I have heard it said that "tabletop trees are for old people."
But are they?
I showed you our Christmas tree in my last post. It is a seven-foot tree that we purchased the first Christmas we were in Pineapple House, replacing the slimline tree we had in the small living room at The Farmhouse.
This is our forty-second Christmas as a married couple, and we have always had full-size trees. I still remember the excitement of going to purchase our very first Christmas tree at the local Drug Fair. When our oldest children were in elementary school, we began getting fresh cut trees from a local tree farm. Then the year that our freshly cut tree had some sort of blight and dropped so. many. needles that it was nearly bare (and a fire hazzard!), we bought a new artificial tree just a few days before Christmas. We've had an artificial ever since.
We love trimming the tree every year (especially since the children started stringing the lights) and decorating it with garlands and treasured ornaments while Bing Crosby's White Christmas album plays in the background. It is a family tree with no theme other than "family history" and it's just right.
But (getting back to that "tabletop trees are for old people" idea) . . .
I fully intend to have a tabletop tree when our last child has left the nest!
We love trimming the tree every year (especially since the children started stringing the lights) and decorating it with garlands and treasured ornaments while Bing Crosby's White Christmas album plays in the background. It is a family tree with no theme other than "family history" and it's just right.
But (getting back to that "tabletop trees are for old people" idea) . . .
I fully intend to have a tabletop tree when our last child has left the nest!
(Which is okay, because I am old, right?)
I even have an inspiration photo, torn out of a 2008 Country Living magazine.
I even have an inspiration photo, torn out of a 2008 Country Living magazine.
How cute is this tree?! I can fully imagine this kind of set-up in the Pineapple House living room! And it doesn't even feel like a concession . . . more like a goal!
So what do you think? Do you have a full-size tree or a tabletop tree in your home? Are tabletop trees really for old people? ~smile~
We've had both. And I still prefer the full size tree! When it was just the two of us for Christmas, I had the small table top tree and to me it was a sad reminder that it was "just the two of us"! As long as my husband is willing to put up the full size tree, I will still use it. To me, it's lovely, cozy, special for that month or longer that we have it up. It is an artificial one, so we can keep it up as long as we (I'm) allowed!! Putting on or taking off the ornaments can take a while if I want, because just having the lights on the tree are so special. Sometimes I have an extra small table top tree for a special theme. It's worth it even if it's just for me!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely worth it if it brings you joy! I do like that about artificial trees . . . no time limitations. It can go up as early as you want, and stay up as long as you want it!
DeleteI think people should do what they want, regardless of age! Your inspiration photo is wonderful! Anyone would love that look! Besides, you'll have less ornaments when Bekah leaves the nest anyway, right? A table top tree will be just right, and perfect for the Pineapple House!
ReplyDeleteYes, we'll have fewer ornaments (and no light-putter-on-er) when Bekah leaves the nest! I think Ron and I will enjoy doing something new!
DeleteI have had both as is evident in my header. You could take a poll and ask the grandchildren what they think, if you dare. Ha! I can tell you that my great-grandmother’s table top tree was the cause for much distress in my childhood, which is more of my problem than hers, but still... I can see why it would be a fun idea since space is limited with a growing family and you will be doing it on your own with Ron’s help. It took me two weeks to decorate the seven-foot tree this year. I say that I did it for the grandsons who have had a lot to say about my wee trees in the past. Really, though? I did it for me. That tree with all the ornaments of the years gone by has been such a blessing and a reminder of God’s faithfulness to me. Have fun no matter which way you go. The inspiration photo is delightful!
ReplyDeleteVee, you have given me much to think about. Maybe I will take that poll! And I totally love picturing you decorating your tree over those two weeks . . . remembering . . . reminiscing . . . being reminded of God's faithfulness!! It is a beautiful picture!! ❤
DeleteHave had both. Table top is definitely better here in my small cottage. Special ornaments go on it.
ReplyDeleteI have see the photos of your tree and I think it is perfect there!
DeleteWe have had an artificial tree for many years now. It's tall and slim and fits perfectly in our Bay Window. I think the Table Top tree is quite lovely as well and I know you would make it outstanding. Love your style!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet vote of confidence, Rosella! And I have no doubt that you two are fine with your tall tree! Hey, if you can hike those mountain trails in Arizona, you can decorate a tall tree!
DeleteWe have had an artificial tree since we moved away from the New Mexico mountains where we could cut our own. When we moved here (North Texas), we bought a 9 foot artificial tree for our high-ceiling in the living area. There was only one place we could put it and that was occupied by a piano two years ago. Long story short-I now decorate the top 2 feet of the 9 foot tree and love it! It sits on an antique sewing machine cabinet. I may never use the whole tree again.
ReplyDeleteIngenious solution!! I'll bet it looks beautiful!
