 Xmas Tree in Sitting Room with Whitewashed Brick Feature |
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Putting up the Christmas tree has brought great joy to millions of people this winter. A symbol of the light shining through the darkness and a connection to childhood memories of Christmas with our families, turning on the lights gave us a special extra boost this year. |
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By the time we get to New Year most of us have seen our fair share of real and simulated fir trees in all their glittering varieties, both large and small. I would like to share with you some of my favourites from this year from my (not very far in lockdown) travels around the Solent coastline in the south of England. |
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This elegant sitting room tree is framed by a limewashed brick wall feature and has a traditional look with a twist. The Asda reusable simulated tree is a bargain at just £35. It has been decorated with gold feathers and golden lights and a glitter star which was just a few pounds from Wilkinsons. The crimson baubles are vintage glass. |
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 'Hybrid' Yucca Xmas Tree in Musical Sitting Room |
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We have named this tree a 'hybrid'. A 5 foot yucca tree sits in a wide grey ceramic pot from Ikea and provides the base for this fun interpretation of a festive topiary centrepiece. Two small artificial trees from originally from Waitrose are brought out and repurposed to join with the jolly giant shrub in becoming a glorious green display that celebrates the season. The trees are sat in a John Lewis pineapple basket and some green tinsel adds some twinkling interest. There are two gold stars on this tree and a selection of blue and white rechargeable battery lights from Robert Dyas. The teal baubles are vintage glass and the wool figures are gifts from Denmark. |
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 Recycled Artist Tracey Graham Xmas tree |
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We like this alternative seasonal installation by Tracey Graham which comprises of a tall green cone of 600 recycled bottles. They look great lit up by fairy lights too. This is the second year I have seen this display in Chichester so the recycled artwork has given joy to many people and is a reminder to conserve, reuse and rethink in order to help conserve the environment for future generations to enjoy. |
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 Rotary Club Xmas tree Market Cross Chichester |
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One enormous decorated fir tree sponsored by the local Rotary Club is also a regular fixture at the medieval Market Cross in Chichester, West Sussex. It looks wonderful set against the stone architecture with the cathedral behind it. |
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 Lobster pot Xmas tree, Emsworth Hampshire |
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In Emsworth in Hampshire a fabulous nautical feature sits at the edge of the harbour complete with gold tinsel and gold, red and green baubles. It is cleverly made out of old lobster pots and is a hit with the residents of this idyllic fishing village. Also lifting the spirits in this close knit community this year, is a small Christmas tree sitting in a dinghy in the middle of the Mill Pond. |
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 AH at Langstone Farmhouse pub, Hampshire |
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Just a day before the last lockdown we were lucky enough to find an nearly empty pub at lunchtime further along the coast towards Portsmouth Harbour. The large carvery restaurant Langbrook Farm had pulled out all the stops to furnish the capacious dining rooms with an impressive array of Christmas embellishments. We found a room to ourselves to enjoy some refreshments that came complete with its own North Pole grotto. |
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 Christmas tree in Arundel West Sussex |
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We are fortunate in our area to have some stunning waterside walks and many historic streets. A massive Christmas tree in the centre of Arundel is just perfect simply adorned with white strings of lights and set against the Georgian and Tudor four storey buildings. Similarly the tree at Bosham Walk Arts and Crafts Centre looks splendid and welcoming with sparkly lights. This classic fir is located in front of the cafe's bunting that hangs from the beams of this 100 year old establishment, that used to be a boat building business that could be easily found right by the shore. |
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 Bright baubels on commercial building in Westminster London |
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We are rooting for commercial life to get back to a new normal as soon as it is practical to do so safely. It will be super to marvel at the festive city decorations which we will hopefully be able to do again by the end of next year. It may all look a little different but we can all look forward to the special experience of 'seeing the lights' and enjoying the delightful windows in London and other major cities in the UK and beyond in December 2021. |
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| Thank goodness its New Year! Best wishes for a healthy, prosperous and creative 2021 from Create Display. | |
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Asda Xmas Trees |
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Wilkinson Xmas Decorations |
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Ikea Plant Pots |
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John Lewis Basket Bags |
https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/handbags-bags-purses/straw/_/N-fjgZ1z0prh5 |
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Robert Dyas Christmas Lights |
https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=lights+christmas |
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Rotary Club Chichester |
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Langbrook Farm |
https://www.farmhouseinns.co.uk/pubs/hampshire/langbrook-farm/ |
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Bosham Walk Art and Craft Centre |
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