This year I was in a bit of a rush, so I used an actual skirt that was large and fluffy to make a tree skirt. :P

i just used an old throw

I use a big piece of felt and sort of fold it under to look like "snow." It definitely cost less that $10.

Target has some really affordable and great tree skirts. The one I've been using the last few years was $25.

Wow, I normally hate anything girly with ruffles, but that ruffled tree skirt kind of appeals!

This year a small Christmas tablecloth with gold metallic lace edging is serving as a tree skirt, since the table it used to fit is gone. Anything that happily disguises the tree stand works for me, though.

Alternatively, you can cut a hole and a slash in a round tablecloth (and hem things up prettily if you want to get fancy) and put that around the tree.

Ikea has been tossing a sheepskin or two around the bottom of their trees in store. I think it's kind of endearing (and still cheap if it's from ikea.)

I love what a friend of mine does. First layer is about 3 yards of a ruby golden metallic fabric. Top layer is a more meshy gold metallic fabric. Finished off with gold metallic cord. It's all kind free flowing and bunched up here and there. I think it looks regal and catches the light in an elegant way. She said it cost her around $15 total. Skirts look too formal to me.

Growing up, we always wrapped a big length of ivory satin fabric around the base, tucking the unfinished edges under. It was inexpensive and created a somewhat free-form but still polished and formal look. I like the tablecloth idea, too, and that Ballard Designs one is lovely, and seems like it would be pretty easy to DIY with basic sewing skills, too.

Great DIY ideas, everyone! Keep 'em coming :)

Seeing as how tree skirts are essentially just huge circles with a slit on one side I opted to making my own this year. It came out perfect.