15 creative Christmas tree alternatives to try if you want a break from tradition this year

Whether you don't have enough room or are spending most of the holiday season away, there are endless reasons for a Christmas tree alternative this year. The good news is that just because you don’t have a tree doesn’t mean you can’t fill your home with festive charm.

A unique design choice, alternative Christmas trees can offer a more modern but equally magical way to decorate for the festive season and more people than ever before are turning to these less traditional Christmas decorating ideas.

For inspiration, we've curated a selection of fun ideas – from wall stencils to decorative plant alternatives.

Christmas tree alternatives: 15 fun and festive ideas

When it comes to Christmas tree decorating ideas, alternative trees can be much easier to handle than traditional trees, requiring less floor space, less decor, and less intensive assembly.

Abi Wilson, celebrations buying manager at Habitat, explains how Christmas tree alternatives have surged in popularity recently. “We’ve seen increased demand for alternative Christmas trees in recent years as customers look for ever more inventive ways to showcase their unique styles," she explains.

1. Make a centerpiece succulent Christmas tree

If you only want a Christmas centrepiece idea, why not have a go at making your own succulent delight? To make your own version w&h's Homes editor Esme Clemo offers this advice: "I would take a round piece of wood, drill a hole in the centre and slot a wooden dowel in the hole with plenty of wood glue to hold it in place - use a drill bit that's just slightly bigger than the dowel for a snug fit. Wrap up chicken wire and use the florist's wire to attach it to the dowel to form a tree-like shape.

"Working from the bottom up, position the larger succulents next to smaller plants, pushing the bases through the holes in the wire to secure them. Thread some more florist's wire through the bauble loops and twist the ends together, then push the baubles into the arrangement between the plants."

She does point out that you mustn't forget your houseplant watering routine with this alternative. "As succulents are drought-tolerant, they should do well without regular watering, but remove any plants that look jaded and soak them in water for 5-15 minutes to refresh," advises Esme.

2. Keep it simple with a twig tree

Twig trees have been rising in popularity over the years, and they're a great alternative to a traditional, bushy green tree in a modern home. They look sleek and stylish and require minimal decorating – just a few fairy lights added where necessary.

You can purchase twig trees, most even come pre-lit, from all good retailers –especially handy if you prefer buying your Christmas tree online.

3. Create a wall stencil Christmas tree

For a minimalist look, and for homes that truly don't have any extra floor space, a Christmas tree wall stencil can look great and be practical. You can buy ready-made tree stencils online to attach to the wall, or create your own with separate pieces.

Not only do they look stylish, but they're a fantastic option for homes with pets or children, where you might be worried about the possibility of decorations falling or getting damaged. The stickers are easy to peel off, so you won't be damaging your best living room paint colour in the process. A truly low-fuss way of adding some festive joy to your home.

4. Houseplant tree

If you have one of the best indoor plants, like a fiddle leaf fig, then it can easily act as a Christmas tree alternative. Unlike the succulent idea, this takes a lot less effort – you simply take off the decorations once Christmas is over.

Founder of Beards & Daises, Joanne Lambell says, "The fiddle leaf fig boasts large, glossy leaves and a tree-like structure that can reach a great height, making it a stunning centrepiece. Its sculptural beauty adds elegance and a modern twist to festive décor."

She explains that to keep the plant happy, you'll want to place it in a bright, indirect light and water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

"String fairy lights around the trunk or drape them gently on the branches. Add lightweight ornaments or festive bows, but avoid heavy décor to prevent leaf damage," adds Joanne.

5. Use lights to create a tree silhouette

The best Christmas tree lights play a vital role in Christmas decor, so why not assemble an entire illuminated tree? You can construct a tree-like silhouette by using command hooks to form the shape of a tree and layering fairy lights in a zigzag pattern down the whole frame.

Your light tree could be any size, as long as it starts thinner and tapers off to a broader base, just like a real Christmas tree. If you want, you could also hang lightweight decorations on the wiring to add a decorative element.

Take note of the best way to store your Christmas lights when the holidays are over, or you'll be opening a knotted mess next year.

6. Use a hanging wall frame

Hanging wall Christmas trees are one of the most popular Christmas tree alternatives because they can be made with natural materials (like regular trees) but take up far less floor space. They're also ideal if you prefer a more Minimaluxe feel, even at Christmas.

