This article was originally published on Mako
The holidays can be a stressful time of year with everything that needs to be done. Between shopping, cooking, and decorating sometimes it can feel like there's just not enough time to do it all. If you're looking to decorate but not sure where to begin, there are plenty of options available beyond a traditional tree, and some of them can be easily made with things you've already got at home. Read on for some of the best Christmas tree decorating ideas we've seen.
A Tropical Tree
Who lives in a pineapple - wait, it's a tree! This Christmas tree is fit for a sponge, or anyone looking to bring a tropical vibe into their holiday decorations. The unique yellow tree provides a perfect canvas for some fruity festivity. Black string replaces traditional lights to recreate the pineapple's diamond pattern and pom-poms add a fun touch. A pineapple top or "fruit crown" replaces the star on top!
What else could be made out of a yellow Christmas tree? Would cheese or a banana also work, or would it be harder to tell because of the tree's shape?
Santa Claus or Santa Paws?
While using your pet as a Christmas tree may not work for the entire season, it certainly is a cute way to share some holiday spirit with your furry friend! If your pet's willing to pose, grab a green sweater and some garland for a festive photoshoot. You can put the pictures up alongside other seasonal decorations or even send them out to friends and family everywhere as Christmas cards!
For pets that don't mind wearing clothes, holiday-themed possibilities are endless. Add some antlers or a jingle bell collar for a jolly reindeer getup even The Grinch would smile at.
Cook-Tree Monster
"C" is for cookie, the sweetest kind of tree! Cookie Monster would be honored to see this tree decorated in his image. A tree the perfect shade of blue adorned with googly eyes and a large mouth, a glass of milk and an enormous chocolate chip cookie leaves no doubt about the inspiration behind this one-of-a-kind tree. Brown ornaments and a Santa hat to top it off add festive touches.
What other characters could be turned into a tree? A classic green tree would make a great Oscar the Grouch, just add a face and use a trashcan as a stand!
Optical Illusion Tree
For our next trick, we'll make a Christmas tree disappear! This unique take on a "tree" uses decorative balls suspended from the ceiling in a way that they appear to be floating. Clear strings create the illusion that the ornaments are levitating as if by magic, and the shape of the star on top adds a subtle yet sparkly touch. A tree like this could also work well with more colorful balls.
While some may prefer a regular tree to one like this, an invisible tree is not without benefits. No pine needles mean no mess, and ornaments alone require much less storage space than an entire plastic tree.
A Festive Dress
Dress for the tree you want, not the tree you have. Whoever put this tree together must have been a real creative - not only is it a totally original idea, it also must have required some serious sewing skills. The silver patterned bodice and black velvet bow pair perfectly with a skirt of pine branches and a beaded necklace to make a festive ensemble sure to stand out at any holiday party.
This tree alternative is a perfect display of this person's design skills, and while it looks amazing on the mannequin, we have to wonder - can it be worn as an actual dress?
Patchwork Christmas Tree
The coziest tree we ever did see. An afghan tree like this one is a perfect way to reuse and display old family blankets during the holidays. Cardboard or styrofoam can be used as a base and then draped with a colorful quilt for a festive centerpiece with a vintage vibe. Each square looks almost like an ornament, and the creator of this tree even found a matching quilted star!
Secondhand shops are a great place to find all kinds of unique antiques such as the blanket used for this tree. Why not check out your local thrift store to scope out what tree-worthy finds they may have?
O Sithmas Tree, O Sithmas Tree!
Luke, I am your tree. Whoever put this tree together must have been a huge fan. Nothing says Star Wars fanatic quite like making the franchise's lead villain the center of your holiday decorations. To make your own, drape your tree with a cape and top it with a Darth Vader mask. Bonus points if the lightsaber matches the garland. May the force be with you and yours this holiday season.
What other Star Wars characters could be made into a tree? We'd love to see a stormtrooper or even a Wookiee tree - especially one topped with a Santa hat.
A Marvel-Ous Tree
With great power comes great responsibili-tree. Any fan of comic books would surely love a Christmas tree decorated like this one. Popular Marvel and DC superheroes including Spider-Man, Superman, and Captain America appear to be climbing the tree's branches in order to save the city. Ribbon, candy canes, and garland add some fun flair to create a super-festive holiday centerpiece while cardboard cutouts of comic book sound effects add even more color. Our spidey senses are tinseling.
Most of the heroes featured here have red in their suits, which works perfectly with a Christmas red-and-green theme. We'd be curious to see a Batman-themed tree - would it look as cool with more black and yellow?
