Say No to Fir: 10 Christmas Trees of a Different Kind
Avoid spending the new year picking up pesky pine needles and try one of these Christmas tree alternatives instead
Send me to the corner and call me the Grinch – there’s something about putting up the Christmas tree that really … gets me. Maybe it’s knowing that however hard it was to put up, well, it’s going to be just as hard taking down. Maybe it’s knowing that I’ll spend all of December and the new year cleaning up pine needles (even when the tree is faux). You know what, it’s probably because I’m stuck in an uninspiring routine; I always scramble last minute and opt for the same arrangement as last year … and the year before. Actually, one year the tree went up sans decorations. I was just not in the fir tree mood! Don’t get me wrong, the end result always charms me to pieces, but this year I just want something a bit different.
Cue all of these amazing Christmas tree alternatives I’ve stumbled across on Houzz. Now I can really put a padlock on last year’s Christmas tree. As for everyone else, there’s still time to swap your fir tree for one of these. Go on, take a look.
Cue all of these amazing Christmas tree alternatives I’ve stumbled across on Houzz. Now I can really put a padlock on last year’s Christmas tree. As for everyone else, there’s still time to swap your fir tree for one of these. Go on, take a look.
2. Dressed to impress
Elizabeth from Walk Among the Homes blog has created one of the most inventive Christmas trees I’ve seen this year. A dressed up mannequin, bejewelled with twinkly lights and all – it really showcases the potential for creativity over Christmas. Heck, even Lagerfeld would be impressed.
Elizabeth from Walk Among the Homes blog has created one of the most inventive Christmas trees I’ve seen this year. A dressed up mannequin, bejewelled with twinkly lights and all – it really showcases the potential for creativity over Christmas. Heck, even Lagerfeld would be impressed.
3. Round up your scraps
Utilising scrap timber, this simple but effective tree not only sets the scene for Christmas but provides the perfect mantel for your holiday knick knacks, too.
The weathered style of the tree also makes for ideal outdoor decor. Adorn it with mini plants and add some red accents (such as faux holly berries) for festive effect.
Utilising scrap timber, this simple but effective tree not only sets the scene for Christmas but provides the perfect mantel for your holiday knick knacks, too.
The weathered style of the tree also makes for ideal outdoor decor. Adorn it with mini plants and add some red accents (such as faux holly berries) for festive effect.
4. Gather together
Whoever thought a pile of sticks could look so … magical? Amanda from RedAgape blog fashioned sticks gathered on her property as an earthy tree that comes to life with simple decorations. Twinkling fairy lights and hand-made white clay tags are in keeping with the organic nature of the tree.
Whoever thought a pile of sticks could look so … magical? Amanda from RedAgape blog fashioned sticks gathered on her property as an earthy tree that comes to life with simple decorations. Twinkling fairy lights and hand-made white clay tags are in keeping with the organic nature of the tree.
5. True blue
Why choose a snowy Christmas-inspired fir tree, when you can opt for one that’s closer to home. Here, a gum tree branch brings native Australia into your living room. Put yours in a tin can and weigh it down with some stones. Paper garlands and watercolour decorations add a homespun touch.
Why choose a snowy Christmas-inspired fir tree, when you can opt for one that’s closer to home. Here, a gum tree branch brings native Australia into your living room. Put yours in a tin can and weigh it down with some stones. Paper garlands and watercolour decorations add a homespun touch.
I particularly love the way gum nuts and leaves hang from pieces of string, adding a homely, personal feel – and for free.
Check out these budget-busting Christmas DIYs
Check out these budget-busting Christmas DIYs
And look at the difference some fairy lights will do on a hand-picked branch Christmas tree!
6. Swap your seasonal flowers
A small, decorated tree branch in your favourite vase trumps even the most seasonal flower arrangement. In fact, this contemporary display could stick around all year long – perhaps a place to display all of your mini keepsakes? Just attach to a small ribbon and hang your favourite ornaments.
A small, decorated tree branch in your favourite vase trumps even the most seasonal flower arrangement. In fact, this contemporary display could stick around all year long – perhaps a place to display all of your mini keepsakes? Just attach to a small ribbon and hang your favourite ornaments.
This is just one of seven of the handmade displays Aussie Houzzer p2332 put up this year. One gilded colour scheme works wonders.
When working to a particular colour scheme, remember, you can paint your branches too.
When working to a particular colour scheme, remember, you can paint your branches too.