They can be purchased ready-made from retailers, such as the Cox & Cox Frosted Branches Hanging Tree above (which always sells out), or you can create your own with varying sizes of twigs, fairy lights, bits of foliage, and lightweight baubles.

7. Add a decorative cactus to your home

Cacti may not be your first consideration when you think about Christmas, but they're one of the most fun Christmas tree alternatives. Get yourself a real or faux cactus, and decorate it with tinsel, fairy lights, and baubles – we'd suggest buying an oversized one to really create the feel of a Christmas tree.

You could even get multiple cacti in different sizes to create an impressive showstopper. To finish off the look we'd also recommend an oversized plant pot put it in, or a festive Christmas tree skirt for a more decorative touch.

8. Build a Christmas tree out of books

For the keen bibliophiles among us, a book-style alternative Christmas tree is a unique and easy option to put together and a trend that continues to grow in popularity every year.

Depending on the size of the tree you want to build the possibilities are endless. Gather your favourite hardbacks (or paperbacks) and layer them in a pyramid-style shape to create a faux tree.

For a smaller version, you could open your books and stack them open to create a subtle tree silhouette. Decorate it with a fun tree topper and any baubles you can tack into place on the ends of each layer.

This is a great excuse to declutter your book collection.

9. Set up a ladder Christmas tree

Thought ladders were just for DIY? Think again! They make brilliant Christmas tree alternatives too. And it couldn't be simpler to execute.

Grab a ladder and drape across any fairy lights, garlands, or pieces of foliage, and hang baubles anywhere you can. Take inspiration from this creative ladder tree by Homesense and hang the baubles with a clear wire so they appear to float, adding to the showstopping appearance.

You could also entwine the lights around the steps and sides of the ladder. Finish off with a tree topper that will really solidify this as an alternative tree. This would look great in the corner of your living space, in an entryway or, if you're wondering how to decorate for Christmas outside, you could pop this on your porch or patio.

10. Style your shelves

If you simply don't have space for a tree, consider utilising the walls to save space – a handy hack when looking to organise a small space generally. and a great way to style empty corners.

This simple shelf idea allows you to emulate a Christmas tree shape with beautifully styled shelves – creating a shrine to Christmas cards and other decorations that might otherwise get lost among the branches of a fir tree.

If your walls are bare, they provide the perfect place to create this simple Christmas tree alternative, but be prepared to fill and re-paint over the holes once the holidays are over.

The IKEA Mossaland Picture Ledges, sold in packets of two for £4, is the perfect solution to cut to size to create the ascending shape.

11. Place decorated branches and foliage in a vase

For homes short on space (because let's face it, it can be tricky to fit a 6-foot tree anywhere), this is one of the best Christmas tree alternatives. Grab an empty glass vase, and place sprigs of oversized foliage/branches inside.

You can then decorate the foliage (minimally, or you risk drooping) with decorative items such as baubles and fairy lights. Any spare foliage you have left over can also be added to the best Christmas wreaths to reduce waste.

12. Construct a tree from baubles on your wall

For those short on floor space, this wall decoration idea is a great alternative to a Christmas tree. Add a collection of hooks to your wall in the shape of a tree, and decorate with a variety of decorations and baubles in a matching colour scheme, such as golds, silvers, reds or purples.

You could even create multiple iterations of this around your home for a creative way to decorate walls.

13. Hang a wall art alternative

Hanging wall art is another great Christmas tree alternative for those who lack space or need to follow small living room layout rules – such as entryways and cloakrooms.

The wall hanging is most commonly fabric decorated to look like an alpine forest tree, many like the Amazon design shown above come pre-lit to emulate a real tree with lights. Attached to a wooden plinth with a rope hanging loop these imaginative alternative trees can be rolled up and used year after year.

14. Use a towel ladder to replicate a tree

Wall ladders are not just great if you're looking for bathroom storage ideas, but they can also be used to fashion an alternative Christmas tree.

They are simple, low-cost, and super easy to decorate. Simply wind lights, baubles, and other decor items around each tread and along the sides for an instantly festive look.

15. Attach foliage to the wall

Another fabulous space-saving solution, you can create a lovely alternative 2D Christmas tree by pinning (or taping) rows of festive green foliage to your wall, getting bigger as it descends.

Pair your foliage with some fairy lights (coloured or white will work well here) but just don't leave the lights on unattended.

FAQs

What are the most popular Christmas tree alternatives?

