Yesterday started out hectic. I woke up at 4:00 a.m. and couldn’t go back to sleep, worrying about all the things I committed to do this week and how I was letting things go undone. Finally got back to sleep around 6:00. Mr. Man woke me up at 7:30, which meant I had 30 minutes to get out of the house and head to Arrington to install my Make-A-Wish Christmas Tree for the Kings Chapel Parade of Homes.
Allison met me there. She seemed a little overwhelmed, too. Did I tell you she just moved into a new home last week? We re-did her house back in the spring, and when they put it went on the market recently to get into a better neighborhood it got 6 offers in 3 days! Needless to say, she had to move more quickly than she had anticipated.
Anywho, we assembled the tree and found the top portion to be badly bent. Badly. Randy Arnold of Arnold Homes, LLC was able to strong-arm it for us and we got the top in place without looking like that sad tree from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Allison and I both wore black pants and ended up covered with white flocking. I found flecks in my hair before bed last night, so I’m guessing I looked like I had a major case of dandruff for much of the day. Oh, well – all for a good cause!
The tree turned out really pretty, which is a relief. I’ve never really done a “themed” Christmas tree before, and this Greek theme was a bit of a challenge! I’m thankful for all of you who left comments and sent emails with ideas for the tree – it was SO helpful. Here it is before we plugged it in:
And here it is with the tree skirt and all lit up:
I think it integrated really well into the Arnold Homes master bedroom, designed by Julie McCoy.
After we finished the tree and cleaned ourselves of flocking, Allison and I got to tour the four designer homes before anyone else! I’m sure Allison couldn’t have gotten away with this if other people had been touring:
Allison should be a Kohler model, don’t you think?
A bunch of great home bloggers were invited for a meet-up and High Tea at the Kings Chapel clubhouse.
You can see I was hungry. And I went back two more times. At least. The food was really small.
This table represents home and style bloggers, like Kari Ann from Thistlewood Farms, Leslie from Chaotically Creative, and Liza Graves from Style Blueprint, public relations folks like Nancy and Dana from Forest Home Media, and Parade of Home designers Lauren and Kara from ReFresh.
I have to thank the sponsors, including Arnold Homes, LLC, Balsam Hill trees, and Kirkland’s for supplying the items for the Greek Christmas tree. It will be auctioned off for Make-A-Wish Middle TN during the Parade of Homes. Do any of you locals want a really special tree? Here are the gals from Kirkland’s, giving me a gift bag – aren’t they the cutest??
Allison and I made a little video about the tree and a few ideas for decorating your own Christmas tree – please excuse any blurriness in the close-ups (still trying to figure out how to use the video function of my camera):
The tour runs through December 6-21. Watch for my next blog about all the design trends I spotted at the designer show homes! Now to get back to readying myself for A Vintage Affair at Haven Farms this Friday night and Saturday in Mt. Juliet, TN. I’ve got 2 FREE ticket to the Preview Party for Friday night for the first 2 readers who ask for them!
Hi! Instead of a preview party ticket (I live out of state) is there a way for me to purchase your new book? I was planning to make to 8 hour round trip drive to pick it up at the Flee Market this weekend, but have a funeral to go to. Yes, I was willing to make an 8 hour drive! I’ve learned so much from the previous items I’ve purchased through you. : )
Tamara,
It’s available on Amazon, even though I haven’t “officially” launched it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500795550/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1500795550&linkCode=as2&tag=thedecor-20&linkId=ZAFNNBN3NKBXIGRG
Oh joy!! I just sent that link to my better half who keeps asking me what I want for Christmas!!
It’s a beautiful tree, you’ve done a wonderful job! Merry Christmas, Kristie!
Thanks so much, Despina!!!
The tree’s decorations just fit in beautifully in that bedroom. And I love Allison’s hair!
Yes, Allison’s hair looks so sassy – I love it!!!
Kristie, I just love reading your blog, not only for the decorating advice, but because you write like a really down-to-earth and sincere person. Today, while reading your blog I had to laugh out loud when you used the term “anywho”. My mom used to say that (and she was from Kentucky, so maybe it is a southern “phrase”) and I haven’t heard that in a long, long time. But, when I read your column, there it was and I could just hear my mom exclaiming it as she told some long story. Thanks for the memories! Good luck with your other December events. And your Greek-themed tree was lovely!! Sure wish you lived closer so I could come to some of your events.
Oh, thank you so much for commenting, Paula! I really don’t consider myself a writer – it’s more a means to an end, to get some ideas out there. And I’m not terribly formal, as you can probably tell! Thanks so much for reading 🙂
Kristie, great to meet you all yesterday. The tree turned out awesome! I hope our paths cross again soon. Merry Christmas!
So nice to see you again, Jennifer!!
Your work was beautiful!!!
Ticket? 🙂
I would love them, will be in Nashville this weekend.
Scott, I’ll leave your name at the door – you’re in!!!
I LOVE a flocked tree! Very pretty tree, and I hope I get to tour the home! (I have plans Friday night, or I’d be begging for the tickets!!!)
Kristie, the tree is gorgeous! I love how you used the Greece inspiration without making it look like a Geography project! So pretty in the room. I want to move in there. Will the child who requested it get to actually see it?
Nice work, Kristie! Beautiful tree for a great cause!
Looks beautiful Kristie! It works with the bedroom colors so well. Excellent job- I’m sure your tree will sell quickly! Wish I lived closer because I would love to see in person.
It was so great seeing you and getting to work with you on this AMAZING cause! Your tree was gorgeous, I had to go back after the tea to see it and you did a wonderful job. And FYI for any of your readers, if you ever have wondered Kristie is just as beautiful in person as she is in pictures but even better she is like the coolest and sweetest chic ever. Seriously.. she’s the real deal! xoxo Lesley
Great job Kristie!! It’s beautiful!! I like that you incorporate some ideas that people gave you, but is very YOU and you also sticked to your plan too.
or should I say stick to your plan, no “ed” I don’t know sorry :S
Kristie, it was such fun to meet you yesterday, admire your tree and tour that amazing house!