I’m really excited about a fun project I’ll be working on over the next month. I’m decorating a Christmas tree at a Nashville area Designer Parade of Homes.
The cool part? I’m decorating a tree that will auctioned off to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Three other southern bloggers will participate with me and decorate Christmas trees in different homes: Kari Ann from Thistlewood Farms, Leslie from Chaotically Creative, and Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. The specific wishes of a few local children are to be the inspirations for each of our trees. My Make-A-Wish tree is inspired by Joey, who has acute lymphocytic leukemia. His wish is to visit Athens, Greece and see the ancient ruins and churches there. I’m betting he’s a big fan of the Percy Jackson book series (at least that’s what my kids are guessing). I want it to be an elegant tree that will attract bids for Make-A-Wish, but still capture the essence of Joey’s special wish. I’ve been putting together some ideas on an inspiration board to help me make a plan for the tree:
I’ve never been to Greece, and really don’t know very much about the country! So I’m asking for your help. At this point, I’m leaning toward a gold, off-white, and seaglass color scheme. I want to incorporate seashells, gold laurel crowns, and greek key symbols (maybe in a ribbon garland). I’m having a hard time finding any ornaments that look like columns or ancient ruins!!! Do you have any suggestions to help me make this tree theme a success? Any ideas are welcomed (I am begging you here, really). Please share your ideas and anywhere I might find such ornaments in the comments below!
http://www.greekshops.com/Gifts/Christmas_Gifts/Ancient_Greek_Ionic_Column_Christmas_Ornament_105_46white.html?pdi=ornament_105_46white&ug=81
This site has column ornaments. What a neat idea! I was a classics major in college. I can’t wait to see what your tree will look like!
I don’t know if this helps, but I know in Greece a lot of people decorate “Christmas boats.” It has something to do with their sailing and sea-going past. Okay, here’s a link: https://athenstyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/christmas-boats-karavaki-a-greek-tradition/ that talks about it. If you can’t find columns, or architectural ornaments, then boats might tie in if you can find some that work with your color scheme and style.
Thanks, Elayne – I will check out the Christmas boats tradition 🙂
Hi Kristie! There is a Christmas shop in Manteo, NC that has more ornaments than you could imagine. Maybe they can help you find Greek column ornaments. Outerbankschristmas.com
Thanks, Nancy!
Kristie, you might find some ornament sized ‘columns’ at a cake decorating supply shop. A bit of gold spray paint and you’re on your way.
Bless you on this important project.
great, great idea! thanks so much, jill – i think i’ll probably be using LOTS of gold spray paint 🙂
I love this idea. How about some beautiful golden pomegranates? Persephone ate their seeds and had to remain in Hades. Any Percy Jackson-loving kid will know this. I think they could lend some beauty and sophistication and keep with Grecian theme. You are amazing!
Golden pomegranates!!! I’ll keep an eye out for something like that – I may need some gold spray paint 🙂
The color scheme is right on! Maybe incorporate their proximity to water, fish, boats. Have fun!
Kristie, try the Museum Store at the Nashville Parthenon.
http://mbreiding.us/ert/Tennessee/nashville/Nville_Fri_21st_Jan/parth/www.nashville.gov/parthenon/GiftShop.htm
Best,
Ellen
Ellen,
What a fantastic idea – my daughter takes guitar lessons right in view of the Nashville’s Parthenon!!! Thanks!
Paint some unglazed tiny plaster wreath shapes (should be able to find at any craft store) or dollhouse columns (see link below for an online source) in gorgeous Santorini blue! You could print small Greek flags on card stock to string together as a garland on some Santorini blue yarn, too – fun craft project for your family :-).
Tiny unfinished columns:
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNj84XDzM_hrc2Qv1AsYHSW-lV3CAFlfECphdgsNrt_bGYCu5d
I really hope some wonderful benefactor sees your tree and provides this little guy with a dream trip to Greece, too.
Looks beautiful! My favorite color combos! Very worthy cause, kudos.
Hello – Your blog is one of my all time favorites! I share it with everyone I know .
