Our Christmas tree is not the designer, color-coordinated kind. The decoration breakdown goes something like this: 25%  are hand-me-down ornaments that family members have unloaded, 35% are university-themed ornaments from my alma mater (thanks Mom), and the rest include a mix of personalized ornaments with sentimental value, plus a few very random ones. Example: a decorated plastic picture frame and picture of two friends finishing a road race circa 2005, compliments of that year’s gift exchange.

Obviously our tree is a little (a lot) eclectic, but it makes me happy, plastic picture frame and all. The only thing I would add is a unique tree topper that would fit with my hodgepodge theme.

Our friends over at Remodelista have pulled together a list of easy-to-buy (plus DIY) tree topping ides. I would love to call any of these my own. Check out the full list here.

And head back to Real Simple for more Christmas tree decorating ideas.