Victorian Inspired Moody Christmas Tree

“Twas a decade ago, we said “yes” to this foreclosure and dove in headfirst. With so many initial projects underfoot, it was easy to get overwhelmed.

Ten years later, and with a huge basement renovation that still isn’t done, I wanted to inject the spirit and magic of Christmas in a way that suits the space. This Victorian inspired moody Christmas tree is decked out in burgundies, gold, and caramel browns. It’s projects like these that inspires our finished vision for the basement.

No matter where you’re from, a vintage Christmas tree is an inviting choice that instantly makes one feel home for the holidays.

Looking for more Christmas tree inspiration? Our collection of Christmas Tree Ideas and Decorations is sure to inspire. Check out the cozy red and gold tree or cool silver & blue winter wonderland Christmas tree, and the non-traditional Earth Tones Christmas Tree.

What is a Victorian Christmas Tree Theme?

The Victorian Era is the years in which Queen Victoria ruled England and Ireland, from 1837 until her death in 1901. It was a period marked by global power, including her and Prince Albert’s profound influence over many cultures and traditions. For example, did you know that the tradition of Afternoon Tea in Britain originates from the royal family and court during this time?

This particular tree is inspired by a vibe akin to a fantastical version of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. It’s cozy, heartwarming, and nostalgic. The Victorian Age was one of resourcefulness, so people decorated their trees with what they had available.

• Edible Elements: Strings of cranberries or popcorn, dried fruits, pomanders, and other stone fruits were commonly used. Cookies or biscuits, crackers, and bonbons were often shared or decorated with a festive theme.
• Rich Palette: Dyes were much more muted and often done with foods like cranberries or beets. While pastels were popular, the mix of colors on a tree was vibrant and more varied than the designer trees you see today.
• Cozy Textures: Add soft, cozy elements like faux fur, plaid blankets, and knit stockings for warmth and textural interest.
• Candles/Warm Lighting: Can you imagine lighting real candles on a christmas tree? Me either! But it’s a quintessential style of the era.
• Bits and Baubles: Glass ornaments were more common, and in a variety of hand-blown shapes.
• Folded Paper Ornaments: Leftover paper from leftover newspapers to construction craft paper was often used to make sturdy decorations. This included paper chains, fans, or other folded shapes.
• Natural Greenery: Adorn your space with garlands, wreaths, and branches or twigs adorned with berries or pinecones.

Our Tree and Base

As I said, this tree is inspired to fit that mold with a moody, sparkly feeling. The evergreen tree itself is a 7.5-foot Spruce Tree. For additional texture, I added some juniper garland and frosted red berry picks. I tucked in large pinecones as well.

For the base, I used a brown basketweave tree collar. I was very particular about wanting a faux fur tree collar, so I added this plush Caramel Variegated Faux Fur Throw. It’s so soft!

Rich Moody Christmas Ornaments

While the tree feels decidedly Victorian, I made several substitutions for modern sensibilities.

Want to make your own DIY moody Christmas tree ornaments? I have used several of these ideas for this tree:

• Painted 4 inch Balls: The balls I painted last year for the Earth Toned Christmas Tree. It is a true delight to me to see those ornaments used successfully in two very different color schemes. They are textured and dry brushed with a bit of gold paint.
• Folded Paper Ornaments: See how to make honeycomb ornaments or purchase similar ones here in a variety of colors.
• Faux Edible Ornaments: I made clay gingerbread cutout ornaments to use instead of food items. I have several DIY clay ornament ideas for easy crafts.

Lastly, I wanted deep red to be the primary pop of color. I used several different deep red and burgundy ornaments. Here are a few fa-la-la-la-favorites:

• Beaded Iced Red Balls
• Burgundy Plaid Ornaments
• Gold Stars
• Burgundy Flocked Ornaments
• Burgundy Shatterproof Balls

Christmas Ornament Tip: I look for ornaments sized 3-7 inches for my full-size trees. For ball ornaments smaller than 2 inches, I recommend threading 2-3 ornaments on the same hook.

Ribbon and Floral Picks

In addition to the juniper garland I used for texture, I added about 50 Iced Beaded Red Berry Stems like these. They aren’t very large, so I doubled up for impact. To mimic fabric scraps, I loosely laid this deep red grosgrain ribbon.

Victorian Wrapping Paper

I personally love to coordinate my gifts and decor with my trees. It’s a bit over the top, but I collect neutral and simple solid-colored papers and only buy 1-2 patterned gift-wrapping papers to match the tree.

For this tree, I used Black Craft Paper and this red tartan paper I already had. I purchased 1 roll of this beautiful cardinal bird wrapping paper that perfectly coordinated.

The packages are wrapped with the same grosgrain ribbon that’s on the tree and a caramel color satin ribbon.

Victorian Christmas Decorations

The building blocks of this style are warm lighting, natural elements, and colorful, cheery decorations that exude a bit of whimsy.

1. Faux Fur Throws: Drape faux fur throws over your furniture to add warmth and coziness.
2. Mistletoe Wreath: Create a wreath using pinecones and small branches of mistletoe for a natural, foraged touch.
3. Layer Realistic Greenery: I draped 3 Norfolk Pine Garlands accross the media console here, but you can use any sort of realistic or natural garland or greenery that you like.
4. DIY Santa Sack: I created this adorable Santa Sack years ago- so many cherished memories! Following this tutorial with free file, I used a fabric marker to hand “paint” it (much easier and good coverage). You can get a canvas sack pretty inexpensively at home organization stores or easily order one on etsy.

Warm Lighting

No other Christmas theme I have done better exemplifies the warmth and glow that the holidays exude. Add a roaring fire crackling on the TV and I just want to fall asleep under the tree.

Electricity was invented during the Victorian period, so candles and gas lanterns were often the norm. Real candles were sometimes put directly on trees, but I would recommend these battery-operated candle lights for safety.

You can also bring that warm glow with additional candles, both taper and battery operated, as well as window candles like these. It’s a beautiful, classy and simple style.

We have a tradition every Christmas Eve to make a big snack board and play games or escape room puzzles as a family while the jolly Christmas music plays in the background. It is my absolute favorite tradition as we all relax and smile together after the hustle of the season. And, yes, sports and movies are my husband’s hobby so he must have a BIG TV.