Wednesday, December 2, 2009

December to Remember Day 2: Peacock Christmas Tree

In 2006, I saw the most beautiful ornament at a Hobby Lobby in Texas. Scott and I thought about purchasing the ornament in depth before putting it and 22 others in the cart. They were beautiful, and they captured the light like faceted crystal - even though they weren't. Not only that, but they were the perfect colors: a base of glittered green and blue with a beaded cloak like attachment in purples, blues, greens, and even a few golds. Now, you're probably thinking: "Why were you in such deep thought over an ornament? Even 23 ornaments?" Well - because we both knew that it meant hundreds of more ornaments that we had yet to find. Hundreds of ornaments, equalling hundreds of dollars and the headache of moving totes of ornaments to New York, afterall - we already knew we were moving.

Ultimately, obviously, we decided to buy them. And now, three years - and - 123 ornaments, 698 feathers, 5 spools of ribbon, and 8 strands of beaded garland later. We finally have it:

The peacock Christmas tree - unlit. In our foyer, where the secretary and blue and white Chinese porcelain lives during the summer months. The walls are a beautiful sort of coral/terracotta color in this room, and even though it's pretty narrow the tree fits perfectly in this corner. Don't you find that warm wall color a great complement to the blues and greens of this tree?

The peacock Christmas tree, lit. Note the beautiful Moroccan lanterns in the center of the tree. Those beautiful lanterns were a clearance find at TJMaxx at $22/each. They weigh about 6 pounds and were wired onto the tree stand. I filled them with blue lights and green lights, to give a little whimsy to the already non-traditional stride.


The staircase railing is free of greens and garland, as I figured there are enough of those throughout the house - anymore here would have just been overkill. So I opted for 5 blocks of oasis, glued and wired together to hold this arrangement of green glittered poinsettia blossoms, beaded garland strands, glass ornaments, and several beautiful peacock plumes.
We'll be seeing more of this tree in the future installments of the December to Remember around CdlV, as I'll be giving a couple of these ornaments away in later days. But for now, let me show you a few of our favorites:

I'm in love with these peacock feather covered balls. They came on stems, perfect for adorning the tree in this tree-topper. They came 2 to a stem, both with different circumferences, and are available at HOBBY LOBBY for $4.99. Mixed in with the peacock feathers I waited what seemed like years to receive, and a few "snow" covered birch branches ... the crown to this tree was born. From that point ... I moved onward:

making my way down the tree. I picked up some of these mirrored ornaments at TJMAXX because they reminded me of the Moroccan lanterns that I picked to give the tree it's center. Fortunately, my friend Melisa was kind enough to pick up a few more to finish off the tree from a HomeSense in Canada.

Of course, the lanterns are beautiful, but still not my favorite. Even the peacocks (did you notice them) take a distant second to these gorgeous finds! Can you spot them? Do you think that you know which ones I'm talking about?

Well, come back Sunday to see my favorite ornaments on this tree, and to enter the giveaway for 2 just like them! I promise, you won't want to miss this!
So tell me, what do you think? Is a peacock tree in your Christmas future?

42 comments:

  1. Holy crapola, Artie, I don't think I've ever clapped eyes on a more beautiful and different tree in my life! It's almost as if the tree is made of peacock feathers instead of fir or pine or whatever. I think you've finally shown your true gay side! Woot woot! It's over the top and it's to die for gorgeous. I don't even think I could pick one favorite ornament because they're all so gorgeous and work together so well.
    I have to admit, when I first saw the lanterns stuck in the middle of the tree I wasn't too sure about them. But the more I look at it the more I love it. Man, this tree shouldn't be stuck in a foyer!!!

    Justine :o )

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  2. Btw... I got so excited I even updated FB with your link!

    Justine :o )

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  3. Wow! You should put this on Between Naps on the Porch's Met Monday. You transformed a regular tree into a feather tree. It looks like the feathers are actually the branches of the tree!
    What a unique idea! This definitely deserves 5*s.

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  4. oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh........
    gorgeous! to.die.for. :P

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  5. Absolutely stunning! I am counting up the hours and creativity that went into this luscious design.

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  6. GREAT BALLS OF FIRE, ARTIE...I have never..NEVAH seen such a tree as this. Actually, man, it's a work of ART !!!(Art by Artie..heh heh)
    No sir, never have seen anything like this before. And, I, too, think you should link up with SUSAN....
    It is just STUNNING...and it's sure not your mama's traditional Christmas tree!!

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  7. It is even better than I imagined! I could almost stand up and clap! I love it.

    Sue

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  8. Gosh, I can't even find the words! I mean you can only say DIVINE, fabulous, marvelous, stunning, awe struck, gorgeous....etc, etc, etc! so many times over. A feast of beauty for the eyes. You KNOW my tree needs another birdie...so I SURE hope that is one of your faves. ;-)

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  9. There are no words...just...wow. It's amazing!!! :)

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  10. WOW Artie, your tree is fabulous ! Makes me want to redo mine.

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  11. I absolutely love the lanterns in the tree.

    SamiG

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  12. Looooove the peacock feathers! Actually I love all of it. It is truly amazing.

