What to do with the base of your Christmas tree is a consistent yearly struggle. Whilst there are several ways to cover your tree's often not-so-pretty base, it can be a bit of a faff getting it into a basket or pot. Luckily, designer Drew Michael Scott (A.K.A Lone Fox) has created a simple 'flip' hack that effectively hides the trunk of a tree and creates the illusion it's sitting in a basket.
Drew sums up his nifty tip, ‘You simply flip your tree collar. One year I was like, "Why have I never thought to flip it before?"' It takes literal seconds to do and the sides of the collar appear to hold the tree like a basket, creating a beautiful vision of a real, planted Christmas tree without the fuss of using an actual basket or pot.
Drew's handy tip to make a Christmas tree base look nicer works for both faux and artificial trees, just ensure if you are decorating a real tree you have a stand that is sturdy, and no matter what type of tree you are using sort the base out first before you start decorating.
‘You simply flip your tree collar. It creates a basket shape, no one knows there’s no bottom to it, just simply insert the base of your tree, build it how you traditionally would,' explains Drew. 'Remember to put the tree base down first and then the tree collar over the top to make it fit, decorate it, put a blanket over the top of the base and you’re good to go.’
This hack works with any blanket, so it's up to you which style you choose. A cozy fluffy or knitted throw will accentuate the festive feel of your tree and cover the tree base in its 'basket'. You can also go in with lights or a garland around the collar to create the ultimate festive display from bottom to top. Also, adding extra lights to the bottom layer ensures that your tree is illuminated to its absolute fullest.
Drew selects a relatively simple array of ornaments for the rest of his Christmas decor. He sticks to one color scheme and ties festive red ribbons all over, very on-trend for this season. He places a few dainty gold baubles sparingly to highlight and reflect against the warm string lights.
Recreate Drew's Christmas tree look
It's fuzzy, cozy, and snuggly, making this throw the ultimate wintertime lounge piece. Big enough to cover your tree's base, it can also be tucked into your collar to mimic a snow-covered basket.
A classic, rustic wicker basket-style tree collar that will suit any color scheme or decor theme. Much like Drew's, once it's flipped it will appear as a basket.
Can you go wrong with a red ribbon during the holidays? Cut and tie bows around your tree's branches with this pretty and chic velvet ribbon.
For a high-end look, tuck a cashmere blanket into your basket. The Nelle Wool Throw from Williams Sonoma is unbelievably soft and has a festive maroon trim.
A play on the classic woven basket, this white tree collar combines both delicate gold thread and white rope in a wicker-style weave.
Drew places small gold accents around his tree, to catch the light and accentuate the bows in all their glory. Place this little acorn on the branch of a pine or fire tree for a wintery, natural-themed tree.
So, you needn't worry about that ugly, often awkward tree base this year. This easy hack takes mere seconds, and we bet you do it year after year. Just remember to put your tree base down first and then add your collar before you position the tree!
