Home » 50 DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives for 2021

50 DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives for 2021

Who says a Christmas tree should only be an evergreen conifer tree? There are endless alternative Christmas trees that will put you to think. Try something different this year and make a DIY Christmas tree from unused and readily available items at home.

You can make use of paper, cardboard, scrap wood, wine bottles, wine cork, pine cones and several other items to make Christmas trees. Head below to check out the most inspiring Christmas tree alternatives you can try.

Space saving Wall Christmas Tree

This DIY Christmas tree can be made using faux pine branches or real pine branches. You can decorate it with a few of your favorite ornaments and lights.

DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives

Image: Lily Ardor

Tabletop Christmas Tree from Real Leaves

This DIY farmhouse Christmas tree can be made using a cardboard and leaves. You just need top stick up green leaves on a cardboard cone and then hang it over a flower pot.

DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives

Image: A Piece of Rainbow

DIY CACTUS Christmas Tree

Add a trendy touch to your home with a DIY Christmas cactus. You can make it using wood slats, PVC pipe and garland. The entire cactus shape is covered with garland, ornaments, and lights – just like a regular Christmas tree.

DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives

Image: Hey Wanderer Blog

DIY Christmas Tree Made of Fairy Lights

This alternative Christmas tree can be a unique attraction in your home. You can make it using a round plywood base and fairy lights. Wrapping it with firefly lights is the main task!

DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives

Image: OhMeOhMy Blog

Macramé Christmas Tree Wall Hanging

If you have got the skills, you can make your own Macrame Christmas Tree to get the walls in festive mood. It creates a stunning focal point.

DIY Christmas Tree Alternatives

Image: Instagram @saako_macrame

Ladder Christmas trees

You probably have heard of and seen ladder Christmas trees. They are perfect Christmas tree alternatives for people who like to decorate home in an eco-friendly and minimalist manner. Why not make one for yourself this year? It is a budget-friendly and easy DIY that’s going to attract everyone’s attention. Whether decorating with light strips or Christmas tree ornaments, there is plenty of scope to showcase your creativity with the ladder Christmas tree. See below some ideas for inspiration.

People are ditching real trees for ladder Christmas trees

Image: Paisley and Jade

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Instagram/brown_eyed_marie

People are ditching real trees for ladder Christmas trees

Image: Instagram/NarrativePost

People are ditching real trees for ladder Christmas trees

Image: Instagram/TheJamesCanterbury

People are ditching real trees for ladder Christmas trees

Image: Instagram/ScandinavianPoint

Scrap Wood Christmas Trees

Old unused wood pieces and slats make great material to create a Christmas tree. Painting them in different hues will decide how cool they look. These wood Christmas trees can be big or small enough to be placed on a shelf or table. They are perfect to be used outside the house too.

Scrap Wood Christmas Trees

Image: Crafts Unleashed

Scrap Wood Christmas Trees

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Scrap Wood Christmas Trees

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Scrap Wood Christmas Trees

Image: Love and Renovations

Pallet Wood Christmas Tree

Add a purpose to your Christmas celebration by repurposing pallet wood that you’ve crammed up in your storeroom since an age. You can transform unused pallets into a unique Christmas tree that will look graceful on the front porch. Below are some ideas to draw inspiration from.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Design Rulz

Image: Little House of Four

Pallet Christmas tree

Image: Pinterest/Industrial Designnz

Upcycling Wood Branches and Twigs into Christmas Tree

Have a no-waste holiday by upcycling wood branches and twigs into a Christmas tree. The appearance depends upon your creativity. Choose the ornaments wisely to not overdo the decor.

