It’s that time of the month when I join my friends to share projects from around the world with the International Bloggers Club.
Two months ago we began a theme based on anniversary years and featured projects using paper and cotton. This month we’re stepping into the season—Christmas! I decided to go all out and share this year’s Christmas tree because for me, it’s all about the sparkle.
Please scroll to the bottom of the post to see what my friends made this month.
Last year I decorated a tree using odds and ends I found after moving back to New York. It was mostly blue, but this year I wanted something different. With a blue cloudy wall behind the tree, I chose a palette of white, silver, and gold with lots of glitter and shine so the tree would really stand out.
The Glitter
Most of the ornaments were bargain finds—many from the Dollar Tree and a closeout sale where packs were 80 cents. I kept an eye out for anything bright and reflective: glitter globes, metallic bells, and sparkly shapes that would catch the lights.
I mixed gold, silver, and white glitter ornaments to create depth and variety. Some pieces that aren’t traditionally Christmas ornaments—like a glitter butterfly—added a whimsical touch, while glittered pine cones became instant favorites for texture and shine.
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I collected ornaments over a couple of months, buying as I found pieces that fit the vision. Building a themed tree gradually helped keep the final look cohesive and intentional.
The White Ornaments
White ornaments—matte, fluffy, or with subtle shimmer—bring a fresh, clean contrast against the blue background. I paired a white bell with burlap ribbon for a subtle farmhouse touch and added a soft, furry ornament for texture. A single blue donut ornament that was gifted to my daughter provided the tree’s only pop of color.
The Jewels
Larger jeweled ornaments and mirrored balls added glamour and helped reflect light across the tree. I scored several of these at steep discounts and tied them together with glittery ribbon I found in the clearance bin at my craft store. The mirrored surfaces create extra sparkle and movement when the tree lights are on.
From Top to Bottom
The tree topper was a yard-sale find—a gold star bought for a dollar that I once saw priced much higher in a department store. Never underestimate thrift and yard sales when hunting for unique decor.
I reused several ornaments from last year—like silver balls tied together with twine and crystals repurposed from an old chandelier. Reusing meaningful pieces keeps your tree personal and adds character.
At the base I placed the family train as a tradition and used a simple white sheet for a skirt so nothing detracted from the dazzling ornaments on the tree.
At night, the tree truly comes to life. The lights reflecting off mirrored and glittered surfaces make the room glow—exactly the effect I wanted when I set out to create a sparkly, festive focal point.
Working around the blue wall taught me that a tree should coordinate with its surroundings. Over the years I’ve become a bit obsessive about color and balance, but I enjoyed the process and the resulting sparkle.
Do you plan every detail of your tree, or do you prefer to decorate more spontaneously? Either way, the important part is to enjoy the process. I hope this simple, sparkly tree gives you ideas for your own holiday decorating.
Now scroll down to see what my friends from the International Bloggers Club are sharing this month.
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