‘Elevating Compact Spaces: Stylish Tree Skirts and Collars for Artificial Christmas Trees’
The Etymology of Elegant Accents
As a holiday decorator with decades of experience, I’ve come to appreciate the power of those final touches that truly make a Christmas tree shine. Tree skirts and collars – what a fascinating evolution these decorative accents have undergone! The word ‘skirt’ has its roots in the Old English ‘scyrte’, meaning the lower, loose part of a garment. And ‘collar’? It traces back to the Latin ‘collare’, referring to the part of a garment that surrounds the neck.
These functional yet fashionable elements have become a hallmark of holiday style. Whether you gravitate towards the timeless appeal of a traditional red velvet skirt or the modern elegance of a gleaming metallic collar, the options are endless. And let’s not forget the humble basket – a rustic-chic choice that’s gained popularity in recent years. (Baskets, of course, find their origins in the ancient art of weaving.)
As I’ve decorated trees for clients over the years, I’ve found that the right skirt, collar, or basket can make all the difference – especially when working with smaller, more compact spaces. Let’s dive into my best tips for elevating your artificial Christmas tree with these stylish finishing touches.
Measuring for the Perfect Fit
Before we get to the fun part of choosing your tree’s ‘outfit’, let’s make sure we nail the fit. After all, nothing ruins the look of a beautifully decorated tree quite like a skirt or collar that’s too small or too large for the base.
I always start by measuring the diameter of my artificial tree’s trunk and the distance from the floor to the lowest branch. This gives me the key dimensions I need to find the right size skirt or collar. For a 7-foot tree with a 6-inch trunk, I’d typically look for a skirt or collar around 24-30 inches in diameter. And I make sure it’s at least 10-12 inches tall to fully cover the unsightly base.
(Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Stephanie, what if my tree is a little on the sparse side?” No problem! I’ve got a clever hack for that. More on that later…)
Choosing Your Tree’s ‘Outfit’
Ah, the fun part! With your measurements in hand, it’s time to start shopping for the perfect finishing touch. Will it be a classic red velvet skirt, a rustic burlap basket, or a sleek metallic collar? The options are endless.
Personally, I’m drawn to the clean, sophisticated look of a tree collar. There’s just something so elegant about the way it frames the base of the tree. Plus, they come in such a wide range of materials and finishes these days.
(One word of caution, though – make sure to double-check the height. I’ve found that many ‘standard’ tree collars max out around 10-11 inches, which can leave an unsightly gap if your tree base is higher off the floor. That’s where my clever hack comes in!)
If you prefer the softness of a traditional tree skirt, look for plush velvets, cozy knits, or even repurposed fabrics like tablecloths or vintage scarves. The key is finding a skirt that coordinates beautifully with your tree’s color scheme and overall aesthetic.
And let’s not forget about those charming tree baskets! These woven wonders add a lovely organic touch, while still providing full coverage for your tree base. They come in all sorts of natural materials, from seagrass to rattan, so you can easily find one to match your decor.
Elevating the Ordinary
Okay, remember that hack I mentioned earlier? Well, here’s the deal: if your tree base sits a little higher off the floor, leaving an unsightly gap under a standard-height tree collar, don’t despair! You can easily create your own custom elevated base using just a few simple materials.
All you need is a tree skirt (any color or style will do) and some scrap wood. Yep, that’s it! Just place the skirt over the tree base, then layer in pieces of wood underneath until the collar sits flush with the bottom of your tree. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to get that seamless, designer-worthy look.
(I learned this trick the hard way when our 7-foot artificial tree had a base that sat nearly 14 inches off the ground. No matter what collar I tried, there was always that pesky gap. But with a few scraps of wood and our trusty tree skirt, I was able to elevate the whole setup and get that polished, professional finish I was after.)
Bringing it All Together
At the end of the day, your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of your holiday decor. And those final flourishes – the skirt, collar, or basket you choose – are what really make it shine. Whether you opt for classic elegance or rustic charm, the right base can transform a ho-hum tree into a showstopper.
So don’t be afraid to get creative! Scour thrift stores and craft shops for unique fabrics, textures, and materials. Mix and match styles to find the perfect fit for your space and your personal aesthetic. And remember, a little bit of elevation can go a long way in making even the most compact artificial tree look like a million bucks.
Happy decorating, my friends! I can’t wait to see the magical memories you create this holiday season.
[Link to artificialchristmastreeshop.com]
