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?








