There’s no rule that says your Christmas tree has to look the same every year.
Maybe this year yours could be some pretty fairy lights on the wall, a potted native you can plant out later, maybe even a stack of your favourite books dressed up with baubles.
If you’re short on space or just want something a little different, there are plenty of creative ways to bring the festive feel into your home.
Image via Papier d’Amour
Real vs Fake: Which Tree Is More Sustainable?
Before we get to the alternatives, let’s look at the classic choice. Real or fake? Which one’s better for the planet?
A real tree feels natural, smells amazing, and if you buy local and mulch or compost it afterwards, it can be the lighter option. But tossed in landfill, it breaks down without oxygen and pumps out methane — not exactly the Christmas spirit. If you do go down the real tree route, most councils in Australia offer green-waste collections in January (the trees are mulched), so make sure to take advantage of it.
Fake trees get points for reusability, but most are plastic. They take a lot of energy to make and can’t be recycled when they break. They only start to “pay back” their footprint if you use them for at least ten years, closer to twenty, according to some studies.
When it comes down to it, the most sustainable choice is generally the one you can reuse year after year, or keep alive beyond Christmas. A potted native, a DIY tree made from what’s already in the house, or one of the clever alternatives below can all tick those boxes.
The sky’s the limit. There are so many brilliant alternative Christmas trees out there, so this year we challenge you to try one yourself.
Here are some of our favourite alternative Christmas trees
Fairy Light Wall Tree
Fairy lights already make a room feel magical, so why not let them be the tree?
Easy to pin into shape on the wall, it gives you the festive glow without taking up any space. Add ornaments or paper stars over the top if you want more colour, or keep it pared back for a clean, modern look.
We even have a step-by-step guide here.
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Potted Native Tree
A living tree that lasts well beyond Christmas.
Decorate it with lights and ornaments in December, then plant it out in the garden or keep it in a pot for next year. Choose a lilly pilly, banksia or even a Wollemi pine — natives that feel right at home in an Aussie summer.
Via Pinterest
Bamboo Screen Wall Tree
DIY Queen, Geneva Vanderzeil’s bamboo screen tree is smart, renter-friendly and big on impact.
Layer it with greenery, lights and ornaments, and it becomes a full-sized backdrop that looks festive without taking up floor space.
Via Collective Gen
Scandi Style Wooden Tree
Minimal and modern, these wooden trees have a clean Nordic look and fold away once the season’s over.
They’re made to last, and you can style them however you like — bare and simple one year, covered in baubles the next. The perfect fit if you love design but don’t want another plastic tree.
If you’re not up for a DIY, the original One Two Tree still has our hearts, and Etsy has a whole range of wooden tree styles from sellers worldwide.
Via One Two Tree
Book Stack Tree
For the book lovers, this one’s a dream. Stack your novels into a tall, tapering pile; you can make it as small as you want or as big as your space (and book collection) allows. Wrap them in lights, tuck in a few decorations, and you’ve got yourself a Christmas tree that’s equal parts festive and cosy.
Roller Blind Tree
Collective Gen again, proving even old roller blinds can become something festive.
Cut into fluted strips and pieced together, they become a modern, sculptural tree that’s completely unique and keeps old blinds out of landfill.
Via Collective Gen
Hanging Branch Tree
For anyone with a cat who thinks Christmas trees are jungle gyms, this is the safe bet.
Hang a sturdy branch from the ceiling or wall, add lights and ornaments, and it keeps the sparkle well out of reach of curious paws. Use native or fresh tree branches, and compost when you’re done.
Via Pinterest
Stick Tree Christmas tree
Another simple space saver. Forage a bundle of sticks, tie them into a triangle or hang them in tiers on the wall.
Decorate with whatever’s on hand, gum leaves, ribbon scraps, handmade ornaments, anything goes. Making use of what’s already around you and costs nothing but a walk outside.
Via Zanzanee Kitchen
Smør Home DIY Tree
This clever DIY timber tree shows just how creative you can get with a few pieces of wood.
Made from timber slats you cut and piece together, which can be moved into different positions, so you end up with a design that’s completely your own.
Via Smør Home
More Ways to Celebrate a Sustainable Christmas
Here are our other guides to an eco-friendly holiday season:
