Fanciful Christmas Trees

If ever there is a time to be over-the-top and indulge your flights of fancy, it is during the holidays. Extravagance is delicious in small, temporary doses. When spread upon the Christmas tree - the ideal canvas - opulence looks extraordinary. I've compiled a few images of fanciful Christmas trees below for inspiration.

What makes this spruce tree remarkable is the use of oversized ornaments in a monochromatic palette that perfectly suits the pale tones and formal mood of the room. Silver and white dominate the scheme with long, shiny ornaments elongating the form. (The plastercast reindeer adds a whimsical and dramatic touch!)

This tree in this California home looks luxe with its peacock tree-topper. Ornaments in warm oranges and ocres are offset by punches of cool blue and green. Thick, flowing bands of wide ribbon running vertically down the length of the tree add to the dramatic height.

The entrance to this New Orleans condominium is a study in theatricality with its trio of hanging chandeliers and dramatic floral arrangements. The tree, a fragrant cypress, is an unusual and beautiful choice. It is decroated in gold and red tassles and hand-sewn ornaments. Several starburst mirrors are tucked into the branches for added brilliance.

This Manhattan atelier is transformed into a holiday vision with a 15-foot high tree decorated in 8,000 tiny lights and a multitude of red, green and white ornaments.

A diminutive tree in a rustic kitchen in Connecticut is decorated in citrus tones - pale limes and orange hues interspersed with white and silver accents.