The Lettered Cottage Christmas Tree 2010

I love “let’s decorate the Christmas tree” night…

Almost as much as I love wearing my pajamas ALL DAY.

Yep.  The tree is officially up.

We had a $5 live one last year, but on January 4th of this year, we waltzed outta Michaels with an artificial one for just $24.96 (marked down from $179.99! Yessssss!)

We don’t have a whole lot of fancy-schmancy ornaments, last year we used inexpensive, homemade gift boxes). I wanted to do something different this year, so me and Mr. Max cut apart three faux Poinsettia bunches to use as “ornaments”…

Well, I was actually in charge of all things “cut”. Mr. Max was in charge of all things cute!

The Poinsettia bunches were on sale at Michaels for $1.99, and would you believe I got about 20 “ornaments” outta those suckers?

Next, I filled up the rest of the tree with a couple handfuls of $1 ornaments from Wal-mart…

After that, I used some more 8 lb. fishing line, and a few white, flat-headed thumb tacks to hang some glittery ornaments from the ceiling above the tree…

It’s hard to tell in this photo, but they really do look neat in person. (Especially at night!)

(random thought: I can’t wait to lay/sit on the floor beneath the tree with our little one(der) and make wishes on all those swirly-twirly, sparkly Christmas stars dangling up above!)

Random stuff:

Plaid throw blanket- Target, $9.99 on Black Friday

Narcissus plant on coffee table- Publix, $6.99

White pillow cover- Pottery Barn, $19 (discontined)

Magazine basket- flea market, $3

Christmas stockings- WhiteFlowerFarmhouse.com

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Over in the dining room, I stuck some red, faux poinsettias into one of my white ceramic pitchers to use as a centerpiece.  I hung some of my white pencil starfish from the chandelier, and I used a couple of pieces of red-n-white gingham fabric from Hobby Lobby (less than $5) as table runners…

I’d like to have some folks over for a holiday dinner or two, so I think I’m gonna add a few low-dough/no-dough cottage-style Christmas touches to the “Wonder Wall” this weekend.

Maybe if I can pull it off, I’ll write a “Winter Wonder Wall” post next week!

Merry Christmas my friend!

PS- To check out our Christmas Vignette, and our Christmas Mantel, click on the photos below!

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83 Responses to The Lettered Cottage Christmas Tree 2010

1. Jennifer Grey says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 8:47 pm

   Absolutely inspiring and breathtaking! I LOVE your home for the holidays : )

   oxox
   Jennifer

   

   Reply
2. Ricki Jill Treleaven says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 8:48 pm

   Your house looks so adorable and cozy for Christmas, Layla. I think the ornaments hanging from the ceiling are so much fun.

   Christmas blessings!

   

   Reply
3. Lisa says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 8:50 pm

   Gorgeous tree! Even your holiday decor is designed SO well…you are such an inspiration and when people ask what style home decor I like from: country, french, modern…I just say “Lettered Cottage”. haha

   

   Reply
4. Denise says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 8:54 pm

   I see a trip to Walmart in my near future! (and if you knew the rarity of that, you’d know that is a momentus event!)
   Your house is always so charming. I am so craving light and bright right now- I love seeing all the beautiful and simple ways you make your house shine.

   

   Reply
5. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 8:55 pm

   Layla! It is soooo gorgeous! I love that you were so thrifty. I was quite proud because I spent a total of $ 3 on ornaments thanks to Target’s after Christmas sale (90% off). I plan to stock up again this year!!!

   Way to go!

   

   Reply
6. All That Jazz Vintage says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 8:57 pm

   It’s a beautiful tree! I love the idea of hanging the ornaments above, I bet they sparkle so nice in the twinkle of the tree lights!! I used small touches of red in my decor this year, too! I wish we had a hobby lobby here….
   ~michelle~

   

   Reply
7. Traci says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 8:59 pm

   Looks great! I always love poinsettias in trees.
   Loving the touches of red…my favorite color!

