First Time Decorating for Christmas in New Jersey

It is finally the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is near and dear to my heart. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that my family puts up eight Christmas trees during the holiday. I know, it’s a little bit of an overkill but it makes Christmas that much more special. This year, Courtney and I decorated our apartment for the very first time. Check out how we ended up decorating our first tree.

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Picking Out the Tree

I looked for a full month for the perfect tree and was so happy to have found this incredible tree from Bjs. It is a 7.5 foot tree with 300 warm white LED lights. The best part is that it has a three section set up so that set ups is painless. I love how tips of the tree have soft bristles that look like they have snow on them. Also, the tree is the perfect height for our tall ceilings.

Adding Garland

I was never someone who really noticed garland until this year. Turns out, it can really make or break a tree. Garland is the absolute best way to add a pop of color or to tie the tree together. I found this felt garland from Michaels and I ended up making a scented salt clay one a few weeks ago. If you have little ones or if you just want a fun project while you watch a Christmas movie (aka what I did) then you need to check out this post on how to make it.

Christmas Tree Garland

I looked everywhere for a Christmas tree skirt that I really liked. So many of the skirts have this wild beading and itchy fabric. Luckily, I was able to find this chic, farmhouse skirt that went will with the felt ornaments. I really like how the tassels add a special something to the look.

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Personal Decorations

I started my ornament collection back when I studied abroad in 2015 (you can check out all those ornaments in this post). I decided to get a few ornaments this year that would really stick out. There are so many personal ornaments but ones that really stand out are the taco truck, initial ornaments for Courtney and I, a NYC taxi, and Courtney’s adorable little Tito’s sweater. The NYC taxi is a fun ornament because the materials are made in Brooklyn and they are made ethically by women artisans in Kyrgzstan. You can find that shop at the Union Square Christmas Market.

Decorating with a Theme

Decorating with a theme is nearly impossible when there are so many options! Hence, why my mom has eight trees. Since many of the ornaments tell a story, they are really hard to mesh together. Luckily, the addition of more felt ornaments and filler acorn ornaments it looks like fits a theme. Also, the garland really helps tie the whole tree together in order to look like it had a plan to begin with.

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Decorating Your Mantle with Bottle Brush Trees

I am officially obsessed with bottle brush trees from Target because of their fun colors and winterized look. The best part? Since they aren’t holiday specific, you can actually have them up all year round! Since most Christmas items go on sale the days afterward, I’m probably going to stock up on more of these adorable little trees after the 25th. Also, these little tin homes from Target add a little interest to the whole look. The only thing that we need to switch out is the mirror behind the little display. It’s just a little too small for little village. If you have any ideas of what we should put behind the display please let me know in the comments down below! I’m thinking a bigger mirror but I could be convinced otherwise!

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Other Posts You May Like:

• 9 Traditions My Family Celebrates During the Christmas Season
• How to Make a Scented Salt Dough Garland
• 6 Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit

Other Blogger’s Christmas Decor I’m Loving this Year:

• Abby Slayer’s Cozy Boho Tree
• Shelby’s Massive Tree Guide
• Aunt Peaches Brightly Colored Tree
• My Massive Pinterest Board for Holiday Decorations

What does your tree look like? What are some of your favorite ornaments? Any idea of what I should put behind the bottle brush trees? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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