Black, White & Burlap Christmas Tree Decorations

Have you ever noticed that often inspiration comes in the strangest of places and in the oddest sort of ways? You may get inspired while walking down the street or talking on the phone. Maybe a song on the radio will spark an idea.

Because I’m such a visual person, I get inspired when I see beautiful things. Colors, shapes and textures tend to draw me in and get my creative juices flowing. And that’s exactly how a little girl’s hair ribbon inspired my black and white christmas decorations.

Last weekend, the ladies from my church went on a weekend getaway to Nashville. We had an amazing couple of days filled with fun, fellowship and cowboy boots. Before we headed home, we attended worship services at a local congregation and that’s where I spotted an adorable child sitting toward the front, with a black and white striped ribbon in her hair.

I knew immediately that was what I wanted to center my Christmas decorations around this year…black and white stripes. They’re classic, elegant and striking. I also soon realized that I didn’t want to add red. I want a whole new look for Christmas this year. Since red is my favorite color, I’m as shocked as anyone, but I think I just need a change…

So last week, I went on the quest for the perfect black and white stripe. There were a few choices of black and silver or even ribbon with sheer back stripes. But remember, I wanted classic…and I had the little girl’s ribbon in my mind. The look I wanted was “saddle oxfords” and snowflakes. Does that make sense? Classic…old-fashioned…elegant…simple…

It wasn’t until I finally found the perfect stripe that I decided to add burlap to the mix. The most amazing burlap ribbon with lace trim caught my eye and I couldn’t let go. I love the lace detail combined with the black and white stripe. It completely fulfills the look I wanted.

Adding simple ornaments such as black and white balls, flocked grapevine balls, icicles and homemade tassels add to the look I was striving for. I didn’t want the glam of silver or gold, I wanted the simplicity of grapevine and burlap. I love the idea of an old-fashion Christmas with the trendy touch of black and white stripes.

Usually, I have a tree skirt under my tree. In fact, I did a DIY version last year…unfortunately it’s red. For years, I’ve wanted a basket to hold my tree. But I’ve never found one large enough to hold my 12 ft. tree, especially with the span of the tree stand, so I created my own. Using rope, I mimicked the look of a basket, which supports my decor theme.

Of course, tree decorations are not complete without adding beautifully wrapped gifts. I decided to use some gorgeous black, white and burlap gift wrap. There have been years when I’ve used the same wrapping paper for every gift, but most often, I love the mix of coordinating prints. This year, I’ve chosen paper that includes black and white polka dot, chevron, trellis, harlequin and a fun print with trees, ornaments and reindeer. To complete the wrapping, I’m adding burlap ribbon and bows, with chalkboard gift tags.

My tree is the first step in my Christmas decorations. It sets the stage for the rest of the home. I’ll now begin working my way through the house, decorating nooks and crannies, the mantel, staircase and more with my black, white & burlap Christmas decor.

I’m continuing to work on other handmade ornaments and I’ll be back soon to share the how-to on the DIY black and white tassels and the DIY basket tree stand cover.

I hope you’re not disappointed to see red absent from my decor this year. I’ve used it so much in years past, with my Santa’s Belt theme, the red and black buffalo check, and last year I went with red and white. But I think it’s time for a change. Does that mean that my red berries and kissing ball will never show themselves again? Or that my vintage Santa will never grace us with his presence in Christmas future? Probably not…but for now, I am so in love with my black, white & burlap Christmas decorations. They remind me pearls, poodles, a Chanel bag and a country lane…a few of my favorite things…

PS. You can check out my collection of Christmas’ Pasts to see how I’ve used red in my earlier Christmas decor.

PSS. Be sure to keep an eye out for my How-to for my Tassel Ornaments, DIY Basket Tree Stand Cover and some fun Snowflake ornaments I’m working on…

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Linking to:

DIY Showoff, Between Naps on the Porch, Uncommon Designs, Twelve O Eight, The Dedicated House, LouLou Girls, Dimples & Tangles

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