Hey friend…If you are feeling the need to scratch the itch of unpacking a little holiday spirit…I say go for it.
Around here we are not breaking out the big guy in red just yet…it is a little early for that I think.
But we are ALL IN on twinkle lights, cozy feelings and creating the opportunity to enjoy warm moments to prepare us for the season.
Earlier this week I petitioned my mother to let me have my way with her artificial tree.
Before we go any further let’s get one thing straight.
I grew up on a Christmas tree farm.
I can tell you the names of all the different kinds of trees my Dad still grows on his farm in Darlington today. (You should give him a visit at Environmental Evergreens on Berkley Rd.)
I love the fragrance of a freshly cut Fraser fir in our family room and we will STILL be having a live tree this year.
We will have TWO trees this year…a first for us.
Maybe this happened to you also this week?
After the clock struck the daylight savings time situation…and the topsy turvy feelings unfolded in the world beyond our door…I was struck with a craving for stability.
Stability of home and the feelings I want my children to feel when they are inside….hence bring out the cozy blankets, warm twinkle lights in an effort to quench the desire for the breath of peace inside my home.
So…back to my petitioning my mother for her artificial tree.
This tree is originally from Hobby Lobby.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7516-1-768x1024.jpg)
It is beautiful just as she bought it with it’s bright white LED lights.
However, this year after having completely rearranged our first floor and having hung ship lap on our large fireplace wall…I knew I wanted to try an artificial tree next to the fire place…a flocked artificial tree that I didn’t have.
After searching stores locally for a flocked bright white LED lit tree and coming up empty for what I was looking for, I decided to take matters into my own hands with the tree my Mom had.
But first?
I needed a trial run with a tiny tree.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7500-768x1024.jpg)
I bought this Snow Flock at Home Depot for $19.98.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7503-768x1024.jpg)
We came home and followed the directions step by step.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7528-768x1024.jpg)
Once we completed our trial run with the tiny tree and were satisfied with the results we moved on to the main event of the 7′ tree.
Things you need:
1. Artificial tree
2. Snow Flock
3. Hose with a “Mist” setting
4. Tarp to lay underneath the tree
5. A Helper (Two people are handy)
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7506-768x1024.jpg)
Here is what you need to know:
First, you want to mist your entire tree all over generously.
Then, you want to simultaneously begin to sprinkle handfuls of the white flock onto the tree WHILE CONTINUING TO MIST the tree.
This is the mistake we made and the step we overlooked at first!
At first we misted the tree.
The mistake was we stopped misting while flocking!
Last, the directions called for a finishing mist.
This is when we realized most of the flocking washed off and we re-read the directions.
Correct Steps to Flock your tree:
1. Generously mist your tree with hose.
2. Have one person CONTINUE misting the tree WHILE one person sprinkles white flock dust all over the tree.
3. Once you are happy with your look, finish with an all over mist again to the entire tree. The water allows the glue to activate and set.
4. Allow 4-8 hours to set and dry.
(We let it set overnight which I think helped before we moved it inside.)
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7531-768x1024.jpg)
The above picture is what happened after we flocked it the first time and realized we needed to keep misting while we added the flocking.
It was our first attempt and then we re-read the instructions. Leraned our mistake and added more flocking to it correctly the second time.
Trial and error friends.
Trial and error.
Honestly, it was a SUPER SIMPLE process and I highly recommend it!
I love that you can add as much or as little to the tree as you want when you do it yourself. I wanted a more natural lighter look versus a super heavy flock. We still have extra flock left in the container I bought and could easily do another small tree with what remains.
Want to see what it looks like after we finished flocking it?
Oh good.
![how-to-flock-a-christmas-tree-diy-heather-krout-home-decor-stylist](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8084-768x1024.jpg)
Remember. This is what it looked like before we flocked it.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7516-2-768x1024.jpg)
It has just enough flocking to give it that fresh snow fallen look that I was after.
Here is a close up of the branches.
![flocked-christmas-tree-diy-tutorial-step-by-step-artificial-home-decor-inspiration](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7590-768x1024.jpg)
Here is a fun little Instagram Reel I posted this morning of our first trial run process.
I am so happy with how it turned out.
Trial and error friends…it’s how we figure things out isn’t it?
![flocked-artificial-christmas-tree-how-to-diy-holiday-decor-heather-krout-bel-air-maryland-decorator](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7904-1-768x1024.jpg)
This year has been a bit of a blur.
And you know what I don’t want to be a blur also?
Christmas.
![interior-decorator-christmas-bel-air-maryland-heather-krout-interior-design](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7887-768x1024.jpg)
That is just one of the reasons I have decided to start decorating A LOT earlier than usual around here.
I don’t want to add on more stress than what is already there.
I want to ENJOY the process and slowly step my way into the season.
How about you?
Do you want a few tips to slowly start to decorating your own home for the season?
Oh good…I am so glad you are here friend.
We have to stick together.
Tip #1:
Start with something you LOVE.
I fell in love with this wreath at a local vintage tag market last month. I decided where to hang it first and I am building my color theme around this wreath for this room.
I love pink and I love Christmas and I love them together.
