As I grow more eco-conscious about our family’s holiday decisions, I find myself pining away for vintage feather trees, which are beautiful alternatives to either cut trees or today’s petro-artificial trees. In the mid 19th century, the German forests were in danger, and cutting down the trees for Christmas became banned as reforestation efforts arose. Subsequently, the feather – or goosefeather, rather – Christmas tree was invented! Interestingly, although these trees look quite artificial to us at first glance, they were modeled after the living trees found in the German forests.
This charming vintage feather Christmas tree at Terrace Hill, the Governor’s Mansion, shows the beauty in simplicity.
Simple yet charming is certainly a common theme for feather trees (via Country Living).
Of course, vintage feather Christmas trees love to be dolled up with baubles (also via Country Living)!
Simple, yet luxuriously sophisticated continues to be a prevalent feather tree theme (again via Country Living).
Even with a living Christmas tree in the house, a feather tree would make a dashing entryway presentation (via Martha Stewart).
While this is not a real feather three, the shape and simplicity of this living tree give it the same type of feel (via fjorn).
There are a variety of feather tree DIY kits and classes that I’m contemplating. Have you perchance enjoyed one of these?
11 responses so far ↓
1 erin // Dec 15, 2009 at 1:03 pm
so sweet. i love the little live one, too.
2 Krissy // Dec 15, 2009 at 3:09 pm
love the martha tree
3 cindy // Dec 15, 2009 at 3:22 pm
the last one is my fav!
4 ljcadv // Dec 15, 2009 at 3:33 pm
wow these are beautiful!
5 Patrick Ng // Dec 15, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Love your blog! Love the fact that the decorations make the most part of these trees.
6 Minnie // Dec 15, 2009 at 5:26 pm
What a great collection of trees. My favorite is the fancy white one w ith baubles just because it makes such a grand statement. But really, I like them all for their simple beauty. How cool to know the back history now.
7 Emily // Dec 15, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I love this little background on the history of the Christmas tree! Thanks! And these pictures are lovely as always!
8 carol // Dec 16, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I love how airy these are. They seem to take up less physical space which is a good thing in our, generally, smaller homes.
In fact I way prefer them, now that you have shown all these fabulous examples, to traditional trees which seem rather clunky in comparison!
9 cindy // Dec 16, 2009 at 10:37 pm
they really are beautiful. i love the white versions. so modern.
10 Melissa de la Fuente // Dec 17, 2009 at 5:45 am
So very beautiful, I am a new fan of the feather tree….and would love to add one into my holiday decor. Your blog is gorgeous and I am so happy to have found it!
xo
Melissa
11 La Maison Boheme // Dec 20, 2009 at 4:18 am
Oh Poetic Home…. have I told you lately that I love you? Thanks for this sweet tree post. I love the paper doves on the Country Living tree. So simple and true and beautiful.
Leave a Comment