These Christmas Tree Alternatives Will Save You So Much Time (and Space!)
Don’t get me wrong — big, beautiful, decked-out Christmas trees have their place, especially when you get them for a steal or beautify them with some handmade decorations. And while many people choose to display one of these classic trees, sometimes they might not fit your space or your tastes. Instead, to go in a more modern direction (or if you simply don’t have enough room to fit a traditional tree), consider one of these brilliant Christmas tree alternatives.
1. Opt for an unexpected color.
Who says that Christmas trees have to be green? Instead, choose one in a bright, bombastic hue, like orange as seen in Jennifer Perkins’ home, and top it off with vibrant ornaments.
2. Look to the ceiling.
Christmas trees don’t necessarily have to be displayed on the floor either. In fact, you can create an alternative Christmas tree on your ceiling in the form of a found tree branch festooned with ornaments and ribbons for hanging — something that Kay Prestney did artfully in her U.K. living room.
3. Frame a mirror.
This is a fab idea if you’re living in a small apartment or another diminutive space. If you already have a mirror, deck it out with Christmas tree-inspired greenery and golden garlands, which is exactly what Tiffany and Alan Goldstein did in their Austin, Texas, home.
4. Embrace natural materials.
Whether you DIY it yourself or purchase one from a craft store, a Christmas tree made up of branches, greenery, and red blooms, like the one spotted in Cortney and Robert Novogratz’ home, is a stunning version of an alternative Christmas tree that also brings the outdoors in.
5. Think small.
A Christmas tree doesn’t always have to be gigantic and grand. Alternatively, for a more minimalist look or to fit your small space, simply put a downsized faux or live tree in a basket — bonus points if you decorate it with charming snowflake ornaments, which Svenja Bruecker did in her Austrian apartment.
6. Outline a headboard.
To bring some holiday spirit to your sleeping space and create an alternative “Christmas tree” from something that’s out year-round, hang green garlands around your headboard. That’s how Katherine Thewlis leveled up her bedroom for the holidays.
7. Light up a houseplant.
8. Try tall branches.
An alternative Christmas tree can be as straightforward as putting some tall branches into a vase and adding some festive stems of red berries, which is how Jessamyn Stanley, Samantha Greene, and ashe phoenix filled up this corner of their dining room.
9. Go for a pop of color.
Here’s another example of an amazing alternative Christmas tree seen in Cortney and Robert Novogratz’ home. They went with an anything-but-green bright pink tree for their living room, which stands out amid the muted colors, and they didn’t stop there — they also outfitted it in matching pink strings of lights, making for a top-to-bottom monochromatic look.
10. Take it outside.
Guess what? A Christmas tree doesn’t always have to be indoors either! The holiday spirit can be kept alive and well by decorating a tree or two in your front yard, something that Adrianna Lopez and Paul Olson did in their yard with the help of oversized star ornaments.