Yes, You Need a Christmas Tree in Your Kitchen
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Growing up, my family had four Christmas trees of varying sizes. In the living room, we had the main tree my mom decorated with all her glass Christopher Radko ornaments. The tree in the playroom, where my brother and I spent most of our time, was decorated with ornaments we made in school or church. (Looking back on it, it was pretty genius of my mom to have that second tree so our crafted ornaments didn’t interfere with her beautifully styled 7-foot-tall tree.) In the powder room by the back door, my mom decorated her favorite tree: a small 18-inch faux pine festooned with all my great-grandmother’s costume jewelry. But my favorite tree was always the one in the kitchen.
Our kitchen Christmas tree was never very big and had a smattering of ornaments that seemed to change every year. One year it was adorned with hand-knitted mittens, and the next, it might be full of snowmen. It was the tree she spent the least amount of time on, but it ended up being my favorite because it turned our ordinary kitchen into something a bit more magical. There was no feeling like eating my cinnamon sugar Eggo waffle by the glow of a Christmas tree before we went off to school. So, when discussions in our office over the last few weeks turned to holiday decorating trends we’ve been seeing on social media, I thought it was curious that everyone was chattering about kitchen Christmas trees. Didn’t everyone have some sort of small tree in their kitchen growing up? It appears not!
So, it’s official. We’re calling it: Kitchen Christmas trees are going to be everywhere this holiday season! It should come as no surprise, as the biggest trend we’ve seen in kitchen decorating this year was all about personalizing and cluttering-up the kitchen. Way back at the start of 2024, designer Sarah Lederman told us about the power unexpected decor can have in a kitchen, so why not a Christmas tree? Below, we’re digging into the two most important things you need to keep in mind as you decorate your own kitchen Christmas tree.
Play With Proportion
The most important thing to keep in mind when picking a tree for your kitchen is the size. While a large eat-in kitchen can certainly handle a full-sized tree, we recommend sticking with something under the 4-feet-tall range. Admittedly, we favor smaller tabletop trees that will really maximize Christmas cheer. The best choice? A three-to-four-foot tall Fraser fir, according to Mitch Ellis, the garden center manager at Eckert’s Farms, an eighth-generation apple orchard and Christmas tree farm in Illinois. “With its dense needles, rich green color, and sturdy branches, the Fraser fir has the classic look people love, even in a smaller size,” he says. He would avoid picking a pine tree since they don’t have a lush, classic tree-shape when they’re young. Another option if you don’t love a Fir would be a containerized Colorado Blue Spruce that you could plant after the holiday season. Whichever you choose, just be sure to consistently water it, keep it away from hot cooking areas, and only use LED lights, as smaller trees tend to dry out faster.
Get Creative With Your Ornaments
A kitchen Christmas tree doesn’t have to play by the same rules as your family’s main tree. “While most people traditionally place trees in living rooms or near windows, the kitchen offers a cozy setting for a holiday tree with a little creativity,” says Mercedes Fuller, the vice president of merchandising at Balsam Hill. Going all in on kitsch or choosing an off-the-wall theme is an easy way to make your tree a focal point.
Following last year’s over-the-top bow-obsession, we’re seeing a return to that homespun, folk-inspired Christmas decor that is full of warmth and nostalgia. (See the “Very Merry Modern Folk” look coined by designer Allie Sutterer.) This laid-back, hand-crafted approach to holiday decor is all about playing up the simple joys of the season. To achieve that timeless folk look, opt for handmade ornaments from your family’s collection or shop for quilted and embroidered ornaments. And, if ornaments aren’t your vibe, then you can easily lean into the natural look. A simple DIY dried orange garland or collection of freshly foraged pine cones go far in adding Christmas cheer!
But if you want a tree with a bit more personality, our office has been abuzz with a love of food-themed ornaments. (I mean, have you seen this adorable butter stick ornament???) Just ask Country Living’s Lifestyle Director, Sarah Zlotnick: “I saw so many food ornaments last year that I just fell in love with. They didn’t quite fit with our overall Christmas decor, but this year I think I might just go all-in.” According to the team at Old World Christmas, Sarah isn’t the only one eyeing these scrumptious ornaments. “Kitchen and food ornaments are among our most popular,” says CEO Neal Applefeld. Top of the list this year includes their espresso martini and Aperol spritz ornaments, along with comfort dishes such as ramen. Regardless of what ornaments you choose for your kitchen Christmas tree, it should feel fun and not too fussy. Think of this as your chance to get a little creative with no expectations. Happy decorating!
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