The Greek national colors are blue and white. Usually it is a bright, medium blue . You often see the Greek national flag (blue and white) and Greek key designs as decor elements when you travel there. Additional motifs common in Greek art and culture are : owls ( symbol of Athens), lemons, black and orange figured pottery/vases, not only Greek ruins (columns, temples and such) but other famous reproductions from ancient Greek art such as classical busts, figures (with or without clothing), a double-headed ax, a labyrinth, rams, snakes, lions, ancient coins (often with the face of Alexander the Great, or an owl), dolphins, coral, small white adobe-looking plaster homes with blue roofs, Greek windmills, olives and olive trees, horses (associated with Poseidon and the ocean),a stylized sun motif, pomegranates, pysanky eggs (I have many of these on my Christmas tree), icons, Greek Orthodox churches and crosses (the four arms of the cross are equal length.)
Thank you, Karen!!! This info is very, very helpful. I LOVE owls, so I will definitely incorporate those and the horses, too. Great info, thanks for sharing with me 🙂
Maybe instead of the sea glass, or in addition to, getting the true blue of the Greek flag in there. They use a lot of that blue, and other saturated colors in their pottery and other decorative items.
Hi Kristie! Greek gal here; I’ve been following your blog for a while and I’m liking it a lot. Can confirm and strongly second the Christmas Boat and pomegranates. Very traditional. Miniature clippers or any kind of sailboats would work just as nicely.
Another idea, though perhaps more obscure to non-Greeks, is triangle instruments (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_%28instrument%29 ). They’re a must for kiddies going on about singing carols (the Calanda) on Christmas Eve morning. (See more about this lovely custom here: http://www.sunnyfotini.com/blogfiles/christmasboats.htm )
If you do use blue, you might want to go for the Santorini blue or the Greek flag blue (286 C Pantone, I think). The pale one is not as strongly associated with the country (from my perspective, at least).
Best of luck – I’m sure you’ll come up with something very nice – and kudos for helping out for such a good cause. I hope Joey gets to travel here. He’ll have tons of fun! 😉
Eleni,
Thank you so much for your input and advice! I’m still debating the Santorini Blue – I know you are right about that, but I am dealing with the colors that will be in the designer showhouse and have to make the tree compatible. Off to do more research, thanks again!
Fish tank accessories sometimes incorporate columns and ruins-looking items . . . just a thought!! Sprayed gold!! Look forward to seeing pictures of your final work/tree!! Love your touch!!
Well, I certainly would have NEVER thought of that, Helen – thanks so much, I will check out some pet stores!
Have fun with it! The one thing I think about Greece is the beautiful blue water! You know how I feel about blue- I say add bold blue in for accent! Good luck!
Thank you, Kelly! Have a great weekend, dear 🙂
Yes!! a pretty soft blue and bold blue like their flag together
I changed my mind 🙂 I think I like your soft blue and gold idea better. Reading Despina comment made me think twice. And I will do a lot of the fruits in gold so it looks fancy. Maybe I am late in the party haha but it still fun. I am sure it will be beautiful either way you do it.
Thanks for your input, Veronica – you’re not too late, as I am still working on it 🙂
My daughter studied abroad in Athens for three and half months last year. She fell in love with the country! (We don’t have an ounce of Greek in our blood…) Anyways, for Christmas she brought home olive wood bowls…when you rub the wood, you can smell a hint of olive. Perhaps including olive leaves in the tree would be lovely…painted in gold or as is.
Olive leaves – perfect, Jean! Thanks!!
Hi Kristie – I think you can get Greek “columns” in several sizes from a wedding cake supply store. Often the tiers are separated by what appear to be ionic columns.
Kristie,
ReCreations on Sidco Drive already has 29 different Christmas trees up and decorated, many very ornate – so you might be able to find gold crosses, sailing ships, pomegranates, olive leaves – no telling what all they’ll have! And I’m guessing they would donate whatever you need, for a mention in the program or a little sign near the tree. I would be happy to talk with them about a donation if you find some things there that you like!
My first thought of Greece is those beautiful blue and white buildings you see in the travel brochures. And yes, the blue Mediterranean Sea. Blue/White/Boats…. Not sure they really have seashells there – I envision rocky coastlines and not “beachy” coastlines. For columns, could you take those columns in the cake decorating aisle, and somehow use those?