If you're still stuck on which Christmas tree alternative you prefer, you might be interested to know which more minimalist options are proving popular with every passing year. Especially if you're more of a Minimaluxe decor lover!

Abi told w&h, “Minimalist designs with a metal or wooden frame play into the popular Scandinavian aesthetic. The slimline profiles resonate with those short on space, whilst their portability and storability make them a good choice for renters. Being plastic-free, they're ideal for the eco-conscious too!"

Twig trees, wall frames, and foliage-based alternative Christmas trees are perhaps the most Scandi-inspired options on our list, so why not try incorporating these ideas into your home? You'll certainly be fashionably on trend if you do.

How do you make a room look Christmassy without a tree?

Should you not want a tree at all, then there are so many ways you can still make your home feel Christmassy, even if you're not one for maximalist decor.

Decorating the mantlepiece for Christmas is always a good place to start. “Mantelscaping is a great way to bring a festive element to a room without the need for a Christmas tree, especially when adding elements such as foliage that ties into your seasonal colour scheme of choice," explains Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James.

She adds, "Avoid too much plastic decor and ornaments, as too many plastic ornaments can cheapen your mantlescape. Instead, opt for natural elements to replace the tree, such as dried foliage and flowers or decor made from stone, ceramics, or sustainable materials such as bamboo."

If you don't have a mantelpiece why not get creative with some of the best Christmas food? Claire Gardner, Director of Claire Garner Design Studio explains, "Decorating with edible accents is a fun way to create some Christmas cheer. Try hanging decorated gingerbread cookies on a ribbon garland for a nostalgic touch. For a stunning centrepiece, construct a gingerbread village, complete with frosted rooftops, candy walkways and icing sugar for snow."

For an added touch, Claire says to fill bowls of vibrant fruits, studded with aromatic cloves alongside sprigs of evergreen for a festive look to dot around your home.

She adds, "Add cinnamon sticks and sugared cranberries for pops of colour and a sweet sparkle. These edible decorations not only look great but also fill the air with the comforting scents of the season, for a truly immersive Christmas scheme."

How to display Christmas ornaments without a tree?

Whether you've moved home or just don't have space for a tree this year, don't worry, you can still display your ornaments in so many ways.

Daniela Venturini, Art Director and Trend Forecaster at Wayfair, says, "Who says ornaments need a tree? Christmas ornaments are versatile and can shine in all kinds of creative settings!"

"Create a sparkling bauble wreath as the star of your holiday table. Arrange ornaments in a wreath form, adding sprigs of greenery and ribbons for texture. Place it flat on the table with a cluster of candles in the middle," she suggests.

Or why not create a hanging window wonderland? Daniela explains, "Let your windows steal the spotlight by suspending ornaments at varying heights with ribbons or clear string. Add frosted decals or fairy lights for a magical effect that’s as beautiful from the street as it is inside. It’s like gazing through a wintry storybook scene, bringing Christmas cheer to every glance."

What can you decorate for Christmas other than a tree?

Perhaps you're not interested in having a tree at all, whatever it may be, in that case, there are endless alternatives to anything tree-like.

"If you do not have a lot of space or are unable to decorate a tree, there are other things in your home that you can decorate for Christmas instead. If you have shelves, temporarily remove any current decor or objects on these shelves that you don't need and replace them with Christmas decorations instead," suggests Lee Trethewey, interior expert at Sustainable Furniture.

"Similarly, use the space around your windows, such as the window sills, to place decorations or hang wreaths and garlands. You can also hang decorations from the ceiling, but this will look best if you cluster decorations together in one spot for the most impact, such as above your dining table," he adds.

What is a sustainable alternative to the Christmas tree?

If you're looking for sustainable home hacks to save you money this festive season, there are more efficient options when it comes to your Christmas tree.

"There's always the option to rent a tree. If you often choose to have a fresh tree, there are some places that will allow you to rent the tree instead of buying it. This means that once the festive period is over, you return it to the grower for them to care for and hopefully use them again the following year," explains Lee.

You can, of course, use one of the alternatives above, but this is a great way to enjoy the season and care for the environment, too.

Even the best artificial Christmas trees aren't for everyone because they still require a lot of effort to decorate the tree like a professional for a traditional look. (Although we recommend trying the £1 tinsel hack to make an artificial tree look fuller and more lush.)

Once you've decided what Christmas tree alternatives you're going to have this year, why not start mastering some essential Christmas hosting tips? Your guests won't just be impressed by your unique tree designs but your hosting skills.