Dressing the Base of Your Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree may be the centerpiece of holiday decorating, but what about the base? A beautifully decorated tree can look unfinished if its stand is left exposed. That’s where Christmas tree skirts and alternatives come in. Whether traditional fabric skirts, modern collars or creative DIY solutions, dressing the bottom of your tree elevates the entire look.

This guide explores everything you need to know about tree skirts and their alternatives, from history and styles to creative ideas and buying options.

A Brief History of the Christmas Tree Skirt

Originally, tree skirts weren’t about decoration at all.

• 19th Century Origins: In the 1800s when real Christmas trees were used and were decorated with real, wax candles Christmas skirts were practical. They were designed for catching the dripping wax and the fallen needles.
• Transition to Decor: By the early 20th century as electric lights replaced candles, skirts became for decorative. Christmas tree skirts were often handmade, quilted or embroidered with festive motifs.
• Today’s Purpose: While wax catching is no longer necessary and more and more people are using artificial Christmas trees we are still finding tree skirts an essential Christmas tree accessory. They now play a part in hiding stands, protecting floors and adding a great finish to your tree decor.

Classic Christmas Tree Skirts

Traditional tree skirts are circular fabric pieces with a slit to wrap around the trunk or stand.

Materials and Styles

• Velvet or Velour: This style feels luxurious and soft, it works really well with a classic, sophisticated style of tree. Check out some of the classic velvet tree skirts available at Amazon.
• Plaid or Tartan: This can suite a more rustic, cozy look that is still classic and traditional.
• Felt or Wool: Great for a more simple and durable look that will suit a number of different styles of tree.
• Sequined or Metallic: This is definitely for a glamorous sparkle of a look – it will look good with neon colors for a fun or retro themed tree. This also would suit a more glamorous or dramatic look.

Size Guide: How Big Should a Tree Skirt Be?

It’s all very good deciding that you need a tree skirt, but you need a size guide or it just will not work!

• For trees up to 6 feet: a 42-48″ skirt works.
• For trees over 6 feet up to 8 feet: go for 50-60″.
• For very large trees, 9 feet and over: choose a 70-72″ skirt.

Tip: The skirt should be wider that the tree’s full base diameter for balance.

Modern Alternatives: Collars, Crates & More

Traditional skirts aren’t the only way to cover your tree base, let’s explore some other options.

Tree Collars

Tree collars are rigid covers that encircle the base. Popular materials for these collars are:

• Woven wicker or rattan: these offer a natural, rustic feel to your tree.
• Galvanized metal: this style certainly adds to a farmhouse chic style.
• Wooden slats: these are sturdy and timeless and suit a wide range of tree styles.
• Fabric covered or even chunky cable knit collapsible collars: these are easy to store and the chunky cable knit collars add a very warm, cozy feel to your Christmas tree.

Wooden Crates & Barrels

For a farmhouse or rustic look, some people build or by wooden crates to surround their stand. As well as being stylish these are also sturdy and can be pet proof and even baby proof.

For a DIY option you can repurpose pallets or vintage crates.

Decorative Baskets

Large woven baskets can be cut to fit around a tree stand, creating a cozy base. Another great idea if you use a woven basket is that you can incorporate something else to the base as well – fabric, burlap, faux fur, chunky blankets etc – any of these can be used to be in the basket and draping over for a sumptuous, rich cozy look

Creative & Budget-Friendly Alternatives

You don’t need to buy a skirt or collar to dress your tree. Many people use:

• Sheepskin Rugs: These create a lovely soft, Scandi-inspired look that is cozy and on-trend.
• Chunky Knit Blankets: Wrap these around the stand for a hygge vibe (they also double up as a wrap for when watching Christmas movies on the couch)
• Faux Fur Rugs: These give off a luxe and festive feel and go with so many different tree styles.
• Layered Fabric or Burlap: This gives off rustic charm and is perfect for farmhouse appeal – the burlap is also great for a coffee inspired tree or a woodland animal inspired tree.
• Quilts or Tablecloths: Repurposing these textiles for a unique look is a great idea. I love to look in the post Christmas sale for things like Christmas tablecloths or bedding as they are greatly reduced and then repurposing them the following year for things such as your tree skirt is a great and budget friendly idea.

DIY Christmas Tree Skirt Ideas

For crafters, making your own tree skirt can be fun and cost-effective.

• No-Sew Felt Skirt: Even non crafters can make this. Simply cut a large circle of felt, snip a slit and you’re done.
• Quilted Skirt: If you’re a quilter this can look amazing, there’s so many different holiday fabric squares you can find to make a festive patchwork design.
• Repurposed Materials: You can use all different types of material for very creative skirts from old denim, blankets or curtains. If your family wear Christmas t-shirts you could even repurpose these for a very special keepsake Christmas tree skirt.

