6 creative Christmas tree alternatives

Tree #1 Create a Lapland scene in your home with a snow-inspired tree and whimsical deer ornaments. To recreate this table-top tree you will need some white cardboard, a polystyrene foam block and a piece of dowel. Simply insert dowel into foam block, then cut cardboard into different lengths. Fold the largest piece of cardboard so ends meet, make a hole with scissors towards the edge, then thread onto dowel rod. Repeat with remaining pieces of cardboard, largest to smallest and top with a sparkly star. Decor tricks Use rosettes to decorate gifts, hang them from the back of chairs, or use them as place settings. You can get metallic yarn, tissue paper and Blu Tack from Spotlight. ‘Love’ print from Blacklist.

Tree #2 Nothing says Christmas like sipping sparkling wine with sand between your toes. That and a beachy driftwood tree. Simply comb your local beach for pieces of driftwood in different lengths (you can also buy driftwood online). Spray paint each piece white then use a drill and long screws to secure horizontal pieces to one long vertical piece. Decorate with bright-coloured wool and adorn with a few beach-inspired baubles.

Tree #3 Inspired by Japanese origami, this folded-rosette tree is so lovely, you may be tempted to keep it up all year. To make this tree, you’ll need paper in gold and other assorted colours such as black, pink and orange. Simply fold a long rectangle of paper into zigzags (start at the short end and fold down the length of the paper). Fan paper out into a circle shape and join ends together with a few staples, then simply Blu Tack each rosette to the wall. Mix up the sizes and colours for rhythm and scale and make sure it’s not top-heavy. You can even use the rosettes to decorate gifts – pretty and affordable.

Tree #4 Step away from tradition and inject some neon colour into your Christmas scheme. To make one tree, use a pencil to mark out two tree shapes on foamboard (it looks better if it’s not perfectly symmetrical). Cut foamboard with utility knife on marked lines then cut a slit from the bottom of one piece and the top of the other, being sure to stop in the middle. Spray paint in your chosen colour – metallic gold and fluoro orange create a bold contrast – allow to dry then connect the two pieces together. Lay some string lights at the base of the trees to create a soft, warm glow.  

Tree #6 Small pieces can make the greatest impact when paired together on a side table or console, such as this Christmas-themed vignette. To create a tree ornament like this one you’ll need: a polystyrene cone, white ribbon and some pins. Carefully cut ribbon into 20cm lengths then loop and pin ribbon pieces to cone one at a time, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Pair with neutral-coloured items to create a delicate scene.