As promised, a follow-up to this week's question of modern vs traditional Christmas trees: my top 5 picks for trendy, inventive and kooky Christmas tree alternatives, in the name of saving a few unassuming saplings. Although, I did get a stern talking-to from a reader -- Anne -- on Monday's question post, to the effect that cutting Christmas trees is a necessary cottage industry. Don't get so mad at me Anne, it was meant to be funny. By all means, if it helps the boys scouts, I would never begrudge it.
Anywho, short of renting an undisturbed, potted specimen of the real thing -- which many smart people have turned into a fire-hot business -- the following are the latest in alternative Christmas style. And since style is our business here on STYLE Sheet, I bring you what I hope is a comprehensive roundup...
Reusable Wood
From the left: Possibili Tree; Buro Tree from BuroNorth; Linder im Norden X'mas Tree
These have been making the rounds on design blogs for a few years now and more are joining the ranks (it would seem) every month or so. Interesting, definitely stylie, and decidedly modern; my only possible complaint is that they seem to be more ornament rack than festive holiday symbol. I do love them as objects of design however, and there is something pleasant about their austerity.
The "Santa Lucia"
Blomus Estillo tealight tree; right photo; StyleFiles blog
This modern option is perhaps my favorite. Essentially a Christmas tree candelabra, that is perhaps most appealing because it is largely not there. A simple thin wire is all you have to suggest the shape of the holiday icon, really secondary to the simple beauty of candle light. SO pretty. And that wire spiral on the right is no longer available (originally from the Netherlands I think), but doesn't it get your creative juices flowing? The Moroccan tray, the scattered tea lights at the bottom...I WANT it.
2D Christmas
Left: ATLITW's Flickr photo stream via ThreadBanger.com, right: tree decal, AllPosters.com
This here is the perfect solution for small spaces. Why take up valuable floor real estate if you can stick a little Christmas to the wall? For those who don't care to work out their creative muscle, simply peel and stick a ready-made decal (right). But for you crafty lot, I'm sure you're heady with possibilities just looking at the memento Christmas wall there on the left. I know I am. Not to mention, my 'family craft' antennae are vibrating up a storm...
The Reno Christmas
"Ladder Day Saint's" tree via Joe-Ks.com
Now THIS is HGTV chic! Even if you're not renovating, it happens to be a perfect option for industrial spaces with high ceilings -- draws your eye right up. I do also love the bowling pin for a topper.
The Bob & Doug Special
This, my friends, is wholly new to me. I had no idea this was a whole movement! But as with every intrinsically brilliant idea, it instantly made me think; why didn't I think of this? How could it NOT exist? No doubt bottles and cans were forged exactly so, for this very purpose! Yes -- since I've discovered the 'empties' tree, life and the universe suudenly make sense. This phenomenon deserves a full gallery...
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What are your Christmas tree alternatives? Have you ever heard of an empties tree? BRILLIANT, no?
Top 5 Friday is featured every Friday on Style Sheet.
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