A New Festive Fir for our Family Room

*I partnered with Balsam Hill for this post but, as always, all opinions are my own.

Today marks the official start of the most wonderful time of the year here on my blog! I am excited to begin sharing the Christmas decor that I have been hard at work on for this year. And today we are beginning with a wonderful new addition to our Christmas decor this year - our very first Christmas tree from Balsam Hill. Be sure to read through to the end of the post to enter Balsam's Hill Twelve Days of Giveaways and also to find a coupon code just for my readers!

When Balsam Hill reached out to invite me to be one of their 12 Bloggers of Christmas I *may* have shrieked, startling the two snoozing pups on the sofa next to me. A tree from Balsam Hill has been on my wish list for quite some time because of their quality and beauty. This tree is everything I hoped it would be and then some.

After spending many hours on the Balsam Hill website and scouring other blogs for real life pictures of their trees, I decided on the 7.5ft European Fir with candlelight clear LEDs. Our family room is a good size room that can handle a larger tree and I like for our Christmas tree to make a big statement in here. This tree couldn't have been easier to set up, just add each section and the lights magically come on. After some careful fluffing, using the fluffing gloves provided along with 2 storage bags for this big tree, we were ready to start decorating. I love how this tree looks just like one we'd find in the woods. The branches have such a great real look and feel.

I decided to go with a Cabin Christmas theme because our time spent together at our family's cabin in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York is so important to us. I try to reflect that special place in our New Jersey home every chance I can. My favorite decor, during the holidays and all year long, is meaningful to the people that live in the home. Christmas is such a special time chock full of nostalgia, a time when we think of the traditions of years gone by while making new memories too. I love how Balsam Hill sells such a variety of Christmas themes to suit your own favorites. 

With the Christmas Cabin theme in mind, I chose this gorgeous Red Plaid Ribbon from Balsam Hill. I layered it with a rustic burlap ribbon to give it more texture and interest. I also added some Winter Pine Cone picks. They have a soft layer of glitter that makes them look like glistening pinecones on a tree you'd see outside. I decided to go with a Woven Tree Collar in light brown because I like the texture it adds and how it helps keep everything neater when it comes to vacuuming in our house full of dog hair. Then, it was time to get started with the ornaments.

I began by adding 2 sets of Nordic Frost Alpine Ski ornaments. Their large size and beautiful detail add a large pop of interest and go far in adding that cabin/lodge feel that we enjoy.

I think everything Christmas benefits from a pop of plaid so this Plaid Ornament set is perfect. The On the Road ornaments are so detailed and the Diorama ornaments truly are a work of art.

The Merry Mice ornaments just might be my favorite! When my boys were younger, they loved a book titled The Christmas Mouse and we read it over and over again each year. These mice remind me of that precious time with my little boys who have suddenly grown into young men at seemingly warp speed. I love that the whole tree together tells the story of our family headed to the mountains for Christmas vacation - pretty much our favorite week of the year!

Good thing I had my trusty assistant to help decorate.

We're all set to get cozy on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate, a Christmas movie on the television and the pretty glow of the Christmas tree.

This tree literally glows in the evening when it gets dark. The candlelight LEDs shine in such a beautiful, warm way. I like to put the tree in front of a window so the lights also reflect against the glass at night. This is the first year that all of my Christmas trees are pre-lit and, for me, that is the way to go! There is no stress of worrying about dealing with all those strings of lights.

I love how much of a statement this tree makes from our front entryway. It sets the tone of our Christmas home for our guests as soon as we welcome them at the door.

Now, on to the fun parts for you, my friends. Balsam Hill is providing my readers with 10% off along with any current sale on their site. Use code GBAM10OFF, valid until December 15, 2019.

Be sure to visit the 11 other amazing bloggers to see their Christmas trees this year.

November 18

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage

Michael ~ Inspired by Charm 

Courtney ~ Golden Boys and Me (that's me!)

Kim ~ Styled With Lace 

November 19

Kierste ~ Old Salt Farm

Charlotte ~ Charlotte's Happy Home

Layla ~ The Lettered Cottage

November 20

Brendt ~ She Gave it a Go

Ashley and Whitney ~ Shanty-2-Chic

Natalie ~ My Vintage Porch

Nikki ~ At Home with Nikki

Erin ~ My Texas House

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!!!!

The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway runs for 12 days from November 18-29, 2019. There will be a winner drawn each day, each one winning a random Christmas decoration, for a total of 12 winners. You can enter here. Good luck!!!The prizes included are:

• Day 1 – Light Brown Woven Tree Collar

• Day 2 – Classic Bead Garland

• Day 3 – Red Plaid Ribbon

• Day 4 – Matte Black Scents of the Season Fragrance Machine

• Day 5 – Large Red Berry Picks, Set of 12

• Day 6 – Outdoor LED Holiday Lanterns, Set of 2

• Day 7 – Farmhouse Christmas Ornament Set, 25 Pieces

• Day 8 – 120-Piece Deluxe Rolling Ornament Chest

• Day 9 – Antiqued Snowflake Tree Topper

• Day 10 – 3' LED Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir Tabletop Tree

• Day 11 – 60" White Sequin Burst Tree Skirt

• Day 12 – Christmas Ornament Polar Bear Family Stocking Holder