Out-of-the-Box Vintage Christmas Tree and "The Mystery Box"

One of the first things I do as I start thinking about an upcoming season or holiday is to start with Pinterest and spend time reviewing past posts and photos. We all have pics from Pinterest that we consider our favorites; those that come to mind each season. For me they are in the "vintage" category and I revisit them each year for a fresh new look and take on décor themes and ideas that I can include in my own seasonal décor.

The image below is one of those that inspires me each Christmas when I start looking through my feed on Pinterest hunting ideas for Christmas. 

Each element in the vintage "tree" has unique texture and patina, and when stacked together to form the tree, it becomes a whole inspiration. It's a novel take on stackable elements to create a fresh new look for vintage Holiday décor.

I've been looking at this particular photo for years and finally decided to actually try to recreate the look myself. I'm always short on space and needing a good neutral background, so I easily put this together in front of the Holiday Cupboard in the Garden Room. Once I decided on individual elements it assembled quickly... just stacked. Since it's not attached or secured, beware of pets and toddlers. This is for looks only this time.

To give the look of a base element, I actually used a heavy plastic urn that is part of the base of a smaller tree that I've had for about 15 years. I haven't used the urn in ages, but it's perfect for this project. Before I started this I did a quick inventory of possible elements I could use. Since all the other pieces are box shaped rectangles, I wanted a distinct shape for the base. 

I started looking through shelves in my basement storage area, and then quickly "shopped" the house for possible pieces. I wanted to stick with neutrals and wood pieces to recreate the same look. After positioning the urn I unloaded a wine box that I was currently using for storing small clay pots and grapevine wreaths. Okay, good start.

Next came one of two of a set of "cardboard" luggage probably from the 30's. I cannot imagine how any of these cardboard suitcases managed to survive at all. Next, one of my larger lunch hampers painted white gave more texture. Then came one of my antique wooden Mandeville Seed Boxes. On top of that is what I think is a vintage cigar box painted white, and stacked next up is one of my more interesting "mystery" objects. (Link below)

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Another white painted smaller cigar box with a faux mini evergreen tree tops off the stack. Once finished, I stepped back to admire the result and was thrilled how it all came together in just a few minutes. Something I'd admired for years, finally came to life for me!!