A $50,000 Christmas Tree

By Jessica Cumberbatch (Subscribe to Jessica Cumberbatch's posts)
Nov 13th 2009 10:33AM

Photo: MacKenzie-Childs

Indeed it is -- the work of artisans in Aurora, New York whose nine-foot masterpiece was unveiled this week as part of the MacKenzie-Childs 2009 holiday collection. Yes, just when we thought excess had gone out of style, MacKenzie-Childs' "Grand Shard Tree" made its seasonal debut at their flagship store on West 57th Street in Manhattan, along with other amusements like the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, who was on hand signing (and buying) some of the store's handmade wares for guests, and Simon and Alex van Kempen of The Real Housewives of New York City fame who had their tots, Francois and Johan, in tow.

The festivities marked the launch of Mackenzie-Childs' enchanted holiday extravaganza, a 7-week display in which their two-story shop is transformed into an enchanted forest and overtaken by a wildly colorful assortment of Christmas ornaments, tablescapes and even a real, six-foot-tall elf. (No word on whether he's a regular installment, though weekend visits by Father Christmas are confirmed.)

The display certainly rivals famed holiday installations like the windows at Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue (which will actually feature some of MacKenzie-Childs' ornaments this year). But the crowning jewel is by far the Grand Shard Tree, completely covered in ceramic and enamel pottery "shards" that are all handmade by the company's craftsmen at their workshop in Aurora, New York. Each tree, which takes over 300 hours to assemble (orders take 8 weeks to complete), stands at 9-feet tall with a teapot finial on top.

For shoppers who don't have a Duchess or a van Kempen nearby to foot the $50,000 bill, there is a tabletop version of the tree available for $750 instead.

A closeup view of the magnificent Christmas tree. Photo: MacKenzie-Childs

Comments (31)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

BIZNESSLADY42 11-14-2009 @ 7:13AM

THAT'S THE MOST UGYLIEST TREE I'VE EVER SEEN, SOMEONE WAS JILTED OUT OUT OF $49,950.00

tinseltown 11-14-2009 @ 9:39AM

You got that right. It's the ungliest Christmas tree I've ever seen!! But I bet some filthy rich moron has already run out to by one. It's all about being the "first to have" for them no matter what it is.

Beebedayle 11-14-2009 @ 10:13AM

This kind of thing reminds me of why I still love my old 7ft raggedy scotch pine artificial tree and all the ragtag ornaments that mean something to me. I put it up every year, add and subtract a few ornaments but it's like the Charlie Brown tree. Naked, it's ugly. With all those good ole ornaments? It's magnificent!

Chris Economou 11-14-2009 @ 2:33PM

Let me repeat that...THAT IS THE UGLIEST TREE I HAVE EVER SEEN. $50,000?? For what? I honestly wouldn't buy it for $5.00. There's no accounting for some people's taste I guess.

Lady G 11-29-2009 @ 8:15PM

Your comment was HILARIOUS
and so true.
Ridiculous.
I think people with too much money just run out of what to do with it, so they slap together a bunch of crap and call it art, and the less fortunate say ..." Oh...ok....wow..."

Jackie 11-30-2009 @ 3:21AM

I AGREE! I have been a designer since age 7 & I turn 54 Tuesday. That is the ugliest tree I have ever seen. What a waist of $$$!!!!

hcdo38 11-14-2009 @ 8:55AM

I agree with the above comment - it looks like a compressed, recycled mess, nothing like the way a Christmas tree is supposed to look.

Kathleen 11-14-2009 @ 9:11AM

That's not a Christmas tree, That's a pile of junk. Where's the GREEN, the lights, the popcorn string, the handmade ornaments, etc.? If that's someone's idea of Christmas, Lord help them. My old (yes artificial tree) with all the things my kids made 30-40 years ago, is what makes Christmas, THE MEMORIES!!!!!

Manuela S. 11-14-2009 @ 10:02AM

It's awful looking. I decorate a real tree with single color lights. This year is clear but in the past has been all blue or all red. And single color ornaments - this year all blue. Small birds and my Hallmark ornaments. Pine cones with a scent of cinnamon finish it off. Somewhat traditional but always elegant. That thing looks gaudy.

givemeabreak 11-14-2009 @ 10:44AM

To think that this tree is worth $50,000 is beyond me. Definitely not my "cup of tea". I imagined before I opened up this article that it was a green tree with spectacular ornaments. My son and I looked at the tree and couldn't believe what we saw. Even an eight year old was not impressed. :) But, hey, to each his own, I am sure there is someone out there that likes it and that is their choice. This is only our opinion. :) Enjoy the weekend.

maxiesmom067 11-25-2009 @ 12:36PM

Looks like a pile of junk! Obviously money can't buy good taste.

Thomas J Crapper 11-14-2009 @ 11:09AM

It's a pile of compressed garbage shaped like a triangle. Maybe it can be recycled into something more useful, like toilet paper.

thegrinch 11-14-2009 @ 11:25AM

While never a fan of the MC excess, this goes over the top. $50,000 for a Christmas Tree! Give me a break. With hunger, homelessness and lack of medical care for the norm for too many in this country, I find MC beyond tasteless and bordering on immoral. Who are these people? Not the "artisans" who implement the design, but the masterminds behind this kind of consumerism that appeals to people with more money than taste or morals.

Bernyce 11-14-2009 @ 12:19PM

Terrible looking tree - is everything about Christmas changing? Can't imagine children seeing that on Xmas morning!!

Amanda 11-14-2009 @ 12:22PM

Sorry kids, you don't get any gifts this year because I paid $50k for 'Crap on a Cone.'
Any wrapped gift under that "Tree" would look horrendous. Guess you could just hide gifts ON the tree and make kids treasure hunt for them.

and wtf is up with that moose? awkward much?

Desten 11-14-2009 @ 8:02PM

I love it but I like cray stuf like that my whole house is wacky and diffrent even tho I dont do hoilidays or anything like that I think its beautiful I wouldnt spend more then 200 tops on it I think that would be better price for all.

kayann98 11-14-2009 @ 2:26PM

When the kids come downstairs on christmas morning, they won't find presents, thell just find a note from santa saying "where the heck is ur tree?" then the kids will turn to mommy and daddy and say:"u pay 50,000 dollors for that, and SANTA COULDN'T GIVE US PRESENTS. Yep, smart move mommy and daddy

wl paradise 11-14-2009 @ 2:33PM

GOOFY and UGLY and very UN- Christmas --- beyond the shape

deb 11-14-2009 @ 2:34PM

Looks like someone went shopping at the 99 cent store. What a mess. I wonder how many garage sales someone had to hit up to make that piece of garbage. At least it's all in one place for the trash men to pick up. How about you just take the $50,000.00 and buy toys for Toys For Tots. Or how about half on toy for tots and maybe a soup kitchen. How about teddy bears for police stations to calm children down, or maybe a childrens hospital. The list goes on. I think that someone missed the meaning of Christmas there. It's all about Jesus Christ. Sucks to be them. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Chris Economou 11-14-2009 @ 2:38PM

I just took a look at their site. Everything they have is ugly. And the moose head is ridiculous and the price is even more ridiculous. Someone must like black and white checkered decorations...UGLY...I don't even consider what they show as "decorations" for Christmas.

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