When I shared about using presents as part of Christmas decorations yesterday, several people asked here and on Instagram about two things: How did I get the Christmas tree to stand up in the antique French laundry basket, and where is the antique goat cart? So, let’s talk about those two things.
First of all, I decided to try something different this year with the dining room Christmas tree. Since it’s only our third Christmas in this house, I’m still playing with options. I like to keep decorating for Christmas a little open so I can feel free to try new things or change things up from year to year. I don’t want to do a full overhaul, but use the things I have differently. So, I decided to leave the goat cart stored in the basement this year and tried putting the dining room tree in one of my antique laundry baskets.
I did change out the tree this year. I wasn’t in love with some of the details on the one I used last year, so I sold it on Facebook Marketplace and bought a 5 1/2′ unlit European Fir from Balsam Hill. It’s the tree I really wanted last year, but it was already sold out and I impatiently bought another tree I didn’t like quite as much. I’ve learned that Balsam Hill is truly the best when it comes to artificial trees, so I’m just going to stick with that brand.
(As a side note, my youngest son, Calvin, is doing a job shadow with me today and he took the picture above. He wanted to make sure he received photo credit and asked if he could make the revenue from this post. Cheeky!)
Since the tree is only 5 1/2′ tall, I wanted to give it some height. After walking around the house looking at crocks, baskets, and other possibilities, I decided to try an antique French laundry basket stacked on an antique lidded basket. It gave the tree the height it needed, would hide the base, and looked fitting for the room.
I lucked out with this particular stand and basket and the fit was almost perfect.
When I’ve used the goat cart in past years, I’ve had to use the stand partially closed and secured in place with twist ties.
Here was my dining room Christmas tree last year in the antique goat cart…
Do you see how the new tree looks fuller and more realistic? I just love it. Anyway, I’m sure the goat cart will make an appearance again in future years. It might even make an appearance this year to hold presents or something. For now, though, the antique French laundry basket is getting its moment and, I think it looks pretty good as a holder for the Christmas tree.
Calvin is quite the businessman….lol! Love the tree and yes Balsam Hill is known for its quality when it comes to trees and greenery.
I do like it better than the cart. It looks beautiful. I’m loving the silk ribbons too. I may try that myself.
I like the sober tree, its classic colour does well in the now-decorated and painted room.
I put my Grandma’s tree up in my library every year filled with her old glass ornaments. I put it in my antique goat cart, working to stabilize it well. I have a few huge antique dictionaries that really fit the bill. I love the idea of “shopping my house” and using what I have to change up the decor. Your tree and it’s new basket house look just perfect! Great job Calvin!!
Pay the kid!!! Then charge him when dinner is ready, sporting fees and a roof over his head!!! Yep! that is what my dad did one year!!! ….”Oh! you like using toilet paper, when you are in there???!!!” Dad was a charactor.
It’s beginning to look like Christmas!!!! Love it all!!!
Do you have any suggestions for cat proofing your Christmas tree?
Emmy Scat mats work great but not attractive.
I sprayed the bottom of the tree with an orange oil cat deterrent when they were kittens and that was effective. I don’t have to do that now, but I do put some knitted wool ornaments on the bottom of the tree as a distraction in the hopes they’ll play with those and they do.
Gorgeous! Our tree is in our dining room next to living room arch, best place it fits and I love sitting at the table enjoying the loveliness!
I love our Balsam Hill tree – it’s by far my most fav we’ve ever had. And we have had many over these years, with moves and with the girls getting older ones when I upgraded. Yours looks especially perfect and I am swooning over those baskets you used. It elevates the tree in more ways than just height. Love the look.
Unless it’s in Calvin’s contract, no money for the job shadow! All kidding aside, you should at least tip him for his beautiful photo! Way to go Calvin, you’re doing great!
The new tree is beautiful. I prefer the goat cart over the laundry basket. I think the cart is more interesting.
Great job Calvin! Maybe a tip is in order for such a pretty picture! 🎄
The new tree sure looks beautiful up against the gorgeous mural!
Calvin’s a hoot! He sounds a lot like my grandson who will ask me occasionally, “GeeGee, what can I do for you that you can pay me?” ha ha ha He’s 13.
Great picture. Calvin! Gotta love his entrepreneurial spirit! The tree is beautiful!
Nice look and it’s always good to switch up the decorating each year. I do that simply because I can’t remember what I did the year before so each year is definitely different, lol!! I try not to look at my previous years photos until I’m finished decorating.
Gorgeous tree and love the ribbons and doves and, candle lights! I like the French laundry baskets better than the goat cart for the fresh, new dining room. Calvin took a great photo and I admire his entrepreneurial spirit! He
might follow in his mom’s footsteps. Love the way you are decking the halls this Christmas!
I too have the 5 1/2 food Balsaom Hill tree. Ours in halfway between the open kitchen and family room area up against the side of the refrigerator. How many people do that. lol It was a happy solution since we seldom use our living room.
Your solution using the basket is brilliant!!!
Calvin did a very nice job with the photography. He is following mom’s footsteps in the creativity area. I really like both trees and both containers. You make everything look so pretty. The fuller tree does seem to fit the vibe of the dining room more. Balsam trees are on the high side, but they are beautiful and seem to last a very long time.
Everything looks so cozy and beautiful. Calvin is quite talented in capturing that! I’ve read comments and noticed no one has asked where your star tree topper came from. Could you tell us?