What? No tree? Gasp! I remember when my parents decided not to get a tree. Luckily I was no longer living at home - I was an adult, married with children of my own. I didn't understand at at first. Why would they not want a tree? And then I thought about it - These trees, they're really a good bit of work to put up, decorate and even more work to take down. I saw how lovely and festive the home could look without a tree, in fact it was not even missed. Not everyone has a tree - Some homes are too small, and oftentimes people go away for Christmas and/or New Year's. 

For those who plan on doing without a tree this year,  whether your home is too small, you're traveling or you simply don't want one, there are so many wonderful ways to deck your home and halls that I can assure you that you won't miss the tree. So go on, bring the ornaments down from the attic (or up from the basement) because there are so many ways to display them. Mix old and new. Keep like colors together or mix them all up. I love to arrange mine in glass and silver bowls, on branches collected by the children that stand in tall vases. I love to hang them from the ceiling, and arrange them with candles and pine cones as centerpieces, as wreaths, hanging from the chandelier to give it a whimsical and festive flair! Just because you won't be putting a tree up this year doesn't mean you have to forgo the greenery and fresh balsam smell altogether. Branches in jars can be adorned and greenery can be placed all over your home from a mantel to chandelier, to your door handle. The possibilities are endless! Turn on those Christmas tunes and pour yourself a glass of mulled wine or eggnog to capture the holiday spirit! I hope you'll be inspired by the images below... Perhaps you'll be so inspired that you'll run out and pick up a few more! (There's even something magical for the December Bride.)