Restoration Hardware Knock Off

I walked in to Restoration Hardware last weekend and these were dangling before my eyes.

The ornaments were, of course, delectable, but as anyone in advertising knows, it's how you present the product, right? And those bare branches with shots of sparkle are the perfect backdrop to hypnotize you into thinking $20 a bauble is reasonable, forget the mortgage, this is better.

Okay, maybe not, but to steal this look you will require:

1. Branches. My neighbor had just pruned a tree, so we raided his trash pile. Yes, we're THOSE people.

2. A large, heavy container

3. Florist foam to fill said container

4. Newspaper

5. Decorative rocks or stones

6. Ornaments

7. Pruning sheers

Determine which branches fit your space. Cram the florist foam into your container until it seriously doesn't move. Jam your branches in deep, forming a tree.

We're using a favorite old urn of mine from Pier 1. In the early 80's. It predates Sam, basically.

(We stripped off the leaves but kept the little acorn caps for fun.)

Tuck wadded newspaper in any gaps so that this thing will. Not. Move.

Add decorative rocks, vase filler, gems, mini pine cones, or whatever your heart
desires to cover the paper and foam.

Position your tree where you intend it to stay.

Is it me, or is there ALWAYS laundry in my shots?

Prune your tree so that no one loses an eye during dinner.

Now break out the ornaments!

Some very special, sentimental ones survived the fire.

Keep adding until you hit "over the top."

Savannah says our tiny mirror collection needs a coat of aqua. I tend to agree.

Antique chandelier drops from the flea market.

Final cost- nothing. It was free.
You have free on you, right?
Special skills needed: Minor garbage larceny