Frequently Asked Questions
What Christmas tree do you use?
I've used several Christmas trees over the years, but my current favorite is the 7.5-foot Classic Williamsburg Tree pre-lit with color-changing micro LED lights. I love the multi-function lighting options, especially the twinkle mode, which adds a magical touch to the tree.
The tree features 100% molded branches, giving it a realistic appearance, and the branches are incredibly durable. One of my favorite features is the generous spacing from the trunk to the branch tips, which allows ornaments to hang freely and be seen from every angle. As someone who believes ornaments tell the story of a Christmas tree, that's a feature I really appreciate.
Where do you find your ornaments?
I find my ornaments from a variety of sources, including small businesses online, Etsy, eBay, local gift shops, Christmas stores, and big-box retailers. Some of my favorite and most unique finds have come from independent artisans and specialty ornament makers.
For a full list of shops and businesses I recommend, be sure to visit my Recommendations & Resources page.
Where did you get your tree skirt?
My talented Mom hand-crochets all of my tree skirts! I originally got the idea years ago after seeing photos of Rachel Ray's Christmas trees and commissioned my Mom to make one for me. Many years and several tree skirts later, she now creates and sells her beautiful handmade tree skirts through her Etsy shop, Jo Ann's Crocheted Creations.
If you're looking for something special, send her a message—she may even be able to create a custom tree skirt just for you!
Do you sell these ornaments?
No, I am not a retailer and do not sell the ornaments featured in my collection. I am simply a Christmas enthusiast and collector who enjoys sharing my love of the season and spreading a little Christmas joy.
If you're looking for a particular ornament, check out my Recommendations & Resources page for some of my favorite shops and ornament makers.
How can I make my tree look like yours?
My biggest tip is to start with a sparse tree, meaning there is space between the branches. This allows ornaments to hang freely and be seen from every angle, rather than getting lost in the foliage.
I also recommend layering different sizes and types of lights to add depth and dimension. And don't be afraid to use lots of ornaments—ornaments are what bring a tree to life!
The good news is that none of this has to be expensive. You can find beautiful trees, lights, and ornaments at a variety of price points both in stores and online.
Most importantly, make the tree your own. Your Christmas tree should reflect your personality, interests, memories, and traditions. It should tell a story. Some of my favorite ornaments aren't rare or expensive—they're handmade creations and photo ornaments that bring back special memories from years gone by. Those are the ornaments that truly make a tree special.
Are your ornaments vintage?
Not for the most part. While I do have some vintage ornaments in my collection, the majority of my ornaments are contemporary pieces. I began collecting more seriously in 2018, and most of my collection has been acquired since then.
I enjoy collecting ornaments from a variety of artists, small businesses, and specialty shops, regardless of whether they're vintage or newly made. For me, it's all about finding ornaments that are meaningful, unique, and help tell a story on the tree.
