Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 412 Comments

How To Make An Ombre Gradient Christmas Tree

In the esteemed words of Snooki… the party’s here!

Gradient Christmas Tree Title Card

Woop woop, the tree is up. And this year now that Clara’s a big girl who we think can handle real ornaments (well, we got a few shatter-proof ones for the very bottom just to be sure) we went with a gradient from white to hot pink to red. Booyah. Or as I’ve been saying way too often: boom goes the dynamite.

Christmas Tree Decorated With Gradient Ornaments White Silver Pink Purple Red

Oh and we have a bunch of meaningful/special ornaments that we love the most, but we save those for our real mini tree (we got a tabletop one last year and loved it so much that it’ll be a tradition). So we’ll post about that one as soon as we get it (don’t want it to die before Christmas, so maybe next week!).

Anyway, back to our gradient guy. We thought it would be fun to see the color get deeper as it got closer to the floor, and since we already had a bunch of white ornaments from our silver tree in 2007 and a bunch of soft pink ornaments from 2010 and homemade ones from last year’s Pinterest challenge, all we did was grab a few more hot pink and red ornaments (which only ran us about 12 bucks total, thanks to 50% off sales at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby).

Detail Of Red and Purple Ornaments On Gradient Christmas Tree Design

Let the record state that hubster wanted it just to go from white to red with some of those silvery pink ones in the mix since we already had them, but I’m a smooth talker… so that’s how hot pink ended up in the mix.

Then we just loaded each of the four colors onto the tree in bands of color with white at the top which led into light pink, hot pink, and bright red at the bottom. Oh and we added some $2 candy canes to the mix since they fit with the color scheme.

Close UP On Pink And Red Ornaments And Candy Canes On Gradient Christmas Tree

As usual we used our faux-sheepskins-from-Ikea to make a tree skirt. Oh and check out that bicycle ornament we grabbed for cheap at Target.

Red Reindeer Decoration At Bottom Of Gradient Christmas Tree

We also went sans topper. We’ve been waiting to buy one until we see one we totally love and that hasn’t happened yet, so wait we must.

Far View Of Gradient Christmas Tree Sitting Between Hallway And Kitchen

Here she is at night. I’ve named her Glowy Glowerson.

Night Time View Of Gradient Christmas Tree Going White Pink Red

And since I’m a list freak, here’s the rest of the stuff on my holiday wish list. I try not to be all stepford and pressure myself about it, but I can’t explain the endorphin rush that I get from crossing things off of a list. And don’t think I won’t cross things off even if I don’t do them if I run out of time, just for the satisfaction of crossing them off, because I totally roll like that.

  • set up the big tree (gradient, baby!)
  • get a live tabletop tree again (like we did last year – this year we have a new idea for the ornaments though!)
  • decorate the mantel, the built-ins, and the entryway console
  • hang our outside lights & decorate the front porch
  • shoot a Christmas picture of Clara & Burger for our annual holiday card
  • make an advent calendar for Clara? Ahh I’m behind already!
  • shop for slash make all the gifts on our Christmas list (about 50% done already, can’t wait to cross this sucker off!)

And since we’re talking trees. Here’s how we decorated ours back in 2007 & 2008 (with the same white and silver scheme):

Silver Decorated Christmas Tree In First House

Close Up of Silver And White Christmas Ornaments

And in 2009, we went crazy for citrus, and even dried fruit to make ornaments:

Dried Fruit Citrus Christmas Tree Decorations

Close Up Of Dried Orange Citrus Christmas Ornament Decoration

In 2010 we had green, pink, and silver shimma goin’ on:

Pink And Silver And Green Shimmer Christmas Ornament Color Scheme

Close Up Of Pink And Silver Ornaments On Christmas Tree

Here’s our tabletop tree from last year complete with homemade ornaments that I whipped up for a Pinterest Challenge:

Small Homemade Ornaments On Colorful Tabletop Christmas Tree

Detail of Hand Painted Christmas Ornaments On Table Top Tree

And here’s last year’s big tree with homemade paint chip ornaments and colorful ribbons (nothing that could shatter since Clara was 19 months old):

Christmas Tree Decorated With Paint Chip Ornaments

Detail Of Paint Chip Holiday Cut Out Christmas Ornaments

Feels kinda festive, eh? What are you guys doing to get into the holiday spirit? Or are you screaming “not ready!” and boycotting Christmas Carols until a certain magical “now it can be Christmastime” date? Are you making a list just for the satisfaction of crossing things off? Are you making anything homemade (gifts, food, advent calendars, etc)? Do tell.

Psst- Still in the mood for more holiday projects and pics? Click here for a gallery with over 25 holiday projects and ideas. 

Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15! 

Comments

  1. Gracie says

    Haha, I love the stowaway ornament from last year’s tree. My parents borrowed my artificial tree a few years back and when I unpacked it the next year I found one of their ornaments still attached. I kept it right there and I’m pretty sure I’ll add it again this year!