![flocked-christmas-tree-home-inspiration-shelf-styling-holiday-decor-heather-krout](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7930-768x1024.jpg)
![heather-krout-home-decor-stylist-consultant-blogger-bel-air-maryland-harford-county-designer](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7829-768x1024.jpg)
Tip #2:
Add in a few small things you love around your main inspiration.
(Sets of 3 work well in groups.)
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7850-768x1024.jpg)
I also love flocked trees….somehow I think you know this by now.
I also love natural beaded garland so I just laid it gently and let it go where it landed.
Tip #3:
Try something new.
You learn what you like by trial and error.
![home-decor-christmas-style-inspiration-coastal-cottage-fireplace-mantel-asymmetrical-garland-eucalyptus](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7906-768x1024.jpg)
I decided to try a new way of hanging our garland this year.
I admired this asymetrical look last year on so many pretty mantels and decided to give it a whirl with this garland from Hearth & Hand by Magnolia for Target. It is a few years old now but I am loving garland with eucalyptus leaves for a softer look.
I used wire and gold screw eye hooks to secure the garland.
I threaded it through the garland and then through the screw hook. Twist and tighten to achieve the slight drop and look you like.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7635-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7640-768x1024.jpg)
![coastal-cottage-christmas-inspiration-fireplace-dining-room-flocked-tree-mantel-asymmetrical-garland-eucalyptus-home-decor](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7948-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7916-768x1024.jpg)
Tip #4:
Put a small tree in a basket for a cozy look.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8027-768x1024.jpg)
Shawn and I bought this small tree from Frontgate 15 years ago.
I have restrung the lights twice but the overall quality of the tree has amazed me. Over time, my taste has changed and I no longer love the urn that the tree stands in. I discovered a few years ago that this basket from Tuesday Morning was the perfect fit.
This basket changed the tree from formal to cozy.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8034-768x1024.jpg)
Tip #5
Hang a wreath on the INSIDE of your door.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8038-768x1024.jpg)
We all hang wreaths on the outside but when you make your door work double time by hanging a wreath on both sides it adds texture and warmth to an otherwise sterile look.
Tip #6
Keep your tree “naked” with lights only or use ribbon as simple tree decor.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8060-768x1024.jpg)
I am all about easy and decorating on a budget over here friends.
This ribbon was a spool I bought from JoAnn fabrics a few years ago. I added these pom pom ornaments to match and this tree is done. I love the simplicity of it.
Tip #7
Use a furry rug on a table to create a Winter feel.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8044-768x1024.jpg)
Tip #8
Add furry pillows and chunky blankets to invite cozy snuggles.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8056-768x1024.jpg)
I am all about pillow covers. I found these gray square pillow covers last year at IKEA and they are AMAZINGLY SOFT.
Tip #9:
Make it smell like the season and calm your mind too.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8073-768x1024.jpg)
I do not sell Young Living. I am a supporter of their products and I am diffusing these two oils like crazy in my Aria diffuser that is in my kitchen. When I turn this diffuser on it not only pumps all the smells of Christmas but I also find it pumps up the relaxation level too.
Ok friend…I think we will stop there.
But before I let you go…you need to see this.
This is a picture of a house I passed on a run earlier this week.
It is awesome and I knew when I saw it I had to stop and take a picture for you to see it too.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_7628-1024x768.jpg)
Don’t you love it?
The perfect example of trial and error all summed up for us in one.
I love the willingness to try that this represents.
I love the “whoopsies” that this represents.
I love the “this didn’t work” that this represents.
I love the lessons leaned that this represents.
I love the finding of what is “just right finally” that this represents.
I love the TIME that it took to get to “just right” that this represents.
I love that what works for some does not work for all that this represents.
I love the messy process that this represents.
I love the journey to the answer that this represents.
It’s not perfect.
it’s not easy.
But the process of discovery and the lessons that shape us await for all of us.
![](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_8063-768x1024.jpg)
Friends…right now. Especially right now, the world is a sharp, heavy, tangled up place.
It’s easy to get our feelings hurt and it’s easy to hurt others feelings.
Oh I wish things weren’t so hard right now.
One thing I know…when life is pressing in hard and sharp and overwhelming?
I turn to the One who can relieve the pressure on my heart because He is the one who makes it beat.
There is no trial and error needed when we come to God.
He already knows the perfect way to help you find your own ” just right.”
With His love in your heart and peace in your mind…He will begin to decorate your soul with His promises…and oh how they feel just right when we carry them with us.
Be well friends.
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
Psalm 139:1-6 NLT
Lord,
This world is a complicated place. It seems there is so much trial and error needed to figure things out sometimes.
Thank you that coming to you is not complicated. Thank you for making it easy to seek you just as I am without needing things to be just right before I come to you.
Help me to lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6) but instead trust in your love and the promises you give us in your Word.
amen.
Living on a prayer,
Heather
PS – Christmas music may have been played in the making of this blog post.
![how-to-flock-a-christmas-tree-home-decor-inspo](https://heatherkrout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Heather-Krout-Blog-www.heatherkrout.com_-683x1024.png)
Great, thanks for sharing this article. Much thanks again. Awesome. Portia Cori Aunson
You’re welcome!
Bravo!! J’adore ton arbre de noël!! Ça me fait sourire. 💚❤️💚❤️
So glad you enjoyed friend!! WE may or MAY not have flocked another Christmas tree today during lunch break! 🙂 XO, Heather