Source:
http://fleachic.blogspot.com/2...eek-of-december.html

This blog shows what some creative people have done with flea market finds for Xmas tree alternatives.

Not for everyone, BUT love to see how creative people can be!
Sample of one of the photos featured on that blog:

Here are a few alternative to live trees I have posted in the past and still have in an Xmas folder:

I like this cut out tree with ornaments inserted.

IF any photo here is YOURs, please let me know so I can credit it properly!

I have done this type myself while living in Florida years ago, and now we have returned to the state, I will do something like this in my yard.

lastly... I really like the simplicity of pattern in this design.

I have a faux white xmas tree that is only 3' high. I tried to set it up last year and only made it half way.
This year I am not attempting it (can't get to where it is stored). But this will be my color direction. I had bought it in Smithfield, Va before moving to Florida.

I will add seashells and crystal to the tree when I finally get to working with it next year.

So NO REAL tree in our house (I am allergic to the pine)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

People are so darned clever. I don't have the eye for turning trash into treasure...too left-brained I guess. Mary Ruth, I'm sorry that you won't be able to set up your white tree this year, but based on last year's picture, I think it will be stunning.

Mary Ruth, although I prefer more traditional trees, I always enjoy viewing creative alternatives and have also posted some here in the past. The ladder one is one I too have come across. Some are beer bottles or tires stacked into a tree shape. One that reappears almost annually is a display of books on a bookshelf simulating a tree. One I posted recently features lamp shade frames in graduated sizes with suspended ornaments. I love not only the creativity but the frugality behind alternatives for Christmas trees.

Mary Ruth...I once decorated a nice fern with a string of lights; I loved that thing, but was made fun of GReatly by DIL! I was enduring financial difficulties at the time, and frankly I could not afford a tree. I still think back on that fern with fond memories...just like Charlie Brown's little tree.

I am living vicariously through the work of others in what they are doing for decor.

I had to make drastic changes in my life after my infamous fall 4 yrs ago. My arms do not work like they used to, nor can I endure all the lifting and movements that are required to set up and decorate a tree, no matter what size.

CJO:
No matter what we do... OUR HOME is the BEST place to be! We have a few exterior lights up that DH put up and he is cooking dinner since I took care of Thanksgiving dinner this year (HUGE feat for me!) So, I will have a nice Xmas recovering from Cataract surgery (no big deal these days).

Even a string of lights, or viewing the neighbor's exterior lights through my windows at night is enough for me this year! And I can plan what I will do for next year, maybe my family will have xmas at my house? I can dream!