In this post, I’ll be sharing a “music & art” inspired Christmas tree decor theme idea.
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My usual Christmas tree decor style is very over the top and extra, with tons of layered elements in different textures and finishes. I then balance out this maximalism with a more paired-down neutral color palette. Click here to check out my winter boho inspired tree from last year, and check out my complete tree decorating process here.
However, this year I felt pulled towards a totally different Christmas tree decor aesthetic – almost the polar opposite – with fewer elements and a more bright and varied color palette.
A Music & Art Inspired Christmas Tree Design
When it comes to designing my tree each year, I’m usually one to reuse and repurpose items from my Christmas decor collection/stash. But, you may have already noticed with last week’s DIY advent calendar that I’ve officially gone bow-crazy this holiday season.
So, I jumped in from the start without a solid theme in mind (already out of the norm for me, the type A planner) by incorporating tons of color to my tree design with brightly toned ribbons tied in bows and scattered throughout the branches. I added a small piece of green floral wire to each bow so that I could twist them around the branches for an extra secure hold.
Most of these ribbons were found in my craft stash, but I picked up a few extra spools from Joann Fabrics and Michaels. I personally love shopping for ribbons in store because you can hand select the colors and coordinate them with other decor pieces or florals. But, you can also find packs of assorted color ribbons on Amazon with Prime delivery if you’re in a pinch.
Tip: For a more whimsical and romantic vibe, leave the bow tails extra long so that they drape over the branches. Always a fan of extra drama.
To create the tree topper, I combined a few assorted floral elements with some vintage inspired large brass trumpet horns – a new thrifted find for this year. To continue with the music theme, I also incorporated trumpet shaped tapered candle holders, also thrifted but similar ones linked here. This is your reminder that technically anything can become a Christmas tree ornament if you add wires, ribbon, or even just wrap the branches around an object as needed to hold them in place.
When I took a step back, the splashes of vibrantly colored bows inspired me to lean into more color and add tiny pieces of artwork to the tree.
Using mini Dollar Tree frames (leftover from our vampire murder mystery party) I added small pieces of artwork found in assorted magazines and art books to create the cutest little DIY ornaments that look like they could be hung in a miniature art gallery.
This was such a simple process that could be totally customized to suit any tree theme or decor aesthetic. You could even get super creative and paint your own mini portraits, or personalize them even further with family photos or handwritten notes.
I decided to use the more simple frames I already had on hand, but in the future, I may keep my eyes peeled while thrifting for assorted vintage inspired frames to create a more eclectic feel.
To attach them, I simply nestled them into branches in a somewhat spaced out pattern. I absolutely love the way these frames add another layer of visual interest to the tree.
Tip: Give your frames a more aged/vintage look by dry brushing a bit of black acrylic paint over the surface. You can also remove the glass to reduce the glare from the Christmas tree lights.
For the finishing touch to my tree design, I wanted to add some extra drama and sparkle by drenching as many branches as possible with dripping acrylic icicles and teardrop crystal ornaments. These reflect the light beautifully and look extra special at nighttime. (Side note: we’ve had our artificial Christmas tree for over 5 years now and it’s not prelit. So we use a strand of 1,000 LED warm white lights to add the perfect amount of glow.)
To hang the crystals and icicle ornaments, I also used small pieces of green floral wire. These disappear into the tree and make the ornaments look like they are really dripping off the branches. Because they are neutral and lend themselves to any aesthetic, I already know I’ll be reaching for these for future tree designs as well.
Ok… how adorable is this added detail? I ran into a Lennox 100th Anniversary collectible teddy bear during a recent thrift trip. With its scruffy brown fur and little red bow resembling my pup Ellie and her red collar (coincidentally, one of her million nicknames happens to be Ellie Bear) I simply couldn’t resist taking it home with me. And then, to my surprise, when looking through my art books for the DIY frame ornaments, I came across this tiny painting of a bear wearing a red bow. Sometimes the universe sends you signs you simply can‘t ignore.
I typically like to add an extra element (or side piece) to my Christmas tree corner. One year, I made a coordinating wreath for the wall. Another year, I set up a full winter wonderland inspired scene.
But this year, I wanted to keep it cozy with a small “reading” nook. I pulled in an armchair and added a plaid blanket scarf (that somehow perfectly coordinated with the ribbon colors) and paired it with a small stool styled with a few decorative touches like a brass tapered candle holder, frosted pine branches, and (you guessed it) more ribbon bows!
1. Gold star tree topper
2. Colorful plaid blanket scarf
3. Crystal drop ornaments
4. Trumpet ornaments
5. Artificial Christmas tree
6. Woven tree collar
7. Ornate gold mirror
8. Faux floral picks
9. Assorted ribbons
10. Icicle ornaments
11. Mini gold frames
This year, let your creativity take the lead and bring your own unique style to Christmas with a “music & art” themed tree. As the great Pablo Picasso famously said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
Looking for more inspo!? Check out my Pinterest for tons of Christmas decor ideas and holiday inspo… updated daily!
This post was all about Christmas tree decor ideas. If you like this content, check out these posts below!
– My Christmas Tree Decorating Tips and Tricks
– Cozy Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Theme
– 3 Easy Boho Chic DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments
Xx- Laura
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