If you're going the branch Christmas tree route, I think the two biggest factors to consider are what type of container you use for the base and whether the branches should be painted or left natural. For my simple tree, I'm leaning towards natural or white branches in an antique zinc bucket (lucky for me, I already have the container!), but what are your preferences?
Shown Above:
1. This branch tree is left all natural with black accents. Nice and sturdy for hanging ornaments thanks to the oversized zinc bucket. From Hege in France.
2. An icy white and sparkly fantasy branch tree from Liz Williams Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle.
3. All that's gold glitters by Atlanta Holiday House via Becky Harris of Houzz.
4. This white tabletop branch tree compliments the off-white and rusty urn. By The Rusty Hinge.
5. White and simple with lights, The White Company via 79 Ideas.
(Images: As linked above.)
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This is a really fun idea for Christmas. Love how natural it looks. I just posted on my blog Lovely Diggs about an article I participated in creating a thrifty Christmas. I would have liked to do something like this, maybe next year!
My mom has done this for as long as I can remember. I always thought it was pretty. Some years she would paint the branch white. Other years it was left natural. Either way it is a childhood memory.
She could use a boost this year. I'll have to tell her it's catching on. ;)
Exactly what I had in mind for our branches!
I did this for the first time this year. Mine turned out pretty goth.
http://quenbysheree.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/oh-gothmas-tree-oh-gothmas-tree/
I put branches in a large old McCoy vase each winter. I decorate them with glass icicles and German bird ornaments. I sometimes add lights. This year I tucked a few branch lights in with real tree branches. What I love about it is that it can stay up through winter as it is not holiday themed. It adds a lovely winter woodland vibe to the living room and it brightens up dark wintry days.
I did this my first year out on my own. For a cool effect, put the branches in something disposable and spray straight down with a metallic spray paint. You get a little sparkle without losing the natural look.
Aww, this is a great idea. I've been feeling guilty because I just moved to a new city across the country a few months ago, and my boyfriend is flying out to spend the first Christmas away from his family to keep me company! I have a really tiny tinsel tree since I can't really afford a tree with all of the other things I need for my apartment, but wanted him to feel like it was Christmas in my apartment. This might be a great alternative! Thanks!
Fine, but it shouldn't involve having to buy something (although, that's necessary on AT). Admittedly, all five of these photos are great; not just the trees, but everything around them.
In our apartment, my fiancée and I were going to skip the tree this year, then had the branch idea. However we used a large square vase and spruce branches with needles instead of deciduous branches. http://Instagr.am/p/S4saRSk41a/ a bit more traditional look, but smaller, easier and free!
Last year I decorated a beautiful bunch of branches trimmed from my Sycamore (lovely bark) for Christmas; then took the ornaments off for a New Year's Eve party. Guests were invited to write their wishes on Chinese joss paper and add them to the branches. We burned them all in a bonfire just after midnight! A memorable celebration.
I did this this year! I wish I could post a picture of my pretty little tree. I had this idea way back when I lived in Colorado and decorated a tumbleweed for Christmas.