IKEA’s Holiday Catalog Is Serving Unexpected Tree-Decorating Inspiration
One of our favorites doesn’t involve greenery at all.
Updated Oct 6, 2023 12:12 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
If you’re the type to start scouring the Internet for Christmas decor before you’ve even bought Halloween candy, look no further. IKEA just dropped its winter collections, and we spotted plenty of festive ideas worth stealing. Sure, we’ve got our eye on the retro-inspired glass ornaments and simple yet stylish wrapping paper selection, but what really caught our attention was the nontraditional tree inspiration popping up in the catalog images. (Psst: Below, we’ve saved inspiration from last year’s spread, too.) Whether you’re looking for a way to zhuzh up your fir or barely even have room for one, the Swedish retailer has got you covered with these seven fresh ideas.
Take It to the Tropics
Why should evergreens have all the fun? Give your dracaena or dragon tree a holiday makeover by wrapping a few twinkling lights up the trunk and hanging ornaments from their fronds—it’ll make your guests do a double take.
Let It Bloom
For a simple twist on the traditional red and green, spruce up your pine tree by adding some festive amaryllis flowers in the mix.
Try a Tiny One
For those who prefer small and mighty, grab a branch or a tiny potted plant and deck it out with twinkling lights. It’s perfect for tight spaces or just for the cuteness factor.
Make It Nostalgic
A go-to for kids’ birthdays and school dances, paper streamers are always ready to party, but draped around the branches of a conifer, the crepey material makes for a surprisingly chic garland. And you don’t have to limit yourself to red and green. We love the idea of layering on strips of pastel polka dots and shimmering metallics.
Go 2D
If you feel like you can never find the perfect pine and aren’t a fan of faux options either, forgo the evergreen for a roll of washi tape. You can create the perfect backdrop for your gifts right on the wall and you’ll never have to worry about constantly vacuuming fallen needles or having to lop off the top of a too-tall option again.
Pile It On
Attention, small-space dwellers: Let your presents steal the show and keep your floors clutter-free by stacking gifts in a triangular shape against the wall to create a no-tree tree. You don’t even need ornaments—all your packages’ pretty bows and ribbons will feel merry enough on their own. The best part? After the festivities are over, there’s nothing to haul back to storage.
Welcome the Snow
For a ridiculously easy and fun way to decorate, grab a handful of craft pom-poms, stand over your greenery, and drop your “snowflakes” onto the branches, letting them fall where they may. Add a simple string of lights or sprinkle the fluffy spheres among the ornaments for a touch of winter whimsy. Either way, the ideal situation ends up in a friendly group snowball fight.
