13. THE “BRANCHES” TREE
Easy peasy, cost-free, and beautiful.
Go outside, pick up some fallen branches, place them in a tall vase and hang last year’s decorations on it. Done ✔️
12. THE “LADDER” TREE
Hmm… what do I have around the house that has the same shape as that of a Christmas tree?
Yep! Bring out your ladder, last year’s ornaments, and some string. You’re now ready to rock around the Christmas ladder.
11. THE “HANGING DRIFTWOOD” TREE
Being by the beach doesn’t mean you’re allowed to ignore the fact that it’s Christmastime.
On one of your long walks on the beach, pick up some driftwood. Then, with some string, hang them all together and attach some decorations to it. So lovely!
10. THE “MEMORIES” TREE
We really like this one.
To achieve this cute, sustainable look, all you need is some string, pegs and tape. Hang your Christmas cards (from throughout the years if you like, for a nostalgic vibe) and/or photographs of your loved ones, and done!
9. THE “STANDING BOOKSHELF” TREE
This one works only, of course, if you already own one of these trendy shelving units. Hang some lights and some tinsel, and behold a beautiful, multifunctional Christmas tree.
8. THE “WOODEN DOWEL” TREE
This one’s great because once the season is over, you can put it away (with ornaments still on if you like - we won’t judge) and bring it back out the following year, saving both the planet and your wallet.
For this minimalist look, head over to one of the following:
7. THE “LAST YEAR’S LIGHTS” TREE
You don’t need anything for this one but lights, hooks/nails/tape, and a bit of wall. It doesn’t even occupy any floorspace, so this one’s great for small apartments.
6. THE “DECORATED WALL” TREE
Similarly to the “Last Year’s Lights” tree, this one doesn’t occupy any square footage. Just get last year’s ornaments and some hooks or reusable tack, and you’re good to go. You can still even place presents under it.
5. THE “WOODEN SCULPTURE” TREE
Each of the wooden batons on this lovely tree can be rotated to the angle of your choosing. This means it can remain flat, become conical like a real tree, create a spiral, have a rustic random configuration, or anything in between. You can leave it as-is in its natural beauty, place lights on it, or even hang decorations from its “twigs.”
Luckily, this design has been replicated by a few artists. Below are some links that will take you to different options from which you may choose, depending on availability, your budget, and your location:
By “Tomazin” on Etsy
By Tomazin” on Etsy 2!
One Two Tree on Etsy
One Two Tree
Happy shopping!
4. THE “POTTED ROSEMARY” TREE
It’s basically a tiny Christmas tree… which you can also eat.
These are great because you can even have one in every room and spread the cheer across the house. They’ve also got that beautiful smell, which is a factor that a lot of people miss when opting out of traditional Christmas trees.
Similar alternatives include Bay Laurel and Myrtle.
These can be found in a range of places! Be it your local flower or plant shop, Home Depot, Trader Joes, Whole Foods or, for utter certainty:
3. THE “DECORATED HOUSEPLANT” TREE
Why does it have to be a pine? Well, it doesn’t.
Turn any plant in your home into a festive one by placing ornaments on it. One of the best things about this is that you get to have multiple Christmas “trees” around the house! When was that ever possible?
2. THE “BOOK” TREE
Consider yourself a bookworm? We’ll put you to the test and see if you’ve got enough to make a tree out of them. You can even pick only green and red ones, if you’re a true master reader.
Just like on a traditional Christmas tree, wrap some lights and tinsel around it, and place a star at the top. Behold a great (assuming you’re not planning on reading any of those books any time soon) handmade tree.
1. THE “ADOPTED” TREE
In case you just can’t bring yourself around to not having a real Christmas tree, we’ve got you covered, too.
The way this works is that the tree is taken out of the ground very carefully in order to keep it alive and hand it to you in a pot. Once the holiday season is over, they take it back and, yes, replant it! What’s even cuter than that, you ask? Well, with some companies, you can choose to have the same tree back every year.
Here are some great options:
Rent-a-Christmas
RentXmasTree
The Original Potted Christmas Tree Company (Oregon)
The Living Christmas Tree Company (Southern California)
Merry Christmas!