I have found that my decision to not buy more Christmas decorations this year can’t stop me from continuing to deck the halls. I wanted some height in this corner of our bar and a branch seemed just the right idea. And it’s free! 

(Clara is quite pleased with her Crayola masterpiece over there, as you can see.)

The only issue with this project is finding that perfect branch. I saw this one on the side of the road, but it was attached to a larger part of the tree that had been cut down. I parked the car and proceeded to try to rip and twist and jerk it off with no tools. There is a lot of construction in the area, so I was doing all this manic behavior in front of a long line of cars. Either they were entertained or disturbed, I’m not sure, but I wanted that branch! I didn’t get it though. It was too thick.

I told Marcello about my ridiculous behavior and we had a good laugh. He didn’t forget about it, and couple days later he had me show it to him when we were out and about with the family. He happily snapped it right off and put it in the back of the van. I am still touched that he remembered and made the effort to get it for me. It made me realize that I focus so much on the children during Christmas, I forget out the magic between husband and wife!

Enough mush, here’s how to whitewash a branch. And you better believe I’ll be using this for Easter too!

The ornaments on the tree came in two sets and cost $2 total from the Dollar Tree. The balls in the vase I bought at Pier One for $.50 each during some random Christmas in July sale a couple years ago.

Also, this is the scene beside my little branch project that I carefully kept out of my shots — you know, instead of cleaning it up. The photo doesn’t do it justice. It’s going to take awhile.