20 Ideas For a Non-Traditional Christmas Tree

Brit Morin

Hi, I'm Brit, the founder and CEO of Brit + Co. I'm a young mom of two, tech nerd and design-inclined lady who has a zillion hobbies and curious about... just about everything! My mission from the beginning has been to unlock women's creativity and courage to try new things so that they can find the path to their true passions.

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Nov 04, 2021

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving Day signals the official start of the holiday season which means it's time to get a Christmas tree! And while there is nothing wrong with a gorgeous pine decorated in tiny lights and ornaments, we think it's also fun to opt for the unconventional route. Perhaps you don't have a lot of room for a tree, so you're looking for a small-space solution. Maybe you only want a small tree that can serve as entryway decor. Or, maybe you just want to “wow" people with your incredible creativity by building a tree out of repurposed materials like books or wood pallets. Let's get into it!

1. Knick-Knack Wall Tree

What better way to show off meaningful photos, jewelry and trinkets than by hanging them together as art? Pro tip: trace your tree outline with a pencil, then use Velcro brand fasteners or another type of mounting adhesive to easily hang within the lines. (via Jane Schouten/Flickr)

2. Kid Friendly Velcro and Felt Tree

What an amazing use of Velcro! This tree is perfect for those of you with kids who may want to add or move the ornaments around the tree each day until Christmas. Plus, it's a simple, fun and low-cost DIY project. (via I Can Teach My Children)

3. Washi Tape Tree

Washi tape is the best thing to happen to tape since we can remember. We can't get enough of all the patterns and colors! It's certainly fun for a multi-pattern look. (via Decoideas)

4. Colored Tape Wall Tree

If you're looking at our site right now, you know we love minimal, clean design with a lot of color. That's why we're so into this colored tape tree — make each branch a color of your choice! (via Bloesem Living)

5. Book Page Tree

Please just promise us you won't ruin an old classic like Jane Eyre or Moby Dick, okay? (The Wonder Forest Blog)

6. Encyclopedia Tree

This could go on the Things Organized Neatly blog. Also, it makes us want to play a game of Jenga. (via Recyclart)

7. Open Book Tree

Line up your books from large to small, open to the middle, and stack! It couldn't be easier. Great for those of you who like to consider yourselves “an open book." (via Twig & Thistle)

8. Reclaimed Pallet Tree

This tree *screams* shabby chic! We're on our way to a flea market to find some old pallets, stat. (via Dishfunctional Designs)

9. Ladder Tree

Whether you're a handyman or a hipster, this tree will definitely make your friends do a double take. (via Patricia Olazo/Flickr)

10. Traffic Light Tree

Designed by Pierre Vivant and located in London, UK, "Traffic Light Tree" has 75 sets of traffic lights. The sculpture was created to mimic a tree structure and reflect the energy of the developing Canary Wharf area. (via Giallozafferano Loves Italy)

11. Strawberry Christmas Tree Brownie Bites

The strawberry is places on top of the brownie and then covered with green frosting to give the tree its triangular shape! (via Sweet Tooth)

12. Green Tea Cookie Trees

Now there's a different take on the Christmas cookie. (via Diamonds For Dessert)

13. Sushi Trees

How cute would this be on display for a holiday party? (via Pretty Foods/Tumblr)

14. Fruit Tree

Perfect to serve as the fruit plate at breakfast on Christmas morning. (via A Brownian Walk Through Life)

15. Cheerio Trees

A spin on the rice krispy treat (and way cuter, by the way). (via Betty Crocker)

16. Vegetable Crudite Tree

If you've seen our sushi cupcakes or chocolate iPhones, you know we love food art. Though this one is way, way healthier than a chocolate iPhone. (via Betty Crocker)

17. Candy Cane Tree

We love the added effect of the green peppermints as ornaments. (via Amen Photography)

18. Purple Ribbon and Sequin Tree

Absolutely beautiful and so simple! Just wrap around the base and secure with hot glue. Fun way to use all that extra ribbon you bought for wrapping gifts. (via Lin Moon/Flickr)

19. Black and White Ribbon Tree

This tree is slightly more structured and may take slightly more work to complete, but it's still incredible nonetheless. (via Whipper Berry)

20. RAM Tree

Turn all of your memory sticks and circuit boards into a tabletop display. So incredibly geeky. (via Geeks Are Sexy)

Tag us in your creative Christmas trees on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

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