Upcycling Wood Branches and Twigs into Christmas trees

Image: Little Red Bag Productions

Upcycling Wood Branches and Twigs into Christmas trees

Image: Instagram @mycreativity_pescara

Upcycling Wood Branches and Twigs into Christmas trees

Image: Shabby Art Boutique

Wall-Hanging Christmas Tree made from Branches

For this DIY Christmas tree, collect some fallen tree branches in various sizes, and tie them up in the shape of a tree, where the largest branch will form the base. Hang it on a wall and decorate it with Christmas balls and stars to render a mesmerizing look. This way you are making good use of tree branches, which otherwise would land in a fire pit or be stranded without any practical use. Take a look at some ideas below.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Pinterest

Twig Christmas tree

Image: Crafts by Amanda

Tree branch Christmas tree

Image: Curbly/Bruno Bornsztein

PVC Pipe Christmas Tree

Have a look at these Christmas trees made from PVC pipes. They are a perfect idea for confined spaces or apartments, where space-saving decor is a must. PVC pipe Christmas tree adds a unique touch to the interior and doesn’t take much time or effort to make. You just need to cut PVC pipes into pieces, stick them together to form a tree pattern on a flat panel and decorate it with your favorite ornaments.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Martha Stewart

PVC pipe Christmas Tree

Image: Urban Nesting

Paper Christmas Tree

Paper Christmas trees are an easy craft idea. These trees are a cute addition to Christmas decorations and even kids can be involved in making them. A good way to make productive use of your family time.

Origami Christmas tree

Image: It All Started With Paint

DIY Christmas tree from paper

Image: Instagram @alltheneffyness

Paper Christmas Trees

Image: Bella Dia

Paper Christmas Trees

Image: Katrinshine Blog

Paper Christmas tree

Image: Ouiouioui Studio

Paper Christmas Trees

Image: Curbly

DIY Christmas tree from paper

Image: Instagram @livelylittles

Also Read: 55+ Christmas Tree Ornaments You can DIY This Year

Tissue Paper Christmas Tree

Fold a paper to form a cone and glue it all over with pieces of tissue paper to make this wall-hanging tree. Decorate it with small beads and voila, you have a Christmas tree ready.

Tissue Paper Christmas Tree

Image: Curbly

Tissue Paper Christmas Tree

Image: Spunky Junky

Book Christmas Tree

Don’t let your collection of books bite the dust. You have a good option of using them as an elegant Christmas tree. It will be a bibliophile’s dream come true. You just need to stack the books so they look like a Christmas tree. Embellish the tree with the desired Christmas tree decorations and it’s ready to be a conversation starter in the room.

Christmas tree alternative

Image: Kim Hooper

Cupcake Liner Christmas Tree

This is a simple Christmas centerpiece that can be prepared easily using cupcake wrappers. It is ideal to use different colors of cupcake liners. The base can also be prepared to give it a more elegant look. You can place the tree on a table or mount it on a wall.

 Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees A simple alternative Christmas tree centerpiece that can be prepared easily using cupcake wrappers. It is ideal to use different colors of cupcake liners. The base can also be prepared to give it a more elegant look. You can place them on a table or on a mount on a wall.

Image: The 36th Avenue

 Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees A simple alternative Christmas tree centerpiece that can be prepared easily using cupcake wrappers. It is ideal to use different colors of cupcake liners. The base can also be prepared to give it a more elegant look. You can place them on a table or on a mount on a wall.

Image: The Cake Blog

 Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees A simple alternative Christmas tree centerpiece that can be prepared easily using cupcake wrappers. It is ideal to use different colors of cupcake liners. The base can also be prepared to give it a more elegant look. You can place them on a table or on a mount on a wall.

Image: Periwinkle Pincushion Blog

Cardboard Christmas Tree

Do not throw away the cardboard boxes you’ve got with your newly bought refrigerator, washing machine, or TV. Use them for your decoration by making a Christmas tree out of them. The DIY is easy, you can involve your little ones with you in the making. Draw some inspiration from the ideas below. Happy building!

