Create a Winter Nesting Tree and extend the twinkle season beyond Christmas to enjoy during the winter months, with snowflakes, icy branches, glittery nests, pine cones and bird ornaments.
Have you put away all your Christmas decor? I always feel a little blue after the Christmas tree comes down and I miss the soft glow of the twinkling lights.
A couple of years ago, I decided to transform the Christmas tree into a winter nesting tree, a cheery solution for the months of January and February when it’s cold and gray outside.
We enjoyed it so much that I decided to continue the tradition.
The lights and sparkle of the tree help make the transition from Christmas to winter easier and makes the house a little cozier and brighter.
Nautical Nick cruises back to attic for another year, along with all the red and green, to make way for silvery snowflakes, frosty branches and nesting birds for winter.
The top of the tree is decorated with icy branches, found at Michaels on clearance for 80% off last year. I cut them apart to have more branches . . .
They join silvery leaves and glittery snowflake picks that I used for a White Christmas Arrangement and Puppy Bouquet.
Snowy white sparkling bands of ribbon found last year at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, add some dimension and a wintry mix to the tree.
A few pine cone ornaments join the mix. . .
Snowflake ornaments add a little sparkle for a gray and dreary month. . .
I’ve added a few owls to my ‘parliament’ over the years, and to help me celebrate with a Happy Owl-idays table.
I always get a hoot out of adding one of these ‘wise men’ when I run across one!
They’re calling for a wintry mix with freezing rain this weekend, I’d prefer to have snowflakes!
Hope you’re staying warm and cozy in your nest. ♥
Beautiful! Pictures made my morning!
This is my favorite tree this year. It’s beautiful!
What a terrific idea!
What a GREAT idea!!! And as always, you did a beautiful job!
Absolutely gorgeous!!!!
Love love love love love!
Mary, This is stunning! If I hadn’t already taken my tree down I’d be tempted to try to find some bird ornaments to my own winter nesting! Pinning for next year. ♥
I have collected bird ornaments for years–LOVE your choices! What a beautiful, snow fairy tree. Thanks again for sharing this delight. We’ll have snow this weekend and I’m filling the outside trees with your birdseed ornaments to keep the birds warm. P.S.–are you plagued with squirrels?!?
So beautiful. Now if we could have a few snow days.
Very pretty and sparkly Mary! Lovin’ that owl in the hollow ornament! While I really don’t want to deal with the snow myself, I’m looking forward to seeing some on TV during the Patriots game this weekend:@)
That’s a gorgeous tree! I wish I wasn’t so OCD about glitter because there are so many lovelies I miss out on. The owl ornaments are really great, but I love all the birds, and icy branches on top. That curly ribbon is so awesome in how you’ve placed it in pieces on the tree.
My holiday decor is all stuffed away and I’ve begun my purge, starting with my closet (easiest). I need to practice a little less “I might need that” with a little more “does this makes me happy?” philosophy. Oh my…too.much.stuff.
Oh my…how beautiful Mary! Such a pretty collection of bird ornaments. You have me wanting to start my own collection of “wise men” :))
So enjoy your posts! In your newest heading on post you show 4 photos – please give me the details on the window box and the one with stars hanging over the window edge. What is shinning in center of window box? Are plants planted, in water? WHERE do I buy the stars over the window and HOW are they hung? This info will help me to have this beauty through the winter. ANYTHING to get through the winter. Thanking you in advance,
Hi Nan, The window boxes are filled with cut greenery. It’s marquee snowflake light that’s on a timer in the center, you can see more details here: https://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2016/01/21/winter-window-boxes-for-the-potting-shed/
The ‘stars’ you’re referring too are snowflakes hung on fishing line over the window inside the Potting Shed. You can see them here: https://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2015/12/07/in-the-potting-shed-dining-with-snowmen-and-evergreen-ernie-dinnerware/
They’re hanging on my winter tree now. :)
The tree is absolutely stunning!! I always look forward to your latest decorating ideas and pictures! So inspiring!
Really pretty.
I am a new subscriber and I am so happy that I selected the subscribe button. The pictures are gorgeous and I love the idea of extending the warmth and coziness the winter nesting tree adds to the home.
Where did you purchase your Faux Christmas Tree? It looks so real. Very pretty.
Hi Kim, It came from Home Depot, It’s a GE 7.5 ft. Just Cut Canadian. It has dual color lights but we only use the white. They’re on sale now: https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-7-5-ft-Just-Cut-Canadian-1-Plug-Artificial-Christmas-Tree-with-Dual-Color-LED-18233HD/305026561
I feel much better now … my little tree is still up and I might keep it up through January. Now I have to go add some birds!