Practical Considerations for a Christmas Tree Skirt

Before choosing a skirt or alternative please think about the following:

• Floor Protection: Especially important for real trees with water stands.
• Pets & Kids: Collars or crates can prevent pets and young kids from playing in the water or tugging at the fabric.
• Storage: Fabric skirts will fold flat so if storage is at a premium these are the best option. If you have the space then you can look to collars and crates.

Where to Buy Tree Skirts & Alternatives

You can purchase both budget-friendly and luxury tree skirts or alternatives online at Amazon. If you’re after a more personalized Christmas tree skirt then it’s worth checking out Zazzle. For handmade and unique skirts and alternatives check out Etsy and local craft markets.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a classic velvet skirt, a rustic wooden crate, or a cozy sheepskin rug, dressing the base of your tree is the finishing touch that completes your holiday decor. With so many styles and DIY options, there’s a solution for every taste and budget.

For many families, nothing says Christmas like the twinkle of lights on a decorated tree. Christmas trees aren’t just seasonal decor, however, they are steeped in history, tradition and even a bit of debate. Should you buy a real tree or go with artificial? Is it worth keeping a tree up year-round and decorating it for different holidays? What’s the best way to store it when the season’s over?

This guide dives into everything you need to know about Christmas trees – from their fascinating history to the rise of artificial trees, creative decorating trends and practical storage solutions.

A Brief History of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree we all know and love today has deep roots in history. Let’s dive into them:

Ancient Evergreen Traditions (Pre-Christian Symbolism)

Long before Christianity, evergreens were symbols of life and renewal. Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Druids all decorated their homes with greenery in the winter months to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the return of the sun.

16th Century Germany and the First Decorated Trees

The modern Christmas tree tradition began in 16th century Germany. Devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes, often adorned with apples, oranges, nuts and candles to symbolize paradise and light.

Queen Victoria, Prince Albert & Popularity in England

The custom spread across Europe, but it was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who made the Christmas tree a beloved symbol in the 1800s. An illustration of their family gathered around a decorated tree appeared in the Illustrated London News, inspiring households across Britain and America to adopt the practice.

The Christmas Tree in America

German immigrants brought the tradition to the US. By the late 19th century, decorated trees – often with hand-blown glass ornaments – were a staple of holiday celebrations. Over time, new innovations like electric string lights made decorating even easier.

Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Which is Better?

The great Christmas debate: should you buy a real tree each year or invest in an artificial one? Both have their charms, but let’s break it down.

The Tradition of Real Trees

• Fresh scent: Nothing quite matches the smell pf pine, spruce or fir filling your home and bringing back childhood memories.
• Family Tradition: Many families enjoy the ritual of choosing a tree together.
• Natural beauty: Real trees have unique shapes and textures which can’t be replicated with an artificial tree.
• Environmental considerations: Trees are grwon as crops, not cut from forests and may are recycled after the season.

The Rise of Artificial Christmas Trees

• Mid-20th century boom: Aluminum trees were trendy in the 1950s and the PVC trees gained popularity in the decades that followed.
• Today’s options: Modern artificial trees are incredibly realistic. Some even come pre-lit, flocked with snow or designed with color-changing lights.

The Debate: Real vs Fake Trees

Real Trees

✅ Natural scent and charm
✅ Supports local farms
❌ Need watering and cleanup (fallen needles)
❌ Can be costly year after year
❌ Disposal required

Artificial Trees

✅ Reusable for 10+ years
✅ Cost-effective in the long run
✅ Easy to set up, take down, and store
✅ Safer (less fire risk, no allergens)
❌ No natural scent (though scented ornaments or sprays help)
❌ Made of synthetic materials

If you’re looking for convenience, cost savings and eco-friendliness over time, artificial trees are the clear winner.

Advantages of Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial trees are the go-to choice for millions of households and for good reason. If you live in a warmer climate a real tree won’t always survive very long. I must confess I also like having a uniform shaped tree which is why I go for an artificial tree. Let’s look at some of the main reasons:

Cost-Effective Over Multiple Years

A high-quality artificial tree can last 10-15 years. Even if you spend $200 upfront, that averages to less than $20 per year – far cheaper than buying a $60-$100 real tree annually

Safe and Low Maintenance

• No dry needles creating fire hazards
• No watering needed
• No messy sap or shedding

Styles and Sizes for Every Home

Artificial trees come in endless varieties:

• Slim and pencil trees – perfect for small spaces
• Flocked trees – with a snowy look
• Pre-lit trees – save hours of stringing lights (and the untangling of them beforehand if you weren’t careful in storing them the year before!)
• Color-changing LED trees – for modern, customizable vibes

Eco-Friendly When Reused

While real trees are biodegradable, artificial ones reduce waste when reused for a decade or ore. Pairing one artificial tree with eco-friendly ornaments and LED lights is a sustainable choice.