Tech-Nically a Tree
Someone got a bit lazy with this one. While they get points for creativity, the decorations on this tree in a tech company's office certainly didn't require much effort. We'd expect more from a company whose job it is to work with and create technology. To get rid of the error message maybe they should try turning the tree off and turning it back on again; it works most of the time.
In all seriousness, this is actually a pretty great idea, especially if you don't have a place to put your tree near an outlet. We prefer a cozier looking tree at home, but this works perfectly for an office.
Knotty or Nice?
Is this a Christmas tree or a wedding cake? This homemade macrame tree takes an artistic approach to holiday decorating with a light and dainty hanging tree alternative. The white cord is woven into four tiers of different patterns, while red and gold beads and ornaments woven into the design add just a touch of holiday sparkle. The way the cords are tied together at the bottom even resembles a tree stand.
A tree like this could definitely be customized to fit anyone's holiday style. It's a lovely option for a more minimalist decorative look, but if the cord used is strong enough it could also include more beads and lights.
Jingle Shells
It's a bit hard to tell what this tree is made of at first, but look a bit closer and you'll see that it's painted coconut shells! This shining silver tree pays homage to Maldives, where it was built, through its use of the country's natural resources. It's also a great alternative to a pine tree as they're not native to the islands. Bows, ornaments and a six-pointed star on top add a touch of holiday sparkle.
What natural resources are there where you live could be made into a Christmas tree? Maybe seashells by the beach or pretty rocks in the mountains? The possibilities are endless!
A Novel Idea
It's beginning to book a lot like Christmas with this tree that would be any bookworm's dream! The books are stacked on top of each other in a circular pattern to create the tree shape and string lights and ornaments tie it all together. While it is a great way to display all of your favorite books, if you build a tree like this one be sure to keep it far from the fireplace.
To make a book tree look even more merry and bright, try wrapping some fake pine garland around it or placing holly boughs between books throughout for a real Yuletide effect.
You Can Tree Anything
Barbies don't grow on trees... or perhaps they do? Barbie's message that "You can be anything" is on full display with this Christmas tree where she can be seen as a veterinarian, a ballerina, and even a mermaid. Most of her career choices don't have much to do with Christmas, but she does make a nice angel-style tree topper, and her skirt is covered with a snowflake pattern worthy of a winter wonderland.
This tree is a great reminder that Christmas decorating can be done with things you may already have laying around the house. Do you have a collection that could be used in place of ornaments? Display it!
The Sweetest Tree
There's no sugarcoating it, sweet dreams are made of trees! We doughnut know about you, but we think this candy-covered tree looks good enough to eat! It has a totally unique color scheme as far a Christmas decorations go, and candy canes throughout the branches add little touches of holiday sweetness. All it needs is a sugarplum fairy to go with the adorable cupcake nutcracker king. We could just eat him up!
While this one was most likely made by someone with design experience, anyone could make one just as sweet with a silver tree, some pastel balls, and candy-shaped ornaments.
Fast Food Tree
We're dreaming of a White Castle Christmas. Nine burger boxes, some holly berries, string lights, and a very cute puppy in a bowtie pose together here for a Christmas tree alternative fit for a king, or whoever it is that lives in White Castle. Whether or not it snows, we wish you a holiday that's merry and bright and hope that all of your Christmases are (full of) White (Castle sliders.)
Ad campaign, recycling strategy, or both? A tree like this is a fantastic way to reuse leftover any leftover packaging you may have laying around or to advertise a particular brand around the holiday season.
A Tree of 300,000 Bricks
The name "Lego" comes from two Danish words meaning "play well" and play well someone did as they built this enormous Christmas tree at Legoland in Florida. Complete with lights, bells, ornaments, and a star on top, this tree is everything that child holiday dreams are made of. It tops out at 33 feet tall and even has Lego presents scattered around the base. It must have required a lot of bricks!
The coolest thing about toys like Legos is that they can be used to build so many different things. What other holiday decorations could be made from these little bricks?
Holiday Who-Be What-Tree?
He's as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel, and it looks like the Grinch may have gotten stuck trying to steal Christmas in this house. Odds and ends and ornaments of all kinds create a feeling of Whoville worthy whimsy that even the grumpiest Grinch would have a hard time resisting. We do have one question though - what exactly is he doing inside of the tree?
We love the idea of incorporating famous characters into holiday decorations. "Who" else from Whoville could join the Grinch? Max could stand beside him, but first, he'd need to get his cloak.