Cardboard Christmas tree

Image: Pinterest

Cardboard Christmas tree

Image: Instructables

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Pinterest

Cardboard Christmas tree

Image: Pink Stripey Socks

Wine Cork Christmas Tree

You can make a whimsical tabletop Christmas tree using unused wine corks. Start with gluing up the corks in an upright position around a Styrofoam cone leaving small gaps between each cork for battery-powered lights. Decorate with a bow, star, or other small ornaments of your choice and your tree is ready.

DIY wine Cork Christmas Tree

Image: Pink When

Image: Vintage News Junkie/UncorKed by Kimberly

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: KJ

Hanging Christmas Tree

Weave together shiny Christmas tree ornaments of the same or different colors and suspend them using thin threads. Use green ornaments if you want to get a reflection of a natural tree. You can hang this unusual Christmas tree at any central location within the living room. See below some Christmas tree mobiles you’d love.

Hanging Christmas Tree Mobile

Image: Pinterest

Hanging Christmas Tree Mobile

Image: Pinterest

Hanging Christmas Tree Mobile

Image: We’re Calling Shenanigans

Glass Bottle Christmas Tree

Collect all empty unused glass bottles at home and give them a second life by turning them into a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree. You need to stack them up, vertically or horizontally to form a tree-like structure. It can be decked with light strings and other ornaments.

Alternative Christmas tree ideas

Image: Pinterest

Glass bottle Christmas tree

Image: Evite

Glass bottle Christmas tree

Image: Mellieness

Glass bottle Christmas tree

Image: Ann’s Entitled Life

Balloon Christmas Tree

Take home green, white, and red balloons from a craft store to create a balloon Christmas tree. Blow up the balloons and fix them in a tree-shape using glue or tape. This lightweight Christmas tree can be decorated with glitter and you can even draw on the balloons. See below how you can do that.

Balloon Christmas Tree

Image: The Very Best Balloon Blog

Balloon Christmas Trees

Image: Sugar & Cloth

Balloon Christmas Trees

Image: Instagram @burtonplusburton

Balloon Christmas Trees

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Balloon Christmas Trees

Image: Instagram @bubblegumballoons

Balloon Christmas Tree

Image: Paint Sew Glue Chew 

Plastic Bottle Christmas Tree

Fabrice Peltier made this Christmas tree using a number of waste plastic bottles. It is a pretty good idea to reuse plastic bottles. It looks difficult at the onset but could be easy to build if you have patience and zeal.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Paris Cote Jardin

recycled plastic bottle christmas-tree

Image: Upcycled Wonders

Terracotta Pot Christmas Tree

You’ll need terracotta clay pots of different sizes for this DIY Christmas tree. Just paint them and stack one over the other for them to look like a tree. Decorate it with beads, gems, glitter, and a star tree topper. See some ideas for inspiration below.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Totally The Bomb

Terracotta Pot Christmas Tree

Image: A Little Craft in Your Day

Yarn Christmas Tree

You can easily make a Christmas tree by wrapping yarn around a cone. The more colorful the yarn, the more exciting and inviting the tree will look.

Yarn Christmas Trees People are now decorating homes with a variety of Christmas trees. One simple idea is to make trees by wrapping yarn around a cone; however, you can find many other ways. It's quite easy making yarn Christmas trees.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

Yarn Christmas Trees People are now decorating homes with a variety of Christmas trees. One simple idea is to make trees by wrapping yarn around a cone; however, you can find many other ways. It's quite easy making yarn Christmas trees.

Image: Rags to Couture

Yarn Christmas Trees People are now decorating homes with a variety of Christmas trees. One simple idea is to make trees by wrapping yarn around a cone; however, you can find many other ways. It's quite easy making yarn Christmas trees.

Image: Two Shades of Pink Blog

Yarn Christmas Trees People are now decorating homes with a variety of Christmas trees. One simple idea is to make trees by wrapping yarn around a cone; however, you can find many other ways. It's quite easy making yarn Christmas trees.

