These Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas Take Holiday Creativity to a New Level

Don’t let us fool you: We’ll always be partial to a traditional Christmas tree—there’s nothing like picking out the one that will shine in your front hallway. All twirled up with sparkling lights, homemade Christmas garlands, crochet Christmas ornaments passed down through several generations, and topped off with a shiny Christmas tree topper. But we're also not opposed to mixing up the holiday decor with an alternative Christmas tree—especially when you realize that planned trip to the Christmas tree farm this year just isn’t happening, or you realize the price of the Christmas trees this year sky-rocketed due to an overall shortage. For those reasons, we’ve done some digging and rounded up our all-time favorite non-traditional Christmas trees to spark some creativity for your counter, wall or small space décor.

There are a few reasons why you might try a “non-tree Christmas tree" this year. For starters, space constraints can cause you to think outside the box. Maybe the traditional holiday hues clash with your home’s hues (rainbow Christmas trees anyone?), or you just want to add a little more holiday to other rooms without breaking the bank.

Alternative Christmas trees provide a unique way to put your own creative spin on tried and true customs, inspiring friends and family to ask, "How did you do that?!" From flower frogs to paper to even live plants, here are all the ways you can go about creating an alternative Christmas tree. You’ll die over the warm woolen mittens and pom-pom ornaments!

Create ornament covered trees using either vintage or new ornaments. Add garland or lights for a little extra sparkle. The best part is, you can save these trees for many years to come!

Need a tabletop tree for your kitchen island? Round up a collection of vintage tart pans in varying sizes! Top with a vintage star-shaped baking mold and accent with a charming snow scene.

SHOP BOTTLE BRUSH TREES

We know this might be a stretch, but if you're anything like us and save your pumpkins long after Halloween has passed, this might be for you. Try for shades of green and add garland or even small ornaments to take it from fall to winter.

You can create this in many different shapes and sizes, but we like this small nod to a Christmas tree by hanging ornaments directly from the greens. You can simply create this on a mantle or even against a wall, with a little peak at the top to create the shape of a tree.

You may not have a green thumb, but this is a sure fire way to keep your "evergreen" christmas tree thriving all year round! Stacked flower frogs trimmed with small bauble ornaments add a dash of horticulture to the holiday season.

SHOP UNIQUE FLOWER FROGS

If you're a jetsetter during the holidays, then this is an easy alternative Christmas tree for you! Give trunks and suitcases–often found in varying shades of green—new life. Create a garland of old tickets, ski passes, and luggage tags.

SHOP PAPERBOARD SUITCASES

A tree that can even give the Tin Man heart palpitations! Nestle galvanized funnels (the rustier the better) in assorted sizes to merry up a counter or open shelving. String wooden beads on bakers twin for a fun garland.

SHOP WOODEN BEADS

The perfect use for mittens that have lost their matches: A triangular wall display that's right at home in a mudroom or other "bundle up" zone. Pin pom-pom ornaments in pastel shades to the "branches."

SHOP POM-POM ORNAMENTS

A wall set for 10 or more! Hang dinner plates in a pyramid shape—on your kitchen or dining wall, perhaps?—using adhesive plate hangers. Add saucers for dimension if you'd like, and top it off with your collection of vintage silver demitasse spoons in a starburst using wire and tiny nails.

SHOP ADHESIVE PLATE HANGERS

What to do with all your Christmas cards? Turn them into a tree, of course! A pile of gifts placed in a galvanized bucket makes the perfect tree trunk.

SHOP VINTAGE BUCKETS

Gather your green books and create a tiered tree by layering the books on three different shelves with pretty accents placed throughout. Get creative with the "tree topper" with any hangable item.

SHOP PINE CONES

You might just want to keep this Christmas tree wall art up from Thanksgiving until New Year's!

Get the tutorial at Almost Makes Perfect.

SHOP ORNAMENT GARLANDS

Show off your country pride with this eye-catching tree made of hay bales. It's sure to get the attention of your neighbors!

SHOP COLORED LIGHTS

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could wear this dress in real life? Set the scene for a whimsical holiday affair with a gussied-up dress form Christmas tree.

Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.

SHOP DRESS FORMS

With a chalkboard Christmas tree, you can change the trimmings whenever you like! Simply use chalkboard paint to create a triangle shape on a piece of plywood and use chalk to decorate your tree.

Get the tutorial at Jaymee Srp.

SHOP CHALKBOARD PAINT

Who says that a Christmas tree has to be placed on the floor? To really turn heads (and save space), craft an alternative tree that pretties up a wall instead. We love the natural look of the real greenery and berries too.

Get the tutorial at Oleander + Palm.

SHOP FLORAL WIRE

Firefly lights are oh so dreamy on their own, but when they're used to create a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree, they look especially enchanting. Strung from the ceiling, this is a magical way to decorate for the holidays.

Get the tutorial at Oh Me Oh My.

SHOP FIREFLY LIGHTS

Using black acrylic paint and wood dowels, a piece of plywood can instantly become a chic alternative Christmas tree that will steal the spotlight in any room.

Get the tutorial at Dans le Lakehouse.