This is a really fabulous idea. I too hate the cold empty feeling after Christmas. Thanks for sharing. BTW your birds and tree are just beautiful.
Enjoying another gorgeous wintery tree of winter friends! …. you gave me such a great idea….I have a bag filled with nests so I will be adding some wonderful sparkle to them next year as so inspired by this tree Mary! A perfect tree for my Sweetie who loves owls and birds! She got a parakeet for Christmas! Have a most wonderful day and thanks for always filling our days with beauty and smiles!
So pretty. I remember your tree last year and saying to myself…”I will do that next year”….but it didn’t happen…tree is in storage! Hope we get SNOW and not ICE here in NC this weekend!!!
So beautiful and love all the bird ornaments especially the owls! My son is obsessed owl anything and would like this tree! He is 37!! Again, Mary, you are so talented and clever!
LOVE your Winter nesting tree!! I turn several of my Trees into Winter and Valentine’s Day Trees!! I have trees decorated in our home year round!! I just love the glow of a lit Tree!! Don’t you?
Yours is a beautiful Tree!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hugs,
Debbie
So very pretty! Love the birds, icy branches and the owls are so unique with each one so very different, like that! Since winters are so l o n g, in MI, I decided to do this many years ago and we enjoy the soft magical light from the trees until the end of January also. My dining room tree, which fits snugly in the corner and can easily be seen from where I sit in the living room, is decorated with white lights, snow covered berries, cardinals, chickadees, bluejays and now a yellow finch. My living room tree is white lights, snowflakes and icicles. I have often though about adding vintage Valentine’s to the winter tree for February, but I think hubby would protest at that, he’s ready by the end of January for it to come down. Enjoy your winter charm Mary, it is very beautiful!
I love your bird tree and all the sparkle to brighten up January. I have left up my collection of snowy owls, mercury glass and dairy lights as well as some faux evergreens and large pinecones. Also have some amaryllis in bloom and paperwhites that add some white accents. Just heard the weather forcast so need to check my battery box so my faux candles and flashlights are ready if we lose power.The winter weather can be beautiful but oh so inconvenient. I will just get cozy under my faux leopard throw and read my kindle. Stay warm and safe.
This is absolutely stunning! Your eye for detail is just simply amazing.
This post is so inspiring, thank you for sharing your ideas and talent with us!
This tree is gorgeous!!! You are so super talented!
I love the idea of a nesting tree!
I have an intrusive question, I couldn’t help but notice your pretty wall color. May I ask the name and brand? Thank you.
Thank you Mary ♥ The paint color is Crocodile Tears. It can look putty or green depending on the light.
You are still amazing me after seeing other posts by many bloggers!!! Such beauty for the coldest months is certainly welcome.Hug the pups for me! And Happy New Year to your hubby also.
I hate putting the Christmas tree away, so this is a wonderful idea for keeping it around a little longer. Pining this for next Christmas.
Love, love , love. I always hate to see the tree go after Christmas, mainly because I love the light it adds to winter nights. An all white/silver tree is in my plans for next year. Maybe I’ll leave it up longer too. Thank you for all your inspiration.
Gorgeous, I used to have a similar tree in vv, love nature trees!
Beautiful! I love starting my morning looking at your gorgeous pictures. Thank you!
absolutely gorgeous! I have a table-top tree I use for my children’s ornaments that I have not taken down yet. I’m leaving it up now to create this, I do so miss the lights, thank you!
I forgot about this tree, darn I have everything packed now. I wanted to do this. Next year….gorgeous!
Mary, I pinned this article & hope to use it next year as I love it. I haven’t been able to find the icicle looking foliage which I adore but I got a late start on my quest for the elusive icicle foliage picks. I’ve looked at Michael’s & Hobby Lobby. If you have any other ideas of stores where might be it would be appreciated so I could start my search earlier this year when Christmas items get displayed in stores in early fall. Hope you get snow instead of ice. Ice creates so many issues! Clara❄️⛄
Beautiful !!
What a wonderful, creative idea. My tree is still up for the very same reason….It adds a bit of cozy warmth to these foggy, grey winter days. You’re tree is a perfect winter decoration and I might just borrow this idea. Thank you for sharing!❤
Mary, your nature tree is beautiful. Great idea and creatiivity!
Lovely! Something cheery and sparkly to look at during those gray days!
