I haven’t exactly had many seasonal posts up so far this year – you know what I’m like being so far behind on these, you’re lucky to have one in the week before Christmas, usually it would be February or something! As you might know from all the talking I keep doing about it, Ben and I are expecting to move into our new home early next year (hopefully around March sometime), which means we’re kind of neglecting the house we’re now – I don’t mean we’re damaging it or anything, just that we’ve got our new house in mind so much that we’re really not bothered about the one we’re in right now. The new one seems like it would be the perfect Christmas home too, so while we have a few decorations from last year (which was our first time properly decorating, and it was a lovely house for Christmas!), this year we haven’t been so bothered. We’ve got the decorations out, but have only been putting them up slowly – I’m too excited by picturing them in the new house! We did go with my parents to get theirs at the weekend and help to decorate it, and that’s a proper real tree, but ours at the moment is a fake one we bought in Tesco a couple of years ago.
But what if you haven’t got enough room in your flat for a huge, classic conifer? Don’t worry, I’ve put together a list of some alternative, simple to make Christmas trees to help you feel festive (and which would be fun to put together with kids – ie. my Brownie pack – too). Whether you live in student accommodation in London such as Urbanest, in a small flat in Newcastle opposite the river Tyne, or if you just feel like something a little different this year, no matter where you live, if you are stuck for space or fancy being a bit more creative, these ideas are perfect!
Edible Christmas Trees
Impress your family and friends with a homemade edible Christmas tree that is made from fruit and vegetables. Not only do the trees look awesome, they taste pretty great too. You can make them as creative or as simple as you like. The colours of fruit and vegetables help to make a bright and beautiful tree that will create a talking point between you, your family and friends. They might even want to make their own. It’s not suitable to put your presents under (obviously) but it certainly looks cool, gets you into the festive spirit and would look great on any side table!
Christmas Book Tree
I love this one! It’s perfect for all those book worms out there. This simple idea is an elegant way to make your small flat look fabulous. If your money is tight because you’ve spent too much money on Christmas presents and new outfits for over the Christmas period, then this Christmas tree D.I.Y idea is just what you’re after to save the dollar. Books just look awesome wherever they are, so when stacked up and wrapped up in Christmas lights, they just look even better!
Paper Cone Tree
Probably the most simple out of the five listed, this one takes little time (1 hour) and resources. An added bonus is it only costs pennies to make. I’m definitely considering it as an idea for Brownies next Christmas! You can make the tree as large or as small as you like. Follow the step-by-step instructions here to find out how to make your own paper cone tree.
Beer Bottle Tree
If you love a good tipple and spend most weekends at the pub, this tree will add a bit of personality into your home – I know we’ve certainly got enough left around our house since Ben likes a few local ales! Use green beer bottles to get the classic conifer Christmas tree effect. The tree will be of envy to all your friends. Who wants a boring old conifer in their home anyway? If you want to make your own (and why wouldn’t you) watch the video tutorial here.
Glove Christmas Tree
Perfect for those who are studying a medical degree or work in that sector. This glove tree also adds a touch of personality into your home. According to ‘the nerdy nurse’, ‘here’s no nurse around that hasn’t had to get creative to dress a wound properly, manage time effectively, or appease a seemingly inconsolable patient. Creativity is just the name of the game in nursing.’ This tree brings your work life into your home setting, perfect if you are passionate about your job.
these are such cute ideas!! you definitely can’t surpass anything edible, so we love the fruit and nut tree.
M + K
What great ideas! Also those cool Christmas tree fabrics, that you can hang and put presents underneath! http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/60289852/
Tegan xx – Permanent Procrastination
These are such cute ideas! I think the edible Christmas tree idea is by far my fave aha!
The Velvet Black // UK Style & Beauty Blog
That edible Christmas tree looks so good, it’s a great idea!
Rubi | The Den
Very pretty 🙂 the tree is huge <3