Tired of the traditional pine tree? These 10 unique alternative Christmas trees offer a creative and modern twist on holiday decorating. Whether you’re looking for something eco-friendly, space-saving, or simply stylish, these ideas will inspire a fresh take on your festive decor.
1. DIY Driftwood Christmas Tree
For a rustic and eco-friendly holiday vibe, create a driftwood Christmas tree. Perfect for a coastal or beachy theme, this tree can be decorated with seashells, starfish, or minimalist ornaments.
How to Make It:
- Collect pieces of driftwood in varying lengths.
- Arrange them in a tree shape, securing each piece with nails or glue.
- Decorate with natural elements for a simple, yet stunning, tree.
Check out more creative outdoor holiday decor ideas here.
2. Ladder Christmas Tree
Transform a basic ladder into a ladder Christmas tree for a stylish, minimalist look. This idea is great for small spaces and modern homes.
Steps:
- Open a step ladder and decorate it with fairy lights, garlands, and ornaments.
- Hang ornaments from the rungs or drape them with tinsel to create the illusion of a tree.
- Place presents underneath for the final touch.
3. Hanging Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree
Save space with a wall-mounted Christmas tree. This alternative uses lights, ornaments, and garlands arranged on the wall to mimic the shape of a tree, ideal for apartments or homes with limited floor space.
Instructions:
- Attach hooks or adhesive strips to the wall in the shape of a tree.
- Drape lights and garlands over the hooks.
- Add lightweight ornaments to complete the look.
4. 3D Wooden Christmas Tree
Opt for a 3D wooden Christmas tree that’s flat-packed and easy to assemble. These modern trees can be decorated with ornaments and reused year after year, making them an eco-friendly option.
Steps:
- Purchase or craft wooden panels shaped like tree branches.
- Slot them together to create the 3D effect.
- Decorate with your favorite holiday ornaments for a modern twist on the classic tree.
5. Book Tree
Book lovers, this one’s for you! Create a book Christmas tree by stacking your favorite reads in the shape of a tree. It’s a quirky and creative way to showcase your literary collection.
How to Build:
- Stack books in a circular formation, decreasing in size as you build upwards.
- Add fairy lights or ornaments to complete the festive look.
- Top it off with a star or a book-related accessory.
6. Yarn or Twine Christmas Tree
For a cozy, minimalist decor, craft a yarn or twine Christmas tree. This simple DIY project adds a warm, textured touch to your holiday space.
How to Make:
- Wrap yarn or twine around a cone-shaped object (you can make your own cone from cardboard).
- Secure the yarn or twine with glue as you go.
- Once dry, decorate with small ornaments or lights for a minimalist tree that’s perfect for smaller spaces.
7. Succulent Christmas Tree
For plant lovers, a succulent Christmas tree is a trendy and living alternative. It brings a touch of nature indoors and can be enjoyed long after the holidays are over.
Instructions:
- Use a cone-shaped frame or foam base.
- Attach succulents using wire or glue.
- Decorate with small ornaments or fairy lights for a festive look.
8. Invisible Floating Christmas Tree
Create the illusion of a tree with an invisible floating Christmas tree made entirely of hanging ornaments. This optical illusion is a stunning, modern decoration that’s sure to impress.
How to Create:
- Hang ornaments from the ceiling using clear fishing wire in the shape of a tree.
- Start with larger ornaments at the bottom and smaller ones toward the top to create the tree shape.
- Add fairy lights for a glowing effect.
9. Chalkboard Christmas Tree
For a fun, kid-friendly project, draw and decorate a chalkboard Christmas tree. If you have a chalkboard wall, this is a great way to engage the whole family in decorating.
Steps:
- Draw the outline of a Christmas tree on your chalkboard.
- Let the kids decorate it with chalk “ornaments” or hang real decorations from adhesive hooks.
- The best part? You can change the design whenever you want!
10. Plywood Christmas Tree
A sleek and contemporary option, the plywood Christmas tree is perfect for those who love modern design. It’s flat, minimalist, and can be decorated or left as-is for a simple aesthetic.
How to Make:
- Cut a large piece of plywood into the shape of a tree.
- Paint it, or leave it natural for a rustic look.
- Attach hooks or nails to hang ornaments and lights.
For more alternative Christmas tree inspiration, visit HGTV’s guide.
Conclusion
These 10 unique alternative Christmas trees are perfect for anyone looking to switch things up this holiday season. From eco-friendly options like driftwood and plywood trees to fun and quirky ideas like book and chalkboard trees, there’s something for everyone. Get creative, think outside the box, and make this Christmas one to remember with these stunning alternatives to the traditional tree.
FAQ
Q: What is the easiest alternative Christmas tree to make?
A: The ladder Christmas tree is one of the easiest to make. All you need is a ladder, some lights, and ornaments to create a stylish and modern alternative to a traditional tree.
Q: How do I store alternative Christmas trees for reuse?
A: Many of these alternatives, like the 3D wooden tree or plywood tree, can be disassembled and stored flat. For yarn or twine trees, simply remove the decorations and store the tree carefully to preserve its shape.
Q: Are alternative Christmas trees eco-friendly?
A: Yes! Many options like the driftwood tree or book tree are eco-friendly since they use recycle