    Clearly the result of some serious collecting!

    - The Tablescaper

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  13. Wow!!!Now this is a tree!! It is truly stunning!!

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  14. Holy peacock feathers, that is stunning tree!!!
    Great job and I am loving the looks of your front door decor too.
    Linda

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  15. I see why you needed the feathers now.....because you just SOARED!
    G in CT

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  16. Absolutely beautiful! Love the exterior in your previous post as well!

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  17. Your tree is stunning...at first I was baffled by the huge ornaments in the front center, but as I read on to find they were lanterns, they immediately grew on me! I love it when a tree tells a story and yours certainly "speaks" to me...Happy Decorating

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  18. Applaud, Applaud! Absolutely 'stupendous' and 'breathtaking' my dear Artie.
    Hugs -Brenda-

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  19. That is a jewel of a tree Artie! I imagine it has taken you the better part of the day to put it together! It DOES look spectac with the wall color!

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  20. OOOOOOoooo how GORGEOUS!!! I've never seen anything like it and it is FABULOUS!!! I can honestly say that a peacock tree is not in my future though because I already have a heck of a time with my cat in the tree we have. Those feathers would just be WAY TO TEMPTING to her....lol

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  21. Love, love, love! I have a woodland tree in our dining room that is birds, nests and vine wreaths that I love because of it's simplicity.

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  22. A proud peacock it is... is that a smoke alarm Christmas tree topper? I think I smell burning feathers? All kidding aside beautiful tree!
    Lee

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  23. Stunning!! I truly love it! I could stand and stare at it forever!!

    Beautiful....

    Lou Cinda :)

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  24. Very different and very beautiful!

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  25. You are a good sport about my teasing. I have in the past painted my alarms to match the wall. If they can make a phone so tiny why oh why not a smoke detector... ???
    Lee

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  26. How perfectly unique ... like you!

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  27. Incredible! So how long did it take you to create this tree? I love that it is in the foyer because the wall color really compliments the blues of the ornaments. Over the Top Gorgeous --Delores

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  28. Wow, what can I say that hasn't already been said? This is the most unique tree I have ever seen and I would be hard pressed to figure out which would be your favorites. Guess I better stop back by on Monday and find out!

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  29. Oh My Gosh Artie...
    You and Scott have so outdone yourselves. Is this ever beautiful or what? It is just breathtaking. I so love it. The peacock feathers have been spaced to where it looks as though her feathers are totally outstretched and reaching for the skys as she proudly struts her feathers. How very, very beautiful. You get the prize kiddos for the most unusual, most original and most ingenius tree this year, not to mention breathtaking, warming and welcoming. Need I say more?

    I am clapping guys can you hear me? Clap, clap, clap. Take a bow.

    Thank you so much for sharing with me, I so love it when you do. I mailed your box and it should be there by Saturday at the latest. I can't wait for you to see the contents.

    Country hugs my friends..Sherry

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  30. Incredibly gorgeous Artie! I love every bit of it!

    I'm not adorning our stairway, this year. Doing a little less of just about everything, for a change.:-)

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  31. It's perfect Artie -- as everything you do is! I LOVE it!!!! Love the colors against the hall walls -- almost like you painted it to go with the tree!

    It is fantastic!

    Like Pat, I'm doing less this year as well -- greens on the mantles and centerpieces on coffee, dining and breakfast room tables and the hall tables.

    I think one wow is a lot better than too much -- who wants your attention diverted to roping when you have such an amazing tree!

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  32. OMG! what a beautiful tree...thanks for sharing...Pat H

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  33. What a beautiful tree - I can only echo everyone's comments made so far! A masterpiece in color and beauty!

    Love your outdoor/front door decor just as much!

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  34. What a strikingly beautiful tree ~ love the peacock feathers and the iridescent colors. The twigs are a great contrast as well.

    Thank you for stopping by my place and leaving your comment.

    Kindly, ldh

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  35. omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    this HAS to be the prettiest tree i have EVER seen!!! I am stunned. How did you ever put this all together? did it take days???? it is so gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lights on or off, but maybe on is best! is this your main tree? I can't imagine you could have two this gorgeous?! Its beyond wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (i am so jealous- scott is a lucky Jewish boy!)

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  36. Breathtaking! I love the lantern worked into the branches. Different, unique has always been my motto, and you win with this tree. Enjoy it.
    Stop over later today to see mine. It's been finished for a few days but I haven't posted pictures yet.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  37. OMG, this is breathtaking!!!!
    I love, love, LOVE the colors, and the lanterns, and, and , well ALL OF IT!!!!

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  38. Stunning!! Well worth the wait!!! I LOVE it!! Great job!!
    xx-Gina

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  39. Wow, I just discovered your blog and am so happy I did - I love your style. This tree is beyond my imagination to create ... and I love the color of those walls! So warm ... it really does accent the tree (as if it needs help!)

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  40. I have been outta town and just so excited to get to your blog to see the feather tree! Oh you have absolutly outdone yourself with this one... Talk about eye candy! I could look at that tree all day and night! Just beautiful and so worth waiting for!
    Really Rainey

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