Image: Homedit

Yarn Christmas Trees People are now decorating homes with a variety of Christmas trees. One simple idea is to make trees by wrapping yarn around a cone; however, you can find many other ways. It's quite easy making yarn Christmas trees.

Image: Pinterest

Crocheted Christmas Tree

If you are into crocheting, then it is the right time to make some cute crocheted Christmas trees, ornaments, and decorations. Show off your skills by making a small or a life-sized Christmas tree. It would be a great addition to the home décor on Christmas.

Crocheted Christmas Trees If you are into crocheting, then it is right time to make some cute crocheted Christmas ornaments and decorations. Show off you skills by making a small or a life-sized Christmas tree. They would be great addition into home décor on Christmas.

Image: Maria’s Blue Crayon

Crocheted Christmas Trees If you are into crocheting, then it is right time to make some cute crocheted Christmas ornaments and decorations. Show off you skills by making a small or a life-sized Christmas tree. They would be great addition into home décor on Christmas.

Image: Bauta Witch

Crocheted Christmas Trees If you are into crocheting, then it is right time to make some cute crocheted Christmas ornaments and decorations. Show off you skills by making a small or a life-sized Christmas tree. They would be great addition into home décor on Christmas.

Image: Yarn Plaza

Crocheted Christmas Trees If you are into crocheting, then it is right time to make some cute crocheted Christmas ornaments and decorations. Show off you skills by making a small or a life-sized Christmas tree. They would be great addition into home décor on Christmas.

Image: Instagram @toosvanhaften

Pom-Pom Christmas Tree

If you are looking for a trendy and easy-to-make Christmas tree, you can make one using pom-poms. Simply glue-up pom-poms on a cone or make a wall hanging Christmas tree with them. These colorful trees will add a vibrant touch to the décor.

Pom Pom Christmas Trees

Image: Keeping It Simple Crafts

Pom Pom Christmas Trees

Image: Aww, Sam

Pom Pom Christmas Trees

Image: Dora Does

Pom Pom Christmas Trees

Image: Kyle Larsen/Pillar Box Blue

Twine Christmas Tree

Make a cone out of paper and glue twine all around it. Decorate it with buttons and other ornaments to finish the look. Scroll down for some inspirational ideas.

Twine Christmas Tree

Image: Domestically Blissful

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Craft A Spell

Twine Christmas Tree

Image: Rags to Couture

Twine Christmas Tree

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Twine Christmas Tree

Image: Homemade Gifts Made Easy

Also Read: 30+ Best Christmas Trees Made from Recycled Materials

Fabric, Felt, and Burlap Christmas Tree

You can add a festive décor to your home with Christmas trees made of fabric, felt, and burlap. You will need to hang these trees on the walls; however, you can also make freestanding Christmas trees, if you like. Add embellishments to trees according to your taste.

Fabric, Felt and Burlap Alternative Christmas Trees

Image: Two Twenty One

Fabric, Felt and Burlap Alternative Christmas Trees

Image: TwoFeetFirst

Fabric, Felt and Burlap Alternative Christmas Trees

Image: Re Fabbed

Fabric, Felt and Burlap Alternative Christmas Trees

Image: Sparkles of Sunshine

Fabric, Felt and Burlap Alternative Christmas Trees

Image: Crafts Unleashed

Ribbon Christmas Tree

Ribbons are widely used to decorate homes in festive flair. You can also use ribbons to make Christmas trees. Take a paper cone and wrap it creatively with ribbons and you are done!

Ribbon Christmas Trees

Image: Craft Passion

Ribbon Christmas Trees

Image: Tikkido

Ribbon Christmas Trees

Image: Sew Fantastic Blog

Ribbon Christmas Trees

Image: Craftberry Bush

Cotton Christmas Tree

Dazzle your guests by crafting cute little cotton Christmas trees. They are budget-friendly alternative Christmas trees.

