A Classic Christmas Tree With a Farmhouse Twist

Decorating the Tree Is Always an Event

Decorating my Christmas tree is never a quiet task. It is an event. The kind that takes over the living room, spills into every corner, and leaves ribbon draped across the sofa with ornament bins wide open on the floor.

This year was no different.

I knew I wanted something classic, but not stiff. Cozy, but not overly traditional. I landed on silver and red, grounded with a black and white checkered ribbon that added just enough farmhouse charm. It felt timeless with personality, which is always the goal.

It Always Starts With a Spark

Every tree I decorate begins the same way. With a spark of inspiration.

Sometimes it’s ribbon. Sometimes it’s a single ornament, a color scheme, or something I have seen that refuses to leave my mind. That spark becomes the anchor for everything that follows.

This year, it was the black and white checkered ribbon.

Once I chose that ribbon, the direction was clear. It told me how bold to go, how classic to stay, and how to balance the rest of the elements. When you start with one strong idea, decorating feels less overwhelming and more intentional.

Building the Tree, One Layer at a Time

I always begin with ribbon. It sets the tone and creates movement throughout the tree. From there came berry picks and a few sparkly accents to catch the light. Ornaments followed slowly, layered in stages.

This was not a one-day project. It took days of fluffing, stepping back, adjusting, and changing my mind. Branches were fixed and re-fixed. Ornaments moved more times than I care to admit. If you’ve ever corrected the same spot three times, you understand the process.

It looks chaotic, but it is how my decorating brain works.

Decorating With What You Have

I pulled out everything I already owned before buying anything new. Once it was all spread out, my living room looked like a holiday warehouse. That visual chaos helps me see what I have, what works, and what’s missing.

This year, I only added a few pieces. A couple rolls of ribbon, some silver berry picks, and curly accents to fill the gaps. Nothing excessive. Just enough to support the vision.

Calling in the Expert Touch

After staring at the tree for a full day, I knew exactly what needed to happen. I needed my aunt.

She is my personal Christmas tree expert. For years, she has come over after I finish decorating to finesse the final details. This year, I asked something different. I asked if she would start from scratch.

She said yes.

She arrived with her own ornaments and picks, layered them with what I already had, and worked her magic over two full days. She shaped, tucked, adjusted, and balanced the tree in ways I never quite get right on my own.

When she finished, the tree was stunning. Better than I imagined. Better than I could have done alone.

I will forever call her my Christmas tree whisperer.

Carrying One Element Through the House

One of my favorite decorating tricks is choosing a single element and repeating it throughout the rest of the house. It creates cohesion without feeling overly matched.

This year, the black and white checkered ribbon became that thread.

I carried it beyond the tree and used it in stockings, centerpieces, and small decorative moments throughout the house. It tied everything together visually and made the entire space feel intentional.

When one element shows up in multiple places, the home tells a consistent story without needing every room to be identical.

A Tree That Feels Like Us

This tree feels classic, cozy, and grounded. It reflects the month, the house, and the way we celebrate Christmas. Not perfect. Not rushed. Just thoughtfully layered and full of heart.

Sometimes decorating takes time. Sometimes it takes help. And sometimes it takes trusting one strong idea and letting it lead the way.

A Little Help If You Want It

If you want to follow the same approach, I created a free digital download that walks through the step-by-step process I (and my aunt) use when decorating a Christmas tree.

Enter your name and email below and I will send you the guide.