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Fri, 12/03/2021
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Small Christmas tree ideas – save space without sacrificing festive style
Giant Christmas trees certainly make an impact but, let’s face it, how many of us live in houses with room for a 12foot fir?! This year, embrace pretty and petite options with small Christmas tree ideas which make just as much of a statement as any overly tall tree which is clearly overcompensating for something.
When deciding which of the many Christmas tree ideas you’re going for this holiday season, first consider what your small home actually needs. Do you have low ceilings? Is floor space lacking? Once you’ve figured this out, finding a tree becomes so much easier.
Small Christmas tree ideas
‘When you are debating what size Christmas tree you want, it is absolutely vital that you take the correct measurements, not just from top to bottom, but also you need to see how big of an area you have,’ advise the experts at Christmas Tree World. ‘Having a tree that is too big can make your room feel full, whilst a tree that is too small can be underwhelming. Getting a tree that is the right size can be the perfect addition to your home and ramp up the festive feel.’
So wether you need a shorter tree, a tabletop option or something completely out of the box, read out to discover our favourite small Christmas tree ideas.
1. Choose a half tree
Image credit: Wilko
Perfect for narrow hallways, or awkward rooms, half Christmas trees from brands including Wilko, are a clever way to have an impressive looking fir in a small home.
As well as fitting in neatly, you still have a full height and width tree to decorate, so you don’t have to sacrifice any of your favourite baubles because of a tree downsize. No-one really looks at the back of a tree anyway, but choose an oversized Christmas tree topper to give the illusion of extra dimension.
2. Find a contemporary solution
Image credit: Habitat
In a minimalist home, look for modern alternative Christmas tree ideas. A slimline wooden triangle becomes a cool geometric interpretation of the traditional fir.
As well as taking up little space, a version like this option from Habitat, is perfect for really putting your prized decorations in full view. If you simply cannot sacrifice a tree topper, try attaching a 2-D star with a Command Strip.
3. Go short but shapely
Image credit: Future PLC
A small home doesn’t have to forgo looking at real Christmas trees. If low ceilings are an issue, choose a 3-4 foot tree. You can place on a stand and in a basket for a little extra height, but don’t try and raise things up to high as it will start to overwhelm the room and feel out of proportion.
Shape is key here, so source a tree with plenty of branches and depth to it. Another bonus of a smaller tree such as this is that you can have all the benefits of a real tree, but at less cost and with less struggle to carry home and set up.
4. Focus on the baubles
Image credit: Bloomingville
If floor space is totally lacking, or you just prefer to be slightly alternative in your small home, then consider casting aside of preconceptions of what a Christmas tree really is.
Reinvent your Christmas window decor ideas with a creative display. Forage for gently twisted slender tree branches and place in a tall, sturdy vase. Decorate with baubles as you would a traditional tree, but stick to your lighter decorations to prevent breakage. We also love this idea for adding a Christmas tree element into extra rooms of the house.
5. Create a mini forest
Image credit: Layered Lounge
Christmas mantel decor is always something to consider at this time of year, so why not kill two birds with one stone and add your tree in here?
A selection of slim, miniature trees can be arrangement on your mantelpiece or shelving to not only add height but to create your very own winter wonderland forest. Make this work even harder by moving to your dining table when it’s time to start working on your Christmas table centrepiece.
6. Choose a slim shape
Image credit: Wayfair
If your home is just a tad small in terms of footprint, then it’s delightfully simple to find a small Christmas tree to fit. Several of the best artificial Christmas trees are, or come in, super slim options.
Be mindful to measure the area you plan to put the Christmas tree in before purchasing, paying close attention to the diameter as you need to make sure family and friends will still be able to walk buy without knocking your baubles off.
7. Look to your walls
Image credit: Ginger Ray
One of our current favourite Christmas tree trends this year is also tailor made for smaller homes.
‘If you’re short on space, but big on Christmas, hang this effortlessly simple rustic ladder tree on a wall or door for an instant festive finish,’ say the team at Ginger Ray. ‘Embrace a touch of Scandi styling if you haven’t got room for a big tree. Don’t forget you can still customise it with foliage and Christmas decorations!’
You can even have a go at making your own, with some rope or ribbon, foraged twigs, and a picture hook.
