10 Ways You Never Thought to Trim Your Tree

The super colorful ideas we can't get enough of—pom-poms and '90s-themed ornaments, included.
Anna Kocharian Avatar
Photography by HTTP://WWW.AWWSAM.COM/

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Christmas is pretty much around the corner, and for those who’ve yet to put up their trees, don’t fret, there’s still (a bit of) time. This year, we’re up for a little change with a non-traditional spin on the classic tree getup.

Now, for as much as we love the standard evergreen paired with a myriad of colorfully festive ornaments, there is something to be said of a tree that takes on a life of its own. We’re talking pom-pom toppers, pink branches, and even a desert-inspired redo. From the beautifully extravagant to the effortlessly minimalist, read on for our favorite takes on the most non-traditional Christmas tree decorating ideas. 

Slinkies, Bubble Tape, Magic 8-Balls: It’s the best of the ’90s packaged in one seriously lively design. Paired with a truly statement-worthy tree, we don’t know what we love more: the DIY ornaments (yep, you can make them yourselves!) or the saturated pink hue of the tree. 

Get the how-to on Aww Sam

Photography by JARED SMITH VIA WWW.SUGARANDCLOTH.COM

For those whose tastes heavily err on the non-traditional side, how about ditching the tree altogether? Take a desert-inspired approach to your holiday decor with this ultra cute DIY, which comes complete with a pom-pom garland and lots of color. Could you ask for anything more?

Get the how-to on Sugar & Cloth.

Photography by TESSA NEUSTADT VIA HTTPS://WWW.HOMEPOLISH.COM

A giant tinsel pom-pom Christmas tree is about as luxe as it gets, especially when it comes in a lustrous metallic shade. This DIY (yes, really!) tree will instantly elevate your space, inviting a bold take on a classically traditional concept. Complete the look with a handful of gold ornaments, to really make it shine. Talk about a statement piece. 

Get the how-to on Homepolish

Photography by HTTP://WWW.AWWSAM.COM/

Calling all candy lovers! This bright and bubbly DIY is one you won’t want to miss. Use model magic to recreate your beloved sweets and confections for a Christmas tree getup that is sure to be one-of-a-kind—not to mention small-space friendly!

Get the full how-to on Aww Sam

Photography by LILY GLASS

Leave it to the oh-so-very creatives at Oh Joy to craft a holiday party tree entirely out of honeycomb balls and disco balls. Aside from instilling a major dose of color, these perfectly imperfect structures are just what your space needs for a playfully festive touch.

Get the how-to on Oh Joy.

Photography by HTTP://DESIGNFORMANKIND.COM/

Here’s to taking one of our most coveted design schemes, and emulating it for the holidays. An exclusively whitewashed tree means you can get extra colorful with the ornaments. In this striking yet serene scene, an array of geometrically-inspired shapes help transform a basic backdrop into a wow-worthy decor element.

Get the scoop on Design for Mankind.

Photography by MOLLY MILLER VIA HTTPS://LUELLAJUNE.COM

Think monochrome—and no, that doesn’t necessarily mean in just black or white. Stick to a singular color palette and dress the tree with ornaments bearing the hue in a variety of shades. The result? A not-so-typical approach that’s both original yet traditional. The best of both worlds.

Get the scoop on this scene on Luella and June.

christmas tree alternatives ideas for small spaces birch branch
Photography by MICHAEL WILTBANK

When you’re short on space, take to the walls. This ultra minimalist version channels the effortless cool of a Scandinavian-inspired scheme, wherein a trio of blanched branches comprise and complete the entirety of the festive concept. 

Photography by HTTP://THEHOUSETHATLARSBUILT.COM/

If there’s one thing we learned from this ingeniously simple (yet totally eye-catching) DIY, it’s that a pink-hued tree hardly needs much more in the ornament department. Case in point? This effortlessly easy take, which requires little more than just a handful of colorful balloons, blown to varying sizes. 

Get the full scoop on The House That Lars Built.

Photography by CASEY BRODLEY, STYLING BY JULIA WESTER, CRAFTING BY JESS HONG VIA OH JOY

How is this for non-traditional? Ditch the standard star or angel for a pom-pom tree topper instead. Assemble (or buy) a few colorful pieces, and string them together to create an over-flowing effect. Tack on a few tassels for good measure, and drape on top of the tree for a truly one-of-a-kind finish.

Get the full tutorial on Oh Joy

Discover more festive ways to deck your trees:

Colorful Christmas Tree Ideas for a Bright Holiday Season The Best Christmas Trees We’ve Seen on Instagram 25 DIY Ornaments That Don’t Look Like You Made Them

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Anna Kocharian Avatar

Anna Kocharian

Writer/Editor

Anna has a penchant for travel, fresh flowers, and books. You can usually find her on some sort of culinary adventure, seeking the best burgers or waffles in the city.