Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas for a Cottage-Style Tree

Floral- and garden-themed decorations fit beautifully into a cottage-style Christmas tree.

A cottage-style Christmas tree can feature an eclectic blend of handcrafted ornaments and floral elements in soft, muted colors. White and cream are prominent background colors for cottage-style decorating, whether the overall feel of the room is shabby chic or country cottage. Decorations for a cottage-style Christmas tree combine whimsy with earthy, natural elements.

Tree

White Christmas trees are especially complementary to rooms with a cottage-style decoration theme as a white tree will not contrast with the existing décor as much as a green tree might, depending on your room's overall design. However, green Christmas trees can also complement a cottage style, particularly if your textiles are floral-patterned.

Lights

Surround your green Christmas tree with white lights to illuminate your cottage style decorations. The light strands can be small twinkle lights or larger bulb styles that effect a retro feeling. If you are purchasing a pre-lit tree, select one with small, white light bulbs. If your Christmas tree is white, decorate it with pastel lights to add warmth to the white background.

Teacups

Hang floral-patterned teacups and saucers from the branches of your Christmas tree to accent the cottage-style design. Glue the cup to the saucer before hanging the set onto the tree from the teacup's handle. If you prefer to sit the teacup and saucer set upright, glue a small craft ring to the base of the saucer and fit it over the tree branch. Slide the ring to a juncture in the branch that is large enough to hold and balance the cup and saucer set.

Floral Accents

Decorate a cottage-themed Christmas tree with silk flowers in pastel shades to embrace the floral aspect of cottage-style design. Cut the stems 1 to 2 inches from the base of the blossoms and attach a 4-inch strip of floral wire to the cut stem with floral tape. Wrap the floral wire around the Christmas tree branch to affix the flower to the tree.

Bird's Nests/Houses

Dot the Christmas tree with bird's nests, small birds and small painted birdhouses to capture the garden aspect of cottage-style décor. Many craft stores sell decorative nests and unfinished birdhouses in a variety of sizes. Paint the birdhouses in multicolored pastels or paint them white, then sand the corners and other protruding edges to create a shabby chic design. Hand-paint unfinished wooden birds or small eggs to fit inside the nests, or use ready-made ceramic or glass designs.

References

• Rental Decorating: Shabby Chic Cottage Style Decorating for Christmas; Tina Bauer

Resources

• "Country Living": Christmas Cottage