*Sigh* so gorgeous Mary! Love the Hobby Lobby find, so pretty, and the owls are so perfect! I left the greenery and lights on the mantel and put some white sparkling table top trees in the foyer, but I don’t think I’ll let them stay too long, I’m ready for spring!! Hope the ice stays away~
Jenna
Mary, this is a charming idea! I love the winter white and sprkley details and twinkle lights. Our tree is down, and I miss the twinkle of the lights at night. I’d love to have a winter tree, but I can barely find room to store my Christmas things. I do have a group of wise owls and other birds on our Christmas tree. Friends have given me owls through the years because I was a Chi O. I’ll always think of you now when I see another. You have a lovely flock! I’d want to sit by this treel all day, book or needlepoint in hand. Sounds like the perfect way to spend dreary winter day.
I LOVE that idea. Helps ease you through until Spring.
Your tree is perfection. Especially for the cold winter months ahead. I love sparkle! This tree just makes me smile. I know your room looks gorgeous at night.
Great way to extend the season, or welcome a new one. Love the ribbon and your “know how” of using it so beautifully. ❄️
So pretty, I look forward to your wonderful bird post! I am still so fond of the little white bird dishes you introduced us to awhile ago, and am planning to set them out for a tea party.
I love all your sweet birds and have fallen in love with your owls…thanks for the joy!
In Idaho we are experiencing cold and snowy weather, we very much enjoy when the sun peeks out…thanks again Mary.
Love it. So pretty!
Love your nesting tree! Maybe your babies should cuddle underneath. They would fit the color scheme.
I have a question. How do you organize all your stuff? Do you organize by season or by type of item? It would be interesting to see your storage system.
That tree is gorgeous! I love all the sparkly elements and yet it still retains a natural look. I love all the little birds and owls. So cute! I also have to say thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions in the comments. So sweet of you!
Gorgeous!
So pretty!
Your winter tree is gorgeous! Maybe next year I will try something similar with 2 small tabletop trees. It would be nice to have all of the sparkle during the long gray cold months of winter! So enjoy your posts.
Stunning!
Mary, I remember your tree from last year and thought it was such a great idea. After seeing this tree with all the owls, I might just have to make plans for next year. It is SO beautiful!
What a wonderful idea!! Oh my goodness, your tree is absolutely beautiful!!
Hope you are having a great Monday!
Nancy
That is such an awesome idea! It is absolutely beautiful.
How lovely.
Marilyn
What a great idea.
Joan
I love the tree with all the birds and owls. It is quite beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Marion
I have never seen so many cute owl ornaments! I want more now, as I only have about five currently. I love this idea of a winter tree. I too get a bit blue when it is time for the tree to come down and be boxed for another year. Since I already have a bird tree I think I would do snowflakes with the glitter branches and the nest on top. Wow, what a wonderful idea. Hope it’s not too late to find snowflakes on clearance!!!
I remember last years winter tree! This one is just as gorgeous if not better!! ❤️❤️❤️
Oh wow! What a gorgeous tree! Will you keep it up until Valentine’s Day??? Our daughter would love it because the white owls would remind her of Hedwig from Harry Potter!
I love it! I have been decorating a tree I called my woodland tree for a while but I never thought to leave it up. Love the sparkly bands of ribbon- they add a nice artistic addition!
What a fantastic idea!❄️❄️
Hi, such a sweet tree. This is the second time I admired this tree. Just a couple of minutes ago I googled owl ornaments and there are quite a few to choose from. Some of my favorites are those snowy owls & there are a few craft project owls that look easy. The owls are quite an interesting breed. . .so many varieties and full of mystery.
Love the snowflakes and reading through other’s comments. People sincerely adore your style and how you carefully master the tablescapes, window boxes and the shed or the garden house or that place we love to see you decorate.
So Wonderful to see. Love the soft look and all the sparkly ornaments. Thank you for the Inspiration !!!
Your Winter Nesting Tree is very pretty! I keep a tree up into March in my sunroom. It helps me get thru winter blues. Mine is decorated with snowmen theme. I add hearts for Valentine’s.
Just beautiful!!!
Absolutely stunning! You certainly have a gift . . . thank you for sharing. Blessings for a wonderful new year.
Love your tree so much! In addition to my regular Christmas tree I have 3 Woodland trees (different sizes with brown branches that light up – no greenery) that I decorate with nature ornaments every Christmas and I love them too! I took them down early this year because we have had a mild winter but I usually leave them up in January. After seeing yours I would love to do another one with a faux evergreen tree. You are such a wonderful inspiration….thank you so much for all your posts!!!
Such a cozy, warm and oh so pretty tree. You are amazing! When our 3 girls were little I had a tree that was left up and decorated for the appropriate holiday ie: Valentines,, St. Patrick’s, Easter, 4 th. of July etc. They loved decorating it, and now the memories,
What a great idea. I miss the glow of the lights after we take down our Christmas tree too.