EASY NATURE INSPIRED VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING IDEAS

Christmas tree decorating is one of our favorite things to do at Summerhill! But this year we decided to start on the back porch with nature-inspired simple decorations. Join us as we share how we created a Christmas tree that Santa will love to leave gifts under.

Christmas tree decorating in November is not normal here in Florida but we couldn't wait to start creating some ideas for all of you.  After doing our usual search on Pinterest for inspiration and cranking up our Amazon dot with some Nat King Cole Christmas music, we were quickly filled with visions of nature and snow!  This led us to decide that it all had to start on the back porch.

Back Porch Nature Inspired Christmas Tree Ideas

Once we caught our inspiration of frosty trees covered with snow on a dreamy chilly day we had to decide if we were going with a live tree or an artificial tree. 

Well, since it is still kind of early to find a live tree to be decorating we opted for an artificial. There is still a high likelihood of switching to a live tree after Thanksgiving.  Either way, we needed to determine what the base was going to be…

CROCK CHRISTMAS TREE BASE

First, we ditched the metal base that came with the tree and went for an old crock.  This rustic skinny tree needs some added support, so we layered bricks around it on the inside of the crock.  The bricks gave it the strength it needed to stay up and straight.

Then to finish off the base of the Christmas tree we added an old quilted white blanket.  A new blanket will work too.  Give it a tuck here and there and wrap it all the way around. Now on to the next step, or should I say the fun step!

HOW TO FLOCK A CHRISTMAS TREE

Okay, I have to confess that this was my favorite part of dressing this Christmas tree! 

It was so much fun spraying all those branches with snow!  The process of spraying a tree with snow is called “flocking.”  Because we are on the back porch, we didn't have to worry about where the snow was going.  This made it even more fun. 

We kept the can of spray close to the tree so that most of the snow would end up on the leaves.  This particular can of “Sno Blower” doesn't last forever which means it will probably dissolve over time since our tree is outdoors.

COTTON CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS

In our neck of the wood, farmers grow lots of cotton.  This makes our outdoor tree perfect for dressing in cotton stems.  If you are not lucky enough to find some stalks from a local cotton patch then try some of the online sources listed below or go to your local Hobby Lobby if you have one nearby.

Christmas Tree Rustic Star

For many years we used ribbon to top off our trees but this nature-inspired Christmas tree felt like the perfect place for a star.  And not just any star but something rustic or homemade. 

We pulled out an old rusty-looking star from our attic, but wouldn't it be adorable to have a wooden star on the top too?

ACCESSORIES TO FINISH THE LOOK

One goal in decorating this tree was to practice the “less is more” concept.  But, since Santa isn't coming for a while we thought it would be fun to add our Father Christmas next to a delicious basket filled with blankets. 

This old vintage-looking Santa fits in perfectly on the back porch because he sports a sheep fur jacket with pine cones and many other elements from mother nature.

To finish the warm feeling we added some blankets to the basket.  What says cozy like blankets?!

NATURE INSPIRED VINTAGE OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING

Just to recap, here is a list of things you will need to complete your nature-inspired vintage back porch Christmas tree.

• Antique or new crock
• Bricks
• White fluffy blanket
• Artificial or live Christmas tree
• String of lights unless it already comes with lights
• Can of snow spray
• Stalks of cotton
• Rustic or nature-inspired star
• Father Christmas Doll
• Large basket
• Blankets
• Amazon echo dot

CONCLUSION

One of the best parts of decorating is when you finish a project.  After finishing your outdoor Christmas tree you can sit down with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and admire your beautiful tree while enjoying Christmas music and the warm glow of the lights with your family. 

It really is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

What's your favorite Christmas decorations?

Happy Decorating!

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