The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and tradition. For many, decorating the Christmas tree is a cherished part of the festive season. While traditional red and green themes are always popular, why not embrace the spirit of the beach and create a coastal Christmas wonderland in your home?
From Sand to Shells: A Beachy Christmas Tree Palette
Gone are the days of predictable Christmas hues. Embrace the calming colors of the sea and the vibrant tones of the shore. Instead of holly and ivy, consider a color scheme that reflects the beauty of the ocean. Here’s a guide to create a coastal Christmas tree:
Blending Blues and Greens
- Ocean Blues: Deep turquoise, sapphire, and cerulean blues evoke the vastness of the sea. Use these shades for ornaments, ribbons, and even tree lights to create a calming and tranquil atmosphere.
- Seafoam Greens: The soft, muted greens of seafoam and kelp bring a touch of nature to your tree, complementing the blues perfectly. Use them in ornaments, garlands, and even tree skirts.
- Coastal Whites: White, a symbol of sand and seafoam, adds a touch of elegance and brightness. Use white ornaments, snowflakes, and even string lights to create a snowy beach vibe.
Adding Pops of Color
- Coral and Salmon: Warm and vibrant shades of coral and salmon represent the beauty of the coral reefs and sunsets over the ocean. Use them sparingly as accent colors in ornaments, ribbons, or even small decorative sea creatures.
- Sand and Ivory: The warm, earthy tones of sand and ivory evoke the feeling of sun-kissed beaches. Use them in ornaments, ribbons, or even as a backdrop for other colors.
- Metallic Accents: Metallic accents like gold and silver add a touch of sparkle and glamour. Use them in ornaments, ribbons, or even as a base for other decorations.
Decorations for a Beachy Christmas Tree:
Now that your color palette is set, it’s time to adorn your tree with a variety of beach-themed decorations.
Ornaments
- Seashells: Real or artificial seashells add an authentic touch to your tree. Use a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to create a visually appealing arrangement.
- Starfish: Starfish, in their natural colors or painted in festive hues, make whimsical ornaments. Tie them with ribbon or twine for a touch of elegance.
- Sea Creatures: Small ornaments shaped like dolphins, whales, seahorses, or sea turtles add a playful and whimsical touch. Look for ornaments made from wood, glass, or even felt.
- Nautical Themes: Nautical-themed ornaments like anchors, ships, and lighthouses bring a classic beach feel to your tree. Use metallic versions for a glamorous touch.
- Glass Balls: Clear glass balls filled with sand, seashells, or tiny starfish create a unique and ethereal effect.
Garlands and Ribbons
- Seashell Garlands: Create a natural and whimsical garland by stringing together seashells of various sizes and shapes. Use twine or fishing line to create a rustic feel.
- Rope Garlands: A thick, natural-colored rope garland adds a touch of nautical charm to your tree. Wrap it around the tree and embellish it with seashells, starfish, or small lanterns.
- Ribbon Accents: Use ribbons in shades of blue, green, white, coral, or sand to add pops of color and texture. Tie them around ornaments, create bows, or use them as streamers.
- Burlap Ribbons: Burlap ribbons offer a rustic and natural touch. Tie them around ornaments, create bows, or use them to create a simple garland.
Other Decorative Touches
- Miniature Lanterns: Small lanterns, especially those made from glass or metal, add a touch of warmth and sparkle. Hang them from the branches or place them around the base of the tree.
- Beachy Candles: Scented candles with beachy scents like coconut, sea salt, or ocean breeze add a touch of tranquility to your coastal Christmas tree.
- Beachy Tree Skirt: Choose a tree skirt made from burlap, cotton, or a fabric with a beachy print. A simple white or cream skirt also works well.
- Sand-Filled Vases: Fill decorative vases with sand and arrange seashells, starfish, or driftwood within them. Place them around the base of the tree for a natural and textural touch.
Tips for Creating a Beachy Christmas Tree:
- Embrace Imperfection: A coastal Christmas tree is all about embracing the natural beauty of the ocean. Don’t be afraid to use imperfect shells, driftwood, or other beach finds. They add character and authenticity to your tree.
- Layer Your Decorations: Mix and match different types of ornaments, garlands, and ribbons to create a visually interesting tree. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and colors.
- Play with Light: Use string lights in shades of blue, white, or warm white to create a magical and inviting atmosphere. Experiment with different light patterns to create unique effects.
- Add a Personal Touch: Include items that have sentimental value, such as seashells collected on a special vacation or driftwood found on a favorite beach. These personal touches make your tree truly unique.
The Magic of a Coastal Christmas
A beach-themed Christmas tree is more than just a decoration; it’s a way to bring the spirit of the coast into your home. The calming colors, natural textures, and whimsical ornaments create a serene and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of the ocean. So, embrace the spirit of the beach and create a coastal Christmas wonderland that will be remembered for years to come.