Hello and Happy Nutcracker Days,

Whooo! Ha!

Am I having all The Nutcracker moments or what?

Last week, the story opened in the dining room where Clara first meets her beloved Nutcracker.

And this week, we continue with the family’s not-so-literal-Nutcracker-themed Christmas tree.

Nutcracker Inspired Christmas Tree

As the story goes, the family’s Christmas tree is set up in the parlor, which is our modern-day living room. After an evening of festivities, the single Nutcracker, which is a gift to all of the children, is placed under the tree.

Although the other children ignore it, Clara is hopelessly smitten.

So much so that the Nutcracker turns into a handsome prince and visits Clara in her dreams.

Well, isn’t that the way it always happens? 

But before these two go off on a dancing adventure in Act 2, let’s take a couple of extra peeks at the tree.

The Not-So-Literal

Nutcracker Inspired Christmas Tree

Surprisingly, the tree is sparsely decorated in almost 100% red.

In the inspiration photo, the Nutcracker’s coat is red with gold trim so I pretty much stuck to this color wave.

And with so much going on in the dining room, I felt that the adjacent areas needed a softer touch.

So the not-so-literal-Nutcracker-inspired tree is supported by gifts and music, much like in the dining room hutch.

Remember?

Well, no worries. If you haven’t seen the dining room post, I’ll add a link at the bottom.

A truly vintage music score is still missing in action so this piece is filling in while I keep looking. Extra points if you can identify what it is… 🙂

And so, against the white wall (Clara’s dress), we have a super-simple tree adored with red balls (some with gold trim like the Nutcracker’s jacket).  Bells, berries and bows fill in empty spaces.

The black tablecloth and gold accessories from the dining room repeat in the piano and mirror as does the leopard print on some ornaments and the piano bench cover.

These are touches that may go unnoticed, but really help create a cohesive look when moving from room-to-room.

In the evening, the warm-colored lights create a cozy and inviting glow.

See how festive it looks from the dining room?

To me, later in the evening is when the decor really looks best and the most vintage. If there’s a ProTip to be made in this post, it has to be that warm lights help create a vintage look more easily than cool-toned or white lights. At least it is true for this scenario.

With the living room and dining room decorated, I am almost channeling the entire First Act in my not-so-literal-Nutcracker-themed head. 

I know! Can you see it, too?

If you’d like to see the details of where it all started AKA the tablescape post, please click here.

Otherwise, thank you so much for joining me on the Nutcracker inspired Christmas tree tour.

Please, remember to pin all of your favorite photos.

And as always, it’s a pleasure to have you stop by.