12 Cool Traditional Christmas Tree Alternatives
Updated: Nov. 26, 2019
Maybe you're allergic to evergreen trees or perhaps you just don't have room for a traditional Christmas tree in your home. Don't worry— there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays without the sap and falling needles.
Rustic wood tree
This rustic tree is made from reclaimed wood for a one-of-a-kind design that can be used in the corner of the living room or on a tabletop, depending on how big you make it. And find some wood and grab a saw, hammer, and nails to create these primitive Christmas tree alternatives.
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Book trees
Is there a book lover in your home? This book tree works well in a small space decorated with a strand of mini Christmas lights.
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Craft project tree
Kids can help create alternative Christmas trees with simple craft supplies such as felt, ribbon, and glue. And when finished, hang some of your favourite little ornaments from the “branches.”
Reclaimed wood tree
Pinterest has lots of ideas for using reclaimed wood to build alternative Christmas trees. And once completed, add some paint or stain and wrap a strand of lights around the finished project.
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Decorated branch tree
Christmas decorating doesn’t get much easier than this. Go outside and find a branch (or you could purchase a plastic one from a craft store), place it in a vase or pot, or hang it from the ceiling or a chandelier and decorate it with your favourite ornaments. This would work great as a centrepiece or atop a living room table.
Christmas tree art
If you have a fireplace and no room for a traditional tree, try decorating the mantel with some DIY tree art. Use Washi tape to form a simple zigzag and decorate with ribbon or strips of fabric taped to the wall.
Wine cork tree
For the wine drinker, try using all those corks to create DIY alternative Christmas trees: there are several ideas on Pinterest to provide inspiration.
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Ladder tree
An eye-catching ladder tree spotted on Pinterest may not save any space, but it is certainly a new take on a traditional Christmas tree. Try decorating with sparkly ornaments, some strands of lights and a star or angel on top.
Plywood tree
This tree is made from sheets of birch plywood with stars cut out for modern Christmas tree alternatives. Search for “plywood Christmas tree patterns” online for dozens of additional options—even ones celebrating the New Year, too. And a scroll saw works best for cutting the large pieces of plywood for a tree this size.
Felt tree
This felt tree is a great project to get kids started in DIY. And not only do these types of Christmas tree alternatives work great in small spaces, but they also work in a child’s bedroom.
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Chalkboard tree
If you have a chalkboard painted wall, why not draw a tree on it during the holiday season? You can also use a small chalkboard to draw a Christmas tree and hang it in the living room.
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Pebble tree
This tree uses items found at the beach for a unique take on Christmas tree alternatives. So get your hot glue gun out and try using pebbles, starfish, driftwood, pine cones, and other beach finds to recreate this look.
Next, check out these tips on how to be more eco-friendly this holiday season.