Cotton Christmas trees

Image: Luluto Blog

Cotton Christmas trees

Image: Swing Time Designs

Button Christmas Tree

This mini button tree is a cool upcycled decoration. It can be placed on a mantel or can be turned into an adorable ornament.

Button Christmas Trees

Image: Stampin with Kjoyink

Button Christmas Trees

Image: Hey Lets Make Stuff

Sequin Christmas Tree

Think about sequin crafting if you want to add some sparkling magic to your home. The color can be chosen according to personal desire.

Sequin Christmas Trees

Image: Curbly

Sequin Christmas Trees

Image: Sweet Cs Designs

Sequin Christmas Trees

Image: Centsational Style            

Seashell Christmas Tree

You can easily turn seashells into tabletop Christmas trees. The task is to glue up seashells on a cone. You can make a cone from paper mache or carve a piece of foam into a cone. These little pieces would look great on a shelf or table.

Seashell Christmas Trees

Image: Sweet Teal

Seashell Christmas Trees

Image: The Artisan Life

Seashell Christmas Trees

Image: At The Picket Fence

Candy Christmas Tree

You can make candy Christmas tree topiaries as centerpieces for your home. You need to stick candies on a cone or pin them up along with wrappers. It is an easy and fun way to make some new holiday decorations without spending much.

Candy Christmas Trees

Image: Upstate Ramblings

Candy Christmas Trees

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Candy Christmas Trees

Image: Kitchen Meets Girl

Washi Tape Christmas Tree

If you are short on time and space, it is your best bet to make a wall Christmas tree using Washi tape. You can create a tree by drawing out floating triangles and simple strips on the wall using the tape.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Brit

Washi Tape Christmas Tree

Image: Homey Oh My

Washi Tape Christmas Tree

Image: Pinterest

Chalkboard Christmas Tree

Add an artistic touch to your home decoration this Christmas with a chalkboard Christmas tree. Use different colors to make it look attractive. A few suggestions are listed below.

Chalkboard Christmas Tree

Image: A Goode House

Chalkboard Christmas Tree

Image: Pinterest

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Rescon Solutions

Chalkboard Christmas Tree

Image: Creative Kismet

Also Read: 90+ DIY Christmas Garland Ideas: The Ultimate Roundup

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Help yourself count down days to Christmas by making a tree-shaped advent calendar. The DIY advent calendar will help you create amazing memories with kids.

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Image: Jennifer Maker

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Image: Tell Love and Party

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Image: The Paper Mama

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Image: Third Stop on the Right

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Image: Saved by Love Creations

Wall Christmas Tree Made from Light Strings

You can make a space-saving Christmas tree on your wall using light strips, paper, and some other decorative embellishments. You can stick some light strip in the shape of a Christmas tree on the wall and add goodies to it – your light string Christmas tree is ready.

Alternative Christmas tree ideas

Images: WarisanLighting

Photo Frame Christmas Tree

Take out all your favorite photos and stick them around empty cardboard boxes, and arrange these boxes to form a Christmas tree. This tabletop Christmas tree will be the focal point of your celebrations as cherished memories will be displayed in a nostalgic timeline. One of our favorites for sure.

Image: Emily Henderson

Pineapple Christmas Tree

If you don’t have much time on you, you can make a simple and cute Christmas tree using a pineapple. It is not only a budget-friendly idea but will also look attractive wherever you place it. Making it is super easy; all you have to do is, decorate a fresh pineapple with embellishments and festive lights. In the end, it boils down to your creativity – how innovative you can be with the lighting and decor.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Instagram/sg_decor Shopping Garden+Decor

Pineapple Christmas tree

Image: Instagram/Zohragalka

Natural Shrub Christmas Tree

This one is a really quick and easy Christmas tree idea. If you have potted plants at home, decorate them with shimmering light strings, decorative streamers, and shiny balls, and in no time, have a fun Christmas tree ready to make your guest go wow!