   

   Reply
8. Myra @ My Blessed Life says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 9:04 pm

   Absoutely fabulous, my friend! I love all things hanging…from the ceiling and from the chandelier. Last year I hung candy canes with fishing line from my chandelier. It was awesome!

   

   Reply
9. MIss Mustard Seed says:

   Dec 9, 2010 at 9:11 pm

   The tree looks simple and beautiful. Love it. That’s all I have to say about that.

   

   Reply
10. Fairfield House says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    Layla,

    If it’s possible for The Lettered Cottage to look more stunning than it does the rest of the year, you’ve achieved it.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

    

    Reply
11. jenny beth says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 9:24 pm

    amazing as always layla. super cute tree.

    

    Reply
12. Lauren says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Ooh I have the same red and white wrapping paper! too cute: everything is fresh and simple… and looks pretty unbreakable, perfect for a little one someday!

    

    Reply
13. Steph. says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    Can I come over? I will bring Christmas cookies and we can have tea or coffee and talk about all kinds of interesting things from babies to design!

    

    Reply
14. Just B@Love Where You Live says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    Your tree is lovely and for not a lot of dough it seems! I love the touches of red and green. Your home looks so comfortable and inviting. But then, it always does! I used an all copper theme in my living room this year, but I did bring back some traditional red and green as welll. Best wishes for a joyous holiday season! Just B

    

    Reply
15. Diane @ InMyOwnStyle says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    Hi Layla and Mr Max

    Very pretty tree- simple, yet elegant. My favorite thing about the tree like you stated – to lay under it and watch the twinkly lights and ornaments paint the ceiling.
    My best- Diane

    

    Reply
16. Carla Z says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:05 pm

    Hi Layla and Kevin! Your tree looks gorgeous! You’ve given Alex and I ideas for next year I agree with the jammies all day too! Hope you guys have a great Christmas!

    

    Reply
17. Flower Patch Farmgirl says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    El! You’re having us over for dinner next week? No way, Jose! We’ll be there.

    Your tree looks entirely beautiful. I love the glittery church and the ceiling ornaments. But what I love most of all is hearing (all the way from here) your excitement over the big (little) stuff, waiting just around the bend.

    xo
    Ess

    

    Reply
18. Linda says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    Your home is lovely Layla. And I love your tree, and the ornaments. You know how to make a room look homey!

    Merry Christmas!

    Linda @ Truthful tidbits

    

    Reply
19. Beth@A2Z says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    It’s beautiful Lay and yes! I’d love to come over for dinner and stare at your wonder wall!

    

    Reply
20. Candice Pair says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    I bought the same plaid blanket at Target on black friday…love it! And I love you tree! I love how classic and simple it is. Whenever I try that “look” it looks like I was too cheap to buy some ornaments haha! I wish I could pull that off…so pretty!

    

    Reply
21. Ellie says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:26 pm

    I love simple, creative, inexpensive decorations! And the ones hanging from the ceiling?! Now that’s why you’re cool!

    

    Reply
22. Jaimie@AtHome says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    It looks absolutely beautifull! I love all the touches of red in the room!

    

    Reply
23. Michele says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    I love it! It’s simple, affordable and beautiful. Thanks for sharing all of your secrets.

    

    Reply
24. Our Creative Life says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    Beautiful Layla. Looks like it’s a page right out of Pottery Barn catalog. Hey I finished my bedroom (remember over 1 yr ago you gave me advice on the slanted walls?) well stop by my blog and take a look.

    

    Reply
25. Karen says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:37 pm

    Layla,

    I love the tree and the hanging, glittery snowflakes. You always inspire with your creative ideas. I especially like the white poinsettias on the tree. Great job.
    Karen

    

    Reply
26. Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    Girl – I can’t believe it! My tree this year is my “Dollar Store Decor” tree – and I used white poinsettias and dollar store silver and blue ornaments! Great minds, my dear, is what we have here…. except I love the whole “low dough faux” … guess my mind is not quite as great as yours..