    I love reading about everyone’s quirky Christmas traditions!

    Reply

  4. hallie b says

    Prettyyyy! My favorite of all your trees is the citrus themed one! I just love{d} how unexpected the color combo was. Still lacking the motivation to put our tree up… :)

    Reply

  5. Megan @ Two Live Colorfully says

    You know, I have never seen an ombre Christmas tree before! You guys are awesome! And, way to go Sherry, for sneaking in the hot pink!!! Me likey!

    Now if only it would get below 75 here in Texas, so I can really get into the holiday spirit!!!

    Reply

  7. Erica says

    I feel the same way about a topper for the tree. I actually have 2 now, because I finally bought a “grown up” sized tree, but I kept the topper I had on the old tree. I looked, but I couldn’t find one I liked! (I don’t have a tree skirt either, so my poor tree looks naked!)

    Love the gradient!

    Reply

  9. Felicia says

    I’ve been reading your blog for some time now without commenting but I just HAD to tell you how much I enjoyed that question about a magical “okay-it-can-be-Christmas-time-now” date. My husband was just teasing me about that a few days ago.

    You see, growing up, the decorating didn’t start until after my mom’s birthday (Dec 7th). It just can’t possibly be Christmas-time until after Mom’s birthday, right? As fate would have it, I happened to marry a guy who loves Christmas music.. as in.. Little Drummer Boy is probably one of his top ten favorite songs of all time. #sigh

    Mr. Holiday Cheerypants reminded me a few days ago that, in fact, not everyone celebrates my mom’s birthday as if it was a national holiday, so maybe, just maybe, there is no harm in feeling a bit festive before then. Hmm, I think he just made a good point (sorry mom!).

    I decided to take out our holiday decorations, which I really DO love (I swear!), and try to engage in some holiday cheer a little earlier than usual. I managed to wrap a few presents. Baby steps I guess. :)

    Reply

  10. Rose says

    I am not at all in the holiday spirit this year, but that tree is beautiful. You guys did an amazing job. *Almost* makes me want to be less Grinch-like…The video was super cute, too!

    Reply

  12. Darcy says

    The gradient idea is so cool and you guys executed it really well. I almost wish my tree wasn’t already decorated so I could try the look out. Maybe I’ll hit up the after-Christmas discounted ornaments and pack them away to try it out next year!

    Reply

  13. KarenH. says

    Nice! This year I went with Christmas colors to complement the fireplace in my house (red brick, espresso stained mantle, bronze (ish) sconces, and dark metal sculptury thing between the sconces that holds five cranberry colored candles), so I’m decorating in dark reds, golds, and bronzy brown. Unfortunately the stockings are still kind of tacky kitty stockings–the “kids” that live with me are the furry kind and my son/DIL do the “Santa fills your stockings” thing, so I don’t confuse the grandson by having a stocking for him at my house. I’ll have to upgrade the cats’ stockings to something a bit classier next year :)

    Reply

  14. Carli says

    The gradient is so neat and so original!! Well done. This really is such a cool and refreshing take on decorating the ol’ christmas tree ;)

    Reply

  15. Lisa says

    Love the tree- that gradient idea is awesome! And Clara’s response was precious. I think you need two videos- one when Clara first wakes up and the second when she is more awake and goes back to the tree for her second look and touch.

    We found a treet topper I finally love- a capiz shell star that lights up. It is exactly what I’ve been lookin for for years and found it at Target… of course!!! Take a look at it- I think it could be you too!

    Reply

  16. Melissa says

    Love the gradient. What a cool idea. I like how in the first picture the wall also looks like it has a gradient. At first I thought the wall was the gradient you were talking about. **DOH**
    great job. always love your cool ideas

    Reply

  17. jessi says

    We have our own gradient going on this year: plenty of ornaments on the top of the tree, and gradually fewer and fewer towards the bottom, since anything within our two year old son’s reach gets ripped off and thrown across the floor. Thank God for shatterproof ornaments! I’ve been finding them everywhere, even in the bathroom!

    Reply

  20. Meredith says

    I love your trees, they’re awesome. I like that you are doing a theme for your big tree, and reserving the tabletop tree for special ornaments. I’d love to do a theme tree but my husband isn’t so keen on it :(

    Just last night I started painting our Advent calendar. I bought the wooden tree that is at Michael’s this year. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the week. Not sure what we’ll put in the boxes, I’ve thought about candy, nice notes to eachother, encouraging Bible verses. But just getting it decorated and put up might be all I can manage this year. Once we have children it would be fun to put small ornaments in each box and each day add one to a small tabletop tree. I’m sure if you all make one it will be rockin’.

    Reply

  21. Michelle says

    Love the tree! It’s beautiful. I always struggle with keeping the Christmas tradition with the same ornaments year after year and trying to change things up with something totally different. I love how you strike a balance between the two.

