Our big Christmas tree in the Don Rives Cloister Garden has been a favorite backdrop for photos for many years and has been part of countless families’ memories.
Our fresh-cut native Fraser Fir holiday tree was locally grown at Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm. The farm is located in Newland, and we are delighted to support our western North Carolina farmers and neighbors!
Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm was recently featured in the December issue of Our State magazine and is one of the oldest tree farms in Avery County. Passionately run by veteran Sam Cartner, the heartwarming article highlights the farm’s success and its longstanding commitment to Trees for Troops (since 2005!). Our State magazine can be found in our sundries shops or in one of our exquisitely appointed guestrooms at Proximity or O.Henry Hotels.
Guests are welcome stop by for a peek— gaze upon it during Afternoon Tea, stroll through the Don Rives Cloister Garden on a romantic date night, enjoy it during Cocktails and Jazz, after dinner at Green Valley Grill, or even before Sunset Hills’ Running of the Balls. We think the twinkling lights and the festive decorations will put you in the holiday spirit. Looking for more to things to do? Find holiday packages, events, and ideas here.
O.Henry Hotel’s Gardener/Florist-in-Residence and Designer Tom Grandy has handpicked five key Christmas tree–decorating tips to help you create the perfect holiday tree. These festive ideas focus on real trees, though most can easily be applied to decorating an artificial tree as well. From where to begin to how to hang lights and select ornaments, these Christmas tree–decorating tips will help ensure your tree is truly beautiful.
When choosing your tree, make sure the needles are vivid green color and don’t come off if you run a branch through your hand. The most important thing is to get your tree in water as soon as you get it home. Make a fresh cut off the bottom of the trunk if the tree lot did not. Have a bucket of water ready to set the tree in until you bring it inside.
Once your tree is secure in its stand, it’s a good idea—but not necessary—to let the branches settle for a while or overnight. In the meantime, organize your ornaments. Organize your ornaments into small, medium, and large and by color if you have a color theme.
If you have a special tree topper, put that on first.
Next, put on the lights. For the best effect, try wrapping the branches with the light strands if you’re up for it.
If you’re using decorative branches, garlands, sprigs, pinecones or special elements, put those on next. Evenly distribute them throughout the tree.
Having gaps in your tree isn’t necessarily a bad thing—they can actually help add depth.
Stand back and look at your tree frequently to ensure everything stays balanced. If you’re using ribbon or bows, add them last.
It’s perfectly okay to ignore all the other tips and decorate your tree in the way that brings you the most joy!
Tom is trained in ornamental horticulture and has been with Quaintance-Weaver for 17 years. What he enjoys most about his role is the ever changing floral needs for various events week to week.