My Christmas Trees and Glossary

People are starting to ask me about my holiday decorations in and around my home, and we’ve actually been quite busy making things look festive.  This year I acquired five magnificent trees from Jeff Sutherland’s Christmas Tree Farm in Elk Creek, Virginia (276-655-4088).  Jeff was kind enough to deliver the trees himself and he explained that he has a total of 500 acres of trees growing in North Carolina and Virginia.  What he brought to Bedford was a Noble Fir, a Douglas Fir, a Concolor Fir, a Fraser Fir, and a Blue Spruce.  He also grows Scotch Pine and White Pine.  One tree is already gracing the music room of the Summer House, as we’re getting ready to shoot a caroling party for next year’s edition of Living.  Another tree will be decorated beautifully for enjoyment in the Main House.  And I think the remaining ones will be set up outdoors for everyone on the property to appreciate.

All lined up, right after delivery..

Jeff Sutherland, posing with tree

Picture from last night, one tree in the forground and one in the background

A different angle, how nice! Can't wait to show you the ones inside the houses...

Christmas Tree Glossary

A real Christmas tree is one of the most popular traditions associated with Christmas and it’s estimated that around 35 million trees are sold each year.  If you haven’t bought your tree and are having a difficult time choosing what type to get, here is a glossary that may help you decide.

Noble Fir – has thick, silvery green needles, a symmetrical shape, and sturdy branches, making it a good choice if you have a lot of weighty ornaments.  It has good needle retention and a pleasant mild citrus aroma.

Douglas Fir – is one of the most popular Christmas Trees having a wonderful, sweet piney aroma.  Its needles are soft, dark blue-green, and quite long lasting.

Concolor Fir – has a strong, citrus aroma and silvery-blue needles.  It has a tall, narrow silhouette and loosely spaced branches – a good choice for showcasing ornaments.

Fraser Fir – is another popular choice.  It is symmetrically shaped, has strong branches and short dark-green needles with silver underneath.  It is very fragrant and retains needles well.

Blue Spruce – has stiff, bluish-gray needles and a very symmetrical form.  Needles will drop in a warm room.  This is a good choice for use as a living Christmas tree, to be planted outdoors after the holiday season.

Scotch Pine – has stiff, dark green needles on stiff branches.  It has an open appearance, making more room for ornaments.  Holds needles very well.

White Pine – has soft, blue-green needles 2 to 5 inches long.  Its slender branches will not hold much weight and it has very little fragrance.      

Comments

[Gabreial]

How did I miss that Martha Stewart had a blog? Wonderful! I can't wait to read up. Have a wonderful day.

[Pauline Mucciaccio]

Thank you for the pictures & the
glossary. I printed it out to keep for future referance when selecting a fresh tree.
Looking forward to seeing your indoor Christmas trees.
Best,
Pauline Mucciaccio
Brooklyn NY

[Desiree']

I am thoroughly enjoying your blog, Martha! I've been reading it everyday. I was thrilled to see how you are decorating for Christmas and look forward to seeing the inside of your home. You have always been such a wonderful inspiration to me. Thank you so much for sharing so many interesting things on your blog!

[Marie Taylor]

I just love reading your blog. It has great information. Your blog just seems so friendly and warm, it makes me feel like I am reading something a friend wrote.

[Margie]

The trees are very pretty. How did you decide what tree to put where?

[Jon Mondrik]

Hi Martha!
Thank you for helping to straighten out the conifer confusion when it comes to choosing a live tree. No matter where one lives today, nearly all these varieties are available at your local Christmas tree store. As a child growing up in Texas, the selection was not always so bountiful. In fact my five siblings and I, along with our grandfather, made the annual trip to his ranch and walked the wooded areas in search of the "prefect" cedar tree. And to this day there is nothing quite as rustic and down-home as a simple cedar tree.
Can't wait to see some of your holiday decorations.
Take care,
Jon

[Andrew Ritchie]

Nothing beats the scent of a real fir in the house at Christmastime. My mom puts baskets of pinecones mixed with one or two hidden cinnamon sticks under the tree for an even more festive (but subtle) scent. Having said that, your "Everyday" artificial trees are gorgeous too! My nephew has one of your small ones in his bedroom.

-Andrew R

[Sarah]

Nothing warms up a house and makes it cozy like a twinkling Christmas tree. Love these picture -- and I'm honored to be on your blogroll!

[Kathy]

Martha,
Thanks for the informaion about and pictures of live Christmas trees. They have been so important in our family. My Dad used to take us to a nearby tree farm to pick out the tree. I can still smell those trees that we planted together after Christmas!
Thanks for the memories!
Kathy

[Claudine]

the Grand Nobles are my very favorite! Your trees look great, I can't wait to see the finished trees.
Claudine

[Will]

Dear Martha,

I have been reading your blog for quite some time. I am always so inspired regarding your beautiful Christmas decorations etc...Have you ever planted a Christmas tree in one of your beautiful faux bois pots? I think that would be a lovely and rustic addition to a woodland Christmas. Cheers. ~Will

[pk]

Martha, I gain so much from reading your blog, I feel like it's a letter from an old friend of mine.

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Thanks for your blog about evergreen trees used at Christmas time. All of the trees you have mentioned except for the Concolor Fir are grown here in Washington state as far as I know. The Douglas Fir is our state tree and the Noble is very popular at Christmas. I can't wait to see your decorated indoor trees. I'm sure they will be magnificently decorated. Happy Holidays. Jan

[Jess - All Things Cupcake]

Oh, Lovely tree! Martha, my site is also in your network, Martha's Circle and it's been doing great. I am so pleased to be a part of it. :)

[Linda]

Great descriptions. We cannot wait to see the inside photos!

[Nicole]

I am not sure what is better looking - Jeff or those trees!

[Tina]

I've been home from work the past 3 days, recovering from chemotherapy and found that your show is one of the few things that gives me comfort. Your pleasure in all things pleasurable is a delight - from grilled cheese sandwiches to lovely holiday cocktails - nothing is beyond your delight. Thank you for the rays of sunshine.

[Mary Anne]

Hi Martha:

Thanks so much for the conifer explanation; I'll be saving it for future reference. We got a Fraser Fir this year, for the first time, and we're very happy with it.

Happy holidays to you and your family!

[Gloria]

Martha, your trees are pretty. I won't be decorating anything for Christmas this year, but I enjoy seeing yours and all the others around.
I'd like to see yours in person, but that would take a miracle, and I don't much believe in miracles, anymore.
I hope you have a good Christmas and I enjoy all the Christmas stuff on your show.
Merry Christmas, Gloria

[Cheryl]

Hello Martha,

Thank you for your blog - it is so beautifully done. My husband tapes your show for me everyday and after dinner we delight in watching it. We learn so much and you do such a great job in putting it all together. Thanks to all who help in the process. Everything is done with such class and loveliness - your show, your blog, your magazines. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
Happy Holidays, Cheryl

[dorothy young]

dear martha i watch your show everyday also watched it when you were on with your mom sorry to hear about her passing she was a good cook like you are i injoy your show and your crafts i print out alot of them recipes &crafts i will keep watching your show love it

[Andy Richards]

Martha~
Your Christmas trees look spectacular! I particularly enjoyed the portion of the blog where you gave little tidbits about the different types of Evergreens. Thank you for all your wonderful hints, ideas and special 'Martha' touches that we can all accomplish in our own homes and lives! You're truly one of kind! Cheers! Andy*