    

    Reply
27. LeAnn says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 11:09 pm

    It all looks so festive and cozy Layla. As always, you have done a spectacular job.

    

    Reply
28. laurie@heavenswalk says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 11:23 pm

    Love your style, Layla! And what fun that you could decorate your (cheap!) tree for so (cheap!). lol! The stars hanging overhead are a great idea, too! I just adore the way your house is set up and styled. So open and welcoming!

    xoxo laurie

    

    Reply
29. Karen says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 11:29 pm

    Everything looks sooo pretty.You got some really great bargains and made them look like a million bucks!!!!

    

    Reply
30. Andrea says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    Your tree is so simple, yet so sweet. I love your home, it looks gorgeous! Beautiful, inspiring job!

    

    Reply
31. ML says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 11:40 pm

    I’ve used the fake poinsettias in my tree for years! I have silver ones that I left in bunches and place them in the tree, and then I cut up the red ones and put throughout the tree as well. I usually pick up ornaments on my travels as a souvenir. It’s fun to put them up and reminds me about the fun times at those places. Then I put the red single poinsettia flowers in the holes in the tree. It looks fabulous! Now I just need to go get a deal on a new fake tree after the holidays!
    Love the idea about hanging the snowflakes from the ceiling. Your house looks great!

    

    Reply
32. Jamie T. says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    I LOVE the way you add beautiful touches to your home. It’s like the perfect “icing” on a cake…you have a tremendous gift. I have been following your blog for a few months, and I enjoy every post! Thanks for sharing your beautiful life with us…and endless ideas that inspire.

    

    Reply
33. Tricia says:

    Dec 9, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    What a pretty room! Your tree turned out so nice. I like the idea of hanging the stars above it. Best wishes for a wonderful weekend

    

    Reply
34. Kim says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 12:29 am

    Lovely Layla, just lovely!

    

    Reply
35. Lynn from For Love or Funny says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 5:06 am

    I hope your sweet family is bursting at the seams by next Christmas with your little one(s)!

    

    Reply
36. geri says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 5:24 am

    I love all the very simple but truely beautiful Christmas joy all over the rooms.
    It is magic to make magic on a budget.
    It shows how the spirit moves you.
    Love it all. I always walk away from your posts with new ideas for my
    home on a budget’ too. hehe
    The tree is brilliant!! ( love the starfish on the chandelier)
    Merry, Merry everything, always. geri.

    

    Reply
37. Estela @ Weekly Bite says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 5:49 am

    What a gorgeous christmas tree! I love the stars hanging from the ceiling too! I’m headed to Michael’s today for some glitter. Maybe I’ll pick up some poinsettas

    

    Reply
38. Heather Boyd says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 6:13 am

    Hey Layla! I used the $1 Walmart ornaments also!
    http://thecozycape.blogspot.com/2010/12/oh-christmas-tree-oh-christmas-tree.html
    They are fab!! Nice job on your pretty tree!

    

    Reply
39. Sophie says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 6:21 am

    It looks so pretty! Very festive!

    Reading this on my phone right now, driving through a pretty little English village. So many tiny cottages dressed up for the holidays – you guys would LOVE it! So beautiful! (:

    

    Reply
40. Sylvia says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 7:18 am

    Simple, elegant and beautiful. I read several blogs and many very talented bloggers are simplifying this year. Love that Max helped,too. He is a cutie!

    

    Reply
41. Gloria says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 8:05 am

    So pretty, and what a great bargain! I picked up one at a yard sale in the Spring for $5!!

    Merry Christmas!!!

    

    Reply
42. Ann Flora says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 8:08 am

    Thank you, thank you, for making lovely decor out of simple, affordable, accessible stuff. I decorated our barn/house this year while spending only $22.00, so I know that beauty doesn’t have to be expensive. When you really hit the big time (and you do seem on your way up), don’t forget all the regular folk with aesthetic hearts and WalMart budgets.

