Decorating
Christmas: Convention-busting Christmas Trees for Festive Fun
Give the classic tree a fresh redesign this Yuletide with ideas that tweak tradition but still burst with festive spirit
In the UK, the tradition of bringing a fir tree into our home at Christmas became popular thanks to Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert. He brought this custom to our shores from his native Germany and by 1841 it was widespread. A few years later, when an illustration of Victoria, Albert and their children gathered around a decorated tree at Windsor Castle was published in The Illustrated London News, the custom also spread to the US.
Of course, just because tree decorating comes with royal patronage and more than 150 years of tradition behind it, does not mean you have to follow the predictable route this year. It’s possible to reference the classic fir, but in an individual, fresh way. In fact, as many of these images show, you don’t even need a Christmas tree to have a Christmas tree. Ding dong merrily!
Of course, just because tree decorating comes with royal patronage and more than 150 years of tradition behind it, does not mean you have to follow the predictable route this year. It’s possible to reference the classic fir, but in an individual, fresh way. In fact, as many of these images show, you don’t even need a Christmas tree to have a Christmas tree. Ding dong merrily!
Tape it
Go minimal this year with a homemade tree, cleverly constructed from washi tape stuck to the wall to create a simple design. A little star stuck at the top is the finishing touch. Here, some evergreen lushness is provided via a small potted olive tree sitting alongside.
Go minimal this year with a homemade tree, cleverly constructed from washi tape stuck to the wall to create a simple design. A little star stuck at the top is the finishing touch. Here, some evergreen lushness is provided via a small potted olive tree sitting alongside.
Choose tree decorations
Far less expensive than a real tree, a series of tree decorations reference the tradition neatly. Arranging them on a shelf or mantel is also a great solution for a small-scale home, which may lack space for a full-size tree.
Discover more ways with fairy lights
Far less expensive than a real tree, a series of tree decorations reference the tradition neatly. Arranging them on a shelf or mantel is also a great solution for a small-scale home, which may lack space for a full-size tree.
Discover more ways with fairy lights
Look outside
Rather than bringing a tree in, which will inevitably die, simply decorate the trees and shrubs already growing in your garden. String lights through the branches of evergreen specimens to spread the Christmas mood outside.
Rather than bringing a tree in, which will inevitably die, simply decorate the trees and shrubs already growing in your garden. String lights through the branches of evergreen specimens to spread the Christmas mood outside.
Use a sprig
When a single branch looks this charming, who needs a whole tree? Pop it in a simple vase or jam jar, tie on a few strands of ribbon and accessorise with candy canes. Done!
When a single branch looks this charming, who needs a whole tree? Pop it in a simple vase or jam jar, tie on a few strands of ribbon and accessorise with candy canes. Done!
Try a stick up
This tree has been traditionally decked with ribbon and baubles, but check out its topper! It’s a crazy crow’s nest of twigs and sticks, bursting exuberantly from the top. Suddenly, a conventional star looks so tame!
This tree has been traditionally decked with ribbon and baubles, but check out its topper! It’s a crazy crow’s nest of twigs and sticks, bursting exuberantly from the top. Suddenly, a conventional star looks so tame!
Branch out
A bare winter branch dripping with baubles makes a really striking decoration. It rethinks the idea of a decorated tree, reinventing it as something more minimal and elegant.
A bare winter branch dripping with baubles makes a really striking decoration. It rethinks the idea of a decorated tree, reinventing it as something more minimal and elegant.
Hang your hats
This original display uses straw hats, hung on the wall in an ascending, tree-like shape. The bold red star on the top finishes it off beautifully. It’s complemented by real greenery: a tiny fir in the middle of this display, plus a rustic, home-made tree, constructed from evergreen sprigs pushed into a wooden post.
This original display uses straw hats, hung on the wall in an ascending, tree-like shape. The bold red star on the top finishes it off beautifully. It’s complemented by real greenery: a tiny fir in the middle of this display, plus a rustic, home-made tree, constructed from evergreen sprigs pushed into a wooden post.
Scale down
A tiny potted tree brings some warm, living green to your Christmas home. Decorate it as you would a full-size tree, and have fun moving it around — this mini version can sit anywhere.
A tiny potted tree brings some warm, living green to your Christmas home. Decorate it as you would a full-size tree, and have fun moving it around — this mini version can sit anywhere.
Go abstract
Is it a Christmas tree? Is it an art installation? Who cares! It’s great – a bold arrangement of branches and wire decorations with sculptural wood and twinkling candles at its base.
TELL US…
Share your ideas for alternative Christmas trees in the Comments below.
Is it a Christmas tree? Is it an art installation? Who cares! It’s great – a bold arrangement of branches and wire decorations with sculptural wood and twinkling candles at its base.
TELL US…
Share your ideas for alternative Christmas trees in the Comments below.
Why not create your own tree, using salvaged materials? This attractive design is made from wood, but you could use wire, cord, cardboard or anything that can be fashioned into a tree shape. There are several advantages to this DIY approach – no needles dropping on the floor and a tree that will last year on year, for starters.
Tour a home filled with beautiful homemade decorations