What to Do with a Real Christmas Tree After the Holidays

If you still prefer a real tree, the challenge is what to do once the season ends. Let’s look at your options:

Recycling and Composting

Many local councils offer curbside pickup for real trees, turning them into mulch or compost for parks.

Replanting a Living Tree in the Garden

If you purchase a potted tree with roots, you can replant it in your garden after Christams. With care, it can grow year after year, becoming a beautiful part of your landscape.

Donating to Zoos or Farms

Some zoos and farms accept donated trees as enrichment for animals. Elephants, goats and big cats enjoy playing with or eating the branches.

Local Disposal Programs

Check your local recycling centers – many have drop-off points for tree mulching.

Year-Round Christmas Trees and Seasonal Decorating Trends

Why limit your tree to December? More families are keeping their artificial trees up year-round, decorating them for holidays and seasons. Here are some of the common ones celebrated:

Valentine’s Day Trees

Decorate with red, pink and white ornaments, hearts and ribbons.

St Patrick’s Day Trees

Green and gold baubles, shamrocks and rainbow garlands bring Irish cheer to your tree.

Easter and Spring Trees

Pastel ornaments, flowers and bunny figures transition your tree into springtime. Decorated eggs are a beautiful addition for Easter.

4th July Trees

Red, white and blue ornaments, flags and star toppers make a patriotic statement with your tree.

Halloween Trees

These are becoming increasingly popular, some people use their Christmas trees while others have a dedicated Halloween tree (often black in color). Use orange, black and purple ornaments, along with pumpkins, bats and spider webs to create spooky vibes.

Other Year Round Trees

• A beach themed tree for summer is a great idea.
• I’ve seen someone with a year round sunflower themed tree.
• Embrace in between seasons with a coffee lovers tree or a tea drinkers tea.
• A farmland animal tree or safari tree could be used year round as well.
• If you’re a sports fan then decorate a tree for the season such as this Baltimore Ravens’ Christmas Tree
• Celebrate smaller holidays that are important to you – birthdays, anniversaries, mother’s day, father’s day, grandparent’s day etc.

A year-round tree not only spreads joy beyond Christmas but also gives you a chance to use your ornaments in creative ways (or an excuse to buy more ornaments!)

How to Store an Artificial Christmas Tree

Proper storage extends the life of your tree and makes set up easier next year. A friend of a friend actually had a tree sized cupboard built into her house design when she was building and simply leaves her tree decorated in the cupboard throughout the year. This isn’t an option for most of us however!

Collapsible and Foldable Designs

Most modern trees disassemle into sections and fold for compact storage.

Tree Storage Bags and Boxes

Special storage bags (often wheeled) keep your tree dust-free and protected. Plastic tubs or cardboard boxes can also work.

Labeling and Organizing by Size/Branch

Mark each section (bottom, middle, top) so that reassembly is simple. Some trees do have markings already on them when you purchase them.

Preventing Dust and Damage During Storage

Keep the tree in a dry, cool space if possible. Traditional Christmas decoration storage places such as the garage and the attic are not optimal as temperature swinges can cause damage to your tree.

Buying an Artificial Christmas Trees

When looking at online retailers, Amazon have a huge selection with fast delivery.

Specialty Brands

There are three specialty brands that I would look for when purchasing a Christmas tree and they are:

• Balsam Hill – this brand is knwn for ultra-realistic, luxury trees.
• National Tree Company – this brand offers affordable, durable options.
• Vickerman – this brand offer large, decorator-quality trees.

Budget vs Luxury

• Budget: Great for first-time buyers, rentals or smaller trees.
• Luxury: Higher upfront cost, but exceptional realism and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Trees

How long do artificial Christmas trees last?

A good artificial tree can last 10-15 years with proper care and storage.

Are artificial trees more eco-friendly than real ones?

Yes, when reused for a decade or longer. While they’re made of synthetic materials, the long lifespan offsets environmental costs compared to cutting down a real tree each year.

How do you make a fake tree look more realistic?

Fluff the branches thoroughly, use plenty of ornaments and lights and add natural touches like pinecone picks, ribbon or garland. Some people even use pine-scented sticks for authenticity.

How can you recycle an artificial Christmas tree?

While they can’t be composted like real trees, some recycling centers accept artificial trees for parts, or you can donate them to thrift stores, churches or schools.

What size tree is best for my room?

Measure your ceiling height and allow at least 6-12 inches clearance for a tree topper. Slim or pencil trees work well in small spaces, while full trees are ideal for larger living rooms.

Final Thoughts

Christmas trees are the heart of holiday decorating – whether you prefer the natural scent of a real tree or the convenience of an artificial one. While real trees carry nostalgia, artificial trees offer affordability, safety and ease of use that make them the more practical choice for most households.

