Get a Ho-Ho-Hold of These 5 Alternative Christmas Tree Tips

We’re already halfway through December, which means you either already have your decorations up or are still wondering about what to put up this season. And, if you’re part of the second group, there’s likely no other item higher on your shopping list than a Christmas tree.

But, what if this year’s tree needs to be something else? Perhaps, due to a lack of space, you’re looking for smaller options. Or, maybe you need something less alluring to your pets. It might be that the classic, green-and-tinsel combo just clashes with the interior design. Or, maybe you decided to make sustainability a priority this season.

In any case, whether you need a break from the traditional or want to try something new, check out these ideas for Christmas tree alternatives guaranteed to give you the true holiday experience.

Deck the halls with wood alternatives

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ste Phanie (@lovetravelbehappy)

’Tis the season to get crafty! While you might not want a classic tree this year, one of the best materials for your alternative is still wood. Just pick up some branches, twigs or driftwood and get creative. Stick it all together and create a makeshift tree, or arrange them in a jar or vase for both a bohemian and a festive vibe.

Similarly, get your DIY on with some wood pallets or pieces of reclaimed wood. Granted, it’s best if you know a few carpentry essentials for this, but the results are worth the crash course. The best part of using wood to create your alternative Christmas tree is that it costs next to nothing to make — and you’ll get a truly unique design.

Think outside the cardboard box

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KOOKIE Bookish Play Ideas (@kookies_bookies)

Paper is an arts-and-crafts favorite any time of the year, but particularly around the holidays. A pliable material, paper is full of festive potential no matter what your idea of a Christmas tree is. Plus, it’s easy for the little ones to participate in, as well, and there are so many types to choose from — like the more manageable choices, such as tissue paper, notebook pages, or tart and cupcake liners (yes!), to more sturdy options like cardboard or kraft paper strips. The most popular way to use paper? You guessed it — the highly Instragrammable Christmas tree made out of books.

The apartment is your jolly canvas

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Becki Griffins Curious Details (@curiousdetails)

More often than not, a lack of square footage is what drives us to look for alternative Christmas tree ideas. In this situation, the most convenient location to place an innovative tree is a blank wall, the side of a cabinet or even a door. If you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, choose whatever empty space you have and let your imagination run wild.

One idea is to glue a string of lights, tinsel or garland in the shape of a tree. Or, create a tree out of just colorful washi tape for a simple, yet effective design. Alternatively, those lacking the space for a full-on display can also try sticking baubles and ornaments in the shape of a tree. And, if you have a whiteboard or a chalkboard anywhere in the house, let your inner child draw your dream Christmas tree.

Find joy in minimalism

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Decorating & Staging Academy (@decoratingandstagingacademy)

For those looking to try something different this season, the best option might be to go the exact opposite of ornament opulence: minimalism. As far as non-traditional decorating goes, nothing seems more daring than deconstructing a Christmas tree. Ideas range from hanging baubles from the ceiling to create a suspended tree silhouette, to mounting a few branches and pinecones to a wall, to whatever easy craft project you’ve seen online and thought that you might be able to do it better.

Rockin’ around any type of tree

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cactus & Suculentas 🌵🌱 (@encactate)

If you’re looking for alternative Christmas trees, then you’re ready to consider more unusual options, such as decorating your house plants or whatever collection of items you have — wine corks, yarn balls, mittens, Christmas cards, even family photos — in the shape of a tree. Or, maybe this is the year that you go for a larger, non-conventional item that can take the role of a Christmas tree as soon as you get that tinsel on it — like a ladder, which could serve as an eco-friendly and minimal option to channel your holiday spirit. Anything can be a Christmas tree if you want it to be — and the results are actually really cute.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pacific Point Construction LLC (@pacific_point_construction)

Alternative Christmas tree ideas can go from complex DIY projects to last-minute, store-bought confections to nothing much at all. Ultimately, it’s the thought and sentiment you put in when decorating that counts. So, whatever tree you choose, it’s sure to look great — especially once the presents are placed beneath it.