8. Think laterally
Image credit: Quince and Cook
Yes, traditionally Christmas trees do tend to be rather vertical, but it’s always fun to turn things on their heads. Double up your Christmas tree with a unique hanging centrepiece for a quirky, space-saving alternative.
Hang a branch using invisible fishing wire to either – strongly attached – pendant lighting, or heavy-duty Command hooks. Layer aith a length of fir and dress using paper decorations and light baubles.
9. Show off the silhouette
Image credit: Cox and Cox
‘Ideal for those with limited space or wanting to take a step away from tradition and decorate in a minimalist fashion this festive season, a silhouette tree is the perfect blank canvas,’ says Dani Taylor, Product and Creative Director of Cox and Cox.
‘To make the most of this modern tree’s versatility, hang with contrasting dramatic gold baubles, coordinating cool grey ornaments, or simply wind a set of fairy lights around the branches for a simple, but joyful look.’.
10. Focus on the height
Image credit: Future PLC
If you just don’t have the floor space for a huge tree then experiment with some contemporary designs that accommodate city dwellers and apartment settlers.
This one has a long stem with a bushy head so diners can still enjoy the aesthetics of a traditional Christmas tree without it getting in the way.
11. Take it to the floor
Image credit: Future PLC
If the small Christmas tree you’ve found is extra wide and plump, then it’s worth forgoing a height-adding base. Keep the tree low to the ground to avoid any off proportions when there aren’t presents to fill the space. If you’re taking this route, be extra aware to spread decorations out evenly, as by placing all your large baubles towards the base could make the tree feel too bottom heavy.
12. Make it miniature
Image credit: Future PLC
Lots of mini Christmas trees have come on the market over recent years. They look festive on window ledges and compliment big Christmas trees. If you have a small home then opt for a handful of these dotted around instead of one large one to add a Christmassy feel to multiple rooms without taking up the space.
13. Switch up the location
Image credit: Future PLC
If you are worried about rearranging furniture for your fir then fear no more. We know that in a small home space is precious so rather than trying to fit your tree in a more central zone, place it in a corner position to increase the available square footage of the room.
Learn how to decorate a Christmas tree professionally with lights and baubles to ensure that your fir remains the focal point, even if placed to one side. stick your tree in a corner that was otherwise sparse. A decorated, lit, fully sized plant will be handsome enough to be spotted behind an armchair or corner table.
14. Take it outside
Image credit: Future PLC
If you don’t have the space inside then utilise your porch and keep the tree in its natural habitat. Standing the timber outside the house will create lots of room for other mantlepiece and wall decorations inside, plus they are a merry welcome to guests popping over for Christmas nibbles.
15. Raise it up
Image credit: Future PLC
To free up foot space and some room for your dad dance moves, put your tree on a table and arrange your presents around the base. If you have one, a mirrored table reflects the tree to make it look bigger than it is. If not then just pick a pretty table top and cover it with ribbons and Christmas confetti.
16. Choose a modern mural
Image credit: Future PLC
A 2D tree won’t take up any room this Christmas and will keep guests talking! Super innovative and really fun – get kids to decorate them with glittery designs, play pin the conifer cone on the tree or ask family and friends to sign their names and treasure as a Christmas keep sake.
How do you make a small Christmas tree look good?
Small Christmas trees are having something of a moment, and there are all manner of ways to dress them so that they look their very best. Small versions are excellent for committing to a theme, perhaps a colourway, because you need fewer decorations to complete the look and make it feel finished. If using a real tree, a bit of extra height from a base or a pretty basket will add give it more presence and impact.
How do you decorate a miniature tree?
Decorate small Christmas trees as you would a larger version, just using fewer baubles, and making sure the ones you choose stay in proportion to the tree. ‘A lot of houses will hang ornaments on their Christmas tree haphazardly, causing it to look populated and a little bit claustrophobic,’ note the experts at Christmas Tree World. ‘You can easily avoid that by having a plan of what you want your Christmas tree to look like. You should spread out your decorations evenly, whilst also considering symmetry. Your decorations shouldn’t just dangle at the edge of branches, make sure you are pushing larger baubles to the back of the tree where they will look best. The best decorations for the edge of branches are the longer decorations (e.g. icicles, candy canes etc). When the light reflects off them it gives the tree a warm and dazzling look from the inside out.’
What can I do instead of a Christmas tree?
