As an Aussie who loves the beach, I decided that this year I wanted to create a coastal Christmas tree for the downstairs living room. In the southern hemisphere Christmas is in summer, so a nautical beach theme is the way to go. Here’s how I created my Coastal Christmas tree.
The Tree
Step 1. Put up the tree. I have a Balsam Hill Noble Fir tree 200cm It’s easy to assemble as it’s pre-lit and comes in 3 sections. Once assembled, all you have to do is fluff the branches.
Tree Skirt
Nobody wants to see the Christmas tree legs or stand. You need a tree skirt or basket to hide it. I found the perfect white wicker large tree skirt at Pillow Talk.
Looking much better right? And look at all those pretty lights that I didn’t have to string. Pre-lit trees are much easier.
Scentsicles
Now the Christmas tree looks good, I want it to smell good too so I added some Balsam Hill Scentsicles. You just hook them over the inside branches and they fill the room with the scent of a real Christmas tree.
Coastal Christmas Decorations
Next it was time to add the coastal decorations. Unfortunately the shops are filled with snow covered winter wonderland decorations which is not what this Aussie was after. So I had to do a little DIY.
Here’s what I made:
Boat Oar Decorations
My boat oar decorations were inspired by my beautiful life size boat oars from Oars Galore.
Blue and White Version
Natural timber version like my real oars
See how to make Boat Oar decorations here
Life Buoy Decorations
My life buoy decorations were inspired by some life rings I saw when I visited Coastal Vintage.
Blue & White Version
Taupe Version
See how to make life buoy decorations here
Shell Decorations
To make the shell decorations, I found some shells that were similar shapes and sizes. I cut a piece of jute string about 20cm long and tied a knot in the end of it. Then I used a hot glue gun to glue the string to the back of the shell.
Hessian Garland
The one thing I didn’t have to make was the hessian or burlap garland. I simply wove it in and out of the tree. I got my jute roll from Koch
Coastal Christmas Tree Topper
Finally I needed a tree topper. I was thinking about a model sailing boat, but I didn’t have one. What else could I use? Then I saw my sea bird statue sitting on the entertainment unit, and as quick as a seagull grabbing a hot chip, he was up on top of the tree.
If you have any questions about my coastal Christmas tree, just let me know. Merry Christmas to you all.
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I'm Kylie, and I love to share practical home decorating and styling tips. I'm a qualified interior designer and self taught crafter and DIY'er. I'm addicted to decorating, and can't walk past a homewares shop without going in for a look. I live in a 1930's Queenslander in Brisbane's inner suburbs which I'm turning into a home one project at a time.