Carol of the Bottles
The best trees are made with recycled materials. At first glance, it's hard to tell exactly what this giant green tree is made of, but with a closer look, you'll see that it's glass bottles! The process of assembling a tree of this height could not have been easy, and with so much glass it was probably quite heavy to lift. We'd be curious to see if the tree can be lit up, especially with a star like that!
What materials do you have laying around that could be used to build a tree like this one? Green soda bottles could also work well - and the tree would certainly be easier to lift!
A Tree in Two Places at Once
We're not entirely sure how this office set up their Christmas tree to look like it's coming through a portal, but we can imagine it involved some string lights, a lot of tape, a ladder, and one very brave employee willing to risk half of a Christmas tree falling on their face. Whoever placed the bottom half of the tree definitely got the better deal. We just wonder what's on the other side of the portal.
What other two-part science fiction elements are Christmas trees capable of? Can they time travel? Do they exist in parallel universes? Are they capable of teleportation? These are important questions.
A Simple Little Tree
When it comes to Christmas decorating, sometimes you've got to work with what you've got. This tree made of wood is simple, stylish and gets the job done. As it's flat against the wall, it's also a great option if you have limited space for decor, but still lends a bit of holiday cheer with some string lights, a star on top and green and white baubles for an understated holiday touch.
This tree is a great example of using the natural resources available as part of your holiday decorations. If you live by the beach, driftwood would be a great option for something like this.
A Tree Is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Any fan of Disney is sure to recognize this scene from Cinderella. Her bluebird friends tried to save the day by sewing her a dress for the ball, and even though she wasn't able to wear it in the end, it's the thought that counts. Whoever created this piece substituted a Christmas tree for the mannequin and draped the whole thing in a lovely pink tulle. Even her mouse friend Mary makes an appearance.
Other Disney princesses could certainly be made into trees like this one - someone even went for the villain and turned their tree into Maleficent. What other movie scenes would work well as a Christmas tree?
This Tree Is Pine-Fresh
An air freshener might be a little small to be a "tree", but it does work as a last-minute option. Whoever thought of this definitely gets points for creativity. We also have to respect that at least their home will smell as pine-fresh as it would with a real tree. They've got all of the presents; all they need now is a few lights to really bring some holiday cheer.
In a pinch, there are many things that could be made into a Christmas tree. Paper or cardboard can be cut into a 2D tree shape, or household objects like books can be stacked and draped with lights.
A Tree of Vegetables
The best use of vegetables we've ever seen. Little cauliflower and broccoli "trees" form the shape of this lifesize Christmas display featured in a grocery store. Bright red tomatoes appear to be draped as garland to add some seasonal flair, and carrots stuck into the tree horizontally look like decorative balls. Pineapple tops give the tree an even more accurate shape that helps it all blend seamlessly with the decorations hanging above.
Are there any other vegetables that would make such a perfect tree? Something yellow like bell peppers might add a nice touch, but what's the best option to use for a star?
This Tree Won't Sink
Do crabs know about Christmas? They may have a reason to celebrate since these crab traps are being used as a Christmas tree rather than for their original purpose. At least it's a fun way to celebrate the local industry throughout the holiday season. Other fishing gear and buoys add little pops of color throughout this giant tree and string lights underneath keep things merry and bright by the bay.
What other industries use equipment that can be made into such fun tree substitutes? Old auto parts or art supplies could be used in plenty of different ways. We'd love to see a tree made from some of them.
A Split Decision
Relationships are all about compromise. If you and yours can't agree on how to decorate the tree this holiday season, be sure to take a leaf (or a needle) out of these people's book. Whether light and bright is your style or a colorful whimsy is more your taste, everyone can have a hand in decorating a tree that's sure to represent all decorative tastes. It's also a great conversation starter for any holiday parties you may host.
Which side do you prefer? We love the color of the lights on the left but the size of the ones on the right. They appear to have a sparkle that really says "home for the holidays."
The Christmas Shoes
Runnin' around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop - you know what they say, if the shoe fits, make it into a Christmas tree. This shoe shop certainly knows how to decorate for the holidays and we commend them for their commitment to using inventory they must have already had on hand. Choosing to use colorful sneakers and bright lights is the perfect way to build a seasonally-appropriate, eye-catching display.
What other types of shoes could be used to build a tree? Would they have the right shape? What does the store do with the shoes when the holidays are over? We have so many questions.