You’re something, Kristie! What a wonderful idea for the community, and the fact that you get to be inspired by one special child makes it so fulfilling for you. As a mother who lost a child to cancer, I can attest that the wishes the children are granted make a cherished memory for the family. Our daughter, age 4 at the time, chose…….Disney World! What else, right? We were treated like VIPs all the way to and from Florida. Our photo album stirs up a very special time that my husband and I were able to joyously spend with her. I will pray for little Joey. You are a blessing to him with your obvious excitement and commitment to this project, and believe me, it won’t go unnoticed. As for help with the tree, you’re well on your way to making your project stand alone. Best wishes and I can’t wait to see pics!!
Oh Kristen I love this. I can’t wait to see it in person. I think you have some amazing ideas here.
Sorry Kristie, Don’t know why I keep calling you Kristen
Well, it is late on a Saturday night, so I forgive you 😉
ericcortina.com has two fabulous column ornaments!
thanks!!
Kristie, you almost made me cry! I’ve been following your blog for a while, but cannot remember if I have commented again. I am Greek, live on a greek island and I really hope this little boy’s dream comes true! We do decorate a lot of boats and use laurel leaves, pomegranates and olives (in every possible way!) to decorate our homes, children sing Christmas carols with the triangle ornaments (Eleni has already mentioned it, I think) and we believe that creatures like Christmas goblins tend to tease people around Christmas’ time :-)! You can see this Aegean blue (that’s how we call it because of the Aegean Sea) everywhere, but we don’t really use our flag for decoration. You will find it of course in tourist shops and so on, but you will rarely find it in real homes or on clothing items (for decorative purposes). I hope I have helped a little, if you need any information or links or anything, just let me know! 🙂
PS. But if you do use the greek flag; it has nine horizontal lines, because each one means a syllable of the quote “Freedom or Death”.
Despina,
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing those wonderful ideas for the tree!!! I really appreciate it and add a few things to my list to look for 🙂 I wish I could visit Greece – maybe someday!
You are always welcome! 🙂
There’s always a touch of pink for “rosy fingered dawn” or maybe the “wine-dark sea”
These are adorable, could easily become ornaments and they’re only $2 ea!
http://factorydirectcraft.com/catalog/products/1302_790_2332_2319-38894-miniature_corinthian_column.html?ccset=US&zmam=62863317&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=38894&gclid=Cj0KEQiAypGjBRCPme6jmqu3gZsBEiQA8NAiICNAqImDnHUIagTO2l_g3xi7Qr9z9dKPO_JvbQyhy9UaAr_X8P8HAQ
Those are DARLING!!! thanks!
I just commented but I thought of something else as soon as I left your page =) What about cutting down greek key molding and turning them into ornaments. They’d be super cheap for “filler”.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/House-of-Fara-3-8-in-x-3-4-in-x-8-ft-Oak-Embossed-Greek-Key-Moulding-9694/202705444?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cBase&gclid=Cj0KEQiAypGjBRCPme6jmqu3gZsBEiQA8NAiIO8WbGOsBb88xAcIzI0V2XzSAcufTft7JKR1piTXqXUaAhbb8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
You’re a genius, Tess!! Thanks!!!
Hi
My husband and I were lucky enough to live in Greece for 2 years. I agree with earlier posts about the prevalence of pomegranates and olive trees. Most homes have an olive, lemon, fig and pomegranate tree in the yard. Artisans dip the olive branches in gold and they are quite lovely. I have seen these dipped branches shaped into wreaths:
http://www.elitecrafters.com/default.aspx?lang=en-GB&page=21&prodid=95
Perhaps this can be your tree topper??
Another image that comes to mind is the Byzantine art/icons that adorn churches and monestaries. These might make nice ornaments:
http://www.cafepress.com/+byzantine-icon+ornaments
Another ornament idea is to paint wooden Greek letters:
http://www.craftcuts.com/greek-letters.html
Lastly, I can’t help but include the Greek “mati” or evil eye. You see these everywhere:
http://www.discoverallgreece.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-greek-evil-eye/
Good luck. I am sure your tree will be exquisite!
I have a good friend and sorority sister that is from Greece and so is her husband! She got married there and I am still kicking myself for not going to the wedding (Jake was very little then). Now lives in Chicago but I know she would be a great resource for you. Please connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kiki.liberopoulos