A dark green Christmas tree stand camouflaged by a Christmas tree skirt is a pretty standard way to anchor your tree, but maybe this holiday season, "pretty standard" isn't on the agenda for your Christmas decor. Switching up the tree stand can be an easy way to put a new spin on your tree, even when you're using the same Christmas lights and Christmas ornaments you use every year.
Using a different kind of stand is only a brilliant new take on your Christmas decor if it actually keeps the tree in place. A DIY tree stand might look cute in photos, but it won't seem so cute when the tree topples to the ground in the middle of the night because the stand wasn't secure.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
The most secure way to change up the look of your Christmas tree base is to use some kind of cover or container that's large enough to hold the entire tree stand. That way, your tree will stay upright through the entire holiday season. And if you're using a live tree, you'll still be able to use a tree stand with a water reservoir to keep it from drying out. There are lots of Christmas tree stand cover ideas that you can explore!
A tree stand basket collar
Using a wicker basket or wicker Christmas tree collar is a subtle and classic way to camouflage your tree stand. It's not even a complicated DIY project. You can buy basket-style tree collars for sale in a number of colors and patterns from retailers like Amazon. They're typically made of several connecting panels so you can get your tree set up securely in its stand and then put the pieces together around the base.
Alternately, you could hide your Christmas tree stand inside a real basket. Choose one that's wide with low sides. If you're using a real tree in a stand with a water reservoir, lay down a Christmas tree stand tray or plastic sheeting in the bottom of the basket before setting up the stand. Keep the basket dry to prevent mildew from forming.
Tip
A basket might be the perfect container for a small tabletop tree, especially if you already have baskets around your house. Slip a small, potted live tree into a larger decorative basket. For small artificial Christmas trees, skip the tree stand and prop the tree inside a basket with cotton wool, crumpled paper or stones inside to hold the tree in place.
An upcycled tire
Do you have an old tire in your garage that's bound for the landfill? Transforming a tire into sustainable holiday decor is an easy DIY project. A tire Christmas tree stand can be more stylish than you might expect. Just make sure the tire's opening is wide enough to allow your tree stand to fit inside.
A wooden crate
A wooden Christmas tree stand might be the perfect fit if you're going for a traditional or even Scandinavian Christmas aesthetic this year. A wood crate makes a charmingly rustic base and should be sturdy enough to be used year after year. As long as your crate is large enough, you can easily set up the tree stand itself inside it.
If you don't have the woodworking skills to handcraft your own Christmas tree stand box, home improvement stores sometimes sell crates made from pallets. Vintage stores and flea markets might also sell crates.
Tip
Decorating your Christmas tree stand can be a fun way to personalize it or a way to tie your Christmas tree decor into your living room's color scheme. These are just a few decorating ideas for transforming a simple basket, wooden crate or other tree stand cover.
- Paint a wooden box or tire with spray paint in a metallic gold, icy blue or traditional red.
- Wrap the stand cover with twine, burlap, strands of pompoms or even tinsel. This is an especially good method for decorating an old tire. Use a hot glue gun to keep the decorations in place; you'll find step-by-step tutorials online to walk you through the process.
- Wrap a basket or wooden crate with wrapping paper to make the entire tree stand look like a gift.
A decorative planter
Wander the aisles of your local garden store for possible Christmas tree stand cover inspiration. A large planter might be the perfect fit for your tree stand. It's also a good option if you're using a potted live tree this year. Planters are also available in a range of materials and styles, so this is an avenue to explore if you're hoping for a metal or ceramic stand cover.
No matter your style or vision for this year's Christmas decor or whether you choose to go with a basket, a tire, a wooden crate, a planter or something else, there's a perfect alternative tree stand cover out there for you!