Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Un Noël Chanel

After our first Christmas in Arizona, I decided that our trusty 8” tree seemed a bit, well. . .diminutive, considering our 12’ tall ceilings. Just before our second Christmas here, I apparently had a moment of insanity and purchased a 10’ flocked, pre-lit tree for our Living Room. I guess this was one of those “emotional purchases” and was not at all well thought out.



My hubby is Jewish and although he is open minded about the Christmas tree, seems truly befuddled about the extravagance of all things Christmas. Suffice to say, he wants no part of helping install the tree except on occasion - perhaps adding an ornament or two.


What was I thinking when I purchased that flocked monster?? It takes a team of movers to bring the tree from the air-conditioned storage unit (flocked trees will yellow if left in an Arizona summer 1000 degree garage) to our home and 2 men to set it up (= $$$$) and me climbing up to the tippy top of the 8” ladder to reach the ornaments and treetop angel! Because of the logistics and cost of setting- it up, the flocked monster has only been used for 3 years. Although it is stunningly beautiful and reminds me of New England, it just seems to be far too much trouble and expense.

Last year, I was diagnosed with a torn tendon in my elbow so the huge flocked tree was truly out of the question. I found a darling little white boa-feather tree that could easily be set up and decorated without re-injuring my elbow. Last year, the little boa tree was decorated with delicate vintage ornaments in pastel colors and really looked very quaint and charming.






"Un Noël Chanel" Tree


This year I decided to change it up a bit (that’s the beauty of a smaller tree – fewer ornaments and expense for those of us that like to try out new creative ideas). With tons of “decorating ideas” dancing in my head for the Kitchen/Family room renovation, I decided to only use items that were already on hand to keep the expense down. Voila – the “Un Noël Chanel” tree was born!




A simple tree as a tribute to Chanel – my little 4ft. boa feather tree consists of only items that I had on hand from previous design projects. The black quilted table skirt, blush pink tweed “tree skirt” and creamy white Chanel camellias with their iconic black bows were from a tablescaping event I did 3 years ago. The black urn was originally purchased as a pair for my jewelry booth display at Scottsdale Fashion Week. And lastly, the frosted pink ornaments and jumbo pearl garlands were from previous Christmas trees many, many years ago.

I think Ms. Coco would approve!

5 comments:

Karena said...

Karen, these are wonderful images! I am going to do a small tabletop tree this season for my little, but precious condominium!

Karen Sugarman Designs said...

Hi Karena-
I'm sure that a smaller tabletop tree will look perfect in a room with more delicate proportions. Smaller trees are so much fun to decorate - they allow you to explore uniquely creative ideas without making such a huge financial committment. I'd love to see your design when completed - I'm sure it will be lovely.

Happy Holidays!
Karen

Daisy Reyes said...

OH my gosh your Highness,

I am so loving this tree!! What a creative idea!! Who would have thought that this was possible? I love the fluff and the pink. It is so feminine and pretty:)) so different and the size is wonderful. Happy holidays!

Royal wishes,
Daisy
LaPetitPlume.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Hi Karen! I am Mrs. "Pat M." of the 'shell of an idea' necklace! I just wanted to tell you how much I absolutely adore the piece and appreciate your willingness to scheme/assist my lovely hubs. I was so shocked and thrilled that he remembered it from when I showed him the photo last summer. It also speaks to how beautiful the necklace is that he actually REMEMBERED it when christmas rolled around! I've already worn it twice and can't wait to make use of it in a summer full of beach weddings. It makes me think of nantucket and long, warm walks on the beach each time I see it. Thank you again for bringing me such joy!!!

Karen Sugarman Designs said...

Hi Michelle-

I am so pleased that you loved the Shell of an Idea Necklace. I had no idea that your hubby originally saw the photo last summer! What a lovely and thoughtful gift - he's a keeper!

Hope your Holidays were Wonderful!
Karen