In our home filled with furbabies, pet hair is a constant. And having a feline with a fondness for curling up under the tree, I was never able to keep our tree skirts fur free.
Once we had gifts under the tree, removing the skirt to clean it, run a lint roller over it, or straighten it became quite a chore. And seriously, how do you launder most store bought tree skirts without damaging them? Some even state that dry cleaning and laundering are not recommended - spot clean only.
My quest to find low maintenance options was on and that's when I decided to just "contain" our trees.
Containers are not only basically maintenance free, they are super easy to clean around - just vacuum or mop around the container - no fabric to get caught in your vacuum's rollers and no wet fabric from mopping too close to the skirt.
An added fun element is that practically any container can be used - just use your imagination!
The tree in our living room is contained in a large galvanized bucket. You can buy a brand new, shiny galvanized bucket at home decor stores, but the most cost effective source is a feed store or tractor supply store.
Ours came from our storage building and we'd used it for years for mixing concrete for setting fence posts. It's weathered with rust and has holes in the bottom ... there's not a shiny spot on it. Perfect!
To convert it to a Christmas tree container, we simply placed two pieces of 4"x4" square posts in the bottom of the bucket to elevate the tree stand.
If you don't have square posts, use anything you have on hand that is sturdy and provides a flat base on which to place the tree stand - such as bricks, pavers or stacked flat boards. Or, you can place the tree stand directly in the bottom of the bucket if you choose not to elevate it.
(Yes, I labeled them - so we wouldn't accidentally use them for other projects! LOL)
We found that a round tree stand provided the best base and bought it at Home Depot. You can find it HERE.
A few yards of burlap fabric tucked in and around the tree base hides the square posts and the tree base.
Other containers we're using include a square planter and a lampshade that I spray painted gold. Will share those with you soon when I have the trees set up.
If we had heirloom tree skirts or those that had sentimental value, I would probably continue to use them and put up with the fuzzy mess, but as we didn't, these containers are the perfect solution for our home.
Do you skirt or contain your Christmas trees? If you contain them, what type of containers do you use?
Your comments are greatly appreciated and I look forward to your thoughts and ideas! I try to respond to comments via email as soon as I can. If your email address isn't available, I will comment here. Thanks so much for visiting!
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I prefer this to any tree skirt. I just think they're going out of style. And they are a pain.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Hi Brenda! Glad you stopped by! With a housefull of critters, the containers are a great solution for us.
DeleteI use tree skirts. But, after seeing this adorable container.. that might just change.. Oh so cute.. perfect idea.. Happy Christmas to come to you and family.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your sweet family, Judy! If you do container a tree I'd love to hear how you like it. Thanks!
DeleteHi Carolyn,
DeleteI bought my container.. Then this ole asthma hit me... and I can't get out to purchase a little tree.. Hoping it passes soon , if I get it done this year, Will post on blog for you..[I have even been making some ornaments for it /should it ever get here.hahaha
I hope you're feeling better, Judy. Looking forward to seeing your container tree. Will be so cute in your cheerful home! Take care of yoursrlf!
DeleteCarolyn, Just wanted to tell you, I went to a Dirt Cheap [junk overflow stuff store] and found a really cute red/white basket.. I am going to put a small live tree in it.. Maybe for the kitchen?? Or the hall area?? thanks for the idea..
ReplyDeleteThat sounds lovely, Judy! And the white and red will be pretty for Christmas and beyond. Love it!!!
DeleteVery cute idea! I currently have an artificial tree with a stand which has splayed feet. I cover the stand with a piece of Christmas print fabric; nothing as fancy as a tree skirt. The fabric is washable.
ReplyDeleteHi Bless! Fabric is so much easier to wash than some of the fragile fabrics found in the store bought skirts. Glad you found a solution that works for you! Does Dancer enjoy napping under your tree?
DeleteHe does! He also likes to try to eat the fake pine needles! It doesn't seem to bother him that they are fake! He's forever tugging at the tree to get the needles off the branches.
DeleteI love this idea! Our fur kids sometimes nap on the tree skirt, so I need to try this next year. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
ReplyDeleteHi, Dee! The critters aren't as pleased with it, but it's a time saver when it comes to cleaning. :)
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