Do you remember last year’s Christmas tree? My beloved woodland tree with its little animals, glittery gold accents, and burlap touches. I adored that look and almost didn’t want to take it down. The woodland theme isn’t gone for good—those sweet characters will likely appear again, whether on a tree or in a fresh display. I can’t wait to see them back!
Believe it or not, it’s time to think about Christmas decor again.
Yes, I know it’s October. Don’t panic or toss pumpkins at me—I’m a planner and a blogger, and this is my thing.
It might feel odd to have a Christmas tree beside plush pumpkins, but I enjoy getting an early start. Looking at Pinterest, a lot of people are planning ahead too, so maybe I’m not so unusual after all. Or perhaps everyone is a blogger now—ha.
Being asked to share holiday decorating ideas early has actually become enjoyable. After several years of blogging, talking about Christmas in October has become normal for me. I still love and celebrate fall, so you don’t have to begin decorating now. But planning early can be fun and takes the stress out of the season when it arrives.
With only nine weeks until Christmas, the season will be here before we know it. The earlier I plan and start, the more time I have to do things I truly want to do and enjoy the process without rushing.
A few weeks ago my daughters and I headed to our local Michaels for a bit of holiday shopping. We had a gift card to spend, which made the trip extra fun.
Although the woodland tree remains a favorite, this year we wanted to try a different theme. I like the creative nudge to step outside the usual while still staying true to what we love and what fits our home.
We also like using traditional ornaments, so it’s fun to decorate a couple of smaller trees as well.
We wandered the aisles without a clear plan until a pretty pre-lit tree in the store caught our eye. It inspired the idea of a snow-dusted tree, but we wanted to achieve that look without flocking.
To create a white winter wonderland feel, we chose a few unexpected materials—items not typically used on Christmas trees but perfect for conveying snowy texture and softness.
Think poofy accents—soft, textured pieces that catch the light and add dimension.
Fluffy ornaments and trims that mimic fresh snow.
And glittery winter flowers that add sparkle and a frosty feel.
We also spotted a charming printed burlap ribbon that we’re planning to use elsewhere in our holiday decor this year. For the tree itself, we chose a different style of garland, which you’ll see when we reveal the finished look.
We’re excited to get started decorating. There’s another reason I’m preparing early: I’ll be part of a Holiday House Walk hosted by Jennifer Rizzo in the first week of December. More than 30 bloggers are participating in this online tour, and it should be a wonderful source of inspiration.
Since I’m scheduled on the first day right after Jennifer, I want to be ready—so the pressure to begin now is real. With the house walk just a few weeks away, getting a head start makes sense. If only you were my neighbor—we’d make a proper decorating party of it.
Mark your calendars for the Holiday House Walk on December 2, and don’t forget to check back this Friday, November 1, when I’ll reveal my snowy white winter wonderland tree.
How are you planning to decorate your tree this year?