Home » Home & Garden

Interesting and Unusual Christmas Trees

Ranked #13,161 in Home & Garden, #180,456 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund

Alternative Christmas Trees

There are many reasons why you might want to skip a traditional Christmas tree and look for alternatives. Maybe you've just moved into a smaller place and there's no room for a tree. Maybe you don't like the idea of cutting down a tree for a decoration; or perhaps you hate the plastic-smell of an artificial tree.

Whatever your reason for not having a Christmas tree, I am here to offer you alternatives--ideas outside the box that allow you to still display your ornaments, but in a new and fun way.

This is a brainstorming exercise for me, and at the very least, I hope to encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Even if you don't use one of my ideas, amaze, amuse or perplex your friends with your personal and unique spin on decorating for Christmas!

Thanks to Carol Esther for the top photo.
Alternative Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

A Bottle Tree--An Awesome Alternative

Look at the way the glass sparkles in the light!

link

Friends, here is an alternative Christmas tree that is a thing of beauty and a joy to behold! I give you....the Grolsch bottle tree. I've seen this done in several ways. "Tiers" of bottles stacked like a wedding cake (pictured) is a good option. Make sure you use a glue gun to fasten the bottles securely to their bases. Admittedly, this is a very large Grolsch tree. If you have a small space, consider a 3-tiered table-top model.

Another option is to arrange the bottles as if they were branches. This kind will probably take up more space, so make the one that works for you.

Some things to consider: you can use any kind of bottle you'd like. How about those cute little Coke bottles. Coke has already ingeniously associated itself with Christmas, so that would be an appropriate look.

And the Holiday Spotlight Hits....

....The Leg Lamp

An enduring symbol of Christmas reaching brought to light in the 1980s' classic, A Christmas Story, the Leg Lamp shines its beacon of good cheer and holiday whimsy on us all. Who could forget the thrill of the "Major Award." If you're going to decorate this alternative Christmas tree, take care. Remember, it's "Frah-jee-lay."
A Christmas Story Full Size 45

A Christmas Story Full Size 45" Leg Lamp

Amazon Price: $149.99 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

Other Great Christmas Lenses and Sites

Humorous Christmas Cards
This talented "Freelance doodler" and Squidoo-er offers a great collection of funny Christmas cards.
Funny Holiday Videos
A collection of very funny Christmas and Hanukkah videos. I can't help it; I will never get so old that Adam Sandler won't crack me up!
Yuletide Yuk Yuks
Funny stuff here, people! Polls, funny cards, jokes--you name it; it's here.
Christmas Humor and Jokes
Just what it says: funny holiday anecdotes, poems, jokes, songs. So, lighten up and enjoy the holidays!
Christmas Humor
The Christmas Humor page on Humor Matters. I recommend the Christmas Fruitcake Recipe page. I laughed a lot:-)

The Minimalist's Alternative Tree

The Festivus Pole

link

Yes, that timeless classic, brought to our attention by the geniuses at Seinfeld. Well up as you participate in the emotional "Airing of Grievances." Nothing like heading into the New Year with a clean slate! Wipe drool from your lips as you behold the Pepperidge Farm cake bedazzled with M&Ms. Thrill at the hand to hand combat during the "Feats of Strength." And, standing proud, tall (and skinny) in all of its minimalist glory, behold the Festivus Pole.

Join in the celebration, and discover your own Festivus Miracle.
Festivus Pictures, Images and Photos

An Alternative Celebration Gets Its Day on The Hill

Look at the staunch bi-partisan support. It's only a matter of time before we get another paid holiday. Get out the pole, people, it's Festivus!
powered by Youtube

Alternative Trees for the Crafter in You

link

If you're feeling DIY this Christmas, why not consider making a tree from items that you love? Buy a conical form at a craft store, and glue whatever you want to it. Voila: instant alternative Christmas tree!

Here are some ideas:

  • Glue on small glass ornaments.
  • Glue beads around the cone in concentric circles.
  • Glue on multi-colored gumdrops or those little gold-wrapped toffees.
  • Glue on mini candy canes.
  • Glue on red, green and silver sequins or buttons.
  • Glue on small plastic whistles.
  • Glue red, white and green pipe cleaners.

    • Like I said, use your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

    Here's another craft idea: set up a small tripod using tomato stakes or broom handles. Wrap it with lights and hang decorations. I love it!
    latter christmas tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    In the Market for an Artificial Christmas Tree?

    Here are some beauties.

    Loading

    Let's See What Ebay Has in the Way of Christmas Trees

    Alternative Ones, That Is!

    Use your imagination. They are tall and skinny and will fit easily in a corner. You can add some extra hooks and hang ornaments from them. You can hang your stockings from them, if you find yourself chimney-less this year. Think of the possibilities!
    Loading

    How To Build a Beer Bottle Christmas Tree

    And they said alcohol would make you stupid.

