Ornaments, Decor And Recipes For A Tree-Trimming Party
It's a tradition so revered that two classic Christmas songs center on it—one literally rocks around that conifer.
So it's only fitting that the trimming of the tree warrants a party of its very own. Here's everything you'll need.
Set the Scene
Sure, the towering tree commands most of the attention. But festive details are essential. Rally the merrymakers with an on-theme invite. In case it isn't clear that impromptu caroling is welcome, hang a banner with care to encourage it, along with stockings, of course. Finish the mantle with reindeer candle holders, and scatter spinning tree tops around for guests to play. And when the night is done, send guests home with a mini Christmas popper.
Trim the Tree
Plant your evergreen in a sturdy copper base, then get to decorating. Skip the clear versus colored lights debate entirely and plug in mercury glass bulbs instead. String popcorn on a thread as garland, or opt for this glitzy version instead. And then treat your guests to a buffet of delicious ornaments, like bacon, macarons, hot sauce, veggies and a pickle, plus a potato masher for good measure. No tree is complete without tinsel, but avoid the inevitable mess by offering tin icicles.
Feed the Crowd
It's not a party without snacks. Start savory with cheesy bacon-wrapped dates and Ritz Crackers topped with cream cheese and bright red pepper jelly. Then it's on to the requisite Christmas cookies: Proffer a spread of linzers, eggnog florentines and chocolate candy cane buttons. If gingerbread's your jam, give them an extra (ahem) kick with ninja cookie cutters. Keep the sugar rush going with toasted almond truffles.
Wild Winter Bouquet Invitations
paperlesspost.com, 20 for $6
Photo: Courtesy of Paperless Post
Oh Joy! "Falalalala" Banner
target.com, $4
Photo: Courtesy of Target
Zigzag Stocking
anthropologie.com, $54
Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie
White Reindeer Candle Holders
hudsongracesf.com, $95 each
Photo: Courtesy of Hudson Grace
Spinning Tree Tops
clickdesignthatfits.com, $14 for five
Photo: Courtesy of Click Design That Fits
Copper Tree Skirt
shopterrain.com, $88
Photo: Courtesy of Terrain
Mercury Glass Bulb String Lights
worldmarket.com, $30
Photo: Courtesy of World Market
Popcorn Ball Garland
anthropologie.com, $72
Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie
Bacon Ornament
mcphee.com, $6.50
Photo: Courtesy of Archie McPhee
French Macaron Ornaments
ballarddesigns.com, $35
Photo: Courtesy of Ballard Designs
Hot Sauce Bottle Ornament
surlatable.com, $20
Photo: Courtesy of Sur la Table
Vegetable Ornaments
crateandbarrel.com, $6 each
Photo: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Pickle Ornament
pier1.com, $4
Photo: Courtesy of Pier 1
Polka Dot Potato Masher Ornament
surlatable.com, $6
Photo: Courtesy of Sur la Table
Tin Icicles
schoolhouseelectric.com, $20 for 50
Photo: Courtesy of Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
Red Pepper Jelly
Linzer Piggy Cookies
Eggnog Florentines
Chocolate Candy Cane Buttons
Ninjabread Cookie Kit
urbanoutfitters.com, $14
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
Toasted Almond Truffles
Mini Christmas Poppers
papersource.com, $19 for six