For trend setters and small space dwellers, a traditional Christmas tree doesn't always work. Here are some DIY Christmas tree ideas to spice up the holidays.
20 Alternative DIY Christmas Tree Ideas
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DIY Triangle Wreath Tree
Recreate this gorgeous, space-saving wreath from Oleander and Palm. This modern triangle Christmas tree hangs on your wall, providing festive cheer without hogging any floorspace. Use real greenery to fill your home with a wintry pine scent. Here are a few tips to store your Christmas tree after the holidays.
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Wood Pallet Trees
Wood pallets have been all the rage in DIY for some time, but have you ever seen them used this way? Turn your leftover wood pallets into rustic Christmas trees. Leave them bare like these from @ironwood_nc or paint them red and green like Christmas Lights Etc.
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DIY Wooden Dowel Tree
Repurpose your craft and baking dowels to create this merry DIY. This one from northsouthhomecollective uses gum leaf garland for an original twist, but you could use any kind of garland. Try classic pine garland for a more traditional look.
![block tree christmas tree alternatives wood block christmas tree](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/blocktree.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Rustic Wood Tree
This rustic tree is made from reclaimed wood for a one-of-a-kind design that can be placed in the corner of the living room or on a tabletop, depending on how big you make it. Find some wood and grab a saw, hammer and nails to create these primitive Christmas tree alternatives. While you’re at it, learn how to build a Christmas tree stand.
![book christmas tree](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/booktree.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Christmas Tree Alternatives: Book Tree
Is there a book lover in your home? This book tree works well in a small space decorated with a strand of mini Christmas lights. Learn how to make a book Christmas tree.
![stick craft project christmas tree](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/sticktree.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Craft Project Tree
Kids can help create these alternative Christmas trees with simple craft supplies such as sticks, pipe cleaners and glue. When finished, hang some of your favorite little ornaments from the “branches.”
![reclaimed-wood christmas tree](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/reclaimed-wood.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Reclaimed Wood Tree
Pinterest has lots of ideas for turning reclaimed wood into alternative Christmas trees. And once completed, add some paint or stain and wrap a strand of lights around the finished project.
![branch tree christmas](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/branchtree.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Decorated Branch Tree
Christmas decorating doesn’t get much easier than this hanging branch Christmas tree. Go outside and find a branch, or purchase a plastic one from a craft store. Place it in a vase or pot or hang it from the ceiling or a chandelier, then decorate it with your favorite ornaments. This would work great as a centerpiece or atop a living room table.
![tree art christmas tree on reclaimed wood](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/treeartl.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Christmas Tree Art
If you have a fireplace and no room for a traditional tree, try decorating the mantel with some DIY tree art. Find a piece of reclaimed wood or even canvas for a backdrop. Use wire to form a tree shape or simple zigzag, and decorate with ribbon or strips of fabric tied to the wire. This ombre effect is on trend! Make your tree look even brighter with these zig zag Christmas lights.
![plywood christmas tree](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/plywoodtree.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Plywood Tree
This tree is made from sheets of birch plywood with stars cut out for modern Christmas tree alternatives. Search for “plywood Christmas tree patterns” online for dozens of additional options. And a scroll saw works best for cutting the large pieces of plywood for a tree this size.
![felt christmas tree](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/felttree.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Felt Tree
This felt tree is a great project to get kids started in DIY. These types of Christmas tree alternatives work great in small spaces, even in a child’s bedroom.
![String](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_486079354-String.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
String Tree
If you have room, consider recreating this tree. Hang some string from the ceiling and attach ornaments or even paper snowflakes from the end. Place gifts underneath.
If you’re going with a real Christmas tree this season, get in a festive holiday mood by building this sturdy DIY Christmas tree stand:
![Decorated](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_388065796-Decorated.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Decorated Handmade Tree
Try making a smaller handmade tree with scrap pieces of wood or even sturdy cardboard. Then decorate the tree with beads, ribbon and ornaments.
![Gift](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_312076649-Gift.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Gift Tree
Simply stack some wrapped gifts on top of each other to create a tree shape. Top with decorative items such as pine cones, ornaments or even a Santa hat.
![Twig](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_511430437-Twig.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Twig Tree
Bring in some twigs from outside or pick up some fake twigs from your local craft store. Stick them in a decorative vase and hang some ornaments. Remove the ornaments in January and this holiday tip becomes year-round decor.
![Hanging](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_525298507-Hanging.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Hanging Tree
Young kids will love hanging this DIY Christmas tree in their bedroom. Try decorating some paint stir sticks and then tie a string on the ends to create a hanging tree. This craft is small enough that you could still have space for a live tree.
![Wooden](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_346734953-Wooden.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Wooden Tree
This would be a great project for using up some pallet wood. Simply take a pallet and cut it so it is shaped like a tree. Decorate the tree with lights and your favorite ornaments. Check real and pallet Christmas trees for bugs before bringing them inside.
![chalk](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_336260750-chalk.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Chalkboard Tree
Look for a small chalkboard at a craft store and draw a Christmas tree on the board. Put it on a shelf and place items such as pine cones and evergreen branches at the base to add holiday cheer to any room.
![Upside-Down](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_760657549-Upside-Down.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Upside-Down Tree
This alternative Christmas tree will take some planning, but when completed it certainly makes a statement. And toddlers and cats can’t get at it! Find out if Christmas trees are toxic to cats.
Take precautions when hanging it to make sure it won’t come crashing down on anything breakable. Hanging your tree like this will keep your ornaments safe from pets, and it frees up more floor space for gifts. Store your Christmas tree properly after removing it from the ceiling.
![Cone](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_543307549-Cone.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Cone Trees
Decorate some cones so they look like trees. Bend sturdy construction paper into a cone shape and attach the sides with tape. Then decorate it with markers, yarn or paint and add buttons and string. They’re inexpensive but super chic — the perfect holiday decorating tip.