Instead of a Christmas tree this year, think outside of the box. Wall hanging versions are especially popular right now – either bought or homemade. Some alternative advent calendars are even in the shape of a tree, neatly taking its place, while checking off another to-do on the Christmas countdown. Wall murals are coming into play slowly but surely, too, but make sure that the type you choose won’t damage your walls upon removal. There are even more wacky ideas out there, from stacking books into a tree, shaping one out on the walls with washi tape, or arranging balloons into a Christmas tree shape.
The post Small Christmas tree ideas – save space without sacrificing festive style appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 9 min
Kitchen Christmas decorating ideas to add festive cheer to cooking
As the heart of our homes we spend a large portion of our time in the kitchen, especially at Christmas. Yet year after year, the room that serves us so well throughout the festive period gets forgotten when it comes to the decorating scheme. Not this year, thanks to our thoughtful kitchen Christmas decorating ideas – we are dressing kitchens to perfection.
From decorative wreaths to statement christmas lighting ideas, we’ve rounded up the perfect solutions to cheer up your hardworking kitchen. These simple Christmas decor ideas do the job without any hassle or demands on precious kitchen space this…
Kitchen Christmas decorating ideas
1. Decorate the cooker
Image credit: Future PLC
As the main attraction of any kitchen the cooker is a the ideal focal point for your kitchen Christmas decorating ideas. A simple festive garland above the cooker surround frames the space beautifully. Interweaving fairy lights into the garland helps to make the display all the more captivating.
If you have a wall rack for hanging pots and pans this can act as the prefect place to decorate with lights.
2. Unify an open-plan kitchen with coordinated foliage
Image credit: Future PLC/ Chris Snook
Keep it simple but uniformed to add an understated festive touch to your kitchen. Coordinate a festive scheme with fresh foliage adorning the kitchen counter, dining table and walls with a wreath. The simple presence of well-style greenery signifies a nod to extra decoration without having to embrace full-on Christmas decorations.
This idea is particularly effective to unify an open-plan kitchen dining area. Not just for christmas either, you could choose seasonally relevant foliage to dress the kitchen, ensuring it’s always dressed to impress at all times.
3. Curate a merry Christmas display
Image credit: Dunelm; Merry Neon Tube Light, £15
Just throughout the festive season choose to clear the kitchen shelves of cookbooks, tea and coffee canisters – freeing up valuable space to curate seasonal displays. From christmas figurines and paper decorations to statement neon LED lights, group a selection of decorations to style a fabulous festive shelfie.
Swap out your everyday essentials for a festive alternative; such as Christmas tree shaped chopping boards and seasonal placemats.
4. Add ambience with candlelight
Image credit: Lights4fun.co.uk
Create ambience with candlelight. Christmas candle ideas, whether real or LED, offer more intimate and softer lighting for those spending time in the kitchen. LED lights are the obvious choice for safety, especially in a busy family kitchen but real candles offer a flickering flame that feels enchanting. Just be sure not to leave real candles left unattended.
5. Light up kitchens with striking stars
Image credit: Dunelm; Wooden Star Lights, £20 set of 2
Create the ultimate Christmas shelfie with a selection of the best christmas lights. From draping strings of decorative fairy lights along the shelf edge to making space for large statement star lights, like these from Wooden LED stars form Dunelm. The battery-powered lights are ideal for kitchen shelves because they don’t require a mains plug.
6. Set up a drinks station
Image credit: B&M
Create a drinks serving station on a section of clear kitchen work surface, to keep all your finest serving ware on display – all grouped together. Add festive foliage and fairy lights to suitably decorate the set up.
Whether you have to hideaway kitchen appliance for a few days or are fortunate to have a larger enough space clear already this idea is about dedicating an area to display your best Christmas drinksware and use the area as a serving station. Keep this area away from the food preparation area, to ensure the frequent re-fillers aren’t under the feet of the chefs.
7. Put your Christmas cards on show
Image credit: Tesco
The kitchen dresser is a prime place to show off all your Christmas cards, as they over spill the living room mantelpiece. A kitchen dresser also proves handy as a creative place to display Christmas card idea as a means of hiding what’s already in the dresser – so it instantly feels more festive.
8. Choose a mini tree
Image credit: Armac Martin
A create alternative tree idea for a kitchen is a miniature tree. The small but impactful tree welcomes a flavour of Christmas without taking up valuable space – which in a busy festive kitchen is invaluable.