DeleteYour post is so relevant to us, Cheryl! Before buying the extra lights this year, Grayden asked me if I wanted to buy a smaller tree and place it on a cabinet. I was not ready to do that, but we are leaning in that direction for next year....maybe...The inspirational photo you featured is beautiful and I think I would be happy with that! ♥
ReplyDeleteMartha Ellen, if anything can convince you to get a smaller tree (or forget it altogether!), it is a devilish set of lights! They can be so frustrating! Maybe next year you'll have forgotten (somewhat) the struggles and you'll be ready to put up that tall and beautiful (it really is!) tree again. ❤
DeleteI have graduated to the table top tree (because I am old!) and it suits my living room, doesn't take up much room, and above all, looks pretty!
ReplyDeleteThose are all good reasons, Barbara! I am sure it is lovely . . . and just right!
DeleteWell, I guess I don't need to tell you what kind of tree we have this year, right? As a kid growing up, we had our share of table-top trees and have also had one or two of our own. I prefer a full size tree most of the time but I think some rooms call for a smaller one.
ReplyDeleteHahaha . . . I think I can guess! It's a different year for you in many ways, isn't it? I know you will enjoy Christmas in your new place!
DeleteWell, since I have to get down on my belly to water the fresh full size cut tree we have a tabletop tree sounds like a very practical solution to that. It takes me a lot longer to get up off the floor these days. LOL. Maybe I should look into those spiffy tree watering gadgets so I don't have to get on my belly to pour water in the stand. Our Mystery tree this year is a beauty and the aroma is filling our country bungalow. Having a tabletop tree would make it out of reach of babies and toddlers, too. I really don't have a table to put a tree on so maybe that's a mute point. I could put it on the baby grand??? Yikes me really got me going. I would say table top trees might be for old people or for small living spaces. Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteI think getting down on my belly to water the tree every day would make the decision for me! You have more spunk than I, friend! I am going to head over to The Happy Wonderer and try to get a peek at your Mystery Tree! Ooooo . . . I can just imagine how wonderful that smells!
DeleteI put up my bigger tree because of the grands..well they actually decorate it for me. But this year they weren't here to do it so that will be my job. It would be so much easier to put my small 18" tree on a table but I like big tree for the kids so it stays for now. Love your big tree..it is perfect for your living room and beautiful. Merry Christmas! Sharon D.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon! I think am going to take Vee's suggestion to take a poll from my grands to see how they feel about the big tree. I may be surprised at what I find!
DeleteIt is wonderful to have help with decorating your tree! I know you'll miss that this year!
I'm voting for a "Pencil Tree", not a table top.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm going back to read everyone's advice.
Thanks for joining in the discussion, Christine! Wondering what kind of tree you have?
DeleteI love a tabletop tree! (a real one) I lived in a small NYC apartment for many years and getting the tree (at the sidewalk tree stand) was one of my favorite traditions. My kids now want a bigger one but I'm going right back to tabletop when they move out ;)
ReplyDeleteOoooo . . . now there is a new idea! I have never even thought of a real tabletop tree! But why not? It seems like the best of both worlds!
Deletewe have a "tabletop" tree … actually we have two of them in different spots of our home. and a few smaller trees...and finally tiny sparkly trees placed on my silver tray along with vintage silver bulbs. I guess i'm considered old. ;)
ReplyDeleteI am sure that your tabletop trees are lovely and bring you joy! You have the touch, friend! Old? You?
DeleteDuring our 45 years of marriage we enjoyed a full size tree, and as a widow of three years I am continuing this tradition, since my sons bring me a fresh tree each year. But I also have a table top tree with bird ornaments, so I like both. I am definitely old!
ReplyDeleteIt is so special that your sons bring you a fresh tree! That must mean that they enjoy the tree too. Hey, can you be old if you still decorate a full sized tree? 😉😊
DeleteLast year we purchased a potted 4-foot tree that sits on a round side table that belonged to my mom. The size of the tree doesn't matter to our grandkids as much as the train and village beneath. Skipped it last year but never again after our 5 year old grand son whispered to me that maybe next time we would set it up.
ReplyDeleteI actually have 5 tabletop trees. A white feather tree in the living room with the really old ornaments belonging to both our parents. A white tree in the foyer with The Names of Jesus porcelain ornaments, and a small 2-foot tree in the kitchen and dining room. Oh, and we have a four-foot evergreen sitting atop a large urn (empty of summer coleus) on the porch by the front door.
As the family grows we need more room for people (26 in our immediate family) and John is much preferring the smaller tree for set-up and take-down ease. So it's true... we are OLD ;)
Five tabletop trees! I love it! And I know that they are all beautiful!
Delete(Sorry this comment was lost in my "awaiting moderation" file. It's been a busy season!)