I still remember my early days of decorating Christmas trees with my two boys. Their excitement knew no bounds—especially when it came to the presents under the tree. But for me, I quickly realized that a well-decorated tree goes beyond just the ornaments on the branches.
The bottom of the tree, often overlooked, is just as important—particularly with artificial trees where the legs and stand can distract from the overall beauty. Covering the base properly not only hides these parts but also ties the whole look together. Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of decorating the base of both traditional and platform Christmas trees, and I’m here to share a few tips.
To decorate the bottom of a fake Christmas tree, use tree skirts, collars, or baskets to cover the base, or opt for more creative approaches like wrapping fabric or arranging gifts. You can also add Christmas villages, themed decorations, or lights to brighten the bottom. Our platform Christmas trees offer a unique opportunity to creatively decorate the lower level with various displays.
What Usually Goes at the Bottom of a Christmas Tree?
Traditionally, the base of a Christmas tree is reserved for tree skirts and presents. A tree skirt serves the dual purpose of hiding the tree stand and adding a decorative touch. But decorating the bottom of your tree can go beyond just covering up the base.
When done thoughtfully, it can enhance the entire look of your tree and make your holiday display feel complete. Whether it’s the way you arrange gifts or the type of tree skirt you choose, the bottom of the tree is an area worth paying attention to.
What Are the Best Ways to Cover the Bottom of a Fake Christmas Tree?
One of the main reasons for decorating the bottom of your fake Christmas tree is to cover the leg stands, which can sometimes look a little tacky. By incorporating different cover options, you can hide the base and enhance the overall appearance of your tree.
Using Tree Skirts
Tree skirts are the classic go-to for hiding the base of an artificial Christmas tree. A well-chosen tree skirt can elevate the entire look of your tree while concealing the stand.
Our Red Knit and Cream Knit tree skirts, with their soft knit design and plush faux fur trim, add a touch of elegance and luxury. The extra-wide diameter ensures your base is fully covered, creating the perfect setting for your holiday gifts. Check out our Red Knit and Cream Knit tree skirts to complete your tree decor.
Tree Collars or Baskets
If you're looking for a more modern, minimalist touch, tree collars or baskets are a sleek alternative to traditional tree skirts. Tree collars come in materials like metal or woven rattan and wrap around the base of the tree, adding a clean, contemporary look. Baskets serve a similar purpose, with the added bonus of bringing texture and depth to your tree setup.
Creative Coverings
Want to try something different? Consider wrapping the tree base in fabric, using a cozy blanket, or creating your own DIY tree base cover. These options are great for those who want a more personalized look.
Plus, they allow you to experiment with different textures and colors that might not be available in traditional tree skirts or collars. Speaking of colors, check out our article on the best color schemes for your Christmas tree this year.
Dangling Decorations
Another way to draw attention away from the base is by using large, eye-catching ornaments or garlands on the lower branches. Dangling decorations can help balance the look of the tree and naturally guide the focus upward, away from the stand. Consider using oversized ornaments or statement pieces to create visual interest at the lower level.
Adding Presents
One of the easiest and most festive ways to cover the bottom of the tree is by arranging wrapped gifts. Even if you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, you can use empty boxes wrapped in your favorite paper to create a polished look that hides the stand.
How Can You Decorate the Lower Level of a Fake Christmas Tree?
Now that we’ve covered different ways to hide or cover the base of the tree, let’s shift focus to actual decorations for the lower level. The bottom of a fake Christmas tree provides plenty of room for creativity, allowing you to try out unique decor that complements the rest of your tree. Here are some ideas to help you decorate the lower part of your tree:
- Christmas Villages: Set up a charming Christmas village complete with miniature houses, figurines, and tiny trees to create a festive scene.
- Plush Gnomes: Add cozy, whimsical gnomes to the base of your tree for a soft, playful look.
- Reindeer and Snowmen Figurines: Use traditional holiday figurines like reindeer, snowmen, or Nutcracker dolls to add a classic Christmas touch.
- Lanterns or Candles: Place decorative lanterns or battery-operated LED candles around the base for a warm, inviting glow.
- Wooden Crates or Logs: For a rustic vibe, try using small wooden crates, logs, or baskets filled with greenery or faux snow.
- Faux Snow and Pine Cones: Scatter faux snow and pine cones at the base to enhance a winter wonderland theme.
- Twinkling Lights: Incorporate LED string lights or fairy lights around the bottom to brighten the area and add some sparkle.
- Large Ornaments: Place oversized ornaments or decorative balls at the base to add visual weight and interest.
- Wrapped Faux Gifts: Even if you don’t have presents under the tree yet, you can wrap faux gift boxes in coordinating paper to cover the base in a stylish way.
- Themed Displays: Create a themed setup, like a woodland or snowy forest scene, using animal figurines, snowflakes, or rustic elements.
By using these creative ideas, you can transform the lower level of your tree into a festive, decorative focal point that complements the rest of your Christmas decor.
How to Decorate the Bottom of Our Platform Christmas Trees?
Our platform Christmas trees offer something truly unique—the bottom platform is an integral part of the tree’s overall design. Unlike traditional trees, where decorations or displays are placed on the floor (often reserved for presents), our platform design elevates these elements off the ground, making the bottom of the tree a visual highlight while keeping your space neat and uncluttered.
You can decorate the bottom platform with Christmas villages, plush gnomes, or lanterns to create a striking display. Whether you prefer the snowy, wintry feel of our white tree or the cozy, traditional look of our classic green and red berries version, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the sleek design of our tree legs means that even if you opt for minimal decorations at the bottom, they still look seamless and elegant.
Check out our platform Christmas trees here for more inspiration.
Eco-Friendly Decoration Ideas
If you’re looking to keep things sustainable, consider using eco-friendly materials like wooden ornaments, reusable fabric decorations, or even potted plants at the base of your tree. These decorations not only look beautiful but also align with a more sustainable approach to holiday decorating.
If you want even more sustainable Christmas ideas check out our recent article on eco-friendly Christmas trees.
FAQs:
What Size Tree Skirt Do I Need for My Artificial Tree?
The size of your tree skirt should cover the base and extend outward without overpowering the area. As a general rule, choose a tree skirt that is 4-6 inches wider than the diameter of the tree’s stand. Our Christmas tree skirts are 47” (120cm) wide.
How Can I Stop My Tree Skirt From Shifting or Bunching Up?
To prevent your tree skirt from moving, you can secure it with double-sided tape or weights, like decorative stones or small presents, to keep it in place throughout the season.
Should I Decorate the Lower Branches of My Tree Differently Than the Upper Ones?
Yes, it’s often best to use larger, sturdier decorations on the lower branches to create balance. The lower branches are more visible, so choosing bold, eye-catching ornaments can enhance the overall look.
What’s the Best Way to Toddler-Proof the Bottom of the Tree?
Use larger, non-breakable decorations or leave the lower area empty to keep it safe from little hands. You can also use plush, toddler-friendly decorations. I recently wrote an article running through even more toddler-safe Christmas tree ideas.
Closing Thoughts
Decorating the bottom of a fake Christmas tree is a fantastic way to add a finishing touch to your holiday decor. Whether you prefer traditional tree skirts, modern baskets, or more creative displays, the base of your tree can be just as festive as the rest.
And with our platform Christmas trees, you have even more opportunities to showcase your creativity. If you’re ready to elevate your Christmas tree decor, check out our platform trees here and start planning a magical holiday season today!
