10 decorative alternatives to Christmas trees

Paper and chalk

Deck the halls with...paper! This simple craft can be dressed up (or down) with the ornaments of your choosing. How-to: 1. Hang a piece of black craft paper and draw a Christmas tree outline on it with chalk. 2. String garland and tape ornaments to the paper using double-sided tape. Or simply leave the tree unadorned. 

Mini tree

This small fir makes a perfect centrepiece for a dinner table or credenza. How-to: Plant a tiny branch in an inexpensive vase. Decorate with small ornaments, or drape with garlands.

Branching off

Lakejane blogger and stylist Marie-Eve Best created these fun colour-blocked yarn ornaments, which are perfect for a modern space. How-to: Find a branch from outside, place it in a vase and decorate it with these beauties. For the full DIY, click here. 

Festive miniatures

Mini trees make excellent centrepieces! Make multiples and plunk them around your home as festive decorations. How-to: 1. Place baby evergreens (found at your local garden centre) in a small tumbler or vase. 2. Wrap the vase in burlap, tie with twine and place in the centre of the table. 3. Spray with faux snow for added whimsy.

For the kids

Artist and designer Courtney Wotherspoon’s cardboard tree is simple to make — and kid-friendly! Use it as a creative holiday guestbook or a place to display cards. (Click here for the detailed how-to.)

Count down the days

This tape tree can double as an advent calendar and a place to put gifts. How-to: Attach brown paper bags decorated with feather stamps, temporary tattoos and wood ornaments.  

The loop

This beautiful, intricate tree looks complicated to make, but all you need is nails and string. We re-created a super simple version for the Chatelaine Edition of Cityline. (Watch the how-to video here.)

Catch a dream

Create a pretty display for your console table or mantlepiece with hand-crafted dream catchers. All you need is embroidery hoops, adhesive and a selection of ribbons, feathers, beads and twine. Tip: These also make great ornaments (and presents).

Foraged foliage

Consider making a beautiful wreath using greenery from your own backyard. (This one is made from a loop of red dogwood.) How-to: Bend bupple branches of rose hips and dogwood and tie together with with dark crimson berries. A silky bronze ribbon completes the look. (For more beautiful foraged wreaths, click here). 

Colourful Christmas

Adorn a faux white tree with colourful decorations to create an instant pop in your living room. 

Related: 8 things to do now to make the holidays easier 20 ways to get your holiday craft on How to style your holiday mantle like a pro