    Decided that an Ode to Alcohol is the appropriate way to express the Spirit of the Season? Or maybe it's how you get through the annual Pilgrimage of In-laws. Either way, here's a fun Yuletide project for you. ("I like making it!" "I like drinking it!" for those of you who remember the old Shake and Bake commercials:-)
    powered by Youtube

    A Fiber Optic Christmas Tree

    Kurt Adler 48-Inch Fiber Optic Tree with Colorful LED Lights

    Kurt Adler 48-Inch Fiber Optic Tree with Colorful LED Lights

    Amazon Price: (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    As an alternative to a live tree, which can be a fire hazard, and to even putting hot lights on an artificial tree, a fiber optic tree can be the perfect solution.

    An Alternative Christmas Tree Gallery

    For Inspiration

    Here are some more pictures of creative and unusual Christmas trees. Love them or hate them, giggle at them or be inspired by them--whatever your reaction, I doubt it will be neutral!

    Look at this beauty to your right--a monument to tasteful recycling, it is even red and white (mostly) in honor of the season.

    link



    A stunning holiday tribute to Black Gold. Texas T.

    tree Pictures, Images and Photos



    I cannot begin to count the ways that this is wrong.

    xmas tree Pictures, Images and Photos



    Sometimes you just have to work with what you have on hand.



    Christmas in Miami?



    Junkyard Wars Christmas Tree!

    How About Some Christmas Tree Decorations?

    A holiday garland, perhaps?

    No need to stick with the same old cranberry and popcorn garlands. Here are some festive alternatives.
    Loading

    Alternative--and Not So Alternative--Holiday Movies

    I love movies. I could watch two movies a day every day. My husband generally does not share that same enthusiasm. However, during the holidays, we both like to watch a good holiday movie by the light of our snow-globe snow man.
    Loading

    Enjoy This Ode to the Iconic Aluminum Christmas Tree

    Why does have to be a tree be green? Or even made of organic material? Enjoy the swinging Sinatra soundtrack!
    powered by Youtube

    A Dazzling Topper

    Swarovski Tree Topper

    Gold Tree Topper, Swarovski, 632785

    Gold Tree Topper, Swarovski, 632785

    Amazon Price: $224.99 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    How beautiful is this? While everyone else in the neighborhood has a Santa or an Angel doll perched atop their tree, you can display this absolutely gorgeous Swarovski tree topper! It also comes with a stand, if you'd just like to display it on a table. Beautiful!

    A Perfect Christmas Tree

    If you're more in tune with the traditional...

    A Christmas story set in the Appalachian mountains of my home state, North Carolina, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree tells the story of Ruthie and her mom and their struggle to find the perfect Christmas tree for their town.

    Beautifully written by Gloria Houston and illustrated with lovely acrylics by Barbara Cooney, the story exists on many levels, as Ruthie and her mother each discover their own Christmas miracles. A story of traditions and family, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree is a welcome addition to anyone's holiday library.

    Vote for The Best Alternative Christmas Tree

    Don't have room for a tree? Feeling a little less-than-in-the-holiday-spirit? Vote on the best alternative Christmas tree here. Add to it, if you've got a good one!

    1

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Do it Best Imports 23217 Home Impressions Fireplace Tool Set

    Do it Best Imports 23217 Home Impressions Fireplace Tool Set

    4 piece set includes poker, shovel, brush, and squ more...1 point

    2

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Atlantic 1316 CD Storage Case (110-Capacity, Wave)

    Atlantic 1316 CD Storage Case (110-Capacity, Wave)

    Atlantic is the pioneer in the home storage indust more...1 point

    3

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Modern Style Black Finish Metal Eight Hook Coat Hat Rack

    Modern Style Black Finish Metal Eight Hook Coat Hat Rack

    You are looking at a brand new contemporary black more...0 points

    4

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Dirt Devil M120000 Spinnergy Upright Vacuum Cleaner

    Dirt Devil M120000 Spinnergy Upright Vacuum Cleaner

    12A Motor, Sinnergy Vacuum, Removable Handle Conve more...0 points

    5

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Flybar Foam Master Pogo Stick

    Flybar Foam Master Pogo Stick

    Hop your way to health and tons of fun with this d more...0 points

    6

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Two-tier Plant Stand

    Two-tier Plant Stand

    Outstanding Customer Service !!!.... Lacy scrolls more...0 points

    7

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Black Cube Collection Storage & Wine Rack, Open

    Black Cube Collection Storage & Wine Rack, Open

    Versatility at its best! Arrange these cube compon more...0 points

    8

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Mini Lighted Christmas Tree (74717)

    Mini Lighted Christmas Tree (74717)

    Sold as each. Approx. 6" tall. Uses 1 "A more...0 points

    9

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    24

    24" Pre-Lit Cranberry Berry Double Ball Topiary Tree With Clear Lights #H89080

    Lush Cranberry color berries, holly leaves, and pomegranates more...0 points

    10

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Tricam TR-2W-HB 2-Step Highback Step Stool, ANSI Type III, 200-Pound Capacity

    Tricam TR-2W-HB 2-Step Highback Step Stool, ANSI Type III, 200-Pound Capacity

    The 2 step steel step stool is designed with overs more...0 points

    11

    Vote Up
    Vote Down
    Holmes HASF1676-UC 16

    Holmes HASF1676-UC 16" White Oscillating Stand Fan

    Circulate the air in a stuffy room with this oscil more...0 points

    Some Ideas for Alternative Christmas Ornaments

    Use items you have on hand to decorate your tree.

