Obviously, I’m a book person. Our dining room is essentially my library, and that’s after I pared down before our move to this house. I like books, and I read pretty widely across genres. And while I’m maybe the last adopter of any technology changes, I’m usually one of the early adopters of novels. So, of course, I’ve read Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. And, so here I am, once again, combining my love of books and Christmas. This ACOTAR Christmas tree is a breeze to make for yourself, and it can also really easily double as a Halloween tree!
How My ACOTAR Christmas Tree Came Together
A complex, layered Christmas tree is like getting an eight course meal at a Michelin starred restaurant. It can’t be beat. You’ll think about it for the rest of your life (or, at least, I will). It also takes a lot of time and money to create. This ACOTAR Christmas tree is like getting that same level of intensity, but at a lower cost and only an afternoon of DIY-ing!
Start With Your Base
I think Christmas trees look best when they look like you put it there intentionally. So if you’ve got a bookshelf or a corner where your paperbacks are stacked, that’s where I’d put this tree.
My ACOTAR Christmas tree found a home on my very messy and crowded dining room bookshelf. Hooray, for track shelves that allow you to move things around! I also pulled out my SJM books to set around the tree and help style the scene.
Since it’s the lead-up to Halloween cauldrons are everywhere. I already had this one, which is actually a planter. To keep your Christmas tree straight and secure without using the metal base, pack your cauldron with towels, leaving space only in the center to hold your tree.
Add As Many Stars As Possible
Stars are such a recurring theme in the ACOTAR books and have become part of the visual aesthetic associated with the series, so you’ve got to have them on your ACOTAR themed Christmas tree. Make your tree your own!
I had a couple of strands of star shaped lights that I added across the tree. I also had some rustic metal star garlands from an old primitive styled tree from ages ago. I gave them a fresh coat of gold spray paint, and they had a whole new life. But add what you have or what you can make. If you’ve got star ornaments already, throw them on the tree. Have some paper and gold paint or glitter, go crazy. Honestly, some really pointy, 8 pointed stars would look beyond cool on this tree. Use what you have and what feels right to you.
The best part about books is that we all interpret the words and visuals differently. So embrace the colors and tones and aesthetic that you feel works best for you.
Illyrian Wingspan Inspired Ornaments
Insert wingspan joke here. But, seriously, these wings were fun to design and I love the dramatic effect! Especially on a flocked tree!
Here’s how I made these wings, and I’m sharing my hand drawn SVG cut files with you below!
- Download the SVG cut files. Each file is for half a wing. So to make a full wing, you’ll need one on the default side, and then reversed. Make sure you cut both sides to make a full wing. I used heavy glitter cardstock in black and silver for my wing outlines.
- Add glue to the back of each half wing and lay it on top of fabric. I chose lots of tulle and netting and one shiny reptilian-like fabric. If I did it again, I’d stick with just the tulle and netting.
- After the glue dries, carefully trim any excess fabric off.
- Then, bend the extra paper on the inside of each wing, and hot glue the two sides together. Now you’ve got a full wingspan!
- To hang these, all you need to do is nestle them into the tree. Use the texture of your Christmas tree branches to hold the wings in place.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to celebrate Christmas, Starfall, Solstice, or Halloween with your ACOTAR Christmas Tree!
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Make merrie with this little freebie
Download this bow SVG cut file - on me! Perfect for ornaments, garlands, or gift tags.
