Thursday, December 1, 2011

My Colonial Christmas Tree

Colonial Williamsburg really knows how to decorate for Christmas. I love their use of simple, natural objects, particularly fruit and evergreens, to dress their homes for the holidays.

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Pineapple, a Colonial American symbol of hospitality, paired with apples create a signature swag.

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This is the wreath outside the Williamsburg millinery. Notice the fruit and vegetables cleverly wrapped in different fabrics. I need to copy this some day!

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Our home is a Colonial Williamsburg style house, and I wanted to incorporate Christmas decor that would nod to early American tradition. One way I did this was to create a "fruit tree" in my dining room. I just finished decorating the tree for this Christmas, and I thought I'd share it with you. I started with a simple, pre-lit tree.



My least favorite part of an artificial tree is separating and fluffing the branches! I have some beautiful ribbon that I use for this tree. Unfortunately, my swagging ability is seriously lacking. I actually watched a youtube video today to try and improve my technique. I used the poof and gather method.


Maybe I need a little more practice.  Oh well.  On to the fun part... loading on the fruit.


I use all kinds of faux fruit.... apples, pears, oranges, pomegranates, berries, and grapes. Citrus fruit was a holiday delicacy for Colonial Americans.




Although I refer to it as a fruit tree, I don't discriminate against veggies. There are some artichokes hidden in there, too :)





I was 8 months pregnant the year I started the fruit tree, and my nesting instinct was in overdrive. I think I cleaned out every store fruit bin within a 50 mile radius. Perhaps you read about the great faux fruit shortage of 2008?




Hope you like it! Are you decorating with fruit this Christmas? Or just eating it?


Linking to...

23 comments:

  1. No fruit on my tree this year, but your tree looks fantastic, love it!! We'll be using standard lights, garland, maybe some pearl strands, some 'fancy' ornaments, some kid's themed ornaments, and 4 beautiful bow's made from ribbon (near the top of the tree) with additional ribbon trailing down the tree. The bows and trailing ribbon were made with my MIL a few years ago and I've always loved them. She passed away this year in a car accident, so they're extra special now.

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  2. Your tree looks stunning! I'm super jealous of that perfect little bay window!

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  3. Your tree is beautiful, Carolyn! I was wondering if it was real or faux fruit! You did a wonderful job!

    XO,
    Jane

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  4. Nope. Won't be eating my tree. But if the food runs out over here...we will be head over. ;)

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  5. Wow your tree looks gorgeous! I love the wide ribbon as well and the bay window is perfect for it :)

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  6. How cool! I love this idea, very unique and colorful too.

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  7. I think you did a great job on your ribbon! You don't need to apologize for it. That ribbon is gorgeous too and looks perfect with the fruit theme you've chosen. I like your tree because it's not like everybody else's too. You've recreated that Williamsburg look perfectly!

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  8. Carolyn-It looks great- I guess YouTUBE did it for you! No fruits here-unless you count the ones in my "crisper" that have probably "turned" by now. I will just enjoy yours. AND- I love that fabric fruit wreath! xo Diana

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  9. I don't have a fruit tree, but you make me want one! That is gorgeous! I have trouble in the ribbon department too. I think you did a fantastic job! Guess I need to check out youtube. How did we live before youtube and the internet?! That tree is just beautiful!

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  10. Your tree is amazing! I love it. No fruit here, but maybe next year! I love oranges!
    Debbie

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  11. This is one of the prettiest trees I have EVER seen!!! Great job.

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  12. No fruit here in Australia, it would be rotten in no time in the heat!!Yesterday was 39 degrees C here and we put our tree up, but it was so hot that it wasn't nearly as much fun as you look like you had:) God bless x

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  13. Your "fruit tree" is gorgeous! I used to have some faux fruit I decorated with but have kind of just pared down to basic ornaments, etc now. I also enjoyed your last post. Dutch doors are so charming.

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  14. These are gorgeous! So beautiful! Have a fabulous day, Kellie xx

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  15. Love, the fruit tree!! It just looks so festive; and perfect for the season. I love seeing fruit in holiday displays! Thanks for sharing!

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  16. What a beautiful tree! I love how fruit used to be 'exotic.' The orange color on the evergreen is just stunning. andrea@townandprairie

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  17. Such a beautiful Christmas tree, I specially love the coloring and how different it is and yet baulous! I love it with the fruit and that pretty bay window is TDF! Happy Holidays. FABBY

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  18. Fabulous tree and great wreath too! Thanks for linking to the Christmas Tree party!

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  19. Gorgeous! I love the colors. You did a wonderful job!

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  20. Beautiful tree! I have been to Williamsburg at Christmas time and it is a treat to see everything decked out with natural items. Your tree looks like it would fit right in there.
    Cindy

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  21. I adore the colours on your tree!

    Veronica
    Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds

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