Simple Glass Icicle Decorated Christmas Tree
Hi, there! Jordan here… today, I’m sharing my Christmas tree. I went for an all-glass dripping icicle look this year, and I love the way it turned out! Read on to see how to achieve this minimal and reflective look that will last well beyond December and into the New Year. Sometimes simple can be the most sophisticated. It’s always fun to mix up your holiday decorating each year.
After going for a colorful & pattern-filled style last year (which you can see in my 2023 Holiday Home Tour), I was craving simplicity in my holiday decorating this year. I also wanted to focus on a look that would last beyond the Christmas season into January, because I’m always a bit sad when the twinkly lights come down. I went heavy on the greenery, clear glass, and candles this year. I’m thoroughly enjoying our tree each evening while winding down from the day. This year, I followed Sarah’s lead and went with classic monochromatic gift wrap. I opted for an all-black gift wrap with satin black ribbon! I like how the high contrast complements my faux fireplace DIY in our living room.
Simple & Sophisticated Tree Styling
I got a bit of a later start than normal decorating this year, mostly because I wasn’t feeling particularly inspired by a theme or color palette. I got to thinking about my favorite parts of holiday decor and remembered that my eyes are always drawn to my icicle ornaments first… I love the reflection of a twinkle light or candle flicker in clear glass. They have a mesmerizing way of capture the light. I decided to order a few extra boxes with quick shipping, and went all-in on a clear glass theme for this year’s tree.
I wanted each icicle to appear as realistic as possible, so instead of using string or ribbon, I attached floral wire to each one, so the top of the glass touches the branch (tedious, but worth it). This also ensures they’re all super secure. To top it off, I cut an extra long piece of ribbon for an exaggerated bow. I finished with my favorite velvet tree skirt. I’ve had it for 8 years, and it’s still carried by Pottery Barn. A true classic!
10 Minimalistic Christmas Tree Decorating Tips
When aiming for a minimalist Christmas tree, I think more is more (in the same color palette or material)… ironically. If you’re going for a simple tree with only lights… add LOTS of extra light strands so the tree really glows. I began decorating my tree with a single order of glass ornaments, but ended up placing a second, which allowed me to tuck them further into the tree and maximize the light reflective qualities. Another example? If you’re going for an all-tinsel tree, add multiple strands across each branch. You really want to over exaggerate the quantity, scale, or material. Here are 10 designer tips for styling a minimalistic Christmas tree:
- Create Design Parameters – a color palette, material, a theme, etc.
- Stick to a Specific Color Palette – a few hues, a monochromatic palette, or a specific pattern.
- Consider Overall Composition – would you like your tree to look textural, whimsical, reflective, symmetrical, etc? Think of your tree like a vignette and style it accordingly.
- Determine Your Wow Factor – an oversized bow, and abundant amount of ornaments, birds clipped to branches, florals tucked in, etc.
- Lean Into Quantity – whatever you’re going with, make sure you have a lot (lights, tinsel, icicles, etc).
- Invest in Quality or Vintage Ornaments – with simple trees, the emphasis is really on whatever decor you’re highlighting, so it’s a great idea to invest in nice quality.
- Consider Other Design or Architectural Elements in the Room – tree placement is important, especially with a simplistic tree… what does the view look like? Does it align with an arch, doorway, help to balance a corner, etc?
- Use Lighting to Your Advantage – strategically place your tree in a spot that receives natural light to bounce and reflect the light off ornaments .
- Don’t Forget the Base – make sure the trunk or base area feels cohesive… a tree skirt, a basket, a woven collar, or even a faux fur blanket feels like the finishing touch.
- Don’t Overthink It – sometimes the more you mess with decorating the tree, the further you get from your initial vision… don’t overthink it and keep it simple!
Classic Glass Icicle Ornaments
Click on each image within the collage to be directed to the source!
teardrop ornaments // velvet ribbon // fabric scissors // small raindrops // tree // jump rings // icicles // large raindrops // green wire // tree skirt
FAQ
Since I used floral wire to attach each ornament to the branches, they are very secure! We brush past the tree frequently when walking up the stairs or out to the garage, and they have stayed put without any breakage. But if you’d like to get the look without the worry (and for less money), look for acrylic raindrop ornaments and icicles- there are a tons online to choose from!
Since I don’t have kids or a particularly opinionated husband, I have mostly free rein to decorate how I want each year… but I do still love a tree full of memories! I’m sure they will make their way out of storage again next year. If I had more space in my house, I would put a tree in every room, ha! But I also love a mini tabletop tree to decorate in my office or bedroom, which would be the perfect place to try this look!
When I first thought about doing an all-icicle tree, I assumed it would be too cost prohibitive. But I priced it out anyway, and found that I could realistically get each ornament for under $1… most were closer to 60 cents! All together (plus the ornaments I already had) I filled the whole tree for around $100! If you are starting from scratch, I would estimate $150 total.
Related
Looking for more holiday or tree decorating related posts? I’ll link some of my favorites for you below…
- Amazon Christmas Tree Review (Styled 3 Ways)
- Equestrian Inspired Christmas Tour : The Tree
- Christmas Tour: The Holiday Decorated Living Room
- 20 Ways to Decorate with Ribbon This Holiday Season
- A Snowy Christmas Tree Adventure
- 10 Holiday Front Door & Porch Decorating Essentials
- Christmas Tour: Decorating the Kitchen for the Holidays
- 30 Classic Ornaments to Collect & How to Style Them
- Decorating for the Holidays Without a Tree
- Christmas Tour: Holiday Basement Bar & Media Room
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed seeing my Christmas decor this year… and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Isn’t my brass chiavari chair looking cute next to the tree? I’m really pleased with how things came together this year. Let me know if you have questions. Cheers, friends!
