My Colonial Christmas Tree

Colonial Williamsburg really knows how to decorate for Christmas. I love their use of simple, natural objects, particularly fruit and evergreens, to dress their homes for the holidays.

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Pineapple, a Colonial American symbol of hospitality, paired with apples create a signature swag.

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This is the wreath outside the Williamsburg millinery. Notice the fruit and vegetables cleverly wrapped in different fabrics. I need to copy this some day!

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Our home is a Colonial Williamsburg style house, and I wanted to incorporate Christmas decor that would nod to early American tradition. One way I did this was to create a "fruit tree" in my dining room. I just finished decorating the tree for this Christmas, and I thought I'd share it with you. I started with a simple, pre-lit tree.

My least favorite part of an artificial tree is separating and fluffing the branches! I have some beautiful ribbon that I use for this tree. Unfortunately, my swagging ability is seriously lacking. I actually watched a youtube video today to try and improve my technique. I used the poof and gather method.

Maybe I need a little more practice.  Oh well.  On to the fun part... loading on the fruit.

I use all kinds of faux fruit.... apples, pears, oranges, pomegranates, berries, and grapes. Citrus fruit was a holiday delicacy for Colonial Americans.

Although I refer to it as a fruit tree, I don't discriminate against veggies. There are some artichokes hidden in there, too :)

I was 8 months pregnant the year I started the fruit tree, and my nesting instinct was in overdrive. I think I cleaned out every store fruit bin within a 50 mile radius. Perhaps you read about the great faux fruit shortage of 2008?

Hope you like it! Are you decorating with fruit this Christmas? Or just eating it?

Linking to...

Feathered Nest Friday

Meet Me Monday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

2805's Blogger Block Christmas Tree Party

Holiday Home Link Party at Thrifty Decor Chick