9. Frame the window with foliage
Image credit: Lights4fun.co.uk
Garlands are not just for Christmas mantel decor ideas. A simple flourish of foliage can make all the difference when it comes to festive styling. None more so than when used at the highest point to frame the window, effortlessly elevating the decorating scheme. Use command hooks to secure the garland in place, to avoid it crashing down in the middle of festive food prep.
10. Welcome wreaths indoors
Image credit: John Lewis & Partners
Wreaths aren’t limited to front doors and blustering winds – bring them inside. Hanging a circular garland from your kitchen door will add instant Christmas cheer to a room – even if it’s otherwise undecorated – and won’t take up precious space.
11. Bring on the baubles
Image credit: Future PLC
Wreaths hung from the ceiling and cabinet knobs make the perfect hanging spot for baubles, while cornices and pelmets can be adorned with holly and spruce. Select moisture-resistant, wipe-clean decorations and faux foliage to avoid wilting in the heat.
12. Display seasons greetings
Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby
Extend season’s greetings to all by writing a happy message on a chalkboard to display in the kitchen. A message board is a DIY Christmas decor idea that is easy to do but immensely impactful on the decor and vibes within the room.
Surround the chalkboard with your best seasonal tableware. Christmas offers a great excuse to invest in cake tins and containers – they are perfect for adding a seasonal burst of colour to the space.
13. Bring in some natural foliage
Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole
This can look great all year round, but works especially well over Christmas. Holly, ivy and mistletoe suit a rustic kitchen to a tee, but equally would soften the edges of a very modern scheme. If you hate Christmas kitsch, this could be the look for you.
14. Serve up some edible decorations
Image credit: FuturePLC/ Claudia Dulak
With all the food that’s going round, you’ll have enough for a few decorations. Christmas cake, mince pies, sausage rolls and biscuits, will look that bit more inviting sitting on red table runners, and are sure to tempt any passing guests. Don’t forget to put out a few plates and napkins to catch crumbs.
15. Add festive ornaments
Image credit: Future PLC/ Oliver Gordon
Ornaments are fitting for the Christmas kitchen as they are small and discreet. Small trees, themed prints, wooden reindeer and bowls of baubles can be dotted on worktops, shelves and islands to ensure the Christmas theme runs throughout the house.
16. Set your festive table
Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young
If you’re dining around your kitchen table this Christmas, then decorate it extravagantly. The rest of the room will then require little or no other decoration, yet it feels sufficiently festive. We love a bold red that’s fun for both children or grown ups and works brilliantly with two kitchen colour schemes of the moment – navy and grey.
17. Go bold with a tree
Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole
If you have the luxury of unlimited space in your kitchen, then the best way to give it some Christmas cheer is by adding a tree. Place it near the dining table to be admired at meal times and decorate in colours that complement your kitchen.
18. Lighten the mood
Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole
Twinkling fairy lights strewn over fireplaces, cabinets and open shelving are an instant Christmas pick me up and will create a festive atmosphere during the evening. Hung up high, they are out of the way and a simple decoration but have a big impact in a busy room. Save energy by opting for eco-friendly LEDs.
19. Fill your kitchen with scents of the season
Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles
A fragranced candle will infuse your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas before the oven is even turned on! Cranberry, pomegranate and festive spices like clove work especially well.
20. Create a glamorous bar
Image credit: Future PLC/ Jonathan Gooch
Convert an existing storage space into a drinks station. Here, gleaming mirror-lined walls and sparkling glass shelves create a dazzling display space for coloured glassware and a selection of everyone’s favourite seasonal tipples.
The built-in table makes a great drinks prep space as well as a handy nook for tucking in a bar stool. Keeping wine and spirits out on display rather than hidden away creates a warm and hospitable feel in a house full of guests.
How can I decorate my kitchen for Christmas?
A kitchen can be easily decorated for Christmas with small touches that welcome festive cheer. Displaying Christmas cards is an easy way to instantly add festive feel-good factor to kitchens, be it on a clear shelf or with a kitchen dresser. If your kitchen is an open-plan dining space adding a second tree helps to carry the decorating scheme through from room to room.
Kitchen shelves provide the perfect platform to curate Christmas displays of garlands, lights and ornaments. Welcome Christmas characters and signature festive motifs to add personality to the space.
The post Kitchen Christmas decorating ideas to add festive cheer to cooking appeared first on Ideal Home.
Reading time: 7 min
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