Bring a cozy touch of nostalgia to your Christmas decorating this year by incorporating classic plaid and plenty of red and green into the mix! This traditional plaid Christmas tree, which I created for this year’s Michaels Makers Dream Tree Challenge, truly transports me back to my childhood by pairing classic, tried-and-true Christmas decor elements with a pop of modern flair. It’s one of my favorite Christmas trees ever!
This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Michaels in conjunction with the Michaels Makers team. All opinions are entirely my own.
Some of my favorite childhood holiday memories consist of listening to Mannheim Steamroller with my mom while decorating our home. Around our small town, she was always known as “Mother Christmas,” and for good reason! Our home was always decked out from tippy top to the very bottom. Being a child of the Eighties, that decor included the traditional crimson and green, with an abundance of cozy plaid. It is those childhood memories that inspired my Dream Tree this year!
In this traditional plaid Christmas tree, red tartan plaid is paired with red berries, glass ornaments in red, green, gold and blue, and plenty of other nostalgic and cozy elements. (Who can resist those little decorative icicles?)
I giggled when I told my husband that in planning this tree, I wanted it to feel like it would pair well with a Ralph Lauren holiday ad from 1985!
My favorite secret for turning any tree into a show-stopper: Wired Ribbon! Michaels always has a fabulous selection of ribbon in their holiday section, and the moment I saw the gorgeous tartan plaid ribbon pictured below, I knew it had to make an appearance in this tree. I opted to pair it with a lovely navy blue ribbon with a jute border.
(Trivia time: my husband is severely color blind, and red/green/brown hues almost all look identical to him. Blue hues are some of the only ones that stand out to him, so incorporating some blue into this tree is something I did just for him.)
In addition to the plaid and navy ribbon, I also opted for a somewhat modern red and white stripe. It reminds me of the ribbon candy I used to love when I was small!
This particular striped ribbon has a dreamy weight and feel that allows it to curl and drape so beautifully. I use it to make numerous curled ribbon tassel pieces to adorn branches throughout the tree, as well as some simple bows for even more impact. It’s amazing what a difference just a few rolls of ribbon can make!
I love the look of a flocked tree, but I have to be honest that I just can’t bear the mess. So, instead of using flocking spray, I opted to paint the tips of the branches with white acrylic paint using a bristled paint brush. I really love how it turned out!
Another item I always incorporate into my tree each year are seasonal picks and sprays. The red berries and gold leaves here really give the tree volume and texture, and the red berry garland wound around the tree from top to bottom ties everything together with a traditional, homespun feel.
For my Dream Tree two years ago, I created a Christmas Memory Tree. I loved the photo ornaments that I created for that tree so much, I decided they should make an appearance again this year! I love seeing the faces of my sweet children when I look at the tree and remember Christmases past.
Instead of a more elaborate topper, I crowned the tree simply with some plaid ribbon bows. Simple and classic!
The red, white and blue knitted stockings hung from the mantel tie the whole look together. I love the cozy fur trim and pom-poms. I purchased them this year at Michaels, and they were so affordable at under $20. (And, of course, you can always find them on sale which will make them even more of a steal!) The wicker tree collar also came from Michaels, and I love how it gives the tree a polished look.
Michaels has their largest tree assortment this year, including colored and flocked trees. Check out all of their trees, ornaments and coordinating holiday décor on Michaels.com.
Inspired to start decorating your own tree? Make sure you visit Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the rest of the Michaels Makers’ dream holiday trees that were created this year.
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Beautiful tree!!! I love the plaid and blue ribbon. Awesome job!!