Room by Room – the aluminum tree

This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks takes a little departure from showcasing a ‘designed’ piece of furniture and starts of the winter season with a look at a holiday classic, the aluminum Christmas tree.

First offered in 1959, the aluminum tree was an anomaly which soon caught on through the early 60s. Along with a light combined with a color wheel, it became a standard alternate to the cut live tree. It fell out of favor for many years, but has begun a resurgence, with many styles and sizes currently available.

Modern design need not disappear during the holiday season. There are many wonderful items to decorate you home this winter. A modern graphic interpretation of the standard snowflake motif gets a punch with overlapping strong colors, while a spiky paper ornament can be hung from the tree or around a doorway. An embossed and printed piece of art can be framed and propped on a table, while a table runner with an embroidered snowflake adds a shot of color. A subtle reminder of the snowy forest is revealed on a set of letterpress coasters that sit beneath a warm mug.

Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.