Us Californians are a casual bunch. We love our flip flops and shorts, in fact, we can wear them all year long. It’s true what is said about our weather, it really is perfect. Even on the rare rainy days, we will never complain about the temperature. We love to live outdoors, in fact it isn’t unusual for those of us in Southern California to dine outside most nights, just because we can! As a Michaels Maker I’m privileged to have the chance to create a Michaels Dream Tree every holiday season, and this time I took my tree outside. This year my Michaels Dream Tree is a gorgeous 9 ft. pre-Lit Willow. I had a blast decorating it outdoors under the California sunshine!
I picked up the pretty ornaments and everything I needed to decorate my tree, and even create a quaint, casual dinner setting at my local Michaels.
Plaid is trending this year and I love it! Ribbon in plaid with deer print served as garland, as well as a string of beautiful large beads in shades of copper, gold, and silver. Woodsy rustic ornaments were all over the store and I filled my cart with them! From knits to wood, and even elegant pieces made of wood sprinkled with glitter. I love glitter! Remember, this is a very tall tree so I grabbed a few extra large ornaments as well.
What about this pretty tree skirt? It’s cable knit with a faux fur trim. !Swoon! A beautiful deer and a rustic wooden sleigh sit on tree skirt, you know, waiting for the gifts to arrive.
The tree topper is a simple but large snowflake. It’s pre-lit, and works perfectly with my woodsy tree!
The patio table was given a holiday transformation. Burlap fabric was cut to the length of the table (with a little extra give on each end), and used as a runner which lay under a simple tablescape and centerpiece.
Plaid chargers at each setting topped with white plates. The centerpiece is a rattan charger, topped with a grapevine bowl, topped with moss balls. It just couldn’t be any easier! Instead of placing a napkin at each plate, I found 2 galvanized buckets in the shape of stars at Michaels, rolled 2 fabric napkins into each, and placed them at either end of the table.
In this California Christmas, as the afternoon dies down and the sun starts to set, we take full advantage of the candlelight radiating from the glass bottles with cork tops, also in the center of the table. These were not part of the holiday collection at Michaels, but that’s ok. I plan on using them at other times throughout the year as well!
What outdoor party isn’t complete without globe string lights? Michaels has these too! They play off of the white lights on the tree so nicely, the extra glow just add so much to the already great view overlooking the city!
I kept the tree really simple this year. The California life is often lived outdoors, which if perched on top of a hill like we are, is already so lit up and breathtaking. A little really does go a long way to bring the holidays to life.
From the tree to all the trimmings, you can pick them all up in one trip. Michaels has their largest tree assortment this year, including colored and flocked trees. Check out all of their trees, ornaments and coordinating holiday décor on Michaels.com.
It’s not too early to begin planning your own holiday decor. Are you inspired to start decorating your own tree? Make sure you visit Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the rest of the Michaels Makers’ dream holiday trees that were created this year!
I am so looking forward to my casual Cali Style Christmas. My family and our guests will enjoy kicking back on the deck enjoy the Christmas sunset, in our flip flops and shorts, of course.
Happy Holidays my friends!
Delia says
Love the idea of a porch Christmas Tree! It’s so California! :) Also…your porch view is amazing!
Barbara says
Thank you so much Delia!! This is actually my back patio/deck. While our house isn’t perfect, this view definitely makes up for anything else the place lacks! Appreciate the comment so much!
Crystal says
Beautiful!! How nice to be able to have a Christmas tree outside eating around it in the evening. Love the snowflake topper and deer/sled. Awesome job!!
Barbara says
Hi Crystal, thank you so much! I tried to keep the tree and table setting somewhat simple and let the natural outdoor elements be the stars of the show! Thank you for your comment, and happy holidays to you!
Annita says
Where did you get the glass bottles with corks with candle inside for the patio scene? Love, love, love them!
Barbara says
Thank you! Everything is from Michaels.