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Create a Christmas Tree Forest in Your Living Room

October 13, 2015

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Amp up the holiday charm in your own holiday house by doubling -- or tripling! -- your Christmas trees. We've got easy tree-trimming ideas you're going to love.

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Christmas Tree Forest

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Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Christmas Trees x Three

Pack a big holiday punch into smaller rooms by grouping thinner, medium-sized trees together. Multiple trees allow you the flexibility to decorate all trees the same or let each tree stand out with its own, unique style.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Hints of Twine

A key element to creating a well-designed Christmas tree is to use a mix of textures. As you start decorating your trees, consider the textural value of sleeker, polished ornaments. Add a small band of twine around the ornaments to create depth.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Mercury Glass Accents

If you're looking for a formal look that errs on the traditional side, antique mercury glass accents are a stunning addition to a Christmas tree. In addition to adding a bit of glamour, the finish of the glass will reflect light in a beautiful way, enhancing the tree's ambience.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Wooden Spool Ornaments

Give old wooden spools new life by using them as ornaments. To make one, simply add twine or a wire ornament to the center of the spool.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Sweater-Pressed Ornaments

From sweater parties to family portraits, knit holiday sweaters have become a part of the fabric of seasonal style — literally! Put a fresh spin on knit patterns with pressed, air-dry clay ornaments. Flatten the clay on a level surface, cut the clay to size with cookie cutters, then press the clay onto the sweater. Add a hole in the top, insert an ornament hanger and place on your tree branches.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Stamped Clay Ornaments

Put a personalized spin on air-dry clay ornaments by adding words or phrases to the front and back sides with an ink stamp. In addition to making the trees more one of a kind, stamped clay can be given out as favors to holiday party guests, used as napkin rings or positioned as placeholders at the dinner table.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Textured Acorn Ornaments

Bring the natural shape and texture of acorns to your tree with painted glass ornaments. Lightly brush metallic paint onto glass acorn ornaments and rub off for an aged and antiqued look.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Rope + Bell Garland

Put a fresh spin on traditional garland by creating a handmade sisal and bell garland. Slide bells onto sisal rope, spacing them about four inches apart, and secure in place with contrasting rope or twine.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Ribbon Garland

Ribbon can be a cost-effective alternative to a traditional garland. Pick up as many spools as needed to cascade the ribbon from the top of the tree to the bottom. If you need multiple spools, create a seamless look by using fabric tape on the underside of each end, or use iron-on adhesive tape to bond the ends together.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Rope Trim

An unexpected source for alternative garland materials is the fabric store. Check out the trim section for an affordable rope that could make for fun, colorful garland. Here, a combination of white and red rope trim creates a strong contrast.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Cluster Stars on Top

Since Christmas tree lights aren't illuminated all day and all night, consider a tree topper that will sparkle during the day. Pick up brass or metallic oversized stars and place them on top of the tree as a cluster. During the day, the sunlight will play up the metallic finish. At night, the metallic will appear warm when lit by twinkle lights.

Christmas Tree Forest

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Oversized Bow Topper

Homeowners concerned about too-hefty tree toppers may find an oversized bow to be a more practical alternative. Gather leftover gift wrap, ribbon and trim, tie the elements around the top of the tree, and let the bow cascade down a few inches.

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