SHOP PLYWOOD

Sure, kraft paper certainly serves practical purposes. But as it turns out, it looks amazing when it's transformed into a Christmas tree. With some swirls, twirls, and a paper punch, kraft paper suddenly looks perfectly festive.

Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.

SHOP KRAFT PAPER

We think this wood dowel Christmas tree looks sweetly Scandinavian, outfitted with adorable ornaments and a DIY bottle to boot.

Get the tutorial at Fall for DIY.

SHOP WOOD DOWELS

How incredibly fun is this Christmas tree made entirely out of balloons? It's sure to be the topic of conversation at your holiday shindig.

Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.

SHOP PINK BALLOONS

If you're not big on floor-to-ceiling trees, but you adore bringing vintage style into your space, consider crafting this bygone DIY. Using antique spindles and a chippy door, this little Christmas tree is fit for a flea market.

Get the tutorial at Liz Marie Blog.

SHOP PAINTER’S TAPE

As an apartment, cottage, or tiny house dweller, you might not have tons of space to work with. In this case, you can get inventive and attach your Christmas tree to the wall! It's too cute for words and can be rigged up with floral wire, pine boughs, and dowels.

Get the tutorial at Lily Ardor.

SHOP FLORAL WIRE

We've all seen those oh-so-trendy mermaid sequins on throw pillows and notebooks, but have you ever seen them on a Christmas tree? Using red and green mermaid sequin fabric and plywood, this sparkling tree is brought to life.

Get the tutorial at At Charlotte’s House.

SHOP MERMAID SEQUIN FABRIC

If you're anything like us, we're guessing that you have a few old lampshades tucked away. Believe it or not, you can use them to make an alternative Christmas tree! Gather up your lampshades, an old broom handle, and a vintage cookie tin for a truly delightful, unexpected tree.

Get the tutorial at Pillar Box Blue.

SHOP PLASTER OF PARIS

Do you have a floor lamp? Then you can make this Christmas tree. Just wrap a pretty garland around it, hang ornaments from the shade, and if there's room, display a present or two.

Get the tutorial at The DIY Mommy.

SHOP PRE-LIT GARLAND

Stately evergreens and spruces have always been the Christmas trees of choice, but perhaps a faux cactus would like its day in the sun as well. This DIY was created using PVC pipes, garland, and lights. Looking sharp!

Get the tutorial at Hey Wanderer.

SHOP COPPER LIGHTS

Declare your love for reading with a book stack Christmas tree. Weathered old books are stacked in a tree shape and dressed up with a pom-pom garland and star, creating a look that's pure vintage Christmas.

Get the tutorial at Alice Wingerden.

SHOP WHITE POM-POM GARLAND

Maybe you need something a bit more colorful for your alternative Christmas tree! In that case, you can create this joyful yarn wall hanging that’s a kaleidoscopic substitute for a traditional tree.

Get the tutorial at Jungalow.

SHOP GREEN YARN

Is that old ladder gathering dust in your garage? Yup, that can be used as an alternative Christmas tree! Simply hang up ornaments inside of it to create a festive feel. And bonus points if the ladder is well-worn with paint splatters, which makes it look even cooler.

Get the tutorial at Paisley & Jade.

SHOP CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

A collection of green books can be turned into an alternative Christmas tree in a flash, with the help of a tree-shaped wall shelf, mini ornaments, and star.

Get the tutorial at Haneen’s Haven.

SHOP GOLD ORNAMENTS

Pieces of sparkly ribbon and tiny clothespins team up to create an alternative Christmas tree, perfect for displaying heartwarming cards.

Get the tutorial at The Celebration Shoppe.

SHOP TINSEL RIBBON

This blue-hued Christmas tree is a fun choice for the holidays. And since it's a non-traditional color (with a tree trunk that detaches), it can be used throughout the year as a place to tack up notes and bits of inspiration.

Get the tutorial at Paper & Stitch.

SHOP PAINT

We love pallet crafts around here, but this one has really stolen our hearts. This pallet has been made over into a fanciful Christmas tree, complete with ornaments and twinkling lights that can be displayed indoors or out.

Get the tutorial at Redhead Can Decorate.

SHOP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Searching for a minimalist take on an alternative Christmas tree? Look no further than this simple, yet beautiful, creation that can be showcased on a wall.

Get the tutorial at Almost Makes Perfect.

SHOP HOT GLUE GUNS

This alternative tree can be fashioned using black contact paper and copper tape. But the real showstopping element of this DIY project is the real air plant garland that's attached.

Get the tutorial at Idle Hands Awake.

SHOP BLACK CONTACT PAPER

Three cheers for this pom-pom craft! Festive and full of fun, the multicolored pom-poms and sticks covered in green yarn make for an alternative tree that's guaranteed to make you smile.

Get the tutorial at Dora Does.

SHOP YARN SETS

You can go big or small with these alternative Christmas trees, using them as a centerpiece or as a seasonal touch in a small space. With brightly-hued fringe, these little trees are ready to party.

Get the tutorial at Pretty Providence.

SHOP PAPER MACHÉ CONES

Washi tape can be used to quickly and efficiently create your very own alternative tree, proudly displayed on a wall. This one even has spots where you can highlight your holiday cards.

Get the tutorial at DIY Candy.

SHOP WASHI TAPE