A Bass-Ic Tree
This Christmas, it's all about that bass - upright bass that is. This musical tree alternative is a great space-saving option if you've got a large musical instrument and a small space to celebrate. They've wrapped it in a long green garland and dangled colorful ornaments all over to create a tree-like effect complete with holiday lights. All that's missing is a star on top, but that's an easy fix.
A decked-out piano would also make for a cool holiday centerpiece. Pianos aren't shaped quite so much like trees, but wrap one with garland and add a few lights and you've got a perfect place for Christmas carols.
No Tree, No Problem!
The creators of this "tree" kept things super simple and minimalist with just a string of lights topped with a picture. Less is more and the way they've chosen to drape the lights shows just how much is possible with very few components. It's hard to tell from this picture, but if the photo on top features some sort of celebrity, one could argue the tree is even topped with a star.
Minimalist tree alternatives have become increasingly popular over the last few years, made of everything from string lights like this to recycled wood. What other simple household objects can be used to make a tree?
The Gloveliest Tree
Can we get a hand for whoever thought to make a Christmas tree out of gloves? Blowing up dozens of gloves must have been fun, and to put them together into a tree shape that also glows green? We have to commend the creativity. The few red and blue gloves work well as ornaments and although all of the hands together are a bit creepy, the idea behind it is really quite cool.
If you've ever worked in an office, you may be familiar with the fun of celebrating the holidays with your coworkers. Have you ever built something like this, or did you choose to celebrate another way?
The Sharpest Tree in the Shed
Don't mess with Texas. Pine trees don't grow very well in the deep south, but that doesn't mean Texans can't celebrate the holidays. A cactus is a perfectly acceptable alternative to a traditional Christmas tree and works just as well to display lights and ornaments. Just be careful of any spikes as you decorate - they may make for easier hanging but a cactus is definitely not the cuddliest of plants.
What other local plants could work as a Christmas tree alternative for those that don't live where pine trees grow? Palm trees might be too big to fit in most living rooms, but they'd certainly look cool with a star on top.
Holly Jolly Hair
Okay, so maybe it's not an actual tree, but hair us out - what says "holiday spirit" more than taking a little bit of Christmas with you wherever you go? This 'do may look complicated, but it's actually two simple braids with a green ribbon woven in between. A star on top adds a little sparkle to complete the look, and classic red ribbons at the base tie it all together.
What's your favorite way to add Christmas to your outfit? We love a classic ugly sweater, and nothing says "jolly" like a good old-fashioned Santa Claus hat. Bonus points if your sweater lights up.
Silent Knight
All is calm, all is bright with this Christmas tree made out of a decorated knight. He'll be sure to protect the castle with his bright and shining armor and adorable owl friends. If you've also got a spare knight laying around, wrap him in some garland and red ribbon to make a tree that does double-duty. You may not even need to add lights if his armor is shiny enough.
We love what they've done with this night for Christmas, but we'd also be curious to see what they do with him during the rest of the year. Does he get a Halloween costume as well?
One Heck of a Tree-Saw
Isn't this the coolest tree you ever saw? In all seriousness, why use a saw to cut a tree down when you can get all of your holiday decorating done with just the tool itself? Just be sure to use extra caution when assembling your "tree," and keep the finished product away from any children. Whoever made this one seems to have bolted it to the wall, complete with a rustic star on top.
We love the idea of reusing old things as part of our holiday decorations. These saws definitely appear to have had better days, and we're glad to see them put to new use.
Information Technolo-Tree
Why bother working in IT unless your efforts are going to projects like this? This computer monitor "tree" is one of the best office-takes on Christmas decorating we've ever seen, and we applaud the efficiency of a quick and easy clean-up once the holidays are behind us. The image could probably even be changed if one day someone's feeling some different decorations. We just have one question - couldn't they have gotten a monitor for the star?
With so many computers come so many possibilities. The tree could have flashing lights, they could coordinate with music; an entire light show in the office would certainly bring lots of holiday cheer.
A Tree With Purr-Sonality
You've got to be kitten us with this hilarious cat-proof "tree." Anyone with cats knows that they consider a regular Christmas tree to be an irresistable playground of things to bite, scratch, and explore, and garland and small ornaments can be dangerous. This cat owner has decided to minimize risk by hanging their tree from the ceiling as part of the light where hopefully the cats can't access it. What a paw-some idea.
Do you have pets? How do they react when the time comes to put up a Christmas tree? Some may bite and break things, but others are happy to take a nap under the branches.