8 Affordable Alternatives To A Traditional Christmas Tree Skirt That Look So Chic

While you could get away with leaving the branches or top of a Christmas tree bare, that metal stand keeping it from toppling over shouldn't be on display. Tree skirts are a popular way to cover these bases. They flow out 360 degrees around the tree and create a pretty landing pad for presents. However, using the same skirt year after year is boring, but buying new pieces can add extra cost to an already high holiday budget. Plus, skirts don't fit everyone's taste. Luckily, there are household items and thrifted decor you can use as a Christmas tree skirt alternative to hide the support base in style — from blankets to buckets.

Whether your holiday aesthetic is woodland country Christmas or sparkling winter wonderland, there's a design to fit your theme. Better yet, these ideas are inexpensive, featuring an item you can get cheap online, find at a secondhand store, or DIY. There's also room for personalization if you're feeling crafty. They even work as ways to decorate your Christmas tree without ornaments. Who knows? You might never go back to a traditional Christmas tree skirt.

A fabric pouch gives the Christmas tree's support stand a cute sock to snuggle into, and any textile will work. A plaid blanket matches the traditional Christmas style, a burlap sheet creates the perfect rustic sack, and a sherpa throw complements a cozy theme. Simply lay the fabric with the backside up and place your tree stand in the center. Then bundle all the edges of your fabric together at the neck of the stand. Finally, tie it in place with mesh garland, twine, or ribbon. To fluff it up, add fill stuffing or small pillows before tying it.

For something more rustic, try a wooden crate. Just plop the tree inside and the base will be out of sight. The boxy look is a unique twist from traditional rounded tree skirts and collars, which lends to a more bespoke design. Plus, the wood material matches effortlessly with the tree, even an artificial one. Crates with a distressed surface, cross hatch design, or prominent wood grain will add more depth to the holiday display.

A wine barrel is another rustic tree skirt alternative. However, a coat of spray paint can easily tailor it to another aesthetic. The contoured silhouette contrasts the cone shape of the tree, adding more visual interest. The metal hoops around the barrel are also another ornamental touch. These barrels are often repurposed as planters so it's perfect for a Christmas tree. Depending on how tall it's cut, the barrel can also draw the eye lengthwise, giving your tree the illusion of extra height too.

Using cardboard as a tree skirt alternative is super affordable, but it does take some craft skills to turn it into a beautiful base cover. For a rounded, collar look, cut your cardboard into a thick arching strip like a bracelet. Wrapping paper and cord zig-zagged across the front will turn the collar into a festive drum. Or you can use the entire cardboard box. Just cover it in wrapping paper to turn the humble board into a gift box tree stand. It is a simple yet creative Christmas decoration you can make with household items.

If you already have a wicker basket at home, then this alternative is a no brainer. The natural material and textured design complements a cozy Christmas theme or neutral look. Even similar wire or cloth woven baskets make a great substitute. For extra flare, fill the basket with tinsel garland or wrapping paper. Then, when the holiday season is over, the basket is ready to be a stylish storage container.

That old blanket or sofa throw is a tree skirt in the making. There's no need to cut or sew anything. Just simply drape it around the stand. You can add pillows underneath to fluff it up or spread it out to draw the eye horizontally. Any blanket will do. However, thick ones like those with a chunky knit or furry coat complement the cozy, winter vibe best. Of course, layering multiple blankets is also ideal for ample color and texture.

On the industrial end, a metal bucket can make the ideal tree skirt alternative. Galvanized plant beds also work for larger trees. The silver color pairs well with metallic and glittery Christmas decor. If the steel can is too hardcore for your style, soften the sturdy look with fake snow along the edges or by pairing it with a cozy throw.

A ribbon wreath is another unique option to cover your tree base. Plus, next Christmas season, you can switch things up and hang it elsewhere. For really large trees, you'll need a jumbo wreath, which you can create by turning a hula hoop into twinkling holiday decor. A DIY wreath adds a chic homemade touch and means it will definitely match the rest of your holiday decor.