Alternative Christmas tree ideas

Image: Wikipedia

Succulent Christmas Tree

If you’re lucky to have succulent plants in your garden, then make your decoration unique with a succulent Christmas tree. Whether you place them on a table, or on a shelf, these nature-inspired Christmas trees look beautiful. You can even make large ones but they will require a lot of time and space. Scroll down for ideas.

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Perthsucculentbowls

Succulent Christmas tree

Image: Afloral

Pine Cone Christmas Tree

If you don’t like vibrant colors around you but want something simple yet unique for Christmas; nothing better than staying natural. One cool idea is to make use of pine cones to form a dry DIY Christmas tree. It can be embellished with lights or decorative objects, if you may, else they look equally impressive all bland. If you doubt, see some ideas below and get inspired.

Pinecone Alternative Christmas Tree

Image: Instagram @nasza_kraina_kreatywnosci

Pinecone Alternative Christmas Tree

Image: Instagram @brookesrosettes

Pinecone Alternative Christmas Tree

Image: Instagram @pastelfactory.hu

Pine cone Christmas tree

Image: Babble

20+ Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas to Try in 2019

Image: Yesterday on Tuesday

Pillow Christmas Tree

You can make a stylish Christmas tree by doing as little as stacking up some pillows. The color of pillow covers must be pretty and there you go.

Pillow Christmas Trees

Image: Love This Pic

Pillow Christmas Trees

Image: Pinterest

Corner Shelf Christmas Tree

That corner shelf at home can be utilized as a Christmas tree. You will need to decorate it with greenery, glittery ornaments, and other props.

Corner Shelf Christmas Trees

Image: Instagram @organizedclutter

Corner Shelf Christmas Trees

Image: Pinterest

Mosaic Christmas Tree

The mosaic Christmas tree will be an attention-grabbing piece, a perfect item to add charm to the home decoration for Christmas.

Mosaic Christmas Trees

Image: Handyman

Mosaic Christmas Trees

Image: Decorate and More with Tip

Mosaic Christmas Trees

Image: Instagram @china_petals

Hazelnut Cane Christmas Tree

Weave up hazelnut vines into the shape of a tree for the outdoors of your home. You can add colorful ornaments to improve its grace.

Hazelnut Cane Christmas Tree

Image: Instagram @onehourout.melb

Christmas Tree from Gifts

This one is as fun as receiving gifts. Stack up the gifts you get in the shape of a tree, add a star topper and it can be your Christmas tree. A super simple idea, provided you receive a lot of gifts on Christmas.

Gifts Christmas Tree

Image: Pinterest

Egg Carton Christmas Tree

An egg carton is the last thing you associate with making a Christmas tree, yet here is a cool idea. Before you think of adding an egg carton into the landfill, cut it out and stack it up for a Christmas tree alternative. Don’t forget to paint it green for the allure.

Egg Carton Christmas Tree

Image: The OT Toolbox

Tin Can Christmas Tree

Tin cans are easy recyclables to transform into a Christmas tree. Just stack up a few cans of varying sizes, with the largest in the base, color them and embellish with pom-poms and a star topper.

Tin Can Christmas Tree

Image: Babble Dabble Do

DIY Christmas Tree from Pallet Wood and Paper

This is a brilliant tree idea you can make for Christmas. All you would require is some pallets, patterned paper, and glue. Besides that, it’s your creativity!

DIY Christmas tree from pallet wood and paper

Image: Homedit

Wall Hanging DIY Christmas Tree

If you have some wood slabs at home, they can be turned into a beautiful wall hanging Christmas tree. You can tie them up with a rope in the shape of a tree and top it with a star.

DIY Christmas tree from wood

Image: Instagram @nat_monde

DIY Christmas Tree from Napkin

This stunning Christmas table decoration can be made very easily. You just need to fold the paper to look like a tree. It will rest on a plate.

Napkin Christmas tree

Image: Sand and Sisal           


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