TREE ON THE WALL
The evergreen Christmas tree is a prominent piece of decoration in homes during the holiday season. It is believed that Germany began the tradition of putting up Christmas trees in the 16th century.
However, instead of buying a new fake tree to put up, along with a host of other decorations which add to the cost, go for an alternative. Get creative and make a “non-tree” using string, wood planks, washi tape, or try assembling one just using ornaments and string lights. The alternative Christmas tree can also help save space in smaller rooms if it is hung on the wall.
As a general rule, the bottom of the “tree” should be at least 12 inches from the floor. Using whatever materials you wish, arrange them to form the shape of the traditional Christmas tree or a pyramid. The alternative tree has a host of styles you could try. Sit down with the family and decide what materials to use and then start decorating together.
The best part? You won’t need so much space to store it for the following year. These days, the wreath is merely a decorative piece that sits on the front door or table centrepiece and people have gotten quite creative in reinventing new ways to interpret this festive ornament. Among its many reinventions, the latest to grace the scene is using a naked frame that is decorated according to the holiday theme for the year. Empty frames are painted over in traditional holiday colours, while baubles and bells are hung in the middle of the frame and a voluminous bow is placed on the top. Another trend is to break away from the round shape and go for other configurations instead. A prominent feature in this trend are starshaped wire frames with minimal decorations on it. Maybe just a small evergreen branch, ribbons or string lights. But if the round shape still rolls for you, there are countless other ideas to make it a little different.
Make a colourful wreath using scraps of fabric, tying them on a round wire frame. If baubles make the world go round for you, make a wreath using round baubles in different colours. For a fun activity with young kids, make a paper wreath with paper cut-out red ribbons as decoration.