We finally got a Christmas tree!

Growing up, my family sort of randomly rotated between having a real tree and putting up our fake one. Our fake one is actually really nice and full looking, but it’s huge and you actually have to put on every single branch into it’s slot and spread the pines out. It’s quite the process.

I’ve always loved the idea of going out and getting a real tree and the pine smell that fills the house. I think I’ve asked Blake pretty much every weekend if we could go and get a tree so this weekend we found a local Christmas tree farm to head out to.

Whether you get out there and saw a tree down yourself or decide on one that’s already been pre-cut for you, make sure you find a nice healthy one so it’ll last as long as possible! The pine needles should be green without brown patches and should be bendable, not fall off when you touch them (of course the pine needles will shed here and there). If you’re getting a pre-cut tree, have a bit cut off the bottom so your tree can have a fresh end to take in water. It’s a plant after all, and it drinks up tons of water.

Decorating is my favorite part of putting up the tree. We put on the Grinch and got to work with these white mini globe lights (make sure you get the indoor ones!) a set of pink, gold, and silver balls, and a set of vintage looking grey, green, red, and pearl balls (along with some of my older ornaments that my mom brought over).

Depending on the size of your tree stand water holder, you’ll need to fill up with water pretty regularly. I’d check it once or twice through the day and make sure there’s plenty left in there—don’t let the water drop below the end of the tree. If your tree is nearby a heater vent, it‘ll dry your out a little faster.

Here’s the (almost) finished product. I didn’t quite have enough lights, so I may go out and get one more strand. I also have a basket I’ll use to hide the base, I’m in the process of making a garland with some wooden balls that I’m painting white, and then I’ll need a topper!

The house just feels so cozy now with the Christmas tree glowing in the corner of my living room.

If you’re in need of a little more Christmas inspiration, check out My Picks for Christmas Decor + More or my Christmas Gift Wrapping and of course, bake yourself some White Chocolate Ginger Cookies to really get in the holiday spirit. :)

When do you guys put yours up? Day after Halloween or Thanksgiving? First day of December?