    I think we've taken a pretty good look at Alternative Christmas Trees. How to build them. Ideas for making your own. Using tall, skinny objects as stand-ins for traditional Christmas trees. So, I said to myself, "Self, why should we stick with traditional ornaments? As long as I'm talking about Alternative, Interesting and Unusual trees, I might as well commit 100%."

    So, here I am, coming to you with some ideas for decorating with items not originally conceived as tree ornaments. Some ideas might be a little "out there," but you might find some ideas that really strike a chord with you. Enjoy!

    Pickle Ornaments, Anyone?

    They Could Bring You Good Luck!

    (12) One Dozen Hand Blown Glass Pickle Christmas Tree Ornaments for Good Luck Trim-A-Tree Stocking Stuffer or Gift Giving

    (12) One Dozen Hand Blown Glass Pickle Christmas Tree Ornaments for Good Luck Trim-A-Tree Stocking Stuffer or Gift Giving

    Amazon Price: $14.94 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    There is some debate as to how the Legend of the Christmas Pickle came to be. Regardless, they're Pickles. For your Christmas Tree! And they fit right in on this lens, no?

    Decorate Your Tree with Napkin Rings

    A little unconventional, maybe, but lovely!

    Lenox Butterfly Meadow Napkin Rings, Set of 4, Multi

    Lenox Butterfly Meadow Napkin Rings, Set of 4, Multi

    Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    What a great idea--just slip the rings over the ends of the branches for ornaments that don't even need those little ornament hooks. I can never find them when I need them, and they just end up getting stuck in the carpet!

    Swarovski Crystal Hair Jewelry--For Your Christmas Tree

    Just clip on the end of a branch

    Tanday Velvet Bridal Ivory Gardenia Hair Clip with Swarovski Crystal Hair Clip.

    Tanday Velvet Bridal Ivory Gardenia Hair Clip with Swarovski Crystal Hair Clip.

    Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    Yes, you can wear it in your hair, but how great would this Swarovski hair clip--along with others--look ornamenting your Christmas tree? I think it's time to think outside the box, and find ornaments that won't just be stored in a box 11 months out of the year.

    Silver Ting Instead of Tinsel

    A fun option for your tree.

    Sparkle Curly Ting, 2 Feet Tall, Pack of 50 - Sparkle Silver

    Sparkle Curly Ting, 2 Feet Tall, Pack of 50 - Sparkle Silver

    Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    So, I know it's usually used in flower arrangements, but I think your tree would look so cool with pieces of silver--or any color--ting tucked in between the branches.

    You Put Bows on Your Presents...

    ...so why not on your tree?

    100 Metallic Gift Star Bows 1

    100 Metallic Gift Star Bows 1" Jewelry Box Gift Boxes

    Amazon Price: (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    You probably have a ton of bows lying around the house. Why not put them to work as decorations for your tree?

    Artificial Christmas Trees...

    ...with a twist.

    Okay, so you decide to go with a "regular" tree instead of the leg lamp or a coat rack. I get it--you're more of a traditionalist. But who says that you can't get a regular tree while still being a little bit different?!
    Loading

    Seen Any Alternative Christmas Trees?

    Have you seen any unconventional, odd or just plain strange Christmas trees? Send 'em in! Just want to leave a comment--feel free; glad you stopped by!

    • kappy gott Feb 12, 2012 @ 7:09 pm | delete
      we made a lamp shade alternative tree...I could send you a picture for your gallery
      kappygott@comcast.net
    • coatmu Jan 1, 2012 @ 7:28 pm | delete
      That first tree, Grolsch, that took the cake. Great lens.

      coat stand
    • resabi Dec 12, 2011 @ 9:30 pm | delete
      This lens makes me grin. Love the beer bottle tree but the politically incorrect one with the cigarette cartons made me laugh out loud. I once decorated a potted cactus with my "orphan" dangle earrings.
    • jfield Dec 12, 2011 @ 10:04 pm | delete
      lol! Wish you had a picture--I would *so* put it in the picture gallery! 8D
    • COUNTRYLUTHIER Nov 30, 2011 @ 10:43 pm | delete
      That first tree, Grolsch, that took the cake. Great lens.
    • Load More
    Show All

    by

    jfield

    Hello, all! I'm Jenni, and I'm happy to be here on Squidoo. I was a Special Education Teacher for many years. Then, I left the profession to go to cul... more »

    Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

    Explore related pages

    A Very Tall Artificial Christmas Tree... 

    ...for those of you with very high ceilings

    12' Green Ashley Supreme Pre Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Multicolor Lights - 1800 lights - 5290 tips

    12' Green Ashley Supreme Pre Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Multicolor Lights - 1800 lights - 5290 tips

    Amazon Price: (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

    Stunning 12' Christmas tree--perfect for a 2-story foyer or family room. Over 5000 tips give you plenty of places to hang your ornaments--alternative or otherwise. 1800 multicolored lights are sure to turn any room into a brightly-lit Christmas Wonderland!

    Related Tags