Martha Stewart’s “Wall Tree” Is the Perfect Small Space Holiday Hack

Whether you’re living the tiny house lifestyle or find yourself in a living situation where a traditional Christmas tree just isn’t going to happen this year, then you may be looking for tree alternatives for your space. Sure, you could pick up a potted tree or plant and hang a few ornaments off it. Or, you can do as Martha Stewart suggests and take the whole tree tradition and make it 2D.

“Skipping the standalone fresh (or faux) Christmas tree this year? Or simply don’t have the space? No worries — there are several alternatives to consider, instead,” a caption on Stewart’s official Instagram reads. “Take this wall tree, for example. By hanging [horizontal] tiers of fresh pine swags in increasing lengths down a wall, you capture the ethos of this Christmastime symbol — without using up precious square footage.”

And this DIY tree-shaped wall hanging is so easy to make in an afternoon. All you need are several pieces of garland (either real or faux) and some removable wall hooks.

Using your hooks, map out the shape of a Christmas tree on your wall, making the tree however tall and wide you want. Depending on the length of your garland pieces, you may only need to use two hooks per tier, or several hooks spaced every few inches to keep the garland in place. Though, “you’ll want greenery that looks full and healthy to further the illusion of a real tree,” Stewart’s website says. 

Hang your garland from the hooks and decorate them as you would a normal Christmas tree, hanging ornaments from the boughs.

Even if you do plan on getting a traditional tree, this two-dimensional version would look awesome on a front porch or on an exterior wall in lieu of a wreath. It’s definitely a creative (and less expensive!) way to get that Christmas tree look when a tree isn’t an option.