The Beach Cottage Suntanned Christmas Tree

Phew.

I'm caught up in a million and one things…Christmas, end of school year, Christmas guests, I'm sure you're all feeling just about the same.

This is the Suntanned Smokers Tree I was telling you about and before I stumbled across the $12 tree from the supermarket, was looking to be the one and only tree option round here.

I've had quite a few emails from people saying how they love their faded, yellowed tree, the patina giving a nice old vintage glow, so maybe there is hope for the future for the Beach Cottage one. Perhaps in a few years it'll move from Smoker's Dirty Yellow to Vintage Clotted Cream. HoHoHo.

This is how it looked as we put it up and by this stage all the kiddos had lost interest in Tree Trimming (the Behind the Scenes pics are here if you missed them). You may not think this looks too bad, but believe me, this is the good side to the front and not looking anywhere near as yellow in these photos as it actually is.

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I have to tell you, although I love the Seasonal celebratory feel to getting out the Christmas decs, putting on the Christmas music, tree trimming with a cocktail, I certainly lack patience by the time it comes to a second tree. Which is why it may seem to you to be somewhat haphazard.

I suspect this comes from a need at the end of the Trimming Day to pile it on quickly, almost dreamily, after a haze of lights, baubles and spray painted white things *wink.

There's room for improvement here, but then, lovelies, what on earth is Chistmas without some seasonal tweaking…surely is it not, one of life's little pleasures?

Here's a piece of seaweed I sprayed with metallic paint, I think it looks rather nice laying next to some sparklies…

I wanted the tree here by the door so that we could see it from the back of the cottage and so I could sit collapsed next to it in the evening when its tinge of sunkiss was camouflaged by night…you know when it's just all gotten too much and you have to step back and focus on what it should be all about? When your mind is spinning about presents, things not done, wrapping left to do, menus to think about, lists to cross off and expectations to live up to…

In one of those long mind-blowing moments, you'll find me here…