Also, with today’s trends, your tree doesn’t havve to stay in the attic 11 months of the year. From Valentine’s Day to Halloween, a year-round tree can bring joy to every season.

So whether you’re choosing your first artificial tree or upgrading to a more realistic style, remember the Christmas tree isn’t just decor. It’s a tradition, a memory maker and the centre piece of holiday cheer.

Decorating a Christmas Tree with Yellow Ornaments

Yellow Christmas ornaments bring sunshine and cheer to your Christmas tree.

This bright, happy color adds a joyful energy to your holiday decor.

Yellow represents light, warm and happiness which is why it works so well at Christmas.

Yellow is perfect for lifting the mood and adding brightness to your tree.

Best Pairings for Yellow Ornaments

Pair with gold and white for a glowing effect, like a halo on your tree.

Mix with red, green and gold for a more classic look..

Alternatively combine with orange and red for a retro, fun palette.

If you’re after a sophisticated look combine yellow with shades of plum and dark green.

Mix with pastels like rose and lilac if you’re after a more dreamy aesthetic.

Styling Tips for Yellow Christmas Tree Ornaments

Use glossy yellow baubles alongside metallic gold ornaments and matte yellow ornaments to create a more interesting display..

Add bead or fabric garlands along with natural wood accents to add depth and visual interest.

Yellow also works beautifully with a variety of different lights depending on what vibe you want the tree to have:

Multi-colored lights for a cheerful vibe.

Warm white lights will give the tree more of a golden glow and create a cozy atmosphere.

Yellow fairy lights will add a more whimsical feel.

Yellow ornaments make your Christmas tree feel joyful and full of festive spirit.

Decorating a Christmas Tree with Purple Ornaments

Purple Christmas ornaments bring a sense of luxury and drama to your Christmas tree. From deep plum to bright lavender, purple adds richness and elegance.

Why do purple ornaments works at Christmas? Purple has long been associated with royalty and opulence.

It gives your decor a bold, sophisticated twist. There are lots of ways in which you can style your purple ornaments whether you want them to be the main color or whether you want them as an accent.

Read on to see the best pairings as well as some styling tips for having the best purple themed Christmas tree.

Best Pairings for Purple Ornaments

Pair with gold or silver for a bold, glamorous, luxurious look.

Mix with blues and pinks for a modern look.

Combine with teal and turquoise for a more vibrant palette.

Pair with white for a crisp contrast that will enhance the purple and create a very striking looking tree.

Styling Tips for Adding Purple Ornaments to Your Tree

While a green tree provides a traditional backdrop a white tree will create a lovely contrast for purple ornaments and make them absolutely pop.

Use different textures to add depth and visual interest – velvet ribbons, matte and shiny baubles and glass accents.

Consider layering shades; mixing different shades of purple such as light lavender through to a deep plum. If you also mixed a range of blues and pinks you could create a multidimensional effect.

Warm fairy lights will highlight the richness of the color.

Purple ornaments are perfect if you want your Christmas tree to feel elegant, bold and unique.

Decorating a Christmas Tree with Neon Ornaments

Want to make a bold statement this year? Neon Christmas ornaments are vibrant, playful and guaranteed to stand out.

These really are perfect for anyone who loves a fun, modern twist on holiday decor. You can choose to use just one neon color such as neon pink or lime green or you can use a mix of neon colors.

Neon ornaments work at Christmas because the colors bring energy and excitement. They are unexpected, cheerful and ideal for families who want a bright fun tree.

Best Pairings for Neon Ornaments

Mix neon colors together for a playful rainbow tree.

Pair neon pink or green with silver for a futuristic look.

Combine with silver and white for a poppy. winter wonderland feel.

Alternatively, add neon accents to a traditional tree for a surprising pop of fun.

Choose a single neon color and create a monochromatic look.

Styling Tips for Neon Christmas Ornaments

Neon ornaments look amazing with colorful fairy lights or even LED lights that change color.

Pair with bold ribbon and oversized baubles to balance the brightness.

This style also works well for themed trees such as retro or candy themed.

For a modern, glamorous look you could use a white tree and pair neon ornaments with silver and white decorations, including white lights and other metallic accents. This creates a sophisticated, winter wonderland feel with a difference.

For a slightly futuristic theme combine neon ornaments with other shiny , metallic accents such as tinsel, gold and glass decorations for a really eye catching tree.

For an unconventional, playful Christmas tree mix your neon ornaments with other bold, trending colors like pink, red and blue.

This is also a style that works well for a kids tree if you want to give them their own tree – use a white one to really make the colors pop for them.

Add neon light shapes like small neon light wire shaped as stars, hears or snowflakes.

Add a neon Merry Christmas sign to the tree as a focal point or as a topper.

Neon ornaments create a Christmas tree that’s anything but ordinary.