    In other news, just wanted to say I clicked on Slate’s top books of 2012 linked from the MSN homepage and found your book at the top of the list. Congratulations! Enjoy the success and all the admiration you’re receiving!

    http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2012/11/best_books_2012_slate_staff_picks_their_favorites.html

    Reply

  24. Kristi says

    Love the videos. What video editing software do you use? I had to use Adobe Premiere Pro for a class and I totally don’t get it. Love the tree! Love you guys!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s so funny because for a long time we didn’t even know what ombre was since the term is “gradient” in advertising, so we were like “oh wait, you mean a gradient?” – haha! Old habits die hard!

      xo
      s

  26. Katie says

    I love that you change the theme of your tree each year! Seems like a lot of work but it’s fun to switch it up. When’s Clara going to get a worm tree? :)

    Reply

  27. Amelia says

    Umm…forgive the creepy-ness Sherry, but your butt looks awesome in those jeans! Where did you get them? I would like a pair for myself.

    Reply

  28. Amanda says

    Where did you get that Christmas music from that you used in the video? I see you credited the intro, but was wondering about the instrumental Xmas music.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We actually bought the rights to it through rumblefish (it was only $5 so we’re not high rollers, haha!) so we didn’t have to credit it. It’s by St Amanita though if that helps!

      xo
      s

  29. Wrenaria says

    What a fun tree! Never seen an ombre tree before – very clever. Here’s a glimpse at mine:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/wrenaria/8220330824/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/wrenaria/8220330032/

    Someday I’ll replace that old hand-me-down dining set when I’m no longer renting. ;)

    The only project I have going on this year is to finish the hand felted garland for my tree that I never got around to finishing last year. Then at least it will be ready for next year!

    Reply

  30. Katie N. says

    1) I say “annnnnd, boom goes the dynamite!” all the time. That is the most hilariously awkward clip ever. Poor kid.

    2) I call everything ‘Mc – son’ too! Ex: Facey McFacerson. So easy, yet so funny. It’s the little things :)

    3) Love the tree!

    Reply

  31. Jeanna says

    Thank you for getting me in the mood finally!! Love the gradient idea… so pretty :) Oh, yes I did make something this year. I made homemade vanilla from a recipe I found on Pinterest. It’s looking good, and doing that really helped me save on the number of gifts I needed to buy this year :)

    Reply

  33. Carolyn L says

    Yo, I’mma jack yo’ style, Petersiks!!! hahaha but really, I want to be a copycat. I suppose I could put my designer hat back on which I took off at 6pm before my drive home and be CREATIVE! haha. Love the tree. :)

    Reply

  34. Kal says

    Gorgeous!! Totally having tree-envy over here. :) It looks amazing. And I was proud of my little (yes, it tips there are so many ornaments on it now…) tree of blue/ wooden things. Haha. Although we have learned we have to attach the tree to the walls now- due to curious kitten-batting-eatin’-swatting that happens ;) Same as kid proofing really.

    Reply

  37. Lindsay says

    Where did you get your faux tree? I’m in need of an upgrade BADLY and started my search on target.com… though, they all look really nice online and we all know there is a wide spectrum of fake trees out there!

    Thanks for your help :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We got ours in store at Target after Christmas (suuuper on sale, I think we got it on the 26th and used a coupon so it was really affordable). Plus getting it in person let us look at it (ordering online is so hard!).

      xo
      s

  38. Johanna P says

    I kind of feel a bit Grinchy. I love my tree and other Christmas decorations…. But I hate all the worn sedimental ornaments that my family has, I always have.

    Maybe it’s because with four of us kids and all the handmade ornaments that we made, it seemed kind of tacky to me. Mum still loves it so that’s all that matters and I wouldn’t dream of breathing a word otherwise to her.

    I’m looking forward to getting a tree that’s taller than me. It has to wait a while, I won’t be having a home Christmas until 2014. I’m going to have to put this gradient tree my Christmas ideas folder. #ihavefoldersforeverything

    Reply

  43. Jennifer L. says

    I am dying to know if/what you guys are DIYing Clara for Christmas this year? I’ve been obsessively rechecking your Clara’s Christmas kitchen post from last year all week as we are semi-diy-ing a kitchen for our little bean this year.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Wahoo! We’re so excited! We just started planning it today and hope to have pics/a post for you guys in a week or so! I don’t know why we always wait until the last minute, but it seems to be our pattern! Haha.

      xo
      s

  44. Ashley B says

    So I tried to read all the comments first before I posted this (because I know you read them all and I hate to waste your time by doubling up), but by comment 200 I was exhausted!!! I don’t know how you do it every day!

    Anyways…. As a parent of a seven month old, who doesn’t care about the ornaments right now, but will in the future, I absolutely adore your “touch with one finger” rule. Amazing! Such a great idea and Clara is such a great listener!

    Reply

  45. Betty Sue says

    Last Christmas my best friend gave me a really nice wooden Christmas ornament. It had my name and a picture of a reindeer engraved on it. It was super cool and I found out that a firm out in Colorado called Unique Custom Products made it. I am considering ordering from them this year…check them out if you like wooden item

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *