For a lot of individuals who are renting, a Christmas tree is an essential part of celebrating the holiday. But having a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree brought into your Theodore home can be an expensive hassle – or worse.
As stated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas trees are responsible for causing an average of 170 residential fires every year, causing an average of 15 injuries, 4 deaths, and $12 million in property damage. Information like these confirms just how dangerous Christmas trees can be, and may even drive you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, adopting a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree just may present you an opportunity to get those inventive juices flowing. A substitute Christmas tree can be constructed out of just about any material you can think of, giving you a creative new take on the traditional tree.
For instance, if you have an available wall in your living room or another suitable place, you could create a “tree” out of crepe paper or washi tape, adding ornaments that you can attach directly to the wall. For the more adventuresome, reconsider making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You could also draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, letting your artistic side shine through. By using removable tape or other materials, you can easily create an affordable “tree” on your wall that can then be quickly removed.
For renters looking for a more 3-dimensional option, mull over what you can produce out of a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever notice how a freestanding ladder looks like a triangle from the sideways? Wrap a string of lights around it and add a few decorative touches, and you have created a “Christmas tree” that you can utilize for home maintenance tasks the entire rest of the year.
For the book lover, consider creating a “tree” on a small table by creatively stacking some books. You can then add ornaments on top to give it the true holiday feel. Or you could also try crafting a multi-sided “tree” out of large pieces of cardboard inserted through each other. This freestanding tree stand-in can then be painted or ornamented to give it just the kind of shape and feel you wish.
Some more creative options to take into consideration include twine and twigs. It is quite easy to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These wonderful creations can then be exhibited anywhere you have space to show off your creation. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be suspended in a window or installed on a wall.
Creative and low-cost, every one of these options could just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. However, in the event that you may have some hesitations concerning what decorations your landlord will allow, it is crucial to speak early and frequently with your landlord or Theodore property manager. In the end, they are your best guide to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the team at Real Property Management Azalea City can help, contact us online or call us at 251-345-6224.
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