    

    Reply
43. CarolinaHeartstrings says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 8:19 am

    Very nice. You did a great job. I want that throw from Target. I covet!

    

    Reply
44. Lexie says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 8:22 am

    LOVE IT! So awesome to “use what you have” and make it look so festive on the cheap
    We got a mini,4 foot, pre-lit, white tree last year at Kohl’s for $5.00. I decorated it with vintage garage-sale silver and teal metal ornaments, a few pencil starfish, and a few $.60 glittery branches I picked up at A.C. Moore (craft store) and stuck it in an old galvanized bucket I also picked up at a garage sale. So for less than $20.00 we got a pretty rockin’ & festive little tree, if I do say so myself
    One quick question for ya: how did you hang your pencil starfish from your chandelier? I tried using fishing line wrapped around the base of the star, but they kept tilting forward and laying horizontal instead of hanging vertical. If you have a magical tip up your sleeve, please do share with us less inventive folks out here is blogland
    Happy Holidays to you and Kevin!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Dec 10, 2010 at 9:37 am

      Hey Lexie!

      Your tree sounds AWESOME!
      And I used hot glue and ornament hooks on my starfish.

      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

      Layla

      

      Reply
45. ann says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 8:43 am

    Lovely, lovely! You and Mr. Max did a fabulous job!

    

    Reply
46. victoria says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 8:48 am

    looks beautiful. i like the idea of hanging the stars from the ceiling. this is our (my hubby & i) first christmas with our baby boy (he was born in march). isn’t fun to think of special moments and traditions to start? i’ve just started reading your [awesome] blog and recently read about you guys in the adoption process. we’ll keep you in our prayers.

    

    Reply
47. Callie says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 9:19 am

    I did the sparkly-stars-on-fishing-line thing over our dining table for several years on the Epiphany. Never thought of it for around the tree, but I really like the way it looks here. That is why you have a blog with lots of creative ideas, and I have your blog bookmarked!

    All the best to you …

    

    Reply
48. Andrea@WhiteInspirations says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 10:01 am

    Beautiful! Adorable! Lovely!
    God bless you more and more!

    

    Reply
49. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 10:03 am

    Looks lovely, Layla! And you can’t beat that price for the tree. I spent way more than that on mine this year. Too bad I didn’t plan ahead and snag one last year like you did!

    

    Reply
50. Oona says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 10:20 am

    Cutting apart the poinsettia’s was a genius idea. Mind if I steal it? lol

    

    Reply
51. Traci says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 10:24 am

    You are Uber~talented! I can imagine the sparkle at night with the lights low. It helps that your canvas on which you create is asthetically PERFECT! ~Happy Holidays to you and yours~

    

    Reply
52. Sheila says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 10:45 am

    So beautiful! Those glitter church ornaments caught my eye at WalMart but they were sold out of the silver and gold ones. Boo hoo!

    

    Reply
53. L says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 10:53 am

    Love the stars twinkling above the tree. Sparkle is so my friend!

    

    Reply
54. Haley@georgetownfresh.wordpress.com says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 10:55 am

    Hanging ornaments from the ceiling is a GREAT idea! Such a pretty tree and it’s hard to go wrong with poinsettias.

    

    Reply
55. Katrina says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 11:27 am

    Beautiful, as usual. Once you’ve got your little one, you’ll change your mind about the Target throw. Hand wash. I put it right back down. LOL

    

    Reply
56. Jacquelyn says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    Your house always makes me smile! It’s so warm and cozy!

    

    Reply
57. Fiona's Mosaic says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    The white poinsettia ornaments are gorgeous!!! I just love them!

    Praying a little one graces your home soon….sending you a big hug.

    

    Reply
58. heidig says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    So Christmasy and cozy – love it!

    

    Reply
59. Gerry says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    Very pretty for such little cash! Good job, your decorations look great!

    

    Reply
60. Cynthia Hallum says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    I think some of the best ornaments are the simple ones. Good tree buy. I love a good steal.

    

    Reply
61. LeahC says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Simply stunning! You can really work some magic:)

    

    Reply
62. Vickie Ramos says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    alot of talk of little ones lately…….got any secrets??

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Dec 11, 2010 at 8:30 am

      Not yet! Hopefully by this time next year we’ll have a little one to talk about though!

      Layla

      

      Reply
63. Laura Casey Interiors says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    It looks gorgeous Layla! I love the poinsettia-ornament idea. Your stockings are adorable!

    

    Reply
64. Cindy says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    Your home looks very, very sweet. I am loving your style, it is uncluttered, yet attractive.
    Your tree is especially nice.
    Hugs, cindy

    

    Reply
65. Gabby says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    I too had a blast with those WalMart sparkly $1 lovelies! So much fun.

    

    Reply
66. Sheila says:

    Dec 10, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    Your tree is beautiful. I love the play of white against green. Thanks for the breakdown of where you got your deals!

    

    Reply
67. Gwen says:

    Dec 11, 2010 at 9:46 am

    I just recently found your blog. I am in Alabama too! I love the idea of putting the poinsettias in the tree. I also saw the throw in Good Housekeeping December issue in great gifts for under $20. You have great taste and creativity. Enjoy your blog.

    

    Reply
68. Desiree @ chic coastal living says:

    Dec 11, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    Love your tree! It’s beautiful!

    

    Reply
69. gayle says:

    Dec 12, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    I did the same with Michael poinsettias last week, I used red and tucked them deeper in the tree to fill hollows in my sale tree. I loved the sale price.

    

    Reply
70. Lemonade Makin Mama says:

    Dec 12, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    Oh LAYLA! I feel all inspired and I don’t even need to be inspired to do anything. I just feel generally inspired right now after reading this. What can I do with that??? What? There has to be SOMETHING I can use it for!! LOL Your tree is gorgeous, and I love that you said you lay under the tree… my kids and I do that sometimes too. So much fun. I also really love how you decorated your presents. They are so festive! I never feel like I’ve seen enough… I always want to see about ten more photos, with different angles so it feels like I’m there!! Ha! Ya did good, girl. Happy Sunday.

    

    Reply
71. Londen says:

    Dec 12, 2010 at 8:27 pm

    Dear Layla, your tree and house look gorgeous!! Please share what kind of camera you have, your pictures are amazing!! I hope to have a big girl camera by spring.
    Thanks!

    

    Reply
72. Tessa says:

    Dec 13, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Beautiful, happy, cheerful – simply gorgeous, as always! Merry Christmas!!

    

    Reply
73. Melissa @ HOUSEography says:

    Dec 13, 2010 at 11:06 am

    Great ideas here! Gave me a great one as well which I will implement when I get home… then blog about of course!

    

    Reply
74. Lisa says:

    Dec 14, 2010 at 9:34 am

    Your house just speaks Christmas!!!! As always, you have done an amazing job!!!

    

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75. Mrs.B says:

    Dec 14, 2010 at 7:32 pm

    Love your Christmas decor! Just beautiful. I am the only person on earth who can’t find the CHURCH ornament at Walmart!!!

    

    Reply
76. Crystal says:

    Dec 16, 2010 at 4:27 pm

    This is so simple yet so perfect!! I love it. You definitely have a gift.

    

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77. vancouver island photographer says:

    Dec 16, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    WOW! love your work!!!!!!
    you’ve inspired me.
    

    

    Reply
78. Lindsay Neal says:

    Dec 16, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    It’s absolutely beautiful. I want to try the hanging ornaments and now I have to have the Target throw!

    

    Reply
79. Mary Jean Taylor says:

    Dec 16, 2010 at 11:40 pm

    Been in my PJ’s all day today! Love it! Makes the face washing a lot easier at the end of the day! Love all your holiday decor! The creativity flow better with jammies on huh?

    

    Reply

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