Why yes, I do realize the calendar has just flipped to November. And in real life, it’s a few weeks too early to be decorating for Christmas however it’s not too early to be collecting holiday ideas and inspiration! I’m excited to be a part of the Michaels’ Makers blog team, the 3rd annual Dream Tree Challenge and the #tagatree campaign, I present my “Succulents & Spruce” themed Christmas tree…

Michaels provided me with a beautiful pre-lit 7 ft. artificial pine and a gift card for decorating to participate in the dream tree challenge to kick off the decorating season in the DIY Show Off house. After I finished decorating it, I decided I wanted to remove the area rug…but moving the 9×12 monster size out from under a decorated 7 ft. tree is another challenge for another day. 

Materials I used: (Find materials and decor that you feel fit a succulent & spruce/enchanted evergreen theme at Michaels) 

• 7 1/2 foot pre-lit Willow Pine Christmas tree
• succulent garlands
• packs of matte orange Christmas bulb ornaments
• grapevine orbs 
• mini mossy fairy/gnome houses
• lighted grapevine star tree topper
• assorted pheasant feathers
• large pinecones
• glittery floral pics in copper
• assorted floral pics: one with mini pinecones on branches, one with gold berries, gold/green ferns, gold glittery spiral branches, etc. 
• clip on burlap poinsettias 
• assorted potted succulents – for the ones hanging on the tree, be sure to use hot glue to ensure succulents are extra secure in foam base/pot as well as to adhere an ornament hanger to the pot so that rather than set on it’s base, it hangs like an ornament. 
• burlap table runner for use as a tree skirt
• birch wood slices for displaying succulents under the tree

We do decorate a Christmas tree in our living room with a more traditional (red & gold) look. I really enjoyed creating some a little whimsical and fun for the dining room.

My steps: Assemble the tree (seriously easy as 1-2-3…it’s labeled). The order I decorate: garland (in a diagonal spiral pattern on the tree). I used three. Next I tuck in floral pic items such as branches, ferns, etc. (decorative items with stems). Then I add succulents and ornaments, placing mossy fairy houses into bare spaces. Tuck in pheasant feathers. Top the tree with more floral pics and grapevine star. I laid out a burlap table runner in a circular pattern under the tree and added some potted succulents, some on birch wood slices to add height. You may acquire a supervisor…

The gallery wall of empty frames in my dining room was the perfect back drop for a shimmery succulent wreath and a few strategically placed succulents to add to the enchanted forest theme. 

I love it! My girls love it! Mr. DIY prefers traditional {I guess it’s good we usually have more than 1 Christmas tree}. What do you think?

Last year’s DIYShowOff Dream Tree

See MORE beautiful Christmas trees by visiting these awesome blog friends beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 1st:

Michaels has a lot of fun things going on this month:

• Stop by Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the full Dream Tree Challenge and all of the fabulous trees that were created this year by the Michaels Makers
• To kick off the holiday season, make sure and check out of Michaels’ Make it Merry  inspiration book or all kinds of holiday tips and projects.
• • Head into Michaels Nov. 2 through Nov. 8 for the Make It Merry Tree Event  – 50% off all trees 6 ft. or taller!!!

As a member of the Michaels’ Makers team, I receive a gift card to complete and share fun craft challenges.