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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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

20 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

I think your neighborhood would be proud that his branches turned into such a lovely display. Very pretty.

lisbonlioness said...

I love how the stuff catches the light. I need to go and find some branches!

Debbiedoos said...

You are something else these days! Very busy. Love it, if I was not so overloaded with other stuff I would do this for sure, we have plenty of branches.

Beth @ Wiccan Make Some Too said...

Your version looks awesome Sunny & you saved the mortgage! You have to let me know if the Feline Overlords mess with it. Mine (well 1 of mine) would be gnawing on it before I would be able to finish.

Unknown said...

I love this Sunny! I've been thinking of doing the same thing (I have been hoarding branches for awhile, lol). I really love how the chandelier drops catch the light - so pretty! They look like dew or snow on the tree.

~Chelsea

Michelle @ Dream Home DIY said...

Im picturing those with a lovely coat of white paint and faux snow.....hmmmmm, project time I think.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Great idea for a dining room table because it would interfer with the guests seeing each other and it is also very, very pretty...I think I just might copy this one.(-:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh, this looks fabulous. You are so creative. Hugs, Marty

Tami / Maddie Lumpkin said...

Copying! Thanks Sunny!

Anonymous said...

So pretty. It kinda reminds me of the year we didn't buy a new tree, just used the dead one we were trying to grow, and over loaded it with ornaments and tinsel to hide the fact that there were no needles on the branches. It turned out pretty good, but I think yours looks better :)

. said...

It looks fabulous Sunny!! I like that you added the chandelier drops...it just kind of pulls it all together and adds some extra bling! :)

Robin Ange said...

Simply Adorable!
Thank you for linking up to www.thetshirtdiaries.com

Michelle L. said...

What a sight! Love the sparkly chandelier drops, you took some stunning pictures. So glad a few of your ornaments survived. I love your tree (esp. with the acorn cups), it's just the prettiest, laciest thing!

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

This is beautiful! You are so creative and you make me laugh, both blessings in my book. Aqua on the mirrors would be gorgeous! Love the whole look, good job!

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

Crazy cool!! Are we on the same page or what? (kinda)

You're awesome!!!

Erin said...

Love that tree!!! Super gorgeous! Love the No Reply thing at the top, if only people knew, LOL!

Ami Allison said...

I LOVE IT!!! I think it turned out wonderful!!!! :)

Jami said...

I love the look of the bare twigs. I have a bundle of willow switches that could use a makeover. :) Thanks for linking up!!

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