tree the most! The tin rooster ornament is adorable.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sarah, these trees are DARLING! I love all of your ornaments, too. Yep, I could just move right into your house. Wanna trade??? I don't have the first decoration up. Correction... let's try Thanksgiving. ;-)

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Sarah! All of your trees are so pretty...I couldn't choose a favorite! I can tell that each ornament was selected with so much love and thought. I'm betting that you did the needlepoint ornaments! And what a good idea to use the bay window! I loved having a close look at some of your treasures! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your trees are beautiful, and what a wonderful collection of ornaments. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sarah, what a splendid little forest you have! I love your decorating skills, and your collection of ornaments is fabulous. As you might guess, my favorite is your little tree all decked with formidable roosters~ Wonderful! Please keep on sharing all of these treasured things with us!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are having way too much fun... it is so pretty...Merry Christmas darlin!
    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am going to do a KID THING!! I WANT ALL YOUR ORNIES! ...

    OMG! they are gorgeous, particularly the tulips.
    I am in pink heaven here, my friend.

    Breathtakingly GORGEOUS!

    Merry Christmas ~
    TTFN ~Marydon
    **NEW BLOG**
    blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sarah-I don't know where to begin!! This is all so beautiful, but the rooster and the Mackenzie Childs ornaments are my favorites. Thank you so much for linking to "Deck the Halls"!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fake trees are so much easier. But I still miss the smell of a real tree, just not the mess. Thanks for sharing your trees. And you do have a lot of rooster ornaments.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh my goodness, Sarah! What a spectacular collection of ornaments you have amassed over the years. Sweet memories come with each one, I'm sure.

    Thank you for your kind comments on my hubby's health. I've posted a bit more about him today as well as some holiday decorations....late for the cloche party!!

    Hugs,
    Rett

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, be still my heart! I went back and looked at your ornaments a second time; I'm a bit (!) of an ornament junkie, and you are just feeding my habit!

    Fabulous. What a wonderful collection, and I know that's just the tip of the iceberg that you showed us. Thanks!!!
    Cass

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sarah, Your collection of ornaments is just lovely, especially the MacKenzie-Childs and the roosters. Your needle-pointed ornaments are darling, too. Love Humpty! Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season.
    ~ Sue

    ReplyDelete
  18. You've got some great looking ornaments, and I just love the roosters. I'll have to see if I can find a picture of the pig tree to post.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sarah, your little forrest is beautiful. I can imagine how beautiful that bay window looks at night from the street. You have some of the prettiest ornaments, and some of the most amazing roosters. I LOVE the black and white checked ribbon the tree! Everything looks so pretty. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sarah you have an amazing collection of ornaments. I had to smile when I saw Patience Brewster Rooster, she would light up anyone's day. I love all your roosters. The trees are all beautifully decorated. Thank you for taking time to share with all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Sarah! I didn't realize you lived on the Gulf Coast when you were little! :)
    Oh, I love your little forest of trees! They do look just perfect sitting in your bay!
    All of your trees are wonderful. You really have a lovely collection of ornaments. I have never seen a rooster ornament before. Being the Rooster gal that I am, I'm going to have to find me some!
    Thanks for popping in to see me,
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia;)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wonderful collection of ornaments! Love the Alpine woodland trees. I use them in my craft shows. Hope you have a great holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Sarah! I'm so pleased you came by my blog! It brought me over to your beautiful blog! How precious each tree and ornament are! I wrote down some of the names! They are just beautiful!! I love your dining room tree! and the vignette in the bay window is so festive and wintery! Thank you so much for sharing! God Bless! Lauralu :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just love your 'forest'...it's such a unique idea. We currently have 2 trees, and I'm always considering a third! And your ornaments are a delight. Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  25. I just love your 'forest'...it's such a unique idea. We currently have 2 trees, and I'm always considering a third! And your ornaments are a delight. Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Sarah! I love all your Christmas tree ornaments. So many unusual ones. I also like your tree trio and they are perfect by your bay window. I have only used a real tree once and never again. I couldn't stand stepping on the needles (I used to walk barefoot on the rug) months later....Christine

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Sarah!
    Your ornaments... especially your rooster collection is wonderful! I truly enjoyed viewing each and everyone of them! I just love roosters! Your "Forest Trees" are beautiful! I can see alot of love in your trees! Thanks for stopping by!! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love your trio of trees. I never though of doing that. I put 3 full size trees up at my house plus several more 2 & 3 ft. trees. Then I have a bunch of topiaries and 6 in. to 1 ft. trees that I do not decorate but use in vignettes. Everything looks beautiful in your home.

    ReplyDelete
  29. HI Sarah !
    You have a wonderful collection !
    I love and adore all your trees ! You are so correct about how easy these fake little guys are....I have those same 3 trees and have my country ornaments on them - they are so cute ! I have a tall slender tree in the living room - us being in this "small" home !
    I hope you and your family have a wonderful CHristmas !
    Kammy

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow! What a lovely bunch of trees you have and all with such lovingly selected ornaments. It doesn't get better than that!

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a gorgeous collection of ornaments! Your trees are such a sweet size, I love them. Happy Holidasy!
    *hugs*deb
    Oh and thank you for visiting!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love your trees! Wow, I think I doing great to just put up one. Loved seeing your big variety of ornaments...so pretty. Thanks for the sweet comment you left on my blog...I'll stop back by soon.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Beautiful trees and ornaments. I am very partial to the wonderfully colored rooster collection, though! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a fabulous collection of unique ornaments! I love each one of them and such wonderful colors too.

    The black and white plaid ribbon really makes the colors pop.

    Love the idea of a little forest.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Dear Sarah
    Your ornaments are amazing, so beautiful, so unique. What a shame to have all that beauty tucked away in boxes for most of the year. Thanks for showing us so many of them up close.
    Hugs, Rhondi

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dear Sarah,

    Thank you for tour of the wonderful Christmas trees in your lovely home. I especially enjoyed the close-ups of some of the ornaments that are especially meaningful to you.

    Your "Childhood Treasures" post was beautiful. It brought back so many memories of Holiday seasons from my own childhood.

    Thank you for all your visits and kind comments. You're always so gracious and thoughtful.

    Merry Christmas!
    Bill

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the informative information – I enjoyed reading it! I always enjoy this blog. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.