Every home has a story, and they are as vast and varied as the world is wide. But they all start with inspiration, and inspiration starts with our surroundings. That’s what home is. Family. Friends. A sense of place. An amazing view. It is all part of what makes a space a home because your home is where you truly live. As homeowners ourselves we understand that your best life begins with a home that inspires you.
(This page includes affiliate links – our full disclosure statement is available {here}
“Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you’ve got a Christmas tree in the living room.”
— Nora Roberts
Maybe you live in a small home. Maybe you’ve just moved and want to do a bit of decor without sourcing a big tree. Maybe you’re just tired of lugging the boxes out of the attic and want to do a pared-down version of Christmas this year. Maybe still you don’t celebrate Christmas, but want to pay homage to the season. Whatever the case may be, cut yourself some slack! Christmas trees are lovely, but there are plenty of other ways to get in the holiday spirit without chopping down a Douglas fir and dragging it home. Below, find our 10 favorite Christmas tree alternatives, from hanging garlands to a photo collages. No need to lug a tree home when these ideas are just as festive.
1. Wall-Mounted Garland
Garland (or light branches.) Lights. Command Hooks. That’s all you need to create this low-profile “tree” on any available wall. Simple. Classy. Love.
2. Wood Frame “Tree” or Plywood Pine
If you can use a bread knife (I know you can), you can hand-saw these 1×2 pieces of lumber to create a simple wood frame for the minimal “tree” of your dreams. All that’s left are a few screws to keep it together, and a string of lights to wrap around. For something more substantial think Plywood Pine. Two cut pieces of plywood take up much less room in storage than a full artificial tree, and this one blends much better with minimal décor.
3. Copper Pipe Conifer
Tap the handyperson in your life to help you assemble a very affordable (and adorable) tree made from copper pipes. This one is perfect to still decorate with your ornaments, too.
4. Jugs Of Branches
Your local Christmas tree seller (or even your backyard) likely has lots of cuttings to spare, which, when clustered together in a a couple large jugs, makes a stately centerpiece to hang ornaments from.
5. Photo Collage Tree
This idea is particularly perfect if you have a collection of holiday cards from loved ones and past years from your own family. Simply stick them up on the wall in a tree arrangement with a few command strips or mounting putty, with string lights to pull it all together.
6. The Giving Tree
Who says presents need to be under the tree when they can be the tree? Plus, this arrangement takes up half the space of a tree with presents.
7. A Bookworm’s Tree
How cute is this tree made from stacks of books? If you’re short on space but already have lots of books, this is the perfect “tree” for you. A festive bow or pine cone on top and some twinkling lights make it a stellar stand-in.
8. Driftwood Decor
For anyone who’s lucky enough to have a beach house (or, just lucky enough to take a beach vacation), a few pieces of driftwood in differing sizes make a perfect tree shape when strung together with fishing line and decorated with ornaments.
Would you skip the traditional tree in favor of one of these ideas? Have an idea of your own?