7. Hats off wall mural
While the owner of this quirky wall mural bought and styled the hats with the shape of a Christmas tree in mind, just think how many everyday items around your house could be transformed into something merry in the same way. A quintessential Christmas symbol – the star – is all it really took to lock in the festive spirit of this feature wall.
While the owner of this quirky wall mural bought and styled the hats with the shape of a Christmas tree in mind, just think how many everyday items around your house could be transformed into something merry in the same way. A quintessential Christmas symbol – the star – is all it really took to lock in the festive spirit of this feature wall.
8. Tree of memories
Nostalgic photographs of family and friends attached to the wall in the shape of a tree work a treat, too. Add some wooden letters that spell out a Christmas message and mismatched picture frames. Got lots of polaroids lying around? Here’s your chance to give them pride of place in your home.
Nostalgic photographs of family and friends attached to the wall in the shape of a tree work a treat, too. Add some wooden letters that spell out a Christmas message and mismatched picture frames. Got lots of polaroids lying around? Here’s your chance to give them pride of place in your home.
9. Miniature potted trees
If you’re not big on the whole Christmas tree thing, opt for the miniature variety. Consider potting tree cuttings in containers to suit your style – their fresh pine scent will linger for months if you care for them properly. For an organic table centrepiece, cluster a variety of vessels together – this creation uses vintage mason jars, a measuring cup and a ceramic marmalade jar.
If you’re not big on the whole Christmas tree thing, opt for the miniature variety. Consider potting tree cuttings in containers to suit your style – their fresh pine scent will linger for months if you care for them properly. For an organic table centrepiece, cluster a variety of vessels together – this creation uses vintage mason jars, a measuring cup and a ceramic marmalade jar.
Even simpler, but just as effective, snip off a branch, pop it in a vase with some water and decorate with Christmas-inspired ribbons. This is one for the home office.
Otherwise, make do with what you already have and dress up your existing house plants with tiny ornaments.
Otherwise, make do with what you already have and dress up your existing house plants with tiny ornaments.
10. Advent tree
A tree for your wall that doubles as an Advent calendar? Yes, please! Just string a tree outline to your wall with additional lines that act as branches, and hang your packages from hooks. You could wrap up sweets or trinkets – it’s the fun of opening up a present every single day up until Christmas.
TIP: Assign a number of packages to each person in your household to fill and wrap – lollies are great fillers, but imagine the excitement of opening up something unknown, even comical, come your turn. Choose wisely if there’s a chance you’ll get your own gift one day!
A tree for your wall that doubles as an Advent calendar? Yes, please! Just string a tree outline to your wall with additional lines that act as branches, and hang your packages from hooks. You could wrap up sweets or trinkets – it’s the fun of opening up a present every single day up until Christmas.
TIP: Assign a number of packages to each person in your household to fill and wrap – lollies are great fillers, but imagine the excitement of opening up something unknown, even comical, come your turn. Choose wisely if there’s a chance you’ll get your own gift one day!
This wall Advent uses painted paddle pop sticks and ‘origami’ made boxes. A great project for the kids, perhaps? Be as creative as you like with each box – I’m tempted to stick the faces of my favourite Christmas characters on mine. But you know, even glitter would do the trick!
Why not try your DIY skills on a mini Advent village
SHARE WITH US
How did you decorate your Christmas tree this year? Did you go down the traditional route, or did you try something entirely different? Show us your pictures in the Comments.
MORE
12 Christmas Holiday Traditions to Start Now
What’s Your Christmas Decorating Style?
10 Reasons Not to Throw Old Christmas Decorations Away
8 Decorative Touches for a Christmas Outside
Why not try your DIY skills on a mini Advent village
SHARE WITH US
How did you decorate your Christmas tree this year? Did you go down the traditional route, or did you try something entirely different? Show us your pictures in the Comments.
MORE
12 Christmas Holiday Traditions to Start Now
What’s Your Christmas Decorating Style?
10 Reasons Not to Throw Old Christmas Decorations Away
8 Decorative Touches for a Christmas Outside
Space may be sparse in your abode, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego the fun (I know, I can’t believe I just said that) of putting up a Christmas tree.
Washi tape is a great option for those in tight spaces. The range of colours and patterns available means you can get really creative. These simply-seasonal stripes works perfectly within the scene, but there’s no rule that says you can’t go bigger in size and a little bit crazier in colour and design. The bonus is it’ll come down just as easy as it goes up.